Bali Custom House
The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, and to Hong Kong about 4 hours.
Geography
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbor. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with grey or black volcanic sand.
Flora
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms, and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvilleas, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.
Fauna
Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan island near Gilimanuk.
Climate
You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly.
From June to September the humidity is low, and it is pleasantly cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas. However, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for Bali mention showers and rain storms year-round). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.
Population
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa and Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.
Economy
This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to US$400 million in 1998. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.
As a pearl of Bali, Kuta is one of the best beaches in Asia, with the only waves, which breaks over sand instead of a coral. This most popular tourist destination has succeeded in combining the need of local people and visitors. The original Kuta villagers have involved in the tourism industry for years.Kuta and surrounding offers various kind of accommodation, from simple and cheap accommodation provided by the locals to luxurious accommodation managed by international hotel chain.Kuta’s seas are ideally best for surfing.
Everyday both Balinese and foreigners are found along the golden sands of Kuta beach. Kuta area is also completed with various tourist facilities such as restaurants, pubs, bars, souvenir shops, tattoo parlors and travel offices.Along the north of Kuta, Legian street offers a number of high quality boutiques, excellent restaurants, cafes and bars influenced by western style. Exclusive hotels can be easily found in Seminyak, further north of Kuta, while antiques wooden furniture shops in Jalan Raya Kerobokan.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is another resort near Kuta, which the tourist are quite fond of. It’s a drowsy bay where flotillas of fishing boats blush the panorama.Jogging is widely practiced sport in Jimbaran beach and is especially tempting in the covered glow of sunset. It’s also an admired spot for windsurfing and sailing small craft, which are obtainable for rent.The quietness of Jimbaran is a perfect attraction to spend sometime while feeling the sensation of sea breeze and facing the sunset.
If you are interested in bali's beaches and temples, we have a special tour for you to visit the beaches of Bali and do all the things you want in these beaches, such as water sports, diving, surfing or if you have other ideas we can design the tour activity specially for you.
Tuban
Located between Kuta and the airport, Tuban is a nice place to stay. Around Tuban is completed with various type of hotels and many supporting tourist facilities. Tuban beaches are safe for swimming and it is such a perfect place to unwind.
Uluwatu, Padang Padang & Bingin
These beaches are popular among surfers. Lack of supporting facilities is not an obstacle for tourist with adventure spirit to conquer the waves.Now, a number of infrastructure developments have been started to establish in these area. This means as an effort to provide a good accessibility for anyone who come there.
Sanur
The main attraction of Sanur beach are the beaches with their very white sand and the beauty of constantly calm water. Sanur area has all level of accommodation and solid network of infrastructure.Sanur is also the place where the few remaining of Brahman Kuasa villages found. Some of the charming ritual procession such as Bali’s only all-female keris dance is held in this area.The Prasasti Blanjong, an emblazoned pillar here dated AD 913, is Bali’s earliest behind the times relic and is now kept in a temple in Blanjong village, southern part of Sanur.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a lovely commune devoted to tourism. The objective of the establishment was to meet all demands of tourism. The most exclusive and well-known remedy in Bali offers the best in terms of tourists structures and services, well-built and efficient hotel complexes with inclusive facilities, golf course with international standards where worldwide competition are also held, luxurious shops and exclusive beaches for tourists only.The village of Bualu, in Nusa Dua area has a picturesque site as well as for its relative isolation from densely populated areas. Most of hotel in Nusa Dua is landmark of the new Balinese architecture.
Nusa Lembongan
Located in the eastern part of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a popular place for diving and snorkeling. It has a professional dive centers and is an ideal relaxation stop for sailing trips from the mainland. Many small crafts offers day trip to the island.With the backdrop of Mount Agung, the immaculate island has spectacular scenery and offers unforgettable adventure. Nusa Lembongan’s neighboring island, Nusa Penida is less popular and tourism does not play an important role there.
Amed & Tulamben
Eastern part of Bali offers alternative destinations, which are Amed and Tulamben. Amed is a resort town that will bring back the old memory of Kuta. Completed with simple tourist supporting facilities such as Losmen, small hotels and amateur entertainment, Amed is a popular site for snorkeling.With the panorama changing drastically to dry hills covered with scrub, Tulamben is quieter and even more popular for diving. As one of the most renowned diving site in Indonesia, Tulamben offers diverse marine life and magnificent under water world.
Padang Bai
A flawlessly shaped bay cradled by the hills, Padang Bai is a perfect escape in the east of Bali. As a transit harbor to Bali neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida and Lombok, passenger and cargo vessel departing everyday.There are a few losmen provided in Padang Bai. An intimate white sandy beach and lovely harbor scenery will make the holiday in Bali even more romantic.
Candi Dasa
As a recognized resort area for over topical decades, Candi Dasa is an entryway to East Bali. Compared to the resorts in southern part of Bali, Candi Dasa is much simpler.Offering low budget accommodation and few upscale hotels, the main attraction of Candi Dasa is a dazzling landscape of the beach. Blighted by jetties protruding into the water, intended to stop the erosion caused by coral blasting for years.
Lovina Beach
In the western part of Singaraja, long stretch of black sand beach encompasses Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus villages collectively called Lovina. Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali.Tranquility, incredible under water world and dolphins are the magnetism of Lovina. From Lovina, visiting Pulau Menjangan, which is a part of West Bali National Park will be interesting for diving lover.
Tanah Lot
Located in Tabanan, just across the boundary of Badung regency, Tanah Lot is the most well-known and photographed temple.A truly remarkable and feature temple, Tanah Lot is built on a stony narrow piece of terrain, which the high tides transform into an island, making right of entry from the land impossible.It is particularly reminiscent at sunset when the illumination, at times a slender thread and others, a dazzling spark, springs back the waves. The beach around Tanah Lot is less comfortable for swimming but great for horse riding and watching spectacular sunset. Although surfing can be done in this area but it’s recommended not for beginner.
Bali Traditional Ceremony
Custom Clothing
Geography
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbor. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with grey or black volcanic sand.
Flora
The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms, and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvilleas, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.
Fauna
Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan island near Gilimanuk.
Climate
You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the west monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly.
From June to September the humidity is low, and it is pleasantly cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas. However, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for Bali mention showers and rain storms year-round). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.
Population
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa and Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.
Economy
This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to US$400 million in 1998. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.
As a pearl of Bali, Kuta is one of the best beaches in Asia, with the only waves, which breaks over sand instead of a coral. This most popular tourist destination has succeeded in combining the need of local people and visitors. The original Kuta villagers have involved in the tourism industry for years.Kuta and surrounding offers various kind of accommodation, from simple and cheap accommodation provided by the locals to luxurious accommodation managed by international hotel chain.Kuta’s seas are ideally best for surfing.
Everyday both Balinese and foreigners are found along the golden sands of Kuta beach. Kuta area is also completed with various tourist facilities such as restaurants, pubs, bars, souvenir shops, tattoo parlors and travel offices.Along the north of Kuta, Legian street offers a number of high quality boutiques, excellent restaurants, cafes and bars influenced by western style. Exclusive hotels can be easily found in Seminyak, further north of Kuta, while antiques wooden furniture shops in Jalan Raya Kerobokan.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is another resort near Kuta, which the tourist are quite fond of. It’s a drowsy bay where flotillas of fishing boats blush the panorama.Jogging is widely practiced sport in Jimbaran beach and is especially tempting in the covered glow of sunset. It’s also an admired spot for windsurfing and sailing small craft, which are obtainable for rent.The quietness of Jimbaran is a perfect attraction to spend sometime while feeling the sensation of sea breeze and facing the sunset.
If you are interested in bali's beaches and temples, we have a special tour for you to visit the beaches of Bali and do all the things you want in these beaches, such as water sports, diving, surfing or if you have other ideas we can design the tour activity specially for you.
Tuban
Located between Kuta and the airport, Tuban is a nice place to stay. Around Tuban is completed with various type of hotels and many supporting tourist facilities. Tuban beaches are safe for swimming and it is such a perfect place to unwind.
Uluwatu, Padang Padang & Bingin
These beaches are popular among surfers. Lack of supporting facilities is not an obstacle for tourist with adventure spirit to conquer the waves.Now, a number of infrastructure developments have been started to establish in these area. This means as an effort to provide a good accessibility for anyone who come there.
Sanur
The main attraction of Sanur beach are the beaches with their very white sand and the beauty of constantly calm water. Sanur area has all level of accommodation and solid network of infrastructure.Sanur is also the place where the few remaining of Brahman Kuasa villages found. Some of the charming ritual procession such as Bali’s only all-female keris dance is held in this area.The Prasasti Blanjong, an emblazoned pillar here dated AD 913, is Bali’s earliest behind the times relic and is now kept in a temple in Blanjong village, southern part of Sanur.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a lovely commune devoted to tourism. The objective of the establishment was to meet all demands of tourism. The most exclusive and well-known remedy in Bali offers the best in terms of tourists structures and services, well-built and efficient hotel complexes with inclusive facilities, golf course with international standards where worldwide competition are also held, luxurious shops and exclusive beaches for tourists only.The village of Bualu, in Nusa Dua area has a picturesque site as well as for its relative isolation from densely populated areas. Most of hotel in Nusa Dua is landmark of the new Balinese architecture.
Nusa Lembongan
Located in the eastern part of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a popular place for diving and snorkeling. It has a professional dive centers and is an ideal relaxation stop for sailing trips from the mainland. Many small crafts offers day trip to the island.With the backdrop of Mount Agung, the immaculate island has spectacular scenery and offers unforgettable adventure. Nusa Lembongan’s neighboring island, Nusa Penida is less popular and tourism does not play an important role there.
Amed & Tulamben
Eastern part of Bali offers alternative destinations, which are Amed and Tulamben. Amed is a resort town that will bring back the old memory of Kuta. Completed with simple tourist supporting facilities such as Losmen, small hotels and amateur entertainment, Amed is a popular site for snorkeling.With the panorama changing drastically to dry hills covered with scrub, Tulamben is quieter and even more popular for diving. As one of the most renowned diving site in Indonesia, Tulamben offers diverse marine life and magnificent under water world.
Padang Bai
A flawlessly shaped bay cradled by the hills, Padang Bai is a perfect escape in the east of Bali. As a transit harbor to Bali neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida and Lombok, passenger and cargo vessel departing everyday.There are a few losmen provided in Padang Bai. An intimate white sandy beach and lovely harbor scenery will make the holiday in Bali even more romantic.
Candi Dasa
As a recognized resort area for over topical decades, Candi Dasa is an entryway to East Bali. Compared to the resorts in southern part of Bali, Candi Dasa is much simpler.Offering low budget accommodation and few upscale hotels, the main attraction of Candi Dasa is a dazzling landscape of the beach. Blighted by jetties protruding into the water, intended to stop the erosion caused by coral blasting for years.
Lovina Beach
In the western part of Singaraja, long stretch of black sand beach encompasses Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus villages collectively called Lovina. Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali.Tranquility, incredible under water world and dolphins are the magnetism of Lovina. From Lovina, visiting Pulau Menjangan, which is a part of West Bali National Park will be interesting for diving lover.
Tanah Lot
Located in Tabanan, just across the boundary of Badung regency, Tanah Lot is the most well-known and photographed temple.A truly remarkable and feature temple, Tanah Lot is built on a stony narrow piece of terrain, which the high tides transform into an island, making right of entry from the land impossible.It is particularly reminiscent at sunset when the illumination, at times a slender thread and others, a dazzling spark, springs back the waves. The beach around Tanah Lot is less comfortable for swimming but great for horse riding and watching spectacular sunset. Although surfing can be done in this area but it’s recommended not for beginner.
Bali Traditional Ceremony
Custom Clothing
