Bali is a well known tourism destination, with regular visitors from around the world.

Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth.

Bali has world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural and historical attractions, a very large range of accommodations, and is one of the world’s most popular island destinations.

With such a varied range of activities and locations, Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the affluent travelers.

Balinese culture
Unlike the rest of mostly Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture. Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion, and the most visible signs are the tiny offerings (canang sari, or sesajen) found in every Balinese house, work place and restaurant.

These leaf trays are made daily and can contain an enormous range of offering items. They are set out with burning incense sticks and sprinkled with holy water no less than three times a day, before every meal.

Balinese Hinduism diverged from the mainstream well over 500 years ago and is quite radically different from what you would see in India.

Major Balinese cities
We can visit all of these cities in our tours of the island. Let me know what you are interested in, and I will suggest a customised Bali tour based on your interests.
Denpasar — Bali’s capital city, Denpasar is the administrative centre and transport hub of the island but not a major tourist destination.
Candidasa — a quiet coastal town, the Bali Aga and gateway to the east coast
Kuta — surfer central, by far the most heavily developed area in Bali. Lots of shopping and night-life and the centre of lower-end party culture on Bali
Jimbaran — sea-side resorts, a nice sheltered beach and seafood restaurants south of Kuta
Legian — located between Kuta and Seminyak; also the name of Kuta´s main street
Lovina — beautiful black volcanic sand beaches and coral reefs
Padang Bai — a relaxed traditional fishing village with some touristic options. Great place to enjoy the beach, snorkelling, diving and eating fish.
Sanur — sea-side resorts and beaches popular with older families
Seminyak — quieter, more upscale beachside resorts and villas just to the north of Legian, with some fashionable upscale restaurants and trendy designer bars and dance clubs
Ubud — the centre of art and dance in the foothills, with several museums, the monkey forest and lots of arts and crafts shops

History of Bali

The first Hindus arrived in Bali as early as 100 BC, but the unique culture which is so apparent to any current day visitor to Bali hails largely from neighbouring Java, with some influence from Bali’s distant animist past. The Javanese Majapahit Empire’s rule over Bali became complete in the 14th century when Gajah Mada, Prime Minister of the Javanese king, defeated the Balinese king at Bedulu.

With the rise of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago, the Majapahit Empire in Java fell and Bali became independent near the turn of the 16th century. The Javanese aristocracy found refuge in Bali, bringing an even stronger influx of Hindu arts, literature and religion.

Bali became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1945. In 1965, after the failed coup d’etat which was allegedly backed by the Communist Party (PKI), state-instigated, anti-communist violence spread across Indonesia.

I have a wealth of information about Palau Bali which I enjoy sharing with my guests. I hope to be able to explain more about Bali with you very soon.

Please read about my Half day Bali tours, Full day Bali tours and learn more about me and how I can assist you in exploring my island.

Please use my contact page, I look forward to discussing your Bali tour or Bali driving requirements.