Bali : Located and How to Get to Bali

photo : freepik.com

Bali is a small island in Indonesia that is popular with tourists. It is located in Asia and may be difficult for Americans to locate on a map because it is on the opposite side of the world from the United States. 

Bali can be challenging to navigate due to its unusual shape and the way its provinces, called regencies, are organized. This map and location guide should help clarify any confusion.

To find Bali on a map, we should first locate Indonesia, as Bali is an island within this country.

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia, which is a part of the continent of Asia. The country is made up of over 17,000 islands and is bordered by Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, as shown in red on the map of Asia.

On the map of Indonesia, we can locate the island of Bali by looking for it in red.

Bali is a relatively small island located to the east of Java, the fifth largest island in Indonesia. In the past, Bali and Java were connected by land.

This is a detailed map of Bali island specifically designed for tourists. It shows the main regions and important locations within the island.

The majority of tourism in Bali is focused on the southern half of the island, particularly in the narrow southern region.

Bali Regencies 

photo : The famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Bali’s Gianyar regency

Bali is divided into eight regencies and one city, called Denpasar. Here is a brief overview of each region in Bali, Indonesia:

- Badung :  The Ngurah Rai International Airport is located near the bottom of the region, in Kuta. Badung is known for popular tourist areas such as Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu. 

- Denpasar : This is the main city of Bali. It includes the relaxed beach town of Sanur, which is known for being a quiet and family-friendly area. 

- Gianyar : This regency is home to Ubud and many popular cultural attractions. 

- Tabanan : This region contains the Jatiluwih rice terraces and Bedugul. 

- Klungkung : This regency is primarily known for Nusa Penida, a small but scenic island off the coast of Bali.

- Bangli : The most famous site in this region is Kintamani and Mount Batur, an active volcano that can be hiked for sunrise. 

- Buleleng : This regency includes Munduk, Singaraja, the West Bali National Park, and most of the north coast of Bali.

- Karangasem : This is a large region with Bali's highest volcano, Mount Agung. It is also known for Sidemen village and the Amed coast. 

- Jembrana : This is the least developed area in Bali. It is mostly covered with mountains and rice terraces.

How To Get To Bali

photo : The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple on a lake is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks

There are several ways to get to Bali:

By air : The main international airport in Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in Denpasar. There are direct flights to Bali from many major cities around the world.

By sea : There are ferry services that operate between Bali and other islands in Indonesia, as well as international connections to neighboring countries such as Australia and Singapore.

Overland : It is also possible to reach Bali by land through the neighboring countries of Indonesia. There are buses and trains available for travel within Indonesia, as well as car rental and self-driving options.

Bali has a modern and efficient airport, which is one of the best in Southeast Asia according to customer satisfaction ratings. In 2016, the Bali airport, also known as the Denpasar International Airport (code: DPS) or Ngurah Rai International Airport, was ranked the third best in the world by the Airport Council International.

The airport served over 24 million passengers in 2019, but it operates efficiently so it does not feel busy. There are direct flights to Bali from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and other locations around the world. Currently, there are no direct flights from the United States to Bali, but American travelers can fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore first and then take a short and inexpensive flight to Bali.

What Is Bali Like?

photo : There are some beautiful beaches in Bali, especially in Uluwatu and Nusa Penida

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.

Bali is the home of the country's largest Hindu population and the largest tourist destination in the world, with a year-round population of approximately 4.3 million people. It is also the largest tourist destination in the world, with a yearly average of 4.3 million visitors.

Bali is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. The island is also famous for its beautiful beaches, temples, and rice terraces.

Bali, located in Southeast Asia, is a tropical island with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The rainy season in Bali occurs from November to April, and the dry season occurs from April to November. Despite the rainy season, it is still possible to visit Bali as the rain typically occurs at night.

In 2019, Bali island attracted more than 6 million visitors, making it the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. While there are many other wonderful islands and places to visit in Indonesia, Bali stands out as the top choice for tourists.

Bali is generally a safe place to visit, with low rates of violent crime and almost no occurrences of murder. However, it is advisable to be mindful of your surroundings when near busy roads with passing motorbikes, as incidents of phone snatching by motorbike riders have been reported. Overall, safety is not a major concern in Bali.

The primary safety risks in Bali and Indonesia are motorbike accidents and natural threats. It is advisable to avoid riding motorbikes unless you have experience driving in Southeast Asia.

Many locals in Bali speak Indonesian and Balinese, but many are also fluent in English. It is not necessary to learn Indonesian to visit Bali, but learning some Bahasa can be a polite and enjoyable way to engage with the local culture.

Traveling in Bali can be done on a budget, with private hotels available for as little as $10 USD and meals at local, family-owned restaurants (called "warungs") costing as little as $1 to $3. Transportation in Bali is typically by motorbike or car, which can be rented, but hiring a driver is often a more convenient and affordable option. The transportation apps Grab and Go-Jek can be useful for getting around Bali.

Things To Do In Bali

photo : Bali has dozens of nice waterfalls to see

Some popular things to do in Bali include:

• Visiting the beaches and participating in water sports such as surfing and snorkeling
• Exploring the island's rich cultural and spiritual heritage through visits to temples, monuments, and traditional villages
• Enjoying the local cuisine, which includes a wide variety of dishes influenced by Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian flavors
• Taking part in outdoor activities such as trekking, biking, and rafting
• Relaxing at one of the island's many spas or yoga retreats
• Going shopping at local markets and boutiques for souvenirs and handmade crafts
• Attending cultural events and festivals, such as the Bali Arts Festival or the Galungan Festival.

Bali caters to travelers of all types, offering a range of activities and attractions to suit every interest. Adventure seekers will find plenty to keep them occupied, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the island's varied landscapes, including waterfalls, jungles, cliffs, volcanoes, and more. Other exciting options for adventure seekers in Bali include rafting, ATV riding, jet skiing, hot air balloon rides, and scenic helicopter flights.

For those who prefer a more laid-back vacation, Bali offers plenty of options for relaxation and leisure. The island has beautiful beaches, markets, temples, and rice terraces to explore, as well as a wide selection of excellent restaurants and massage spots. The local food in Bali is delicious, and there are also many options for Western cuisine.

Bali is home to a diverse array of wildlife, which can be observed at places such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Mason Elephant Park, Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Bali Butterfly Park, Bali Sea Turtle Society, and West Bali National Park. The island is also a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving, with a variety of colorful fish and coral to discover.

In addition to its natural beauty and rich culture, Bali is known for its handmade crafts such as wood carvings, paintings, and rattan bags. The island is also a producer of high-quality coffee beans, spices, oils, lace, ceramics, and silverworks. If you appreciate these things, you are sure to fall in love with Bali and its welcoming people.

Where To Stay In Bali

photo : ayana.com

There are a variety of accommodation options in Bali to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay in Bali include:

- Kuta: This popular tourist destination is known for its bustling nightlife and sandy beaches. It is located in the south of the island and is home to a range of accommodation options, including budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts.

- Seminyak: This trendy neighborhood is located north of Kuta and is known for its high-end shopping and dining. It is home to a number of upscale hotels and villas, as well as some more affordable options.

- Ubud: Located in the central region of the island, Ubud is known for its artistic and cultural atmosphere. It is a good choice for travelers who want to experience the traditional side of Bali and offers a range of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, villas, and homestays.

- Sanur: Located on the southeast coast of the island, Sanur is a more laid-back area known for its wide range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels. It is a good choice for families and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

- Canggu: Located on the west coast of the island, Canggu is a popular spot for surfers and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and bohemian vibes. It offers a range of accommodation options, including budget hostels, mid-range villas, and luxury resorts.

Bali is renowned for its wide range of comfortable accommodation options to suit every budget, from budget-friendly options for backpackers to luxury accommodations for more discerning travelers. 

Tourists often choose to stay in different parts of the island depending on their interests and preferences. The Kuta area is popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Ubud is known for its cultural sights and rice terraces. Canggu is known for its hip cafes, Uluwatu is popular for its beaches and surfing, and the Sanur area is known for its peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

More Bali Travel Tips

photo : The Jakarta Post

• It is advisable to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as the tropical climate can be hot and humid and bugs are prevalent.
• It is important to respect local customs and traditions, including wearing modest clothing when visiting temples and participating in cultural events.
• It is recommended to drink bottled water and to be cautious about eating street food, as hygiene standards may not be the same as in your home country.
• Traffic can be congested in Bali, especially in the more touristy areas, so it is advisable to allow extra time for travel.
• It is a good idea to have a rough itinerary planned in advance, but also to be open to spontaneous experiences and opportunities that may arise.
• It is helpful to have a local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) on hand for small purchases, although many tourist-oriented businesses also accept major credit cards.
• It is advisable to purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect against unexpected expenses or emergencies.

I hope that this map of Bali has helped you to understand the location of the island in the world.

Bali has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the numerous attractions and activities the island has to offer. If you are planning a trip to Bali or any other destination in Indonesia, be sure to consult a comprehensive travel guide for information and tips. 

Keep an eye out for updates on this blog for additional information, photos, and advice.

Source : theworldtravelguy.com