Welcome to Bali Island
Bali, Island of the Gods has been enchanting visitor for centuries with its rich cultural traditions and spectacular panoramas. The strong cultural identity of Bali is based on a combination of closely related elements such as the unique religion, the language, the castes, the community life, the land cultivation and the expression of its art. Of the four castes, Brahmana, Satria and Wesia represent 10% of the population whereas the Sudras (the farmers and craftsmen) represent the great majority. The caste system, still very much alive today, regulates, apart from their religious power, the different levels of the Balinese language.

Island of the Gods, mystery, beauty, enchantment and serenity: Everyone would fall under the irresistible spell of Bali. Its fabulous rice fields and terraces, volcanoes, lakes, temples and its deeply spiritual and artistic roots make it one of the most visited places in the world, deserving its reputation of "Paradise on Earth".

Bali Island
8° south of the equator, Bali has a tropical climate that is hot all year. The average temperature hovers around 30°C (mid-80s°F) year-round, but the humidity can make the heat feel very oppressive. There are dry and wet seasons - dry season normally started from April to October and Wet one from October to March - but it can be rain at any time of the year and even during the dry season rain is likely to pass quickly. In general, the best months to visit Bali are from April to September, when humidity is lower and the rain is light and infrequent.

The population is almost entirely Indonesian, 95% of them are Balinese Hindu. The average Balinese who deals with tourists is usually conversant with one of the Balinese dialects as well as Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia) and of course English.

Bali Time
Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Beliefs
Reaching peace and harmony, balancing spiritual and material is the aim in life. The beliefs of the Balinese are living force that pervade the island and reverberate outside it. The island sings of love, the love that spends an hour making an offering of woven palm leaves and flashing flowers, the love that finds the time everyday to think of the "other world", of giving something to the gods, of lighting a stick of incense, of sprinkling holy water, of whispering a mantra as the hands make gentle, sacred movement, of processions incredible in their splendor, of offerings amazing in their intricacy or surprisingly simple in their humility, of loving work and love bestowed on children a life of love, given freely to everyone in a smile or a wave as you pass by.

Currency
The unit of currency in Bali is the rupiah. Cash and travelers cheques are very easy to exchange in the major centers. Moneychangers are very competitive, but are warned to check your transaction as some operators can leave you shortchanged.

Visas
Visitors from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe don't need a visa to enter Indonesia provided you have a ticket out of the country and your passport has at least six months validity. At the time of arrival, you will be issued a tourist card that is valid for a 60-day stay. Keep the card with your passport, as you'll have to hand it back when you leave the country. It is not possible to get an extension on a tourist visa, unless there is a medical emergency or you have to answer legal charges. There are visas, particularly a business visitor's visa, which may be valid for a longer period. The immigration office is in Denpasar. If you have to visit this office, make sure you wear your most respectable clothes.

Telecommunications
The telecommunications system has improved vastly in recent years. Telephone offices (wartels) are easily found. Local, long distance and international calls can be made from these offices. Internet cafes are in abundance. Mobile phone coverage is good and SMS is cheap. Some emergency phone numbers!!

Restaurants
There is a multitude of restaurants specializing in many cuisines. Indonesian food is common and available all across the island. If there is a particular type of food you enjoy, you are sure to find here in Bali. Beer drinkers will feel right at home in Bali. The local Bintang beer is extremely popular and cheap!!

Balinese fruit is a real treat. The variety and quality is extraordinary. It is plentiful and quite cheap. Some local varieties to try include Rambutan, Mangosteen, Salak, Nangka and Durian (smells strong, tastes wonderful).

Shopping
Bali is famous for it's woodcarving and sculptures; silver and gold jewelry, woven clothe, sarongs, traditional and realist paintings, bone and coconut shell carvings, antiques, basket wares and masks. More recently garment manufacture has increased and excellent designer garments are available cheaply. Tailoring is cheap and quick. Except in fixed-price stores & restaurants, shopping is done by bargaining, the national sport. Only one rule, both buyer and seller should end up satisfied, and not lose face! It can be fun.