About Bali - Bali has long been known as a world tourist paradise. His fame is not only in Indonesia but is worldwide. The allure of Bali makes everyone in the world want to visit it. Romantic, spiritual, exotic. That is what is in the minds of everyone who ever went to Bali when asked about Bali. The most popular destination in Indonesia this one has a very unique range of charms. Even the people of the world to the extent more familiar with Bali than Indonesia which in fact there is a mother from Bali. Besides having a variety of natural beauty, Balinese uniqueness also exist in the culture, tradition and spiritual touch that comes from the temples in almost all areas of this island.
Bali is rich in traditional arts and diverse cultures such as paintings, sculptural sculptures, woodcarvings, and dances that make Bali's distinctive and attractive appeal to every tourist visiting. Bali also has the designation of the island of a thousand temples, it is because Bali has a temple building that many come from Hindu-majority ancestors.
In addition to cultural richness and artistry of Bali is also a beach paradise. Almost all the beaches in Bali have a special beauty and charming. The area of Bali is approximately 5,600 km² consists of varying landscapes, ranging from hills, volcanic, pegungan, coastal areas to the terraced green terraces. Bali has a mountainous area from the middle to the east of the island, and the highest mountain in Bali is Mount Agung which is at the very eastern end.
Because Bali also has an average mountain of land there containing volcanic, with that region becomes very fertile, plus also with high rainfall, especially in the area surrounding the mountains. Bali is also famous for its plantation products such as coffee, rice, vegetables and livestock.
The largest city in Bali is Denpasar which is located on the south coast. Other major areas include Singaraja (north coast), Kuta which is famous for its tourist resorts, and Ubud which is the center of Balinese culture. To the east of Bali, Lombok is also a popular tourist destination, separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait.
Major Areas in Bali :
Bali is a small island, but do not be mistaken this island has many areas each of which provides its own charm different from each other.
South Bali
- South Bali is the most popular and bustling area visited by tourists. The area of south Bali includes:
- Denpasar: Denpasar is the capital of Bali province. This bustling area is the center of government and transportation on the island of Bali but not a major tourist destination for tourists.
- Jimbaran: This not too crowded beachside area has plenty of seafood restaurants.
- Kuta: Kuta is the center of entertainment, nightlife, shopping and varied party life.
- Legian: Kuta-like area, crowded and full of restaurants and bars.
- Sanur: From the coast of Sanur, visitors can see the island of Nusa Penida. In Sanur there is also Blanjong Inscription, which is known as the place of the oldest written history written about Bali.
- Seminyak: Seminyak is a quieter area, full of exclusive resorts, villas, restaurants and bars.
Bali Center
- Bali Center is the heart of Balinese culture and a region lined with mountains. This area includes:
- Bedugul: Important places in Bedugul include botanical garden, Candikuning market and Ulun Danu Bratan temple.
- Tabanan: Tabanan is characteristic of this area has black sand beaches, Mount Batukaru and become the main gateway to West Bali.
- Ubud: Ubud is located at the foot of the mountain and is famous as the center of Balinese art and dance which also has many art and handicraft shops. Tourist attractions in Ubud include the Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest).
West Bali
- West Bali is the area where the ferry departs to Java. This area includes, among others, cities:
- Gilimanuk: The westernmost city on the island of Bali which is the departure of ferry to Java.
- Country: The country is famous for cow races and Pura Rumbut Siwi.
- Medewi Beach: Mahadewi Beach is the most suitable place for surfing. This area has a typical Balinese fishing village.
- Menjangan Island: A small island known to be a place for diving and a part of the West Bali National Park (West Bali National Park)
- Pemuteran: Beautiful area with a backdrop of mountains and known as a beach crowded by divers (diving).
- West Bali National Park: Ideal for trekking, birdwatching and the diverse maritime life.
North Bali
- North Bali is the area where Lovina beach is located. This area consists of:
- Lovina: Lovina is visited by tourists who want to see the dolphins and enjoy the beach that is still not too crowded at sunrise and sunset.
- Seririt: Seririt is a stopover area to the mountains in the south.
- Singaraja: Singaraja is the largest city on the north coast which used to be the administrative center of the island of Bali.
East Bali
East Bali consists of vast forests, black sand beaches and Gunung Agung (Pura Besakih). One of the cities in East Bali is Padang Bai, from which tourists usually take a ferry to go to Lombok. Other cities are Candidasa, Klungkung, Amed, Kintamani, and Tirta Gangga.
The islands of the South East
The islands of south east Bali have popular places for diving, surfing, or just relaxation. The areas include Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.
How to Go to Bali
To get to Bali there are 2 ways that is using air and sea transportation, but first must use land transportation to get to the airport or port.
Travel to Bali By Air
First you have to use land transportation or private car to get to the airport. If you are from Jakarta make sure to go to Soekarno Hata airport then use airplane to go to Bali. Travel to Bali by plane will land at Ngurah Rai International Airport located in Denpasar.
Transport to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport
Time taken to travel from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Denpasar City about 30 minutes with a distance of approximately 13 km using a motor vehicle. Around the airport there are also many taxis available, some use fixed rates (by buying tickets at the counter) or using an argo. However, if you want to get a backpacker rate can use city transportation such as bemo or rent a motorcycle. Tips from us when you choose to use both city transport should advise and inquire about the price and destination.
Departure tax (airport tax)
Domestic flights: IDT 40,000, IDR 75,000 (starting August 1, 2014) International flights: IDR 200,000 (effective April 1, 2014). The rates are subject to change at any time.
Transportation in Bali
Taxi
Taxis have an initial rate of about IDR 7,000, - and are often used as a means of transportation both in Denpasar and to destinations outside southern Bali, at an additional cost of about 30%.
Trans Sarbagita Bus
Trans Sarbagita bus is bright blue is a means of convenient and cheap transportation in Bali. Trans Sarbagita is a route that connects between the four main areas in Bali, namely Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan, including the Ngurah Rai Airport. Operating hours: 05.00 - 21.00 WITA daily, leaving every 15 minutes. Trans Sarbagita fare: General: IDR 3,500 (main route), IDR 3,000 (feed tray).
City transport or bemo
Bemo in Bali is not a three-wheeled vehicle like a bemo in another city. Bemo is a four-wheeled minibus. There are not too many bemo routes, some of which are from Tegal Terminal to Kuta and Tegal Terminal to Nusa Dua. Rates: There is no standard rate, usually ranging from IDR 3,000-5,000 per person.
Rent a car / motorbike / bicycle
Many tourists also rent motorbikes or cars to travel in Bali. Renting mountain bikes is also an option to explore the island of Bali, especially in areas other than southern Bali is more dense traffic. Motorcycle rental price: Range between IDR 50.000-70.000 per day, depending on the type of motor. Car rental price: Depending on the type of car. Generally between IDR 450,000-550.000 per 10 hours, including driver, fuel and parking. Bicycle Rental: About IDR 50.000 per 12 hours.
Bali Mandara toll road
The Bali Mandara toll road is the first toll road in Bali, connecting between Ngurah Rai, Nusa Dua and Benoa. This 12.7 km highway is unique because most of it is located above the sea.
Bali Mandara toll rates:
Buses and four-wheel vehicles: IDR 10,000 Two-wheel vehicle (motor): IDR 4.000. The price could changes every time.
Climate in Bali
The air temperature in Bali varies between 24 to 31 degrees Celsius. The dry season lasts from April to October, while the rainy season from October to April.
Bali has relatively high rainfall, with the highest peak in February and the lowest in October. Generally, July - September has the highest tourist statistics because the weather at that time was not too hot.
Regional language in Bali
The Balinese language consists of 3 levels: - Bali Alus: common among indigenous villages, official events and high caste - Bali Madya: common among the middle class or between superiors with subordinates - Balinese Rough: commonly used by lower class or lower caste .
The local term is popular
"Kenken kabare?" In Balinese everyday means "how are you?" "Punapi gatra?" Is a smoother version of the Balinese language, and has the same meaning.