About Bali - General Information

Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Recent tragic events have scared away many of those who simply saw Bali as a place for cheap beer. While the Bintang is still tasty and plentiful, Bali's temples, ceremonies, beaches, mountains and passion for life are undiminished and more easily enjoyed than ever.

Weather

Just 8° south of the equator, Bali has a tropical climate - the average temperature hovers around 30°C (mid-80s°F) all year. Direct sun feels incredibly hot, especially in the middle of the day. In the wet season, from October to March, the humidity can be very high and oppressive. The almost daily tropical downpours come as a relief, then pass quickly, leaving flooded streets and renewed humidity. The dry season (April to September) is generally sunnier, less humid and, from a weather point of view, the best time to visit, though downpours can occur at any time.

There are marked variations across the island. The coast is hotter, but sea breezes can temper the heat. As you move inland you also move up, so the altitude works to keep things cool - at times it can get chilly up in the highlands, and a warm sweater or light jacket can be a good idea in mountain villages such as Kintamani and Candikuning. The northern slopes of Gunung Batur always seem to be wet and misty, while a few kilometres away, the east coast is nearly always dry and sunny.

Air-con is not really needed on Bali at night. A cool breeze always seems to spring up in the evening, and the open bamboo windows, so common in Balinese architecture, make the most of the light breezes.

Getting There

Most international visitors arrive by air, either directly or via Jakarta, though island hoppers can catch frequent ferries from the neighbouring islands of Java and Lombok. There are direct flights to Jakarta and Bali from major airline hubs in Asia such as Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong. There are direct flights from major Australian cities. The departure tax on international flights is about US$10.00 . Bali is well connected to most of Indonesia and has direct domestic flights to Java, Lombok and outlying islands on a daily basis. Fares have increased considerably in recent years but are still good value. Domestic departure tax is US$2.00 Transport from Ngurah Rai international airport, 2.5km (1.5mi) south of Kuta, is quite simple. Pay a set price at the airport taxi counter, or walk across the airport car park and hail a metered cab outside the airport's roadway exit. The impecunious (and lightly laden) can walk straight up the road to Kuta, although it's a more pleasant stroll along the beach. A ferry shuttles constantly between the western Balinese port of Gilimanuk and Ketapang in eastern Java. Boat/bus combination tickets between Denpasar and Javanese cities can be purchased. Ferries between the eastern Balinese port of Padangbai and Lembar on the west coast of Lombok depart throughout the day. A few ferries link Bali with other Indonesian islands.

Getting Around

The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses and bemos that run on more or less set routes within or between towns. If you want your own transport, you can charter a bemo or rent a car, motorcycle or bicycle. The Balinese drive on the left, use their horns a lot and give way to traffic pulling onto the road. Tourist shuttle buses, running between the major tourist centres, are more expensive than public transport but are also more comfortable and convenient.

Bali area reference:
- South Bali: Nusadua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Canggu, Sanur
- Central Bali: Ubud, Bedugul, Kintamani, Tabanan
- North Bali: Singaraja, Lovina
- East Bali: Candi Dasa, Karangasem
- West Bali: Menjangan

• Batubulan: Daily barong dance performance, fine stone carvings, furniture, terracotta pots.
• Mount Batukau: off the beaten path, virgin rainforests, mossy shade of Pura Luhur temple, serenity.
• Bedugul: highland retreat by the lake, crater, watersports, quality fruits and vegetables.
• Besakih Temple: Mother Temple on Mount Agung, huge complex of shrines, majestic.
• Candi Dasa: quiet newest resort area, snorkeling, diving, beach.
• Celuk: silver and gold jewelry.
• Denpasar: rebuilt ancient city, art center, museum, government offices.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): 8th century archaelogical mystery, Buddhist inscriptions and carvings, elephant head at entrance.
• Goa Lawah (Bat Cave): One-thousand year old Shiva temple, millions of fruit bats cover the ceiling.
• Jimbaran: Southwest Bali, fisherman village, beach, sunset,offshore reefs.
• Kintamani: Mountainous, spectacular view by Lake Batur, sunrise at peak of Mount Batur.
• Klungkung: Old Palaces, Kertha Gosa Hall of Justice (painted ceiling a la Sistine Chapel).
• Kuta: surfing, beaches, sunsets, night life, shops of Legian.
• Lovina: North near Singaraja, still waters, dolphin watch.
• Negara: West Bali, water buffalo races (Jul - Oct).
• Nusa Dua : luxurious resorts, diving and surfing, beaches, golf course, shops
• Nusa Lembongan: Bali's sister island, coral and sand beaches, crystal clear water, surfing.
• Sangeh: Monkey Forest, tall nutmeg trees, aggressive monkeys.
• Sanur: First resort of Bali, beaches, black and white magic.
• Singaraja: North Bali, main port during colonial time, quiet, culturally distinctive.
• Tabanan: mountains, rice field terraces, black sand beaches, rain forests.
• Tampaksiring: wood carving, Tirta Empul temple and sacred spring water, Sukarno's Palace.
• Tanah Lot: Dramatic ocean front temple, spectacular sunset, snake filled cave.
• Tenganan: East Bali, village of Bali Aga, wonderful fabrics (Gringsing double-ikat).
• Tirta Gangga: East Bali, water palace bathing place.
• Trunyan: Lake Batur village, accessible only by boat, Bali Aga, the dead by a sacred tree.
• Ubud: Haven for the arts, paintings, lush rice fields, museums, galleries, dances.
• Uluwatu: Spectacular temple on a cliff, real challenging surf below.