Bali
Introduction
Located 600 mi/965 km east of Jakarta, the island of Bali is among the most popular stops in Indonesia, and it's no wonder why. The island's friendly people, Hindu culture, rhythmic dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, spectacular beaches, and beautiful jungle and mountain scenery—combined with a wide array of accommodations—make it one of the most fascinating places in the world.
Indonesia’s tourism industry is on a rebound fueled in part by strong interest from the Asian and Australian market. Despite past political turmoil, resort traffic is seeing strong business.
Bali Island remains a magical getaway that doesn’t seem of this earth, much less part of the troubled country that surrounds it.
See & Do
The best way to see the “real” Bali is to head inland, past rice terraces and across the lush countryside. Any of the resorts can be used as a base to explore the island’s sights, but bear in mind that Bali is not a small island, and unless you want to spend all day traveling, it is a good idea to limit day trips to within three hours of where you’re staying.
Once you’re away from the crowds of tourists, you’ll have the best chance of encountering one of the island’s many festivals, colorful weddings or ceremonial cremations. Much of Bali’s charm is serendipitous, and many of its interesting sites and villages are somewhat off the beaten path, so a flexible, spontaneous attitude is necessary if you want to get the most out of your visit.
