Introduction
Have you ever dreamt of living in paradise? Have you ever wondered about a place that could be as picturesque as the backdrops in a painting. If not, then try to extend your imagination and if yes, then come on, you are closer to Bali. A tropical island in Indonesian archipelago, Bali is a place that is often referred as a paradise on earth and not without reasons. With sunny and sandy beaches, tropical jungles full of exotic wildlife, paddy fields tripping down the hills, active volcanoes soaring up in the sky, spirited festivals that measure up to the number of days in a year, and a culture that makes everybody feel a part of it, you cannot ask for more perhaps. To make you more inclined to visit Bali, there are an array of sporting activities to participate in, amazing varieties of cuisines to savour, and plenty of shopping options to chose from. What are you waiting for now, pack your bags and come on, Bali is waiting for you...

What to do
Bali provides perhaps widest range of activities to pursue in entire Indonesia. Snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, and playing golf are just a few of the activities that you may consider to participate in here. In Bali sightseeing is not an option but an integral part of regular chorus. It is most likely that you would be spending much of your time in Bali at any of the golden beaches that dots the sea coast. Be sure that you shop in numerous shopping arcades and markets and see how you are filling your bags without emptying your wallet much.

City at a Glance

Latitude 8º75'S Longitude 115º16'E Population 2,500,000 Language Balinese, Bahasa Indonesia Religion Hinduism Telephone Code 0361

History
Not much is known about the pre-historic phase of Bali, though it is certain that human settlement started here before the Bronze Age (300 BC). The first written evidence about Bali dates back to 9th century Ad when most of the cultural and technological developments that are still visible here were completed. Hinduism reached Bali in the first half of 11th century during the reign of King Airlangga. The great exodus of artists, dancers, musicians, and actors from Java to Bali in 14th and 15th century saw the Balinese culture flourish like never before. The next important phase in the history of Bali started when Dutch seamen set foot here in 1597. After the Dutch rule of more than 200 years, Bali became a part of the modern Indonesia in 1945, when Sukarno proclaimed the independence at Jakarta.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
In this tropical paradise climate is not a restraint but an attraction in itself. Temperatures are evenly almost all the time of the year with average around 30ºC. There are two seasons, dry from April to September and wet from October to March. But, even they do not follow any certain pattern. It can rain continuously in the dry season while rain can pass quickly in the wet season. Still, May to August can be described as the best season when temperature is a bit cooler and chances of rain are less.

Attractions
Sanur Beach
Bali's first beach resort, largest traditional village, temple of Ratu Ayu, and a golden mile of beautiful resort hotels, all are part of Grand Bali Beach, a 11-storey structure. Sanur is Bali's most famous tourist spot and also a place which is host to most of the important hotels on this small island.

Kuta Beach
Discovered by the hippies and surfers in early 1960's, Kuta is known more for its magnificent sunset, nightlife, shopping options, and centre point of whatever is happening in Bali.

Nusa Dua Beach
Luxurious living, inexpensive but mouthwatering cuisine, white sandy beaches, excellent swimming conditions, and plenty of diving options, all these are available at Nusa Dua Beach. During the rainy season, the beach provide excellent surfing conditions while some part of it serves as a public beach.

Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital of Bali and place with quite a good collection of cultural and historical pieces. Bali's picturesque countryside and most of the beautiful temples are just outside the limit of Denpasar. Some of the village worth visiting are Celuk (for its silverware), Ubud (to have a glimpse of the finest in Bali's dance and music, paintings, and museums), and Bedulu for its elephant cave. Gunung Agung and Mount Batur to the northeast of Denpasar are some of the holy volcanoes in Bali.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Galugan is the most important festival in Bali that symbolises the victory of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (evil). Fitting of 'penjor', a tall and decorated bamboo pole and fully attired people signify this festival. Kuningan takes place after 10 days of Galugan, marking the closing time of holiday period. Nyepi is the Balinese New Year marked with total silence and no action throughout the island. Saraswati is the name of goddess of learning, knowledge, art, and music and her day is celebrated by special offerings to books, Vedas, and manuscripts.

SHOPPING
Like every other activity, shopping comes with exotic flavours in Bali. Options are amazing and bargains are unexpected. Most favoured items are casual and tailored clothing, jewellery, leather ware, handicrafts, antiques, and artifacts. Street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar departmental store would sell you shopping items on unbelievable prices.

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation in Bali in itself is a celebration of life and there is a whole range of superb hotels to fulfill all your needs in this paradise. Most of the hotels are situated inside the gardens or near the beaches to give you best possible look on the Bali's natural splendour. Hotels are inexpensive by any standard due to ongoing Asian economic crisis (worse is now gone but the scars still remain) and that should help you manage your costs.

WHERE TO EAT

Bali being an international destination has cosmopolitan but inexpensive restaurants specializing in local as well as international cuisines. Local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur and international cuisine like Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Continental, Mexican, and Indian are all available here. Local lobster at down to earth prices and a taste that will make you return back thousand times can be had widely.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
International Airport in Bali is situated at Denpasar, the capital of Bali, not far away from any of your favourite destinations like Kuta, Sanur, or Nusa Dua. The airport is connected to a international destinations Australia, South East Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is comfortably connected to other attractions in Bali by rented cars, taxis, and buses.

Water
Bali is connected to Lombok, Sumba, Sumbawa, Flores, Timor, and Komodo by cruises and sea safaris. These cruises and sea safaris are inexpensive, regular, and best way to explore an exotic world that is known sometimes as Lesser Sunda Islands and part of Spice Islands of Indonesia.

Local Transport
Most of the time in Bali you would be comfortable walking or biking, because the island is so tiny that you really do not need any transportation. To move from airport to the towns and from one place to another Bemos and buses are the best and most convenient options available. Public bemos and buses are the cheapest way of getting around though they would be crowded and use the longest possible route. Metered and unmetered taxes are also available but costs are most on the higher side.