Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all the time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda Rivers, etc. The tourists can refresh their mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route. Those are not enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.
Bali is small island, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.
The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in days to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing. Stone and woodcarvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.
As for recreation, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing - even bungy jumping and white water rafting - await the adventurous here.
Geographically
Bali is volcanically active and extravagantly fertile. Bali has an area of 5620 sq km, measures approximately 140 km by 80 km and is just 8 degrees south of the equator. Mount Agung known as the 'mother mountain' is over 3000 meters. South and north of the central mountains are Bali's fertile agricultural lands. The southern region is a wide, gently sloping area where most of Bali's abundant rice crop is grown. The south-central area is the true rice basket of the Island. The northern coastal strip is narrower, rising more rapidly into the foothills of the central range, but the main export crops, coffee, copra and rice, are grown here. Cattle are also raised in this area.
Climate
Bali has a climate that is tropical 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 temper the heat and as we move inland we also move up so the altitude works to keep things cool. It can get very cool up in the highlands and a warm sweater can be a good idea in mountain villages like Kintamani or Bedugul.
Population
With 2.5 million people, Bali is a very densely populated island. The population is almost all Indonesian, with the usual small Chinese contingent in the big towns, a sprinkling of Indian merchants, plus a number of more or less permanent visitors amongst the Westerners in Bali.
Culture
Each stage of Balinese life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusa Yadnya. They contribute to the rich, varied and active life the average Balinese leads. There are ceremonies for every stage of Balinese life but often the last cremation ceremony is the biggest. A Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried. Of course an auspicious day must be chosen for the cremation and since a big cremation can be very expensive business many less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation and sending their own dead on their way at the same time. Brahmans, however, must be cremated immediately. Apart from being yet another occasion for Balinese noise and confusion it's a fine opportunity to observe the incredible energy the Balinese put into creating real works of art which are totally ephemeral. There are a lot more than a body gets burnt at the cremation. The body is carried from the burial ground (or from the deceased's home if it's an 'immediate' cremation) to the cremation ground in a high, multi-tiered tower made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk, cloth, mirrors, flowers and anything else bright and colorful we can think of. The tower is carried on the shoulders of a group of men, the size of the group depending on the importance of the deceased and hence the size of the tower. The funeral of a former rajah high priest may require hundreds of men to tote the tower.
| Regencies in Bali |  | | 1. | Kabupaten Badung | | 2. | Kabupaten Bangli | | 3. | Kabupaten Buleleng | | 4. | Kabupaten Gianyar | | 5. | Kabupaten Jembrana |
| | 6. | Kabupaten Karangasem | | 7. | Kabupaten Klungkung | | 8. | Kabupaten Tabanan | | 9. | Kotamadya Denpasar |
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| Destinations in Bali | | | 1. | From water sports to bungee jumping, Bali has it all. Unfortunately, no river in Bali is suitable for rafting.
Bali used to be known as surfers’ paradise until the popular beaches like Kuta get too crowded. However, hardcore surfers could get one of the locals to lead them to some hidden breaks not less challenging than Ulu Watu. | | 2. | Bali Barat National Park lies at the western side of Bali and is 77000 ha some 10% of Balis total land area. The park is the last refuge of one of the most endangered birds of the world: the Bali Starling. Bali Barat is mountainous and consists of primary monsoon forest mangrove forest savannah and coral islands. The peninsular Prapat Agung with its extensive web of footpaths is the most accessible part of the park. Here at Tegal Bunder you will find the Bali Starling Recovery Project where the PHPA is trying to reintroduce Bali Starlings. Pulau Menjangan an island north of the mainland part of the park is an excellent place to explore the coral reefs. | | 3. | Built in Desember 8th, 1932, the museum exhibits ancient statues, relics, and ancient texts. | | 4. | Famous for its White Jalak (Leucapsar Rot Childii), a rare species of bird, it is located at the west part of the island and occupies about 77,000 ha of land. Other protected species include wild oxen (Boss Javanisus). | | 5. | Famous for its variety of rare flora, it’s located about 3 km from Beratan Lake. | | 6. | The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight to behold is the Ulun Danu temple which sems to rise out of the lake. Don't let that miss your putt, though. | | 7. | Aside from the golf course, Bedugul also offers good, fun activities at the Lake Bratan. Boats are available for hire. Or if you're into something more active, you can try water skiing or parasailing. For those wishing to take their time in enjoying Bedugul, there are bungalows and a restaurant around. | | 8. | Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and most sacred of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. | | 9. | Dates back to the 11th century, Goa Gajah is believed to have been built as a monastery. Excavations have uncovered a bathing place with six statues of nymphs holding waterspouts. | | 10. | The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake. | | 11. | Once alonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets. | | 12. | Lawah Cave is nine kms from Klungkung it is also famous as Goa Lawah or bat cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a sage nine centuries ago. | | 13. | This little island off Bali’s west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself, including Terima Bay, is worth a visit because of the scenery it offers. | | 14. | | | 15. | A place to visit if you’re into forest sightseeing. You can reach the Forest Park by car, taking a road to Benoa Port from the Ngurah Rai Airport. |
| | 16. | The Nusa Dua beach resort is a part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi. | | 17. | Diving, surfing, swimming, fishing and boating are offered by the managemnet as well as hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, surfing and diving equipments. Situated in Denpasar, western part of Bali. It is accessible by any transportation taking 30 minutes drive from Denpasar. | | 18. | | | 19. | | | 20. | Located between Ubud and Mas, it has been known as the centre of traditional music and dances, as well as woodcarving arts. | | 21. | This Pura is dedicated to the Supreme God Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons, which are prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world. Located at Denpasar. | | 22. | Being situated in the village of Tonja, east Denpasar, Pura Maospahit is easily reachable by car. | | 23. | Built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring and is over 1000 years old. People have been using the temple and its two bathing places for good health and prosperity because of the spring water’s curative powers. | | 24. | Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. The palmlined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean to wards the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a shot distance from Denpasar public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night. | | 25. | One of Bali’s most important sea temples, the sanctuary is built atop a huge rock surrounded by sea. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in beautiful silhouette. | | 26. | Village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders. Here unique rituals offering dances, and gladiator-like battles between youths take place. Tenganan is famous for its "double ikat" woven material called gringseng, which is supposed to protect the wearer with magic powers. | | 27. | Located in Jl. Letkol Wisnu, Denpasar, the museum offers the attraction and the facilities such as historical heritage and ancient collection, nature and cultural visualization, auditorium, library, souvenir shop and cafe. The museum opens from 08.00-12.00 and was built in | | 28. | This ancient village can be accessed from the shores of Kedisan, reachable by a road from Penelokan. People who call themselves "Bali Aga," or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways, inhabit the village. | | 29. | The center of Balinese painting, Ubud’s Museum "Puri Lukisan" has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. Another museum called "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings done both by Indonesia and foreign aritsts who used to live in Bali. | | 30. | The Werdhi Budaya Art Center, finished in 1976, is the largest and most complete cultural center in Indonesia. |
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Other Indonesian tribes like Acehnese, Minangkabau, Javanese, etc also live in many parts here. Each of the mentioned tribes as well as the ethnic groups has its own dialect, religion, beliefs, traditional customs, etc. Arts and cultures make this region, a paradise for social scientists. Among the ancient Indonesian cultures, which can be seen at Samosir Island, are the centuries old tombs of Batak Toba kings and a stone-table with its benches, where the Siallagan chiefs formerly held meetings.
Geographically 
Demography
ndonesia has a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Aside of species of fauna familiar to both Asia and Australia, there are species indigenous to Indonesia. The orang utan apes of Sumatra and Kalimantan, the giant komodo lizards roaming free on the island of Komodo, the one-horned rhinoceros of Java, the wild banteng (oxen), tigers and many other species which are now protected in wildlife reserves.
From approximately 210 millions people, Indonesians consist of 45% Javanese, 14% Sudanese, 7.5% Madurese and 26% other ethnic groups. Natives of the island and immigrants from Asia are living here and were called Indonesian after the independence of Indonesia in 1945.