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Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands, offers an incredible variety of landscapes and cultures. Among these gems, the enchanting island of Bali stands out, known as the "Island of the Gods."
My first visit to Bali was in 1989, and since then, I have returned four more times, discovering charming places, meeting lovely people, exploring new diving sites, and witnessing firsthand the changes on the island: the increasingly chaotic and intense traffic and the evident "modernization" of its inhabitants. I have an indelible memory of the Balinese, especially the women, who in 1989 always wore beautiful traditional dresses, whereas today, these are reserved for ceremonies. A piece of my heart is tied to this incredible island and its people; it captivates travelers with its natural beauty, rich culture, breathtaking beaches, craftsmanship, captivating dances, and ancient temples.
What makes the island's visit unique is the incredible hospitality of its people. Balinese are known for their kindness, infectious smiles, and warm welcome to visitors. Wayan, our guide and driver since our second trip, has become a friend and a reference point for my family and many friends we've recommended him to. During our last visit, his wife even insisted that my wife, Anna, assist her in a clinic in the hours leading up to the birth of their latest child!
Bali is a paradise to explore, where the beauty of nature merges with spirituality and millennia-old culture.
Bali's population is 90% Hindu, with the remaining 10% divided among Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. This deep-rooted spirituality is reflected in the numerous temples, called "Pura" in the local language, sacred places of worship. Each temple is dedicated to a specific god or multiple deities, creating a spiritual mosaic reflecting the complexity of Balinese mythology. While most temples draw inspiration from Hindu beliefs, Buddhist influences are also common.
The Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, provides a stunning sunset spectacle and hosts traditional Kecak dance performances. Tanah Lot Temple is another architectural gem situated on a rock that becomes an island during high tide, creating a magical atmosphere. Besakih Temple, known as the "Mother of All Temples," is the largest and holiest on the island, surrounded by the spectacular mountain backdrop of Mount Agung. Bali's temples stand out for their intricate architecture and elaborate design.
Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods," sees its temples as bridges between the human and divine worlds. Spirituality is an integral part of daily life, with Balinese dedicating significant time to religious practices. Temple ceremonies are vibrant displays of colors, music, and traditional dances, involving the community in collective faith celebrations. The Balinese calendar is filled with festivities and rituals linked to lunar and agricultural cycles. Key celebrations include "Galungan," marking the triumph of good over evil, and "Nyepi," the Balinese New Year, characterized by a day of silence and reflection. Temples become central to ritual activities during these occasions, attracting devotees with offerings from all corners of the island.
Balinese dances are deeply rooted in the island's culture and spirituality, offering a unique visual and auditory experience. They are not mere choreographic performances but celebrations of art, tradition, and spirituality shaping daily life. With a long history evolving over centuries, these dances are influenced by myths, legends, and religious rites. Many of them are linked to the Hindu religious ceremonies that regularly take place on the island. Dance is considered a form of prayer, a way to honor the gods and connect with the divine. There are several forms of Balinese dance, each with its own unique meaning and style. The most famous are the Legong, the Barong, the Kecak and the Kebyar. The Legong is a traditional dance performed by young girls, characterized by graceful movements and elaborate costumes. The Barong is a narrative dance that represents the struggle between good and evil, starring the Barong, a mythical creature, which symbolizes good.
The Kecak is a choral dance in which participants use the rhythm of their voices to create a unique and engaging soundtrack. Finally, the Kebyar is an energetic and dynamic dance that showcases the virtuosity of the dancers. The elaborate costumes, richly decorated with intricate details, vibrant colors, and traditional ornaments, are integral to the beauty of this art form. Dance movements are equally intricate, studied meticulously, with each gesture, facial expression, and step holding precise significance often linked to local myths and legends.
Bali is also a vibrant artistic hub, with lively streets featuring art galleries, colorful markets, and talented artisans. Visitors can immerse themselves in Balinese artistic traditions by exploring Mas village, known for its wood sculptures, or Celuk city, famous for its silver works.
Bali's craftsmanship is a vibrant expression of local artists' creativity, passed down through generations. Ubud, the cultural heart of the island, is renowned for its shops and workshops representing all facets of the island's cultural crafts.
Batik is a textile art form where fabric is hand-painted or colored using wax to create designs and patterns. Colorful and elaborate batik fabrics depict scenes of daily life, animals, myths, and spiritual symbols. These fabrics are often used to create paintings, traditional clothing, accessories and home decor items.
Silver plays a fundamental role in jewelry creation. Balinese silversmiths are renowned for their expertise in weaving silver threads and carving intricate details. Balinese jewelry often features motifs inspired by nature and spirituality, such as lotus flowers, mythical creatures, and religious symbols.
Rattan, a type of palm, is widely used to create furniture, baskets, and decorative items. Rattan furniture is popular for its durability and naturally appealing appearance.
Bali's ceramic tradition is rich in colors and unique designs. Local artisans skillfully shape clay to create vases, plates, sculptures, and decorative objects. Balinese ceramics typically feature vibrant colors and patterns inspired by nature and local culture.
Cuisine in Bali is an explosion of unique flavors and aromas. Notable dishes include the famous Babi Guling (roast pig) and Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck). Restaurants offer a wide selection of delicious dishes, while local markets allow visitors to taste authentic Balinese specialties.
Regarding climate, average minimum temperatures never drop below 22-23°C, while maximum temperatures hover just above 30°C. Variations throughout the year are minimal, with slightly higher temperatures generally observed between October and March, with peaks reaching 40°C.
Due to its tropical climate, the island experiences only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The latter occurs from November to March, with abundant rainfall, especially in January, making the heat slightly more humid and less pleasant.
Bali boasts lush nature and a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Bali Barat National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, abundant in flora and fauna. Mount Batur offers a spectacular panoramic view and unforgettable hiking opportunities. Tegallalang's terraced rice fields, with intricate geometric patterns, are an agricultural masterpiece reflecting the skill of local farmers.
The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a dense jungle inhabited by sacred monkeys, with paths leading to spectacular waterfalls.
Bali's beaches are renowned worldwide for their pristine beauty. Among the most famous is Kuta Beach, a vast stretch of white sand attracting surfers from around the world. Seminyak, with its picturesque beaches, is also known for its lively nightlife and upscale beachfront restaurants.
One of the most famous sites is Tulamben, in the northeast part of the island, known for the Liberty Wreck, a World War II relic that now serves as home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, including Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, batfish, and frogfish. The island of Menjangan, in the Bali Barat National Park in the north, is another must-visit destination. . Its crystal-clear waters and colorful corals make it a paradise for underwater photography enthusiasts. Stunning gorgonian walls and various species of clownfish with their vibrant anemones take center stage in unforgettable dives.
In the western part of the park, Secret Bay stands out as a site with muddy bottoms and poor visibility, but it's a true haven for "muck diving" enthusiasts searching for strange and unusual creatures inhabiting these depths.
However, there is an equally astonishing underwater world to discover beneath the surface of Bali's waters. Diving in Bali offers a unique experience, rich in colors, biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery. The marine biodiversity is astonishing, with divers able to explore coral gardens and vertical walls teeming with marine creatures. The presence of both soft and hard corals, along with a wide range of tropical fish, creates a vibrant and ever-evolving underwater ecosystem. In terms of underwater photography, Bali's dive sites are renowned for the abundance and diversity of microfauna suitable for macro lenses, featuring crustaceans, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses and Ghost pipefish.
Not to be missed, between August and December, is a trip to Nusa Penida, another island just off Bali, where Manta Point guarantees the observation of splendid mantas getting cleaned from parasites. If you visit from August to October, Crystal Bay almost guarantees encounters with enormous mola mola fish being "cleaned" by schools of cleaner fish. Whether for experts or beginners, Bali is truly a paradise for divers!
A journey to Bali is a journey into the heart of Indonesia, embodying beauty and spirituality, with every corner of the island telling a fascinating story. The warm hospitality of its people makes the experience even more unforgettable.
The "Island of the Gods" never disappoints, offering visitors a unique and magical experience.