Bali presents a modern paradox, an ancient, traditional society that is still incredibly alive and vital. Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop; rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, its forests are lush and tropical and its beaches are lapped by warm clear waters of the Indian ocean. For centuries, the island has attracted artists, writers and escapists from all over the world, drawn magnetically to its beautiful shores, to its rich and fascinating.
The Balinese have a peaceful culture that welcomes visitors warmly and with great hospitability. A visit to Bali would be replete with kingly comforts, immersed in an ancient culture on this beautiful island paradise.
Bali is the only island in Indonesia that enjoyed uninterrupted cultural development. The island was isolated and left to develop its own rich cultural traditions until Dutch troops arrived in 1900. As a result, Bali is the only area of Indonesia that remains Hindu, a result of the fusion of indigenous and Indian cultures which took place over a thousand years ago.
It has been found that Bali has been inhabited since early prehistoric times. The bronze age began in Bali before 300 B.C.; Hinduism spread its influence around 400 A.D., followed by Buddhism in 500 A.D. After the Japanese occupation in Second World War from 1939 to 1945, Bali became an Indonesian province, yet was able to maintain its unique culture.
Bali is amazingly blessed by nature. Lying within a narrow band of the tropics, the wet and dry seasons fall roughly into balance, providing both adequate rainfall and long periods of sunshine. The cooler dry season happens between April to October, and it is the best time of the year to visit Bali. The rest of the year is more humid, cloudier and has more rain, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in paradise.
July, August and early September are the busiest months for tourist traffic. Many travelers from around the region also visit Bali around Christmas. Outside of these times, however, Bali has few tourists.
