Page 32 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Bali Overview

ali is home to over 4,000,000 people over
90% of whom are Hindu. The Balinese
Bway of life has been inspired by numerous How to Get There
cultures including Indian, Chinese, Hindu and AIRPORT
Buddhist. This rich mix can be traced back Many fights from all
through Balinese history to when the Javanese over the world fly to Bali
Hindu Majapahit Empire, of which Bali became Bali’s main airport, Ngurah Rai regularly
a colony in 1365, declined in the 15 Century International Airport (also known Fly To Bali
th
as Denpasar International Airport
resulting in an exodus of some of the most well - DPS) is situated 13km south of Airport: Ngurah Rai
regarded intellectuals, artists, musicians and Denpasar, approximately a one- International Airport
religious heads from Java to Bali. hour drive from both Sanur and
Kuta depending on traffic. Most Boat Transfer:
major international airlines and - From Banyuwangi East
Java to Ketapang, Bali
almost all Indonesian domestic Ferry transfer takes about
airlines fly into Ngurah Rai on a 30-45 minutes
daily basis.
Balinese Hinduism stems from both the many Balinese dances which are - Two hour fastboat transfer
Indian Hinduism and Buddhism and definitely a sight worth watching - swirling from Gili Trawangan in
provides for a complete belief system colors, rhythmic sounds and limitless Lombok to Padang Bai
incorporating philosophy, mythology, energy! The most famous Balinese dances Harbor, Bali
theology, animism, ancestor worship and are the ‘Kecak’ and the ‘Legong’ dances of
even magic. It forms part of everyday life which there are displays throughout the
from making numerous daily offerings to year.
dealing with the death of a loved one. For
all major (and most minor) events there Bali is not just famous for its performing N
are ceremonies to be held, procedures arts – painting, sculpting and wood
to be followed and practices to be carving are also traditional crafts for the
carried out – all of which are done with Balinese and example pieces can be seen
incredible attention to detail, enthusiasm (and purchased) all over the island – look
and pride. The prevalent feature of the out for Balinese masks and kites for the
Balinese Hinduism religion is one more colorful creations.
of ‘balance’ – for all good there
must be equal evil and the As Bali is situated just 8 degrees south of
majority of the ceremonies the equator the humidity holds steady at
are based on restoring 75% and the temperature is always warm
and maintaining – mean temperature being 27.2 degrees
this balance. The Celcius. These climatic conditions make
legendary stories of Bali an ideal place for growing rice, fruit
good versus evil are and vegetables and coffee. Bali’s wettest
often displayed at months are from November to March and
their best through the dry season runs from April to October. 1. Anchor Wreck - Kapal Budak 5. Pos 2 9. Peti
2. Garden Eel 6. Bat Cave 10. PemuteranReef
3. Pos 1 7. Temple Point 11. Secret Bay
4. Buoy 8. Coral Garden 12. PJ (Puri Jati)

60 Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory Wonderful Indonesia Diving and Snorkeling Directory 61