Bali is a paradise island in Indonesia that is surrounded by a couple of smaller neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The island of Bali is a popular holiday destination to the point that you would forget it is part of Indonesia.
Bali offers accommodations for budget travelers to luxury travelers that are looking for 5-star resorts. The island also has all the tourist attractions you expect ranging from wonderful beaches, mountain biking, waterfalls, scuba diving, water sports, jungle trekking, and much more.
In this post, we will go through fun facts about Bali. So let’s get started!
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Important Facts About Bali
There are fun facts about Bali that center around some unusual laws and little quirks. Either way, they are nice to know if you are visiting Bali so as not to offend anyone.
Here is a list of important facts about Bali.
Black Sand Beach
Many people think that Bali is on white pristine sandy beaches but in fact, it is also home to beautiful black sand beaches. It is the active volcanoes on the island that has caused the rocks and sand to turn black.
Be aware of the black sand because it absorbs heat and makes it hard on the feet.
Active Volcano On The Island
Indonesia is considered a ring of fire with numerous active volcanoes scattered in the country including in Bali. Mounts Agung and Batur are the two volcanoes on the island and these mountains are far from dormant.
The occasional eruption is still present. Mount Agung is reported to have increased volcanic activity a few years ago and thousands of people have to be evacuated from their homes.
Only 210 Days In A Year
The Bali calendar has only 210 days! According to this calendar, each year is divided into six months and one month has 35 days. It is called the Pawukon Calendar.
Rice Field Is More Than Just Rice Field
The iconic rice field terraces are more than just an Instagrammable photo spot. The rice fields represent the spiritual and social culture for centuries. First developed in the 9th century, the rice field was made in terraces as part of the irrigation system that delivers water from groundwater sources through the system of canals.
The perfect model of eco-farming and self-sustaining, the rice fields, also called subak in Balinese, are even recognized by UNESCO.
The Island Depends On Tourism
Bali is a popular holiday destination for people around the world, so it is no wonder that almost 80 percent of the economy depends on tourism. The island would not have become what it is right now without a consistent stream of tourism.
From resorts, hotels, leisure activities, and restaurants, the local people simply depend on making their living from tourists who visit the island.
There Are Dolphins In Bali
Yes, there are dolphins in Bali, but you have to make sure to get up really early to see them because dolphins simply do not sleep in. Lovina Beach is the place to see dolphins and there are many tours that offer a trip to see them as well as enjoy the sunrise from the boat.
Beware Of Monkeys
Monkeys are everywhere even outside Monkey Forest. So, you need to be extra careful with those cheeky critters before they stole your hat, food, sunglasses, camera, and the like.
Make sure not to attract their attention with any shiny things or they might go missing.
Ubud Is Vegan-Friendly
The less touristy region in Bali is the heaven of wellness including yoga retreats and vegan-friendly restaurants. You can find raw food and vegan-friendly and vegetarian restaurants in Ubud.
Well, you do not have to be vegetarian to try it because the foods are just so good.
Is Bali Mostly Hindu Or Muslim?
Bali is predominantly Hindu. The majority of the population in Bali follows Balinese Hinduism, which is a unique blend of Hinduism, animism, and ancestral worship. Hindu temples, shrines, and rituals are an integral part of Balinese culture and daily life.
However, it’s important to note that Indonesia, as a whole, has the largest Muslim population in the world. While Bali stands out as the exception, the rest of Indonesia, including the neighboring islands, is predominantly Muslim. Islam is the official religion of Indonesia, and it has a significant influence on the country’s social, cultural, and political landscape.
In Bali, you will find a strong presence of Hindu traditions, rituals, and ceremonies, which contribute to the island’s distinct cultural identity. Visitors to Bali often have the opportunity to witness and participate in Hindu religious festivals and temple ceremonies, offering a unique cultural experience.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Bali is a fun place to visit but it does have a few rules and quirks you should be aware of as not to get into any bother while in Bali. Most of them are nothing new other than cheeky monkeys and Bali quirky facts.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the important facts about Bali has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you have any facts you would like to share.