The Balinese and their island

For many visitors, this small island in the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise, a dream come true. It captivates with its diverse landscape and its lush vegetation, which offers everything from beautiful sandy beaches to coral reefs, carefully terraced rice fields to impressive volcano mountaintops. But Bali is also the island of rituals and festivities, where the religion is the essence of existence. Gods and demons are an important part in the life of every Balinese. The islanders are proud of their traditions and enjoy sharing them with visitors from abroad. 

The Balinese are very warm-hearted and generous people. Visitors are fascinated by their happiness, the calm charisma and serenity. There is hardly anywhere else in the world where the mysticism is more therapeutic for both the body and soul. 

Despite its popularity, Bali has largely remained true to itself. The people have found a healthy balance between tourism, which is the number one source of income, and their traditional daily lives. This balance is perceptible; guests can indulge themselves, are able to leave everyday hustles behind and just enjoy.

As in every other paradise, Bali does have its darker side. Unfortunately, the island has not been untroubled by terrorism with the the Kuta bombing of October 2002 claiming the lives of foreign tourists. This tragic event left its mark on the island. Whilst nowhere in the world it is absolutely safe, the latest numbers of visitors arriving from abroad have shown that people have regained their confidence in Bali as a magnificent holiday destination.

Bali facts & figures

Bali measures 140 km from north to south and 80 km from east to west. There are about 3.2 million Balinese living on the island of whom approx. 98% are Hindu. 

The highest volcano, the holy Mount Agung, reaches 3142 metres into the sky.