Bali: Location, Borders, and Interesting Facts

Bali is an island province in Indonesia, situated in Southeast Asia. It lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago, which consists of over 17,000 islands. The island itself is relatively small, covering an area of approximately 5,780 square kilometers (2,231 square miles), making it one of Indonesia’s most well-known tourist destinations despite its modest size.

Bali is bordered by:

• The Indian Ocean to the south.
• The Bali Sea (part of the Pacific Ocean) to the north.
• The Lombok Strait to the east.
• The Bali Strait to the west, separating it from Java.

The island’s capital is Denpasar, which is also the largest city and the main cultural and economic hub.

Interesting Facts About Bali:

1. Island of the Gods: Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods because of its deeply spiritual culture. The island is home to thousands of temples, with rituals and religious ceremonies playing a significant role in daily life. The most famous temple is Pura Besakih, the “Mother Temple,” located on the slopes of Mount Agung.
2. Volcanic Mountains: Bali is home to several active and dormant volcanoes. The most significant of these is Mount Agung, a 3,031-meter-high (9,944 feet) active volcano considered sacred by the Balinese people. Another popular volcanic site is Mount Batur, known for its scenic sunrise treks.
3. Bali’s Beaches: Bali is renowned for its world-class beaches, which offer a variety of experiences, from the touristy and bustling Kuta Beach to the more serene and hidden Padang Padang and Uluwatu Beaches. It is also a major destination for surfing enthusiasts, especially around Canggu and Uluwatu.
4. Rice Terraces: The iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. These terraces use a traditional irrigation system called Subak, which dates back to the 9th century.
5. Bali’s Underwater Life: The waters around Bali are rich with marine life, making it a top destination for diving and snorkeling. Popular dive sites include Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Amed, where you can see coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse sea creatures like manta rays and sea turtles.
6. Spiritual Retreats and Yoga: Bali has become a global hotspot for wellness tourism. Visitors flock to the island for spiritual retreats, yoga, and meditation, particularly in the town of Ubud, known for its holistic centers and health-conscious culture.
7. Festivals and Celebrations: Bali hosts numerous colorful festivals throughout the year. One of the most important is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, which marks the New Year in the Balinese Hindu calendar. On this day, the entire island observes silence, with no electricity, travel, or work allowed. Another famous festival is Galungan, which celebrates the victory of good over evil.
8. Mount Agung Eruptions: One of the most significant events in Bali’s modern history was the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. The eruption caused widespread devastation, killing over 1,000 people and displacing many more. Another eruption occurred in 2017, disrupting air travel and prompting evacuations but causing far fewer casualties.
9. 2002 and 2005 Bali Bombings: On October 12, 2002, a devastating terrorist attack struck Bali, targeting nightclubs in Kuta and killing 202 people, most of them tourists. This attack, known as the Bali Bombing, shocked the world and had a lasting impact on Bali’s tourism industry. A second attack occurred on October 1, 2005, killing 20 people. These bombings led to increased security measures and international cooperation to prevent terrorism.
10. Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Bali is located in a seismically active region, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” Although Bali itself has not experienced a major tsunami, it has felt the effects of earthquakes, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Bali was spared from the catastrophic tsunamis that affected Aceh, Indonesia, and surrounding areas, but the quake caused some damage.
11. Bali Nine Incident: In 2005, nine Australians, known as the Bali Nine, were arrested in Bali for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia. Two of the group, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015, leading to a tense diplomatic standoff between Australia and Indonesia over capital punishment.
12. The Sewage Crisis in Kuta: In 2017, Bali’s most popular beach, Kuta Beach, faced severe environmental issues due to the massive amount of sewage and waste washing ashore. This highlighted the island’s struggle with managing waste as tourism numbers continued to rise, prompting efforts to improve waste management and preserve the island’s natural beauty.