Tell about Bali ?

Some places also hold workshops, where you can craft your own creation.

all bars and restaurants must charge an additional 21% on their food and drink prices. Whilst some add this in to the menu price, others will include small print stating it will be added to the bill. This is completely legit, however, it's definitely something to be aware of as will add a hearty chunk on to your bill at the end of the meal!

Batur, meanwhile, last erupted in 2000, shooting ash into the air, but harming no one.

The world’s most expensive coffee in the world comes from Bali. It is called Kopi Luwak and is not your typical coffee bean… The beans are collected from the digestion of a Civat Cat, which is a shy cat-like creature living in Asia. The Civat cat only eats the ripest and finest coffee cherries but doesn’t digest the bean. Luwak coffee can cost up to 50 dollars per cup!

Nyepi, a Hindu celebration observed mainly in Bali, sees the entire island fall silent, with businesses closing and even the airport shutting up shop.

Because of the fact that Bali is a popular tourist destination for travellers from the world, around 80% of its economy is related to tourism. From leisure activities to hotels and restaurants; tourism is the largest industry in terms of income. The citizens of the island simply depend on the many tourists that visit it and earn living from them.

This ‘Day of Silence’ is seen as an opportunity for self-reflection, and its observation is enforced by pecalang – local security officers. Beaches and streets are closed to all – including tourists.

The beaches scattered all over Bali are considered one of the best in the world. Other than the typical tropical white beaches it offers, Bali also offers a golden chain of magnificent black sands, especially on the north-western coastlines, with tranquil pristine coves. These beaches serve as havens for tourists, fishermen and surfers who explore coral reefs, exotic fish species, and strong waves. The beaches lure visitors with incredible shipwrecks, panoramic views and a vast scope of adventure and water activities.

The first time I visited Bali my then-boyfriend was chased down the street by around 30 vendors after we went for our first walk outside our hotel.

The beaches scattered all over Bali are considered one of the best in the world. Other than the typical tropical white beaches it offers, Bali also offers a golden chain of magnificent black sands, especially on the north-western coastlines, with tranquil pristine coves. These beaches serve as havens for tourists, fishermen and surfers who explore coral reefs, exotic fish species, and strong waves. The beaches lure visitors with incredible shipwrecks, panoramic views and a vast scope of adventure and water activities.

The Coral Triangle, in fact. Sitting right in the middle of the world’s richest waters for corals, considered the ‘Amazon of the Seas’ for its marine biodiversity.

People living in Bali relied on a 210-day calendar, also known as the Pawukon Calendar. Although Denizens still equate their birthdays based on this classic calendar, the Balinese people would give their age using the Western Calendar. The Bali calendar with 210 days has ten discrete week system and is source for many significant events each year.

Not just 600-odd species of coral, but turtles, more than 2000 species of fish, including tuna – a major food source for millions of local communities.

Balinese babies are not allowed to touch the ground the first few months of their lives, that’s why they are carried everywhere. They are considered little angels, their connection to the spirits is kept by not touching the earth. When the right time has come and they are allowed to touch the ground, a big ceremony is held.

You do not have to go far to find a massage in Bali – the island has around 1,200 spas. Traditional Balinese massage is, of course, a must.

Nyepi day, also known as ‘day of silence’ is a unique celebration among the Bali people during which the neverending activity of the islands is replaced by pure tranquility, with work, travel and noises being limited. The silence and meditation ushers in a new year. Big rituals and sacrifices are practiced in various islands by most of the local people.

Names are very special for most of the Balinese people as there are only four for men and women. First born is called Wayan, second Made, third Nyoman and fourth Ketut. A fifth kid starts again as a Wayan. Other people are given a series of nicknames while some stick with original names. Because of this you have to try to be even more descriptive when calling the Balinese, for example, you say “Yoga Ketut or Mountain Ketut.”

Characterized by long, not-too-firm strokes focused on pressure points, it’s influenced by Chinese and Indian traditions.

Did you think there are no dolphins in Bali or Indonesia? That’s not right! In Lovina, the north tip of Bali, there are plenty of dolphins! There is the South east Asian spinner dolphin, the spotted dolphin, the Frasers dolphin, the Rissos dolphin, and suspected sightings of common bottlenose dolphins as well.

Bali has two active volcanoes, Mt. Batur (5,600 feet) located in Bangli regency together with Mt. Agung (10,000 feet) in the East. Both volcanoes has become a prime tourist hostpot and target of many visitors interested in trekking and nature. Mt. Batur active volcanoes and its reverence by the locals have attracted a stream of onlookers. On the slopes of Mt. Agung lies Pura Besakih, a large temple. Mount Agung last exploded in 1964 and it’s still active volcano from this date.

The level of pampering is up to you – you can have a massage on the beach for less than US 10, or opt for a five-star treatment in a luxurious suite.

There are over 580 different languages and dialects spoken all over Indonesia, although Bahasa Indonesia is the country’s official language. Most Balinese residents speak 3 languages: Balinese, Indonesian and English (the last one mostly due to tourism). You should have no problems talking English with the locals as opposite to many other Asian countries.

Spirits are everywhere in Bali, and there are myriad practices to keep evil ones at bay.

Bali is nestled in Indonesia which is a Muslim dominated country. Surprisingly, a substantial portion of the areas’ population embraces Hinduism. In the island, locals savor Babi Guling or roasted pig; these delicacies are sloughed off by Muslims elsewhere.

There’s a screen behind compound gateways called an aling aling, intended to keep them out. There are daily offerings of incense and food wrapped in banana leaves to appease them.