Geographically,Bali is situated between the islands of Java and Lombok.Bali is small stretching approximately 140 km from east to west, and 80 km from north to south.the tallest of string of volcanic mountains that run from the east to the west is Gunung Agung which last erupted in 1963.
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma,which, although originally from India,Javanese,and ancient indigenous beliefs; it is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.Naturally creative,the Balinese have traditionally used their tallents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics.
The majority of Bali's 4,000,000 people live for the most part,in tight village communities with large extended families.The largest town are Denpasar(the capital) and Singaraja in the north.The main tourist area stretches from Kuta to Seminyak.Kuta become a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70's because of it famous white- sandbeaches the surf,and stunning sunsets.
Today, the Kuta to seminyak stretch is a major tourist destination,with hundreds of hotels,bars,restaurants,and shops.Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa on the east coast or Lovina in the north Bali.Nusa Dua on the southerm most peninsula of the island,houses many five-star hotels.The central village ubud in the hilly region of gianyar,has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of Bali.
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma,which, although originally from India,Javanese,and ancient indigenous beliefs; it is very different from the Hinduism practiced in India today.Naturally creative,the Balinese have traditionally used their tallents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics.
Today, the Kuta to seminyak stretch is a major tourist destination,with hundreds of hotels,bars,restaurants,and shops.Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa on the east coast or Lovina in the north Bali.Nusa Dua on the southerm most peninsula of the island,houses many five-star hotels.The central village ubud in the hilly region of gianyar,has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of Bali.
