Where is Bali? Why is it called the “Island of the Gods”?

Where is Bali located?

Bali is an island province of Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state, situated in Southeast Asia. The Bali location is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, placed between the islands of Java (to the west) and Lombok (to the east), serving as a critical connection point in the region.

Significantly, Bali is situated just 8 degrees south of the Equator. This narrow latitudinal band is the core factor shaping its unique ecology and tourist appeal. The south coast faces the vast Indian Ocean, making it ideal for large surfing activities, while the north coast is calmer, connecting with the Bali Sea.

Bali’s Climate

Bali‘s climate conditions are directly dictated by its proximity to the Equator. Situated at $8^\circ S$ latitude, Bali falls within the tropics, resulting in a typical tropical monsoon climate: consistent warmth and high humidity are its core characteristics, with average temperatures stable between $24^\circ\text{C}$ (approx. $75^\circ\text{F}$) and $31^\circ\text{C}$ (approx. $88^\circ\text{F}$). This near-Equator location ensures consistent solar intensity, eliminating four distinct seasons.

Seasonal Reasoning: The seasonal shifts in Bali are driven not by temperature, but by the monsoon cycle involving the Indian Ocean and the Asian continent. The Dry Season (winter monsoon) brings dry air from Australia, while the Wet Season (summer monsoon) delivers moist maritime air. This directly informs the choice of the best time to visit:

• The Dry Season (April to October) is the highly recommended Bali travel time. This period features clear skies, minimal rainfall, and the lowest humidity. The core reason travelers choose this season is the ideal sunshine, which is perfect for watersports, diving, trekking, and various other outdoor activities.
• The Wet Season (November to March) is a secondary recommendation. While rainfall mostly occurs as strong, short afternoon showers, this period is a favorable choice for visitors seeking lush rice paddies, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation costs. The slightly cooler air also makes it an ideal time for cultural immersion and yoga retreats.

Balinese Cuisine

Balinese cuisine is distinctly separate from the Indonesian culinary landscape, being deeply rooted in the island’s unique Hindu culture and reliance on fresh, local spices. The core of Bali‘s cooking philosophy is Basa Genep, a complex, foundational spice paste that typically combines up to 15 ingredients, including shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, chili, and shrimp paste. This spice foundation gives Balinese cuisine its characteristic flavor.

Top Ten Must-Try Balinese Cuisine

When traveling to Bali, you must seek out the following ten signature Balinese Cuisine experiences:

1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig): A famous, ceremonial, communal dish. The whole pig is seasoned with Basa Genep and slow-roasted, resulting in ultra-crispy skin and intensely flavored meat.
2. Sate Lilit (Wrapped Satay): Minced seafood, chicken, or pork mixed with coconut and spices, molded around lemongrass or bamboo skewers and grilled.
3. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Duck): Duck marinated heavily in spice paste, tightly wrapped, and traditionally cooked for hours. The meat is tender and aromatic.
4. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice): A staple, served with vegetables, meat, and egg, flavored with sweet soy sauce.
5. Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles): A staple, noodles served with meat, vegetables, and soy sauce.
6. Lawar (Mixed Salad): A complex blend of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, often seasoned with fresh blood.
7. Sambal Matah (Raw Sambal): A raw condiment made from sliced shallots, chili, lemongrass, and coconut oil, used to accompany main dishes.
8. Gado-Gado (Vegetable Salad): Boiled vegetables and eggs, served with a rich peanut sauce.
9. Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish): Fresh fish or seafood grilled over charcoal, usually served with a specialty sambal.
10. Tipat Cantok (Rice Cake Salad): A combination of rice cake, vegetables, and peanut sauce, similar to Gado-Gado but using rice cake.

Bali’s Faith

Bali is a demographic exception within the Republic of Indonesia. While Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation, approximately 87% of Bali‘s 4.4 million residents practice Balinese Hinduism (Agama Hindu Dharma). This indigenous blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and ancient animistic beliefs forms the base of Balinese daily life.

Religious Beliefs and the Harmony of Three

The entire social structure is governed by the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (the Harmony of Three): harmony among people, nature, and the divine. This is not an abstract belief but a visible daily practice:

• Canang Sari (Daily Offerings): The ubiquitous small daily offerings placed on sidewalks and temples to thank the gods.
• Temple Ceremonies (Odalan): Festivals celebrating the anniversary of a temple’s consecration.
• Subak System: The ancient, democratic, spiritual irrigation system for rice cultivation, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasizing communal effort and harmony with nature.

For Balinese people, this system of religious beliefs guides every aspect of life, making the island’s customs distinctly unique.

Bali Practical Travel Tips

To ensure your trip to Bali is efficient and seamless, understanding local practicalities and transportation is essential.

Key Travel Tips and Nyepi

• Nyepi (Day of Silence): If your travel is planned for March or April, you must confirm the specific date of Nyepi. This is a compulsory 24-hour religious holiday. On this day, the entire island of Bali (including the airport) shuts down completely for silence and meditation. Visitors must remain inside their hotels and cannot leave.
• Tourist Tax: International visitors are required to pay a mandatory Tourist Tax of IDR 150,000 (approx. USD 10).
  • Payment Method: It is highly recommended that travelers pay this tax online in advance via the official designated website or app to save time upon entry. Payment can also be made at designated counters in the arrival hall of Bali‘s international airport (Denpasar DPS).
  • Purpose of the Tax: The Tourist Tax was established to support Bali‘s environmental and cultural preservation efforts, ensuring the sustainable future of the tourism industry.
• Transportation: While taxi services (like Blue Bird) are available, the most efficient local transport is via private drivers for longer distances, or ride-hailing motorbike services like Gojek/Grab for short trips. Note that traffic congestion in southern areas (Canggu, Seminyak) is very common in Bali.
• Health: Due to Bali‘s tropical climate, always carry high SPF sunscreen and effective insect repellent, particularly when active in jungle or rice field areas.

Bali’s Network Connectivity and Needs

Maintaining internet connectivity is a critical need for travelers in Bali. By purchasing an Indonesia eSIM, you gain access to two major local carriers, Telkomsel and XL, which helps you maintain a stable network connection and offers the following distinct benefits: Whether navigating, booking transport, or sharing real-time photos, reliable data service is essential. For visitors seeking the best network connectivity, an eSIM is the ideal solution.

• Signal Advantage: Telkomsel and XL provide wide signal coverage across Bali‘s key tourist areas, including remote locations like Ubud and the Nusa Islands, ensuring you stay online.
• Speed Advantage: Both carriers offer 4G LTE/5G services, meaning you benefit from fast network speeds, enabling smooth HD video calls, real-time map loading, and data uploads.