GEOGRAPHY
The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kms (2,175 square miles) and measures just 90 kms (55 miles) along the north-south axis and less than 140 kms (90 miles) from East to West. Because of this it is no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your Villa in the evening.
The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from West to East. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with grey or black volcanic sand.

CLIMATE
You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20-33 degrees Celsius (68-93 degrees Farenheit) year-round. From December to March the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low. During this time of the year you will have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.

POPULATION
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people, the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. Most people live in the Coastal areas in the South and the island's largest town and administrative centre is Denpasar with a population of over 370,000.

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WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL
There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and then there is Bali's “special magic” which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you will sense the difference. In the villages you will notice the quietness and wisdom in the old people's faces and the interest and respect of the young. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music. Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years.

SHOPPING IN BALI
You can go shopping for fine art and handicrafts such as antique, semi-antique and modern furniture, all kinds of paintings, delicately crafted gold and silver jewellery, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics etc. in many shops in Sanur, in various handicraft villages, the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud and in the town of Ubud.
Beach-wear, T-shirts, shoes and leather goods, trinkets etc. are offered in numerous shops. Well known Shopping Centres are Kuta Square, Bali Galeria, Kartika Discovery Mall, Centro Department Store, and recently opened Carrefour.

POPULAR BALI ACTIVITIES
Water sports including swimming, snorkelling, water ski-ing, white water rafting, and parasailing are very popular but the most challenging are Bali's famous surfing spots. A number of PADI certified companies offer scuba-diving tours. Other activities include bungy jumping, horse riding, nature tours and safaris, meditation classes, Balinese dance and culinary events, as well as the Hash House Harriers, and many, many more.
Spa and Beauty Treatments are available at numerous Spas throughout the tourist areas.
If you are interested in playing Golf whilst in Bali there are many attractive Golf Courses. Tennis and Squash are also available.
There are a number of Cruises to the nearby islands of Nusa Penida, Lombok, and Nusa Lembongan available, including Dinner and Overnight Cruises.

BALI TOURS
There are many fascinating places to visit in Bali from the Kintamani Volcanoe, the Mother Temple in East Bali, Bedugul and North Bali, as well as Ubud and the Monkey Forest, and Tanah Lot to witness the sun setting in the West.