History, Culture & Overview

Bali, the Island of the Gods… a truly mystical place that evokes different visions for all that have experienced it. The island that boasts many diverse regions and styles. The island resplendant with sublime areas of untouched beauty, bustling budget-traveler districts, resort areas, stomping grounds for the rich and famous, and numerous secret hideaways.
Bali is an island of approximately two thousand square miles, dominated by the volcanic mountains in the center. Its rich soil and a multitude of water sources have resulted in a lush and verdant foliage cover, interspersed with extensive rice paddy terraces crafted over generations by farmers. While the Balinese economy incorporates a fishing industry as well as tourism, it is largely an agricultural society, with a culture that is very much reflected in their connection to the earth.
Historically, Bali was a collection of independent kingdoms, before being brought under Dutch colonial control in the 19th century and incorporated into what was then the Dutch East Indies. In 1948, shortly after WWII, Bali – along with the rest of the country – achieved independence from Holland and become a part of Indonesia.

A choice tourist destination since the early 1900’s, Bali has always welcomed tourists. The famed Balinese smile accompanying their friendly, relaxed, and personable demeanor and a plethora of rich attractions catering for the tourist; leaves everyone deeply touched by their experience to the island.
It is estimated the island has a population of approximately three million people, with over 95% of which subscribe to a particular offshoot of the Hindu religion. This differentiates Bali from the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim. Religion plays a major role in the daily life of the Balinese. Beautiful religious ceremonies are common place at the numerous temples, and even in the streets.
To learn more about Bali’s extensive history, culture, and geography – please to to Wikipedia and search ‘Bali’.

Climate

The average temperature in Bali is around 32°C. With a tropical climate, the island is located just south of the equator, causing the weather to be hot & humid all year round. Although it can get considerably cooler in the mountainous regions, where it can reach as low as 10°C during the early hours of the morning.
Bali has only has two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is normally from November to April, the dry season from May to October.
The dry season is categorized by a constant breeze blowing over the island, referred to during earlier centuries as the trade winds. During the rainy season, while there might be days when the rain never stops, for the most part showers are limited to an hour or two during the morning or afternoon, with the rest of the day being cloudy or sunny. Humidity is substantially higher and there is significantly less breeze in the rainy season.