Where is Bali?

Cascading waterfalls, hideaway huts, jungle swings, and temple gates all depict an exotic island somewhere in Asia, right? This all sounds like everything we have heard about Bali, right? Well, let’s pause for a moment. Where is Bali located? What country is Bali in? Why don’t most Westerners know where Bali is located? Geography may not be our strong suit, but it’s ok, we’ll learn a little today. Additionally, less than half of Americans have a passport to travel to international places like Bali. So, let’s dive a little into Bali’s geographic location, population, language, culture, best things to do, and the best time of year to visit.

Bali is in Indonesia

If you can imagine China and Australia as bread, Indonesia is the meat in a lopsided sandwich. It is a country made up of islands within the Southern Hemisphere of Southeast Asia. So, is Bali in Indonesia? Simply put….Yes, Bali is in Indonesia. 

More specifically, Bali is one of the 17,508 islands in Indonesia, located directly between the islands of Java and Lombok. Only 6,000 of the 17,000 plus islands of Indonesia are inhabited, however, and Bali is one of them. So, about how many people live there?

Check below to see where Bali is located on the map.

Bali location on the world map.

Population of Bali

Did you know, Indonesia is the world’s 4th most populous nation? Staggering, right? Following 1st  China, 2nd India, and 3rd the United States, the statistics for 2020 show Indonesia contains more than 273 million people. Within that figure, Bali houses 4.2 million.  On the road is where you feel it the most.  The south of Bali is where most people live, and it is a little crowded.  But, crowded with Balinese or tourists?  Both.

Language of Bali

Although Balinese is the island’s local language, Indonesian is the country’s national language and most commonly used. “Bahasa” is the Indonesian word for language. So, travelers to Bali may hear references to Bahasa Bali, which is Balinese, or Bahasa Indonesia, which is Indonesian.

However, don’t be afraid that you won’t be able to communicate with anyone in Bali because you don’t speak Indonesian.  English is the largest foreign language spoken in Bali due to tourism.  Although many Indonesians are not fluent in English you will have no problem navigating Bali, or taking tours, as many have learned how to converse with tourists.  Because many of the Indonesians in Bali have learned English from their neighbor to the south, Australia, you may hear words like “arvo” (afternoon), or “brekkie” (breakfast).  Don’t worry, you will pick up on the English nuances “straight away”.

Balinese Culture

Although Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country, Bali is primarily Hindu. Thus, much of its local culture is based on Hindu traditions. One such tradition travelers will see, while in Bali, are daily offerings to spirits, both good and bad. The offerings consist of flowers, food, and incense in shallow baskets. Another cultural tradition is Balinese dance, also based on Hinduism.  Hinduism in Bali has developed differently than the Hinduism of India. For the Balinese, religious rituals are their way of life and part of their culture. That being said, other religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, all coexist peacefully in Bali.

Therefore, many tourists come to Bali for spiritual enlightenment.  However, if that is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other things to do.  So, why do more than 6 million tourists visit Bali each year? What are the best things to do in Bali?

Best Things to Do in Bali

• Beaches
• Rice Terraces
• Volcanoes
• Monkeys
• Surfing
• Temples
• Culture
• Markets and Shopping

Many tourists visit Bali to see its nature, engage in its water sports, experience its culture, and shop its handmade arts and crafts.   Since we’ve already touched on its culture, let’s focus on the ways to connect with its natural beauty as well as where most people like to shop.

Go Surfing or Visit the Beach

Of all the things to do in Bali, surfing is by far one of the most popular. Why? Bali is famous for its surfing and has relatively warm water with both beginner and advanced waves year-round. Don’t worry, you don’t need to bring a surfboard with you.   You can easily rent any size and style of surfboard in Bali.  Renting a board costs, on average, the equivalent of $5.00 an hour, whereas buying one could cost $500. Also, if you have never surfed before don’t worry, there are many people at the beaches, and companies, offering lessons.  However, a word of caution, you can get hurt in this sport.  Huge waves and shallow coral reefs have ruined many a beginner’s day, so be careful.  If surfing is too intense for you, there are still plenty of other activities at the beach.

Coastline strolls, working on your tan, or watching sunrises and sunsets are other relaxing beach rituals. For the more heavily active, snorkeling and diving opportunities abound as Bali has many famous diving and snorkeling locations.

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Visit a Rice Terrace

Did you know Bali has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including a rice terrace?  Although rice terraces have become popular tourist attractions in recent years, they are simply Balinese farms, with the crop being rice. They are quite picturesque, and beautiful, considering many of us are used to seeing flat land farms.  There is no doubt about it; the landscape of a rice terrace is striking.  Some Balinese farms now include activities, similar to how American farms may have corn mazes with hayrides in the fall season.  Whether a rice terrace has activities or not, it makes for a fantastic photo op for your Instagram page.

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Hike Up a Volcano

Nature lovers will love Bali’s hiking options.  In addition to hiking through the jungle past temples and springs, you can hike up one of Bali’s volcanoes.  The two most popular volcanoes are Mt. Batur (inactive) and Mt. Agung (active).  Mt. Agung is the highest point on the island and thus one of the most challenging volcanoes to ascend.  However, remember, Mt. Agung is active.  Even though you can find guides to help you ascend this volcano, it could erupt again at any time.  

Volcano hiking tours typically require waking up extremely early in the morning and leaving by 1 or 2 a.m. to travel to, and hike, the volcano before sunrise. However, the views? Breathtaking.  Seeing the sunrise from atop a volcano is a once in a lifetime experience you shouldn’t miss.  

Visit the Monkey Forest

Travelers can see monkeys in Bali whether they go to the Monkey Forest in Ubud, or not. But, visiting the Monkey Forest is a unique experience, like going to a themed zoo without the caged areas, barrier glass, or half walls. Their home, in the trees, is certainly something to behold.  Remember, though, you are walking around their home, so this can be an interactive experience.  A monkey may decide to make friends, and jump on you.  Be prepared for that.  So, make sure you keep your valuables safe, because your monkey friendship may soon end because your sunglasses get stolen.  However, there are park rangers around, keeping an eye out, ready to handle incidents. 

Eat and Shop

From designer labels, in indoor malls, to handmade goods, in outdoor stalls, the shopping variety in Bali is diverse. The centrally located Ubud Traditional Market sells artisan-made goods such as spices, clothing, bags, jewelry, and souvenirs.  Other popular places, with streets full of shops, are Kuta and Seminyak. Where Kuta’s vibe is a bit more touristy, Seminyak is more upscale and artsy. 

Many of the shops are willing to negotiate.  So, if you want to practice your bargaining skills feel free to try and negotiate a better price.  All your negotiating, though, will no doubt make you hungry and thirsty.

Amongst all the things you can buy, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.  From local street food to upscale, award-winning restaurants, Bali certainly has everything a food lover will enjoy,

Best Time of Year to Visit Bali

So, Bali sounds exotic, right? Island life sure does. In reality, a trip is what you make it. If your purpose is to get away from it all for cheap, October is the start of the low, or slow season and the time when travel prices drop. April through September is high, or busy season when the weather is optimal for outdoor activities. 

For east coast surfing, November to March is the best time to go. For west coast surfing, May to September is ideal. No matter the reason or budget, once-in-a-lifetime experiences can be had.

What Time is it in Bali?

When taking a trip to Bali Indonesia it is important to know the time difference compared to your home country. Knowing this will help you combat jet lag and know what times you will be able to communicate with people on the island.

Bali is GMT +8. In other words Bali is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. GMT is clock time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. However this may not help you if you don’t know what time it is in London compared to where you currently live.

Below is a time converter that will show your time compared to Bali.

World Clock

If you live in the United States, Bali time is 12 hours ahead of EST and 15 hours ahead of PST.

Conclusion

So, you just received a small geography lesson, learned a little about Bali and what makes it special. If you plan a trip to Bali you won’t be disappointed. Bali is certainly an exotic destination you should put on your bucket-list, especially if you love warm weather, amazing beaches, want to surf where the pros surf, love food and shopping, or simply need to escape it all on the other side of the world.

Feel free to reach out to us here at Bali Savvy if you have any questions about Bali.

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