With travel to Bali Indonesia at an all time high so comes the need for information. The incredible temples and religion of Bali, coupled with the partying, surfing, and deep Bali history, continues to draw in tourists year after year. Just about every traveler has heard of the Indonesian island, but how many facts about Bali do you actually know? That’s where we come in at Nothing Familiar!

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1. The Island of Bali

Typically when you think of an island, you’d expect something walkable or just a bicycle ride away. Not Bali! The popular Indonesian island is actually massive and covers an area of 2,200 square miles. It’s comparable in size to neighboring Brunei, but it would take you days to circle the island in a car or motorbike. Most tour companies offer day trips that will take 9-10 hours to complete just to the north and back.

2. Getting Wet

Before you travel to Bali Indonesia you should know it has two seasons, wet and dry. Dry season stretches from May to September when you can expect sunnier skies. However, between October and April you’ll likely experience daily rain showers, with sporadic thunderstorms mixed in. Weather in the tropics is tough to predict, but it’s something to consider!

3. Religion in Bali

Although Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country, the main religion in Bali is actually Hindu. Christian and Muslim religions do exist, but Hinduism covers around 84% of the population. As you explore the island of Bali, you’ll see many Hindu temples, decorations, and offerings displayed everywhere you look.

4. Garuda Wisnu Statue

While we’re on the topic of religion in Bali, let’s check out the worlds largest Hindu statue! Just unveiled in 2018, the Garuda Wisnu statue stands at a towering 396 feet (120 meters) and took over 20 years to build! The massive sculpture pictures Lord Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda, and can be seen for miles at different points on the island. In comparison, the USA’s Statue of Liberty is only 306 feet tall, so it’s safe to say the new piece of art work has already etched its name into Bali history!

5. Active Volcano

Mount Agung is an active volcano on Bali Island which has already erupted multiple times in the last 2 years. Also accounting for the highest point in Bali, Mount Agung sits a staggering 9,994 feet and can be seen from almost everywhere. Although nothing catastrophic has happened yet, recent eruptions have spewed ash into the air and grounded flights. These events left hundreds of thousands of people stranded on Bali island!

6. Black & White Sand Beaches

Another amazing Bali fact is that it features both black and white sand beaches! While we’ve seen black and even pink sand beaches in places like Greece and Costa Rica, Bali has some of the most unique we’ve ever seen! Can you imagine swimming under a volcano with black sand and jungle all around you? That’s Bali!

Check out some more of the Rarest Beaches in the World HERE!

7. Penjor

Penjor are tall decorative polls that can be seen outside Balinese homes during certain religious holidays. They’re built as offerings to the gods, and to symbolize dominance over evil. During certain times of the year, you’ll see these hanging proudly and beautifully above every main street.

8. Danger on the Main Road

One thing we didn’t love on our trip to Bali was the traffic congested main road. Unlike many smaller Indonesian islands, cars drive freely around only further clogging the tight roads. In 2015, over 500 people died in traffic accidents on Bali roads with that number increasing every year. Just something to think about if you’re considering renting a motorbike on your trip!

9. Monkeys Run Bali Island

You can’t travel to Bali Indonesia without running into these furry and adventurous animals. Thousands of monkeys call the island of Bali home, with 700+ monkeys living in the Ubud Forest Sanctuary alone! One of the more known facts about Bali is that some of these monkeys are naughty and not nice. If you go to the monkey forest or Uluwatu temple, make sure to watch out for your belongings.

10. Temples

It’s important to visit the major temples when exploring religion in Bali, but you won’t have to look far to see them in general. Temples serve as shrines for almost every island home and village, with the larger ones showcasing the wealth of each owner. What really makes some of these temples unique is the water features. At places like Tirta Empul you can bath in holy water, or even walk on water at the koi fish pond!

11. Bali History

The history of Bali is deep and ranges from Majahapit Empire to Dutch colonialism. People have inhabited the island of Bali since 2000 BC, but the first European contact was made by the Portuguese and Dutch at the end of the 16th century. Bali was then absorbed into the Dutch East India Company and subsequent colonialism for the next 300+ years. After many years of fighting both in battles and politically, the Balinese finally gained their independence in December of 1949.

12. Subak Irrigation

When you think of Bali two things come to mind: beautiful beaches and jaw dropping rice paddies. Unsurprisingly, these tremendous rice paddies don’t just grow overnight. The intricate Subak irrigation system was developed in the 9th century, and ties deeply into both Bali history and religion. Each village on the island of Bali meets once a year to discuss a plan of action for this valuable life source. In addition, the water itself actually starts at the temples and then runs down into the stair-like rice fields below. The Bali irrigation system is involves so much detail we may have to write a separate blog just to fully explain it!

13. Become a Yogi

After traveling to Bali Indonesia it’s safe to say this is the yoga mecca of Southeast Asia. With a high concentration of studios in places like Ubud, it’s a fun way to disconnect and take in the ancient art of stretching. From full scale retreats to quick one hour sessions, Bali has all the downward dog you’ll need to have fun!

14. Facts About Bali Tourism

The island of Bali is on pace to attract 8 million tourists in 2019, which would account for a staggering 40% of all tourism in Indonesia. While one can argue the positive and negative effects of tourism in Bali, what can not be understated it’s the economic impact. The tourism sector makes up for around 80% of Bali’s economy!

15. Baliwood

If you haven’t seen the classic Julia Roberts movie Eat, Pray, Love, you’re seriously missing out! It pictures the the scenic Ubud region in all it’s glory, and may be singlehandedly responsible for driving a portion of tourism to Bali. Although that is the most popular of the movies shot here, there has been many others using the awesome jungle beach scenery for the big screen. Something tells me Hollywood isn’t done with this magical island yet!

16. Warung Buffets

Did you think we were going to complete this list without any food facts about Bali?? While many amazing restaurants are available all over the island, the one that immediately caught our eye was the buffet style dining. Food is displayed in windows at “Warungs” all across the island. This allows you to pick out whatever you want for extremely cheap prices. We preferred the veggie warungs, and never paid more than $2 USD for a meal!

Wanna know more about Bali Warung’s? Check out our post The Veggie Warung: Eating Healthy and Cheap Bali

17. Arak Attack

Arak is the local liquor made in Bali and other Indonesian islands. This homemade moonshine is cheap, but can be lethal if you get a bad batch. Methanol poisoning in Bali has lead to many deaths in recent years, and can also cause you to go blind… Anytime you’re messing with an unregulated liquor there’s going to be some risks attached, but this is one to avoid 100%!

18. Aussie Tourists

Did someone say party?? Over one million Australians travel to Bali Indonesia every year. They edged out Chinese tourists slightly by the numbers, but their presence can be felt all around the island. Australians come to jam out to music on Kuta Beach, surf big waves, and take in the good vibes. Only being a few hours flight from the Aussie homeland, it doesn’t look like this will slow down anytime soon!

19. Instafamous

Bali is changing as we know it. Yes, the scene is moving from a spiritual journey to you guessed it… Instagram! Just jump on your app right now. I bet you’ll see people bathing in flower baths and standing on cliffs overlooking the magnificent Bali beaches. Now this may be a sign of the overall travel landscape and not a momentous change in Bali history. Yet you have to wonder if this insanely popular app is responsible for some of the tourism you see today.

20. Surfers Paradise

We’ve talked at length about the spiritual side of the island, but there is one religion in Bali we failed to mention. Surfing in Bali is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle! Featuring some of the most epic breaks in the world in Uluwatu, it’s every surfers dream to ride the big one in. However, you may want to be careful before you get in the water. The most legendary spots are reserved for locals and professionals!

Have any questions about travel to Bali Indonesia or any tips for us? Comment below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Explore More of Indonesia with Us

Bali:

8 Experiences Not to Miss in Canggu Bali

Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

The Veggie Warung: Eating Healthy and Cheap in Bali

Uluwatu Beach Guide: Where to Swim and Surf

Gili Islands:

Bali to Gili Islands Ferry Guide

Gili Trawangan: The Party Island

Gili Meno: An Underwater Paradise

Ferry Between the Gili Islands: Schedule & Route

Gili Air: The Best of the Gili Islands

Get Familiar with Indonesia’s Gili Islands

Nusa Islands:

What to Expect in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Island: Best Viewpoints, Hikes, and Beaches

Exploring Tembeling Beach and Forest in Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan: Dream Beach to Mushroom Bay

Nusa Ceningan: What’s Over the Yellow Bridge?

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Where To Stay In Bali

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