Bali is one of the most charming and popular Indonesian islands, which is part of the Malay archipelago. First of all, curious travelers attracts his bright and diverse nature, as well as magnificent sandy beaches with a sluting noise of the surf. At the same time, not everything is aware of whether the "Island of the Gods" is washed by the ocean or the sea.

Bali - Ocean or Sea?

Some say that the ocean. Other, that the sea. In the case of Bali, those and others are right. It is enough to look at the geographical map in order to understand that the southern part bathes in the Indian Ocean, and the northern part is in the Balinese sea. In the West, Bali was separated by the Balinese strait from Java, and in the east - Lomboksky Strait from Lombok Island. Because of the proximity to the equator, the water warm during the year. The only thing that in the season of tropical rainfall bathing can be difficult due to frequently playing storms.

Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is considered the youngest "young" and the warmest among all the remaining world oceans. Its most of it is in the southern hemisphere. The saltness of the water is very high due to insufficient desalination and strong evaporation.

In the water area, Bali dwells a variety of fish species, like: mackerel, tuna, mahu-mahs, marlin, rough, and others. Ocean resources are used very actively, thanks to which local fish restaurants are replete with various delicacies. If you wish, you can participate in fishing and yourself by rented a small schooner or sailing catamaran. This is not only a unique opportunity to experience an unprecedented excitement, but also enjoy the exciting oceanic expanses.

The south coast of Bali, washing the forever Blue Indian Ocean, gives tourists endless snow-white, bordered by Emerald Jungle Thickets. However, the recreation of swimsuchikov is not so fabricated here, as promotional tourist booklets are promised.

Permanent waves (from medium to gigantic), regular tides and flows emitting algae, marine hero and other living creatures, because of which to go to the water in shoes - all this makes the resorts Indian Ocean Direct Antipode Bounty Purity Maldives and Islands French Polynesia.. True, in terms of well-kee, Nusa Dua is often praised. However, there are strong daily water drops.

"" Golden "" Sandy Nusa Dua Beach

But still for some Balinese resorts are earthly paradise, because no wonder beach tours on them are bought out like hot cakes. Someone are hunters for the right waves and sharp feelings. South coast Bali - Mecca surfers from all over the world, including from Russia. Check Poseidon's favor mainly in Kuta, Uluvate and Padang Padang. Join the dissection of water expanses can even beginner. Basic surfing skills are vaccinated in many specialized schools, which are granted here.

Balinese Sea can be found if you go to the North and East coast of the island. It is eliminated dark, almost as coal with sand, creating a contrast of an amazing contrast with a saturated blue tint of water. Landscapes are dressed in fluffy clouds of volcanoes and violent green vegetation.

What is the Balinese Sea? From the point of view of oceanography, this is the regional sea, which is part of the Australian Mediterranean Sea in the southwestern part Pacific Ocean. If we speak a simpler language, then this is the Pacific Ocean Area area of \u200b\u200babout 45,000 km² and the maximum depth of 1590 m.

Unlike the Indian Ocean, the Balinese Sea has much more calm. That is why he was chosen by numerous snorkels and divers. In terms of its painful, the underwater kingdom is a little inferior to the Red Sea, nevertheless there are many exotic in it: fish-angels, crocodiles fish, hammers sharks, barracuda, giant turtles and a lot more.

The most promoted dive sites are in Amida, Selana, Tulamben and on Nusa-imjangan.

As for the classic beach holiday, there is a slightly detached atmosphere with the measured strength of life, which contributes to the fullest relaxation.

But it is not convenient to bathe everywhere, as in some areas the bottom and very close to the shore begin to coral reefs.

Summing up, let's say that a rest style on the Indian Ocean and the Balinese Sea on this mysterious island Completely different. But the resorts located on them are united by love for active water leisure.

sights

Guide

Charming Bali Manit annually attracts hundreds of tourists with its magnificence. The island is part of the Malay archipelago and is part of the Small Stern Islands. From different sides of Bali is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Balinese sea.

Bali is considered to be islands and at the same time province of Indonesia: the largest world archipelago has more than 13,500 islands. At the same time, Bali is one of the least populated provinces of the country.

Bali is located near the island of Java, separated by the Balinese strait. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe island is 5,700 square kilometers, the length of the coastline from the west to the east - 150 kilometers, and from north to south approximately 98 kilometers. Bali was formed by breeds of volcanic origin and this fact explains the features of the landscape of the island. The most important for the local residents of the volcano is the Agung, which in Hinduism personifies with the "mother", the "Center of the Earth".

The territory of Bali is abundantly covered with volcanic ash, which enriches the soil and allows the inhabitants of the island to engage in agriculture. Lakes of volcanic origin playing an important role in the development of agriculture on the island, thanks to which rivers feed.

The island began to mastered in the period of the Bronze Age, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. The first inhabitants of Bali were the ancestors of modern southern Chinese and Indians. In the future, the island has become an object for the occupation of states such as Holland and Japan. However, in the middle of 20 centuries, he received complete independence, which still retains.

Bali Island includes the following resorts: the capital of the island -, the resort for family holiday - , elite resort -, beautiful place to relax with children -, youth resort -, original, miniature, cozy, informative-sightseeing resort, luxurious, dream for surfers - and a resort of a relaxing holiday -.

How to get

The distance between Bali and major Russian cities is significant, so the trip should be prepared in advance. The only option to get to the island is a flight by plane. Air Harbor Ngurah-Paradise Several times a week hosts airlines engaged in direct flights. Time in the way will be 11 hours. This is the shortest and convenient way to get to the island.

As for flights with transfers, their duration may vary from 22 hours to 2 days. This directly depends on the terms of the carrier, the number of transfers and their duration. Most often, the aircraft change occurs in Shanghai, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore.

Once at Bali, tourists go through their hotels that can be in different parts of the city. As a rule, for this pre-order a taxi. Another way to move around the island is a bus. You can also go on a rented scooter, but this option is not suitable for everyone.

sights

The main value of Bali is its nature with numerous waterfalls, mountain rivers, volcanoes, jungle. One of the holy places where tourists love to ride is called Agung Volcano. It is possible to climb it only accompanied by an experienced guide. Such an excursion requires careful preparation, since the rise is associated with a number of difficulties.

Do not forget to visit Bali waterfalls that form entire groups. To see with its own eyes the magnificence of Cascades of waterfalls, you need to go on a jungle tour. Each of the waterfalls carry a sacral meaning for local residents, as they have worshiped the water elements since ancient times.

From architectural objects worth seeing the Palace of Tirta Ganga, located in the eastern part of the island. The palace is a large complex equipped with basins, territories with green plantings, various sculptures, fountains and pavilions.

A visit to the rice fields of Bali is included in most tourist excursions. The most famous are rice terraces TEGALLING, harmoniously combining the pristine beauty with a developed infrastructure. A tour of the terraces includes acquaintance with the culture of rice growing on Bali, tasting dishes prepared on the basis of rice.

Features of the hotel base

The choice of the place of your stay depends primarily from individual preferences. The tourist infrastructure is well developed on Bali, so you will have problems with searching for housing. Rooms in the most best hotels It is worth ordering in advance because Bali is considered a fairly popular destination.

Most hotels are concentrated in the South Bali area, as well as at such resort areas as Kuta, Bukit, Changu, Sanur, Ubud, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina. Optionally, you can find a budget option or stay at a luxury hotel.

Another one of the accommodation options on Bali - Hostel. They are scattered around the coast and differ in combination low prices With a good level of service. Some tourists prefer to settle in Villah or Bungalow. This option is suitable for large companies or family pairs.

Beach rest

The most common type of tourism on Bali is beach. Picturesque nature and stretching for tens of kilometers the coastline allows you to actively develop this type of tourism. Beaches differ from each other with relief, the presence of amenities, nature, by the coastline and other parameters on them.

Sanur is located southeast of Denpasar. The beach has a length of about five kilometers. It was from this place that it was born beach tourism on Bali. Today in this resort area love to settle married couples and elderly people who prefer calm rest. The dignity of the beach is coral reefs, gently sliding in the water and the opportunity to swim with children.

Kuta is a lively center of the resort with a developed infrastructure. Cheap hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, bazaars - all this can be seen in the area of \u200b\u200bthis beach. On the territory there is everything you need for a comfortable rest, including sun loungers, shower cabins, disguise space. It is worth noting that rescuers are on duty on the beach, ready to come to the rescue at any moment.

Full moon - romantic black sand beach. There are few people on it, but he is known among lovers of unusual photo shoots. The beach has several statues of mythical deities guarding the territory. It is better to swim on this beach at low tide, as the tide brings with them high ocean waves, which can be dangerous.

Balangan, or the Martian beach, is popular due to its interesting bottom: it is formed by the depressions from volcanic rocks, forming peculiar "font", which are filled with water. They can be seen during the low tide under water stroke. Also on the beach there is a sandy territory where power points are placed. For Balangan, newlyweds and connoisseurs of amazing sunsets are often arrived.

Bias Talka is located close to Padang Bai village. The beach itself is a miniature lagoon filled with snow-white sand and turquoise water. Numerous cafes offering dishes of national cuisine stretched along the coastline. In addition, Bias is comfortable to swim together with children, as the entrance to the water is gentle.

Seminyak - the beach, which won fame through luxury hotels along the coastline. The beach fell to the taste of surfers and fans of water shots on the yacht. The beach is famous for excellent restaurants where tourists offer national dishes.

Leisure

On Bali come those who prefer to spend the vacation actively. The most common types of leisure on the island - diving, snorkeling and surfing. Almost every beach has specialized centers for the preparation of surfers who want to master the basics of this water sport. After passing the course, a certificate confirming the qualification of the student is issued.

The optimal time for surfing on Bali - the period from March to October, when the wave height can vary from 2 to 4 meters. In such conditions, it is convenient not only to train, but also to get up to the board for the first time.

Network of professional diving schools - Bali pride. They are located in different areas of the island and offer tourists a comprehensive training program. In addition to theoretical classes, it includes practice. When a tourist finishes his studies, it is issued a PADI certificate that allows you to make immersions in any country in the world.

Kitchen

Balinese cuisine is replete with spices and taste combinations that for russian tourists may seem unusual. The cuisine of the island includes various types of meat and seafood, rice, legumes, vegetables, coconut milk. Of the most interesting dishes are recommended to try:

• Bebek Betutu - stuffed duck baked under sauce on banana leaves. As a minor, a mixture of greenery with chili pepper, any vegetables.
• Sate - small kebabs on wooden skewers, which are served with peanut paste and water sauce. Such kebabs make chicken, shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish, fish fillet.
• Larroom - festive dish for honored guests. In ancient times, he was prepared in exceptional cases, and today Larroom can be tried at any restaurant Bali. The basis of the dish is vegetables, coconut chips, garlic, chicken or pork meat. Laroned is always served on a banana sheet, watering from above linime juice.
• Brem - wine cooked on the basis of rice. This traditional drink is drunk on all holidays. The taste of wine is sweet, and the consistency is pulling. Often the shame add to cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.

Bali is one of the most mysterious and attractive places on our planet. Fabulous tropical nature in combination with surprisingly clean sandy beaches make this little corner truly Paradise. It is not surprising that many tourists want to personally check where is the island of Bali.

Geography

Bali is located in the southeastern part of Asia. His geographical coordinates - 8º Yu.Sh and 115º V.D. It belongs to the state of Indonesia and is part of the huge archipelago of the same name. Bali Island is part of the small probe islands located in its extreme western part. From the south of his shores go to the waters of the Indian Ocean, and from the north it is washed by the Balinese Sea, which is part of the Pacific System. To the western tip adjoins big Island Java, separated by an unbroken Balinese strait.

Proximity to the equator dictates climate features. In the period from June to September, the dry season comes, the precipitation falls a little, although very high humidity remains. The bulk of moisture will be launched from heaven during the calendar winter and in March, when the rainy season is observed here. At the same time, the eternal summer and air temperature in the plain part reigns on Bali in the flat part below + 25º.

There is a fairly high population density. With an area over 5.7 thousand km², over 4 million inhabitants live on Bali. The northern and central part of the island are occupied by the mountains, the maximum height of which exceeds 3 thousand meters, and the plains prevail in the south. The main vertices are:

Batukor
ABANG
Agung.
Battur.

Dettle of Bali Island from Russia

The island is very far from Russia and get to it only by plane with a change in Singapore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. The distance over 6000 km between Moscow and these megalopolis plane overcomes for 11-12 hours.

There are many people who visited these places, no longer know where the island of Bali is. Many of them managed to appreciate the delights and beauty of the local nature, so they will probably come back here again.

Bali Island is the embodiment of tropical perfection, tranquility and fabulous rest. Island of mountains and volcanoes, jungle and temples, palm trees and endless sandy beaches, Waves and coral reefs. Millions of tourists from all over the world every year make their raids here, greedily breathing the air of wanderings and adventures, conquering waves and sea depths.

This island is far from the largest in Indonesia (it is usually referred to as small islands), but just one of the most famous all over the world.

Bali on the map

• Geographic coordinates - -8.361280, 115.163996
• Bali dimensions are as follows: from west to east about 150 kilometers, and from north to south about 80. Its area 5780 km 2
• The island belongs to the Small Sunda Islands of the Malay Archipelago. Bali is located between the majestic Island of Java (to the left of Bali) and the island of Lombok on the right. By the way, Lombok is almost equal to the area of \u200b\u200bBali Island.

Madly beautiful and colorfully mad island Bali is filled with a huge number of attractions. And this is not only the original and the ancient temples, which here is numbered in some data up to 20 thousand. He is called "Isle of thousands of churches", although, probably, it was worth called "the island of thousands of temples." Officially on the island of 6,000 temples, but together with domestic or family temples already under 20,000. This is also wonderful nature, thick, places impassable tropical jungle and diverse animal world.

Nature of Bali Island

On the island, 4 varieties of forests are beautifully adjacent. In the western part, classical evergreen predominate (no, not coniferous) tropical forests. In the hard-to-reach places of the North-Western part - leaf falling forests. As you understand, the leaves from the trees in these forests are periodically fall. There are still savanna forests, and finally, mountainous forests are growing in the alpine terrain (as a rule, the height of their location does not exceed 1500 meters above sea level).

The vegetation on Bali is extremely rich. Banana palm trees that are considered sacred here, they have grown throughout the island and give food to numerous monkeys, bats and even proteins. Giant bamboo trees (although according to the biological classification it is grass) up to 35 meters and the thickness of the barrel to 40 cm. Completed on the island fig (emphasis on the first syllable) and banana groves. A large number of Representatives of the Fikus family. And even palm trees of different species and not read, among which are traditional coconut palms for the tropics.

On Bali, you can meet an interesting plant of Sapodilla. From its bark produce natural latex used in the manufacture of chewing gum.

Beautiful orchids and yellow magnolias decorate with their colors of the island greens.
Animal world should be plant. Some of the species of birds are somewhat hundreds. Almost on Bali a lot of monkeys, bats and volatile mice. Incredibly beautiful butterflies are striking with their colors. Coastal waters are abundantly populated by tropical species of fish, mollusks and corals.

It is worth noting that the island is rich and inanimate nature. Here are as many as 2 volcanoes, and the obligations are considered valid. This is a Gunung-Agung 3142 meters high and gunung-bastoms 1717 meters above sea level. They are located in the north-east of the island. By the way, these volcanoes were erupted quite recently, in 1963, which caused numerous sacrifices. After that, some locals were forced to leave the island.

Climate Bali.

There is no traditional division of the year at times. No winter, no summer. It is customary to allocate only two seasons. Dry season - lasts from June to October, and wet (or rainy season) - from November to March. Usually in a wet period the amount of precipitation increases, and the weather can be very changeable. Although in some areas of the island, this division is almost unnoticed. We can safely say that Bali is an eternal summer island. Even in the rainy season, almost every day you can see the sun that warms with its rays this amazing corner of the planet.

The proximity of the island to the equator causes it, practically permanent, warm climate. The average annual temperature is approximately 26 about C. True in the mountains can be cooler. The temperature of the water in the ocean is 26-28 o C, which is very, very comfortable. But the humidity here is always high, which is characteristic of the tropical islands.

Inhabitants of the island

Local population is the most real attraction of Bali. The main part of modern Balinese is descendants of Indians. Once India was the prosperous kingdom, and owned both the island of Java, and the island of Bali.
Now the island inhabits about 4.3 million people. Language on the island of Bali, but it is rather a dialect of the official language of Indonesia Bahas Indonesia (or simply Indonesian, since Bahasa and translates as "language").

Interesting the fact that Bali is a Hindu society located on the territory of the Muslim state. The religious flow here is called Agama Hinda Dharma, this is the Balinese variety of Hinduism. Extremely read the Indian God of Shiva.

Local residents Very tight and proud of their customs and traditions. On the island of Bali, an interesting symbiosis of ancient traditions and achievements of the 21st century is well noticeable. Beautiful modern hotels coexist on centuries-old temples. Often the architecture of hotels is closely intertwined with a local bizarre style. Therefore, on the island you can find hotels resembling Balinese palaces and temples or, for example, similar to local colorful villages with houses under the straw roofs.

For believers in hotels there are chapels. As a rule, many hotels encourage the holding of Balinese holidays in their territories. Local musicians and dancers are invited for this. This is not only entertainment for tourists, but also the popularization of traditional Balinese culture.

Despite numerous tourists and various modern innovations, the local culture of Balinese only blooms. This is largely due to the fact that part of the revenues from tourism is invested in the arrangement of temples. And every year, various festivals are held on the island and the ceremony is still colorful and more diverse, which, in turn, awakens interest in Bali.

Do not think that the Balinese is illiterate aborigines, which only and can entertain tourists. This is a very developed and hardworking people. Do you know that there is no concept of "artist" in the local language? Art here is usual for the Balinese phenomenon. Music, dancing, creating sculptures and paintings is natural and, you can say, the daily part of the local culture and life.

Craftsmen and farmers use in their activities as ancient knowledge and modern technologies. Moreover, both those and others (and indeed all the Balinese) are simply obliged to be able to sing and dance. Local residents know a lot about beauty and its creation. Now there are many souvenir shops and shops on Bali, where you can buy and crafts of Balinese masters and quite modern things.

Attractions Bali

This is what, and the sights on the island of a great set. Numerous Hindu temples, built in the middle of the past millennium, and many of which are still valid. They are held religious ministries and ceremonies. High and existing volcanoes. And in general, Bali island one solid attraction.

In particular, it is worth visiting (or as it is also called the Temple of the Earth). Just remember - the road to the temple is available only in the period of popular. Tanya Lot is one of the seven aquatic temples around the island. It is believed that the totality of these temples protects the island from evil forces.

If you like cheerful and carefree monkeys, you will certainly need to look into the monkeys in the forest. Do not be afraid, these are not densely uncharted jungle, but a peculiar park, which is located in the city of Ubud. Here monkeys live in a natural environment. They are feeding the park and tourists. But be careful, animals can disrupt the decorations with you or drag the phone. Well, if you really don't like them, provoke or tease, then monkeys can easily bite you. Be careful.

Well, the forest of monkeys behind, now go to. This temple is located close to the cave, inhabited by a reasonable amount of volatile mice (they are very honored on the island). In the evenings, this giant is pulled out from the cave and grabs the gloaful tourists goes to the night hunt. Frequently, tourists arrive here precisely to look at it.

These are just some sights of Bali.

Tourist activity

Bali Island quite recently, literally at the beginning of the 20th century, was a virgin tropical paradise, almost inaccessible for tourists. But gradually he came out on the world tourist podium.

In the 20-30 years of the twentieth century, the island began to be investigated, and already in the 60-70 years in the southern part, the strings of "children of colors" hippies. For these dislocity citizens, Bali is a kind of Mecca. Then the movement of hippie sued no, and the fame of the island, on the contrary, "went to the mountain." And now it is one of the most famous, rating and attractive resorts of the world.

Now on the island a large number of varied hotels (more than 5,500), capable of satisfying both capricious tourists and unassuming travelers. They are located, as a rule, on the coast, and have a different category of star.

In any case, the island has many different hotels for every taste and wallet. There is from what to choose.

Entertainment in Bali

In addition to the usual entertainment for tourists, diving and surfing are very developed on Bali.

The island is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. It is naturally simple ideal conditions for diving, and for a simple immersion with mask and flippers (usually called snorkeling).

The purity of the ocean in aggregate with the elegant beauty of corals create an amazing and unique underwater world. Multicolored little fish fastging among the reefs. Silver tuna jamb swirl twisted into a huge sparkling tornado.

On the surface also boils life. Four meter waves magnet attract surfers. Smear Bali Island's wave is one of the cherished goals of any surfer.

Surfing on the island you can round yearBut the optimal time for professionals is the period from March to October. It is at this time that the waves in the ocean grow above 4 meters, and crowds of experienced surfers rush to conquer them.

But there is on the planet such a place where the most big waves Trying to conquer incredibly desperate surfers. These are famous waves in Portugal. They rise to a 30-meter height and are able to surprise the most sophisticated traveler.

In the rainy season, when the waves are smaller, they are already storming novice surfers.

Surfing is one of the main specializations of Balinese. A large number of special stores for surfers and various schools for teaching this elegant, but extreme art is vowels and secretly pushing tourists to "Mastering the Board".

Thousands of people with surfboards under mouses are normal for Bali. The best surf beaches are mainly in the southern part of the island. Although you can catch a wave on all of its coast.

It is no secret that it was on Bali for more than a dozen years a competition for this exotic sport.

But it is not all. Tourists can watch incredible buffalo racing. Bali and bloody bats are held on Bali. Though they are considered illegal, but often included in some ceremonies and holidays.

And again, it is impossible to forget that Bali Island is primarily a unique geographical, ethnographic and simple cultural object Our planet. Gorgeous hotels and local villages in area, modern resorts and vintage temples, high volcanoes And stunning beaches. All this is Bali.

But Bali has a significant drawback.

The biggest lack of Bali Island

Now we want to tell you about one huge minus island. It is an annoying and sad thing, but you have to know about it. It is very difficult, but you will have to take it. So - the biggest lack of the island of Bali is that ... you will never be able to explore, to absorb all its uniqueness, surprised by the whole variety of the island, enjoy all his charming beauties and visit all the beaches and see all the sights within one (and maybe even And not one) tour.

Of course, a few lines above are just a lyrical retreat, but still to great regret, all these events will need much more time. Well, this is a very good reason to return to Bali again.

• walking in a bathing suit only on the beach and the hotel
• extremely undesirable to sunbathe topless or naked
• for distribution or drug use, the death penalty is assumed, but it can be calmly to buy gallucinogens mushrooms
• balinese eaten using only the right hand. Left is considered unclean or defiled. Local residents never use it to transfer and obtain things and items. This hand is not taken to wave
• it is not customary to kiss in public places.
• on Bali to this day there is a division of people to the caste. Their 4. Speuds are the poorest and biggest caste, brahmans - the ministers of the temples, Kshatriya - military and state serving, Weussya - merchants. The last 3 castes are considered privileged, they own all to know
• the island allowed polygamy. You can have up to 4 wives, and consent to the second and subsequent wives need to receive from the first wife
• multicolored umbrellas are very common on Bali. It is believed that they are protected from evil forces. Usually the colors of umbrellas correspond to certain caustes
• here is official 230. festive days, so festivals and solemn processions on the streets of cities is the usual phenomenon
• marriage for Balinese is a very important step. The wife necessarily goes to live in the house of her husband. Family must have children. Only in this case, the Balians will be able to take part in religious ceremonies and rites. If suddenly the divorce happens, then the woman returns to the house of their parents and has the right to pick up only his personal belongings. Children usually stay with the Father. On Bali believes that they belong to a man
• the burial ceremony on the island is quite incomprehensible for Europeans. The fact is that the Bali people are cremated (simply put, burn). But this procedure is very expensive, so try to cremate people with groups, thereby dividing the costs of several families. And until the required amount of deceased is needed, they are temporarily buried to the ground. Then dig and crem. And this rite passes with noise and fun
• especially revered on the island of Bali ordinary water. In the ancient times, the island's religion was called Agama Tirt, which means "Religion of Sacred Water". It is believed that water has a creative and cleansing force

In the latitude of 8 ° s south of the equator and on the Meridian of 115 ° East longitude between about. Java (in the West) and about. Lombok and the rest of the Small Islands Sunda (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor).

The area of \u200b\u200bthe island is 5.6 thousand square meters. km, length - 150 km from East to West and 80 km from north to south. The so-called Wallace line, stretching from Bali and the island of Lombok in the eastern direction, serves as the boundary between Flora and the Fauna of Tropical Asia and the natural zones of Australia and New Guinea.

Together with the adjacent Islands of Bali, the province of Indonesia is formed, which is included in the administrative region of small probe islands.

Geography

Map of Bali Island

Relief

Bali Island is the extreme point of the Stern Islands in front of the islands of small probes and Nusa-Tangar. From the west to East Bali, a mountain chain stretches - a zone of high volcanic activity. Two large valves of the Gunung-Agung volcano (3142 m) and Gunung-Battur (1717 m) are located in the northeastern part of the island. Volcanic activity causes high soil fertility and affects the development of culture. The major eruptions of Gunung-Batura and Gunung Agunga in 1963, who led to numerous victims, devastated the eastern regions of the country, forcing many Balinese to emigrate.

Among the others mountain vertices The highest Batukua (2278 m) and Abang (2152 m). This mountain range with a limestone plateau located in the south, which is called "Bukit" - hills, divides the territory of the island to two absolutely different regions. North, rather sharply rises from a narrow coastline to mountain slopes. Here is a relatively dry climate, favorable breeding of coffee culture. In this part of Bali there are two rivers, irrigating rice fields Around Singarage and Seririta. The southern region is the terraces stretched from the north to the south, on which rice is grown. Numerous rivers flow on the gorges with lush vegetation. South-West are small, well-irrigated land plots and arid lands of coconut palm trees.

Climate

Flora and fauna

4 types of forests grow on Bali: wet evergreen tropical in the west, deciduous in the northwest in hard-to-reach areas, savanna forests and mountain forests. Wet evergreen forests are presented in Bali Barat Park (in translation means "West Bali"). Here you can find rare species of plants, huge century-old trees under guard. Many plants of the Fikus family (fig and banana groves). Deciduous forests grow in the northwestern part of Bali. They change their foliage depending on the season, the work trees predominate among this flora. Mountain vegetation is rarely located above 1500 m above sea level, it is mostly casuarina and phylaoses. Banana palm trees on Bali are sacred, they grow very well, multiplying the roots, and feed the many animals: monkeys, protein, bats.

Palm trees are especially well represented on Bali. Leaves of borassic palm trees, dried and compressed, go to the manufacture of "Lontras", on which the sacred texts are written. From the leaves of sugar palm trees make up bouquets that bring in the temples as ritual offering. There are other types of trees, such as Ebenos, or black, wood, as well as a balsa tree, extremely easy - comfortable material for traditional masks. Many bamboo trees, some species of which reaches 30-40 cm in diameter. They can be found almost all over the island, also bamboo is a universal building material for Balinese.

The gardening architecture has turned into a real industries. The abundance of labor and fertile soil on which everything is easily taken for, which is planted, contributes to the development of gardening, especially in the south of the island and in the Bedugula area. Red, pink and white hibiscus, jasmine, bougvillery, white and pink laurels, water lilies, lotuses and rather exotic plants, such as Angmecock, Checkaak (yellow magnolia), Manori and orchids.

Population

About 3.3 million people live on the island.

Bali is a Hindu society living in the territory muslim country and constantly contacting foreigners. All this is only heating interest in local customs. The Balians themselves are very proud of their traditions and usually strictly follow the code of behavior. Tourists, when visiting the island, this should be taken as proper and adapt to local customs. Balinese exclusively friendly people. Despite the abundance of tourists, the attitude towards them does not deteriorate, unlike most popular resorts.

Religion

Most Balinese (93.93% of the population) professes the type of Hinduism, which is called "Agama Hinda Dharma." About 5% of the population - Muslims. They live mainly in Denpasar, Sinagarage and small coastal towns. Christians and Buddhists are small - these are the Chinese and the indigenous population.

Culture and National Entry

The richest sensual culture of the local population is expressed in their craft work. The island is famous for the traditional wooden sculpture made in archaic, pagan and Hindu traditions, and Balinese painting is different.

The cult fishery of the Balinese is the painting on batik - silk or cotton fabric. A traditional pattern, having a symbolic meaning, has a symbolic meaning. From batik sew festive and casual wear.

One of the most unique spectacles - Balinese dances with many performers in national costumes. These are theatrical ideas, the general meaning of which is based on the eternal struggle of "good and evil". The most majestic and popular of them are a massive dance "Prishk" ( Kecak) and dance " Barong-Kris.». « Kechak»Dance at sunset at the Temple Uluwatu about 150 performers illustrating the episode from the epic Ramayana, where a group of monkeys, under the leadership Hanoman., trying to save the stolen Dewi Shinta. From claws Giant Rahwana.. The peeper is a unique spectacle in which the dancers create a background, and the main action is the romantic history of two sites in love and frames.

More like drama, dance " Barong-Kris."Represents a mystical animal similar to a lion fighting with an evil sorcerer Rangda..

Dynamic dances, music, colorful costumes, sacred ceremonies and unique in their beauty mystical temples enter the infinite sequence of rituals and religious beliefs that determine the image and meaning of the life of Balians.

Transport

The central and most important transport hub on the island is Ngurah Rai Airport. This is a modern and well-equipped airport located 3 km from Cute, 15 km from Nosa Dua and 12 km from Sanur. It serves 50 taxis.

The most convenient and inexpensive type of transport on the island is Bemo, small minibuses.

The most common transport among the local population is a moped or scooter.

Tourism

After recognition of independence, tourism was quite poorly developed, and the infrastructure was in the infancy. Even during the times of Hippie, which flocked here from all over the world, there were only small bungalows without electricity on the beaches of Cute, cheap rooms without amenities and seaside dishes for several cents. Nevertheless, in Sanur, the tour operators have already mastered tourism for the rich. The Government of Indonesia, whose economy was very dependent on the export of oil, it was necessary to find other sources of income, and it was very promoted by the development of the tourism industry.

At first, these efforts were aimed at changing the entire world community an unsightly image that has strengthened behind the ruling Top of Indonesia after a military coup.

Professional analysis of the situation at Bali and the tourism development plan was made in a year. The project was financed by the UN under the guarantee of the World Bank. Special emphasis was made to the Buchet Badung area. In 1978, the Balinese Governor of Ida Bagus Mantra proposed stakeholders to pay attention to the richest culture of the island. Since that time, music, dancing, religious holidays, sculpture and painting play the same role in the tourist business, as well as continuous improvement of infrastructure. The airport is reconstructed, luxury and modest hotels are being built. cheap hotelsTo cover the entire social spectrum of travel lovers. Rice fields are dried and water pipes are built in the most arid areas. Elite tourism came to replace it. Now the world famous stars come to Sanur at the marriage ceremony, and European ministers spend their holidays in the Mediterranean Club in Nusa-Dua.

Literature

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