Dec 08 2008
Information: Bali Overview, The Geography, Culture and More
Overview
With a unique bali culture, landscape of rice paddies and a sumptuous warm and hospitable people, Bali annually attracts more than one million visitors. The tourist boom of the last thirty years has not diverted from their Balinese culture and religion.
Geography
Bali is one of the smaller islands of the archipelago but has a large geographical diversity through its volcanoes and mountains. Amounting to more than 3100 meters, Mount Agung is the culmination of the island. Mount Bautur (1717 m) meanwhile is still active caldera and offers a magnificent view over the lake of the same name. The inland is dominated by mountains and volcanoes with many rice terraces.
The coasts are beautiful white sand beaches or volcanic with a Wednesday offering frequently troubled some famous surf spots but also many dive sites with seabed rich in fish and corals.
Climate
Bali has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Near the coast, the temperature ranges from 27 ° C (dry season) to 32 degrees C (rainy season). In the mountains, it is around 20 to 25 degrees C, depending on altitude. The dry season runs from March to October and the rainy season from November to April with rainfall more pronounced from December to February. There may be rain even in dry season but short-lived and essentially end of the day.
Religion
The Balinese are predominantly Hindus with ancient animist traditions still very much alive. Very close to nature, they spend considerable time with offerings and prayers dedicated to the gods and other deities. We can see a multitude of altars placed near a tree, a river or the intersection of a crossroads to appease evil spirits. The temples, they are innumerable since each house has one. The most important are those of Besakih, to Uluwatu and Tanah Lot yet.
The ceremonies, rituals and festivals punctuate the Balinese everyday life. Each Balinese through various rites of passage as the image of the teeth, marriage and cremation which gives rise to beautiful processions.
Economy
Bali lived mainly on rice cultivation until the mid-twentieth century, when the government encouraged the diversification of production of export goods like coffee, vanilla, tobacco or cloves. Marine resources have been exploited and fishing is an activity reserved for the poor. The island has not seen any real industrialization except in the South where there are few small textile and furniture. The craft is also a dynamic and mainly for tourists and export. But for some thirty years, tourism represents a large part of the Balinese economy with nearly two thirds of the island.
Culture
The art, like painting or music, was once only for personal use profane. Many Western artists who frequented the island at the beginning of the century have played a decisive role in the development of Balinese art. Among the most influential visitors, we can mention Walter Spies, German painter and musician of the 30s or the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet.
To do and see
The focus of a visit to Bali is to discover the rich culture and still very much alive. The ceremonies and other religious festivals are very common and Balinese spontaneously invite foreigners to attend. However, it is preferable to leave the tourist centers to find more authenticity. Among the most visited temples are Besakih, Ulawutu, Tanah Lot, Taman Ayun in Mengwi or bratan the temple. Other historical sites are also worth a visit as the bas-reliefs of Yeh Pulu or cubicles Gunung Kawi. Finally, dance, music and even puppets are essential for those who like refinement.
The landscapes are also of great beauty with sumptuous rice terraces and volcanoes as impressive or Agung Batur. The beaches are idyllic but are not very pleasant, Kuta and Nusa Dua are among the most beautiful. Most other beaches are composed of volcanic sand (gray) and swimming is sometimes dangerous.
The activities that can be practiced in Bali are many. Beautiful diving sites are available, including diving surface. The most famous are those of Tulamben, the small island of Menjongan or Lembongan Island. Surfing is a common practice in Bali with some surf spots most visited Indonesia. Kuta beach is ideal for beginners while spots Peninsula Bukh are reserved for more experiments. You can also practice rafting and a host of other water sports (jet-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, etc). And of course, the resorts offer all possible activities such as golf, tennis …
The hike is an ideal way to discover the beautiful landscapes of the island and get in touch with the Balinese. The region of Ubud offers beautiful walks and for the athletes, the ascent of Mount Batur and Mount Agung reserve sumptuous views on Bali and nearby islands.
Finally, Bali is increasingly known for shopping and crafts. There is a wide selection of items (paintings, jewelry, sculptures, batiks, clothing, etc.).
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