Bali Overview

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago is one of the 27 provinces of Indonesia. The island is the perfect holiday destination for all ages and offers something for everyone. It has a wonderful blend of modern tourist facilities combined with excellent shopping opportunities and a rich heritage. A unique aspect of Bali is its Hindu culture that is still preserved to this day and is reflected in day-to-day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces.

If you are a surfing enthusiast Bali is definitely the place for you as some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island. Conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas with little more than a ripple breaking the calm surface of the water.

A shopper's paradise Bali is well known for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artefacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags to tailor made leather jackets, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so low, that you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store.

For those that enjoy water related activities, Bali has world-class scuba diving, snorkelling and day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and diving. Enjoy a romantic moonlit dinner and watch a spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. If you want to dance the night away Bali certainly knows how to party and nightclubs are scattered everywhere.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquillity of Ubud high in the hills where the scenery is nothing less than spectacular and where one can discover all sorts of cultural treasures as this is the 'art capital' of Bali and maybe even of Indonesia. Jungle, picturesque hillsides, rice terraces and the magnificence of Kintamani Volcano are also waiting to be discovered.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience golf in the mountains or going for a paddle or white-water rafting down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling through scenery you will never forget and trek through the jungles on foot to discover a side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali is a truly international destination, offering every standard of accommodation ranging from modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens to exclusive, sophisticated hotels in either the jungles or along open stretches of beach or hidden in small bays. It's a perfect holiday choice for both the young and the old and certainly has something for everyone.

CLIMATE

Bali has a tropical climate all year. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. There are dry and wet seasons - dry from April to September and wet from October to March - but it can rain at any time of year and even during the wet season, rain is likely to pass quickly. In general May to August are the best months in Bali. At that time of year the climate is likely to be cooler and the rains lightest.

Around the coast, sea breezes cool the heat coming off the land and as you move inland you also move up so the altitude works to keep things cool. It can get very chilly in the highlands and a warm sweater is a good idea in mountain villages like Kintamani or Bedugul.