Bali lies approximately 8 degrees south of the Equator and 3.2 km east of island Java. The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover the centre and the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Mount Batur (1,717 meters) is still an active volcano. About 30,000 years ago it experienced a catastrophic eruption — one of the largest known volcanic events on Earth!
The principal cities and travel destinations of Bali are the port Singaraja, the former colonial capital and the present provincial capital and largest city, Denpasar, near the southern coast. Town Ubud (north of Denpasar), with its art market, museums and galleries, is the cultural center of Bali.
Island Bali is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting place that travelers can desire for. Lush greenery, beautiful stretched sandy beaches, wild rivers, crystal clear lakes, tropical forests full of exotic wildlife... There are also magnificent active volcanoes, rising over 3000 meters in high. The warm people makes also wonderful memories for travelers. Bali is a haven to relax after months of hard work. There are many resorts where vacationers can enjoy romantic dining at its best. In a private pavilion fronting the beach the dinner is set in complete privacy under beautiful white canopies, offering a selection of exotic menus.
The rich cultural heritage of the island is visible everywhere, so planning a tour of island Bali is a good idea. There are over 20,000 temples and palaces to visit and many colorful festivals and ceremonies. Traditional music and exotic dances can be seen everywhere. Traveling on Bali is very easy and people are always keen to help in giving the right directions. Motorcycles, self driven cars, taxis, and limousines are different ways to travel and suit everybody's pocket.
The most popular vacation resorts in Bali are settled in the south of the island. A few famous places to visit are Nusa Dua, Sanur, Kuta and Ubud. Lombok is a 25 minute flight from Bali. Worth for a visit are also Barat National Park, The Botanical Gardens, Blahmantung and Gitgit Waterfall, Sangeh Monkey Forest, Goa Lawah - Bat Cave - on Nusa Penida Island, Reptile and Crocodile Park, the Bali Bird and Butterfly Park, Tirta Empul and lots more. Goa Gajah is an ancient town near Bedulu and is one of Bali's most intriguing sites.
A tour of Bali can be a serious adventure. Transportation is fast and efficient in the urban areas, but when you travel into the rural settings you'll find yourself faced with an unending maze of country roads. You can arrange a private tour of the island with a local guide and if you have the resources to do this it's the best way to fully experience the local beauties and peoples. Bali is not only an exotic tourism resort, but also the hospitality of the people is something special there.
A major attraction of this island is the Hindus culture with temples from ancient age. The daily life and activities of the people reflect their spiritual culture. Everywhere you go you'll find ritual ceremonies. Temple Besakih is the main temple from Bali. It's located on the slope of the highest mountain, Mount Agung. Other temples worth for a visit during your tour of Bali are Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Temple Uluwatu is on the edge of a cliff and it's inhabited by a group of monkeys. Right below the temple, most surfers consider Uluwatu beach as a surfing paradise due to the high waves. Temple Tanah Lot was built in the 16th century and it's beautifully perched at the sea, a rocky silhouette where many people come during the sunset to spoil their eyes and feel the moment. A mystical thing about this temple is a cave where lives a holy snake.
The best region for surfers and passionate travelers and also a must destination along a tour of the island is the southern coast of Bali. Kuta is about 15 - 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport, a place where the white sand beach stretch over 10 Km. Inland, away from the beach, some villages illustrate the serenity of the Paradise! Central Bali and northern Bali are also great travel destinations and are worldwide famous due to the terraced rice fields.