Bali has 0026-villa-anugrah-weddingbeen a popular tourist destination since the 1960’s. The island’s beautiful beaches and warm people have captured the hearts of tourists from around the world. Through the years, this part of the Indonesian archipelago has also become a coveted wedding location.

If you’re eyeing this tropical island to be your next vacation destination, here are some of the most interesting facts about Bali that you should know.

1. Majority of the people in Bali are Hindu

Although Indonesia is a Muslim country, Hinduism is practiced by almost 90% of the population in Bali. Since the Balinese society is largely based on Hinduism, a caste system is observed. Unlike India’s caste system, however, Bali doesn’t have “untouchables.” During Hindu ceremonies, one should never walk in front of anyone who is praying. One should also never sit higher than the offerings or the priest.

2. Day of silence

Locally called Nyepi, the Balinese “Day of Silence” is a public holiday in Indonesia. It is a day of meditation and fasting observed for 12 hours, from 6 am of that day until 6 am the next day. The Balinese people reserve this day for self-reflection. On this day, the entire island shuts down. There is no work, no entertainment, no traveling and no noise – literally a day of silence.

3. There are 210 days in the Balinese calendar

People in Bali traditionally follow a different calendar that originated from the Hindu religion. Also called the pawukon cycle calendar, it has a 210-day ritual cycle. The calendar has 10 different weeks consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 days.

4. The most sacred place in Bali is a volcano

Vulcan Agung is regarded as the most sacred place in Bali. All the temples in the island are turned towards its direction. The Balinese people even sleep with their heads positioned towards it. Also the island’s highest point, Vulcan

Agung is still an active volcano with a huge and deep crater that occasionally emits smoke and ash.

5. Unique rituals and ceremonies

Apart from being an island of majestic beaches, Bali is also a land of special ceremonies and rituals. Babies younger than three months are carried everywhere and not allowed to touch the ground. Another interesting ceremony is the tooth-filing ceremony, held when a Balinese reaches the age of puberty. This ritual symbolizes a coming of age. It is believed that this ritual gets rid of invisible evil forces, thereby making a person more beautiful – physically and spiritually.

6. Tourism is the largest industry

It is no surprise that Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. What some people might not know is that about 80% of the island’s economy is dependent on tourism. Bali would not be what it is now if not for its strong and flourishing tourism.

7. Most Balinese residents can speak three languages

Indonesia has over 580 spoken languages and dialects with Bahasa Indonesia as the official language. In the island of Bali, residents speak three languages: Indonesian, Balinese and English. Although Bahasa is a dominant language on the island, there is a joint effort to keep the Balinese language alive. Meanwhile, English is spoken mainly because of tourism.

8. It’s where you can find authentic Kopi Luwak

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world. A cup of Kopi Luwak can cost up to $50. So what makes this coffee special? It’s made from civet droppings. This cat-like creature native to tropical Asia eats ripe coffee cherries but doesn’t digest the beans. The undigested beans are then excreted and collected by the locals to sell. The animal’s digestion process removes the beans’ bitterness giving them a unique flavor. For coffee fanatics searching for the best-tasting coffees around the world, Bali is a must-visit destination.

Are you visiting Bali soon?

If you’re looking for luxury accommodation in Bali, stay at Villa Anugrah. We offer world-class facilities with exceptional service from our staff. Check our calendar for the villa’s availability and book your stay. See you at the villa!