Bali: 10 Interesting Facts About the Island of the Gods

The Island of the Gods - Bali - has been one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for decades (even though it is not among the largest of Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands). And rightfully so. Although Czech Republic visitors face a flight of more than twenty hours with at least one transfer, the Balinese richness is worth it!

1. Something from History

It is believed that the original Balinese people came from Austronesian-speaking migrants. They arrived in Bali thousands of years ago, probably from Taiwan or Southeast Asia. The early settlers are linked to the broader Austronesian migration, which spread maritime, agricultural, and cultural knowledge across the areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans as far as Madagascar and Easter Island.

2. Irrigation System in UNESCO

The ancient Balinese developed the Subak irrigation system, which is a comprehensive community-managed irrigation system recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This system reflects a cooperative and spiritually bound approach to agriculture rooted in Balinese identity long before Hindu influence.

3. Spiritual Life in Bali

Bali is still characterized by a spiritual life with ancestor worship and a strong respect for nature and spirits. Balinese culture is very rich, and the festive calendar is marked by numerous ceremonies. Some of these are local, while others are associated with a specific temple or private family event.

4. Six Major Ceremonies

In Balinese culture, Nyepi Day is "Day of Silence" (purification of the soul) and is celebrated every March. It is equivalent to the New Year for the Balinese lunar calendar and a public holiday in Indonesia. All activities and businesses are halted for the entire day, lights are turned off, and by law, no one is allowed to go out into the streets. On the preceding day, giant demons are burned to purify the Balinese.

Twice a year, a ten-day religious festival called Galungan is celebrated. It marks the creation of the universe and the victory of good over evil. The festival is adorned with tall, decorated bamboo poles lining the streets. The last day is Kuningan, when ancestors leave the Earth until the next Galungan.

Pagerwesi (meaning "iron fence") is a day for people to take time for themselves to strengthen their defense against evil spirits. It is a day of self-reflection and also of prayer for the rest of humanity.

Saraswati is a day dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. On this day, the Goddess provides divine inspiration to the Balinese people.

Odalan is the celebration of a temple anniversary. Balinese celebrate their temple with grand offerings to honor their deities, as well as prayers and music.

Several "Tumpek" festivals occur throughout the year in Balinese culture. Each honors specific deities by offering various items to thank the Gods for a good harvest. "Tumpek Kandang" honors the God of animals and pets. On this day, domestic and farm animals – ducks, pigs, chickens, dogs – may be adorned to honor their benefactor.

5. Cuisine in Bali

The local cuisine is truly a gem for Europeans. Food in Bali is a rich blend of vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. Traditional Balinese dish, babi guling, is a Balinese version of roasted suckling pig. The pig is stuffed with a spice mixture and roasted over an open fire for several hours. Also noteworthy is nasi goreng (fried rice), a simple rice dish consisting of chicken or shrimp and vegetables such as shallots, garlic, carrots, and green beans, accompanied by a fried egg and crackers along with chili sauce. Mie goreng is a fried noodle dish typically made with chicken or shrimp, shallots, garlic, chili, bok choy, and a mix of vegetables. For nasi campur (mixed rice), you can enjoy a scoop of rice with small portions of meat, fish, vegetables, and side dishes.

6. Museums - Artworks and History

Bali Museum is located in Denpasar. It offers an informative view through a wide array of cultural and historical artifacts from around the island. It is housed in four traditional pavilions arranged around a brick complex right in the city's heart. Some of the exhibits include weapons, tools, rare jewelry, Balinese textiles, religious artifacts, traditional costumes, masks, and several artworks.

Modern art gallery Museum Pasifika can be found in Nusa Dua, featuring the largest collection of Asia-Pacific artworks in Asia. It contains hundreds of artifacts by artists who lived in Asia and the Pacific, inspired by this region.

The Batur Geopark Museum tells a story about the volcanic processes that shaped Bali's landscape over millions of years, showcasing an impressive collection of volcanic rocks, fossils, and interactive exhibits.

7. Dance as an Expression of Story

Balinese dance is a tradition on the island and is part of religious and artistic expression. It is dynamic and intensely expressive. Balinese dancers convey stories of drama through gestures of fingers, hands, head, and eyes. Particularly remarkable are the ritual performances featuring the witch Rangda and the great beast Barong. Most dances in Bali are associated with Hindu or traditional folk rituals. However, there exists a great wealth of dance forms and styles in Bali.

8. The Capital City, Denpasar

Denpasar – the largest city in Bali – still retains its traditional charm, despite being infused with modern elements. Visitors are surrounded by expansive green grassy squares, buildings of significant historical value, and long beaches. The first Balinese hotel, Bali Hotel, is located here, where Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Barbara Hutton once stayed. Denpasar is also the best place for shopping on the island, offering a wide variety. From lively street markets, extensive department stores to fashionable boutiques, shoppers can find the lowest prices, as most shops cater primarily to locals. The famous Bali Arts Festival is also held here every year.

9. Popular Places in Bali

We cannot forget about the places that are frequently visited by tourists in Bali. For example, the Tegalalang Terrace includes a series of cascading rice fields. This area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its mysterious and surreal beauty, Ubud attracts millions of visitors. The town, immersed in ancient and sacred temples, is surrounded by terraced rice fields created over generations. There is also the Monkey Forest, a nature reserve home to over 1,200 macaque monkeys.

In contrast, Kuta is surrounded by extensive beaches with light yellow sand and crystal clear blue water. This place is also popular for entertainment, with bars, clubs, shopping centers, and surfing available.

Lovina welcomes visitors with its long beaches of silky black sand, small fishing villages, and clean air that contrasts with the hustle of Kuta. Visitors can also enjoy a crimson sunset or diving and playing with dolphins here.

Seminyak is sought after for its beautiful coastline, streets lined with cafes and shops, and unique tastings of local specialties combined with seafood flavors and exciting nightlife.

Uluwatu offers amazing beaches, great cuisine, and entertainment while exploring regional traditions and customs. All of this in an area where limestone cliffs rise above the blue ocean, complemented by numerous restaurants.

The magnificent and impressive natural beauty on Nusa Penida will take your breath away from the moment you arrive. From the water rise towering cliffs that form distinctive features you won't find anywhere else in the world. Diving activities in strong ocean currents, making diving challenging, allow visitors to observe vibrant coral reefs, schools of swimming fish, and other marine life.

The Tanah Lot Temple, standing on a rocky isle, is famous for its unique coastal setting and the backdrop of sunsets during low tide. The view of the island from Mount Batur also provides a unique experience. Climbing the volcano at dawn is unforgettable.

10. Zoo and Water Fun

Of course, the island is literally woven with numerous other experiences. For example, there’s a zoo that houses more than 500 rare and exotic animals living in lush tropical environments. Tegenungan Waterfall is another beautiful natural waterfall located just half an hour's drive from Ubud. For other fun, there's the Waterbom water park with slides and pools set in tropical parks covering nearly four hectares.