Located in the heart of Indonesia, Bali is an island of lush tropical rainforests, secret waterfalls, and vibrant culture. The local Balinese people live in a world of gods, spirits and demons and they believe deeply in karma. You will see this in their daily lives through their offerings to the gods at each temple you visit. The culture here is alive with theatre performances, dance, art and cuisine.
It is also famous for its scuba diving and beautiful beaches, but it is important to remember that tourism here can be quite damaging to the environment. Coastal erosion is a major issue and the ocean is becoming increasingly polluted. It is not uncommon to find a huge amount of plastic rubbish strewn along the beaches and in the water.
Although the Balinese are very welcoming to visitors, they are also conscious of the need to protect their environment and traditions. They want tourists to experience the real Bali.
The best time to visit is from April to October when it’s dry and sunny. However, you can visit throughout the year as it’s so close to the equator. The rainy season lasts from November to March.
When in Bali, try the local cuisine which is full of flavour and variety. Some of the main dishes to look out for include sate (grilled meat skewers) and nasi campur which is white rice with lots of different side dishes. If you are a fan of pork try their version of Babi Guling which is spit-roasted pig.