The Island of Bali
One of the fourteen thousand islands of the Indonesian archipelago is the island of
Bali. It sits exactly twelve time zones away from New York City, approximately
halfway between Singapore on the tip of the South East Asian peninsula and
Darwin on the north western part of Australia. One thing to remember about Bali is
that the island is not too big. It is about one hundred miles from North to South, and
one hundred miles from West to East. The sun rises at six am and sets at six pm
most of the year. The temperature variation is very small and Bali does not have
four seasons but has only wet season, typically from September to February and a
dry season for the other half of the year. However the difference is marginal.
At the
peak of the wet season you will see about a half hour to an hour serious downpour
in the afternoon about perfect for a siesta. The rest of the time Nice, warm
temperature, especially with a twist of sea-breeze in the beaches of Kuta or Nusa
Dua. The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it. 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.
Only a stone thrown away from the
beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.
Contrary to popular beliefs spread by travel guidebooks, not all of night life
activities in Bali are the result of foreign tourists. Two spectacular night time
activities that are on the opposite end of a spectrum are distantly Balinese The
Kecak Dance and Wayang Kulit or Shadow Puppet. It is a shoppers paradise
particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts,
antiques and artefacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with
everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at
unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, youre sure to need more
room in your suitcase. Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta or fixed price
shopping at a Denpasar department store.
Bali has it all. The perfect
holiday destination for all ages offers something
for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique
blend of modern tourist facilities combined
with wonderful shopping and a rich past and
heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having
preserved their unique Hindu culture against
the advance of Islam, the dominant religion
throughout Indonesia.
