With the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist spots in Asia, Bali annually attracts almost 1,000,000 visitors from around the world.
Geographically, Bali is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok.
Bali is small, stretching approximately 140 km from east to west, and 80 km from north to south. The tallest of a string of volcanic mountains that run from the east to the west is Gunung Agung, which last erupted in 1963. Located just 8o south of the Equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons (wet and dry) a year with an average temperature of around 28oC.
The wide and gently sloping southern regions play host to Bali’s famed rice terraces, which are among some of the most spectacular in the world. In the hilly, northern coastal regions, the main produce is coffee, copra, spices, vegetables, cattle and rice.
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which, although originally from India, comprises of a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs; It is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.
Naturally creative, the Balinese have traditionally used their talents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics.
