Bold and hypnotic at the same time, Bali is so rich in images that one imagines that the brush of a divine power has been painted with its most striking colors. Exotic colors, of those found only in photographs from distant places, unrealistic images that captivate the look and shudder of the soul, people modest but colorful, endless rice fields between giant hills and volcanoes that are lost in the clouds and tropics, but also immense beaches lying in the warm waters of the Indian.
Geographically, Bali of Indonesia is located between Jawa, west and Lombok, in the east. It is one of the 33 provinces of the country and its capital, Denpasar, is located to the south of the island.
Calculating that Bali is inhabited since 2000 BC, it is reasonable that the island is full of ancient monuments and of course Hindu cult temples. The many colonies that followed, however, especially from the Danish conquerors that arrived on the island in 1597 and remained there for many centuries, influenced both the civilization and the political situation on the island. The island’s complete independence came after many revolutions of the inhabitants only in 1949. However, the political turmoil in the area lasted only after the end of the Second World War and it succeeded in rebuilding the island and boosting its economy thanks to rapid tourism development. This famous destination with lots of Bali honeymoon resorts is waiting for you to explore it.
The first elements that fascinate the traveler in Bali are its mountains and volcanoes. The highest point on the east of the island, Mount Agung, is home to an active volcano that made its presence visible in March 1963. To the south, the earth descends to form an alluvial plain dotted with shallow rivers that dry out the dry season. This is also the best time to visit the island, since the weather is sunny, the humidity less than ever and the rains that break out from time to time are really rejuvenating. As for the evenings, the air conditioner is really not necessary, since a cool sea breeze almost invades the bamboo windows, typical of Balinese architecture.
Arriving there you can only visit the town of Singharaya, in the northernmost port of the island and its former capital, Denpasar, today’s capital and largest city, as well as the city of Ubud, north of Denpasar, which with its great art market , its museums and galleries, is undoubtedly the cultural center of Bali. For all of this you will need to rent a car or use local transport, because of the many hills on the island there is no train.
You will also be surprised by the countless coral reefs that surround Bali and the beaches, which in the southern part stand out for the white sand, while in the north for the golden sand. The beach of the southeastern town of Padangbai has both sand types. Always visit the Ho River with the small sampan boats, and do not forget to take a stroll along the famous Tanah Lot waterfront.
The must see of Bali also includes his vast rice fields. Three decades ago, the island’s economy relied almost entirely on crops mainly of rice. Of course, tourism has taken the reins, but rice farming remains the Balinese’s main employer. Thus, in the central-south of the island, especially in the Ubud region, the visitor will actually be dazzled by the vast green fields of grapes.
The famous Bali Orchid Garden is truly a surprise. There you will see thousands of orchids in countless varieties, while you will also admire the wild tropical background. Do not forget to buy a flower orchid by returning back.
It is also worth visiting the Le Mayeur Museum, in Sanur, southern Bali. It is a creation of the Belgian artist Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes, who when he was on the island in 1932, fell in love and married beautiful dancer Legong, Ni Polok. They lived in a magnificent home, a real example of the interesting Balinese architecture, where the works and photos of La Mayeur remained and so it was transformed after his death into a museum.
