23 Facts About Bali: Know Before You Go

Bali is Indonesia’s most famous island and was recently voted one of the top travel destinations by Trip Advisor. But how well do you truly know it?

After spending more than two years exploring the island, we like to think we know it pretty well. Yet we’re always surprised by new and interesting facts about Bali and Balinese culture shared with us by locals.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or just keen to learn more, we’ve compiled some of our favourite Bali facts that will help you appreciate this magical island, its people, and their traditions.

1. Bali is a Hindu island in a Muslim country

Although Indonesia is a Muslim majority country, Bali is a Hindu island. Around 87% of the population practice Balinese Hinduism which integrates local traditions with classical Hindu beliefs.

There's a high chance that you'll witness ceremonies during your trip which are an important part of their cultural identity. Locals wear ceremonial outfits while the priests lead rituals and worshipping, often accompanied by traditional music, offerings, and dance.

Ceremonies take place anywhere and everywhere, from the temples to the beaches. Sometimes they'll even close off entire roads.

They vary in size from island-wide celebrations such as Galungan and Kuningan to smaller community ceremonies such as Odalan which celebrates the anniversary of each temple every 210 days.

2. Balinese people make daily offerings called "Canang Sari"

It won't take you long in Bali to notice the many small homemade baskets filled with flowers, incense, and sometimes even food – these are "Canang Sari", daily offerings made to the supreme God.

These small offerings are placed in shrines, temples, around the home, on the sidewalk, or on any object people wish to protect.

Try to avoid stepping on or over them, especially if the incense is still burning, as this is seen as disrespectful. But if it’s accidental, nobody will be offended.

While offerings are made multiple times per day, they become bigger and more frequent during important celebrations such as Galungan and Kuningan.

Canang Sari must be made in a particular way as each part of the offering has a different meaning. For example, the coloured flowers each represent different gods and must face a certain direction.

Many resorts and museums offer Canang Sari workshops where you can learn more about these special offerings and even try making one for yourself.

3. Bali uses a Caste System

Much like other Hindu destinations, Bali has a caste system, known as Triwangsa. This splits the population into four different groups according to their social standing. The four groups are very similar to those in India's caste system:

• The Brahmanas – Priests and academics. They are considered to be the highest caste.
  ㅤ

• The Ksatrya – Kings and warriors. This caste was important back when Bali was split into kingdoms, although very few Ksatrya families exist today.
  ㅤ

• The Wesyas – Merchants. They tend to run shops and businesses or might be landowners.
  ㅤ

• The Sudras – Working class. This would include farmers, labourers, and all other workers. They are the everyday people that make up more than 90% of the population.

While the caste system is not as prominent in Bali as it once was, it does still exist in parts of the island. We’ve heard (firsthand) stories of young Balinese couples who’ve had to leave Bali to get married as they were not from the same caste and their families didn't approve of their relationship.

4. Many Balinese people have the same names

Although many Balinese people now use nicknames to make life easier for tourists (and themselves), you might have noticed that most people have the same first names, such as Putu or Wayan.

Names in Bali are determined by caste so you can immediately identify which group someone belongs to. There are only around a dozen or so names, here’s a list for each caste:

• The Brahmanas (priests and academics) – They are always called Ida Bagus (male) or Ida Ayu (female).
  ㅤ

• The Ksatrya (kings and warriors) – There are four names which are slightly adjusted for each gender:
  ㅤMen: Anak Agung, Tjokorda, Gusti Ngurah, or Dewa Agung
  ㅤWomen: Anak Agung Ayu/Istri, Tjokorda Istri, Gusti Ayu, or Dewa Ayu/Desak
  ㅤ

• The Wesyas (merchants) – They use the same naming structure as The Sudras, but historically would add Ngakan, Kompyang, Sang, or Si to the beginning.
  ㅤ

• The Sudras (working class) – There are 9 names, all of which are unisex. The names indicate birth order.
  ㅤFirst Child: Wayan, Putu, or Gede
  ㅤSecond Child: Made, Kadek or Nengah
  ㅤThird Child: Nyoman, Komang
  ㅤFourth Child: Ketut
  For the fifth child, the loop starts over from firstborn, but they might add "Balik" meaning "another". So a fifth-born might be called "Wayan Balik", which means "another Wayan".

5. The island is heavily reliant on tourism

Bali has a population of 4.37 million people, yet receives over 10 million domestic tourists (from elsewhere in Indonesia) and 5 million international tourists annually. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism.

Bali is the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia and accounts for almost a fifth of the hotel rooms in the entire country, despite being one of the smaller islands.

6. There are two languages in Bali - Balinese & Indonesian

Bahasa Indonesia (also known as Indonesian) is the country's official language. But like many Indonesian islands, Bali also has its own language called Balinese, or "Basa Bali." Most locals speak both.

The two language are very different. You can quickly tell them apart in writing as Bahasa uses the Latin alphabet (the same as English) whereas Balinese has its own lettering system, known as Aksarä Bali.

While it’s great to learn a few phrases in both languages, we find Bahasa more useful as we can continue to speak it when we visit other islands in Indonesia.

One of our favourite hidden gems is the Lontar Museum in East Bali where you can learn how to write your name in the Aksarä alphabet and inscribe it onto a traditional Balinese palm leaf manuscript called a Lontar.

7. During Balinese New Year, the island goes into total lockdown for 24 hours

Nyepi, also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, is a unique and important Hindu religious holiday celebrated each year in Bali. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Balinese Saka calendar, usually around March.

On the day of Nyepi, the entire island observes strict restrictions, including no noise, light, work, or travel. You cannot leave your home, all businesses are closed, and even the airport shuts down for the day.

But Nyepi is more than just a one-day event. If you visit the island during this celebration, you’ll witness an entire series of ceremonies and celebrations lasting several days in the lead-up to the New Year.

These celebrations include the famous Ogoh-Ogoh parade the night before Nyepi, in which giant demon effigies are paraded through the island's streets.

8. Bali split gates are more than a photo spot

Bali's iconic gates have become a symbol of the island in recent years and are now a must-have photo among tourists. But these gates are far more than just a photo spot.

Candi Bentar, or Balinese split gates, indicate the entrance to a temple. They mark the threshold between the outer human realm and the inner sanctum of the Gods.

According to Balinese Hinduism, the two sides symbolise the “Rwa Bhineda”, meaning the two opposite energies that coexist to maintain a cosmic balance in the universe.

The most famous Candi Bentar is at Pura Lempuyang where Mount Agung sits perfectly between them on a clear day. It’s become a popular photo spot nicknamed "the Gates of Heaven." But we don’t think it’s worth the 3+ hour wait, so we created a list of alternatives instead.

Most temples in Bali follow a similar layout with three distinct areas. Beyond the split gates is usually the outer courtyard, followed by the middle courtyard, and finally the inner courtyard, which is the most sacred area.

As you move between the different courtyards, you’ll pass through another type of gate known as a "Paduraksa" (pictured above). These are notable for their towering roofs and intricate carvings.

9. Bali has two active volcanos you can climb

Bali is a volcanic island with two active volcanos - Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Both are very sacred, with Mount Agung believed to be a replica of Mount Meru (the mythical mountain at the centre of the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism).

You can hike to the summit of both volcanos. There are two routes up Mount Agung, a long one that takes 10-14 hours and a shorter one that takes 5-8 hours round trip. Both are quite difficult with steep, loose terrain.

Mount Batur is much easier with just a 2 hour hike to the summit. Both Emily and I have climbed up for sunrise and we recommend it as one of our favourite things to do in Bali. If you’re not a hiker, you can always take a sunrise jeep tour to the top.

Eruptions are rare but when they do happen, flights can be grounded due to the ash in the sky as happened in 2017. Make sure your travel insurance covers natural disasters just in case.

Thankfully, travel delays are about as bad as it gets - nobody has died from eruptions since the 1960s thanks to technology that can monitor volcanic activity.

10. North doesn’t always mean north

The Balinese word "Kaja" is often translated as "north," but it actually points towards Mount Agung (the most spiritual place on the island).

If you're in south Bali, Kaja aligns with the north. But from other areas like Lovina, Kaja points in a different direction.

11. Everything in Bali comes in threes

Balinese live by a philosophy called Tri Hita Karana, which translates as "three causes of well-being". It's a way of living that promotes three types of harmony; with god, among people, and with nature.

This magic number of three permeates into many different parts of Balinese culture. There are three main gods, three sacred syllables, three core life stages (birth, life, and death), three temples in each town/village, three courtyards in a temple, three main areas in the home, etc.

Most Balinese people wear a red, white, and black plaited bracelet called "Tridatu", meaning "three powers". The three colours represent the three main Hindu gods and the Tri Hita Karana. It's said to protect the wearer from evil forces.

Visitors are also encouraged to wear the bracelets which are widely available in local markets. They're a great meaningful souvenir to take home too. Remember, the Tridatu should always be worn on the right hand!

12. There are many different types of temples

"Pura" means temple and chances are that you’ll visit one or two during your visit to Bali. But not all Balinese temples are equal. There are many types of temples which have different purposes.

The Directional Temples (Pura Kahyangan Jagat) – These are Bali’s holiest temples. There are nine of them across the island, eight representing the compass directions (north, northeast, east, etc) and one that represents the centre - Pura Besakih – the biggest and most important temple in Bali.

Sea Temples (Pura Segara) – Bali has a chain of sea temples around its coastline dedicated to the gods of the sea. When they were first built, it’s said you could always see the next temple in the chain. But as Bali has become more developed, this is no longer possible.

Water Temples – These are usually located near a spring or a large body of water such as a lake. Locals will go here each month to take part in a Melukat water purification ceremony. Some water temples allow tourists to take part too, notably Pura Tirta Empul near Ubud.

Village Temples – Every town or village has three temples, each dedicated to a different god. The Pura Puseh is dedicated to Vishnu, the Pura Desa to Brahma, and the Pura Dalem usually to Shiva. The latter is also known as the "temple of death" as it honours the deceased.

Family Temples – Within the compound of the family home there is usually a small temple or shrine where they can pray and leave offerings. Look out for this if you spend time in a homestay.

13. All families must visit the Mother Temple each year

As we just mentioned, Pura Besakih is the island’s most important temple. Located on the slopes of sacred Mount Agung, it’s known as "the Mother Temple."

Each year during the 10th lunar month (usually around March), Balinese people celebrate Bhatara Turun Kabeh, a festival where every Balinese Hindu family must visit the temple.

The festival begins on the full moon and continues for around 2-3 weeks. During this period, Pura Besakih will be extravagantly decorated with music, dances, bell-ringing, chanting, and offerings taking place.

14. They have community funerals

In Bali, a funeral is called a "Ngaben". During a Ngaben, the bodies are cremated which releases their soul into the upper realm.

We’ve seen a Ngaben before and they are nothing like Western funerals. They are extremely elaborate with colourful street processions featuring instruments and specially created statues.

Rather than doing this every time someone dies, they temporarily bury the bodies until there are enough for a big community Ngaben which cremates many deceased at once. This can sometimes be years after the person dies.

15. Bali produces the most expensive coffee in the world

Bali has earned a solid reputation as a coffee-producing island. Kintamani (the region around Mount Batur) has volcanic soil packed with nutrients that's perfect for growing Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.

Kintamani coffee was the first Indonesian product to earn GI (Geographical Indication) certification which helps protect it in the global marketplace.

If you want to sample some for yourself, head to the beautiful cafes in Kintamani where they serve it. Many even roast their own beans on-site. We also recommend the coffee-tasting experience at Blacklist Coffee Roasters in Canggu.

Luwak coffee is another famous type of coffee in Bali. These beans are produced by luwaks (also known as civet cats) that eat the coffee cherries and poop them back out. Yep, you heard that right!

The beans are re-collected from their droppings and cleaned. It might not sound appealing, but their digestive system changes the structure of the beans, resulting in a less acidic and smoother coffee.

Due to its difficulty to produce and great taste, luwak coffee is one of the most expensive types of coffee in the world. Unfortunately, this has led to abusive practices where some luwaks are kept in captivity in poor conditions.

While there are certainly some ethical luwak coffee producers in Bali, it’s difficult to tell the good from the bad. We recommend you avoid supporting this practice for now, at least until the industry becomes more ethical.

16. Spirits visit Bali every 210 days during Galungan & Kuningan

Galungan & Kuningan is an important 10-day celebration that happens every 210 days in Bali.

It’s the period when ancestral spirits visit the Earth, and the Balinese people welcome them with elaborate offerings, amazing ceremonies, and huge feasts.

During the festival, streets across the island are adorned with colourful decorations known as “penjor”. If you can coincide your vacation with this celebration, you’ll see the island at its most beautiful.

17. Bali’s rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bali has one UNESCO Heritage Site called "the Cultural Landscape of Bali".

This site centers around the Subak irrigation system, an ancient network of channels and waterways that funnel rainwater to the rice terraces ensuring they stay green and productive year-round.

But there’s more to Subak than the physical water management network. It’s deeply connected to the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (the "three causes of well-being" mentioned previously). Temples, priests, and ceremonies all play an important role in the system.

The UNESCO site covers five different rice terraces and specifically names two temples (Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Pura Taman Ayun) for their vital roles in the system.

While the Ceking rice terraces in Tegalalang are the most famous among visitors, Jatiluwih is Bali’s largest rice terrace and a great place to see how effective the Subak system has been.

18. Bali has three different calendars

Understanding the dates of local festivals and events in Bali is often difficult because Bali has three separate calendars.

• Saka – This calendar is based on the moon cycles with a new month beginning after each full moon. Like the Gregorian calendar, it has roughly 12 months each with 30 days. The first day of the Saka Calendar is Nyepi – the Balinese new year celebration that’s also known as ‘the day of silence’.
  ㅤ

• Pukwon – This is a 210-day calendar. It’s very confusing as many different weeks run simultaneously. For example, there are 210 x 1-day weeks, 105 x 2-day weeks, 70 x 3-day weeks, all the way up to 21 x 10-day weeks. This calendar is used to determine temple anniversaries and the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations.
  ㅤ

• Gregorian - This is the calendar you’ll recognise. Bali only started using this calendar at the beginning of the 20th century under Dutch colonial rule.

Although the Gregorian calendar is used for official and civil purposes, the two traditional calendars remain important to Balinese culture and daily life, especially for determining religious ceremonies, agricultural practices, and cultural events.

Many families have a single calendar that combines all three systems so they can plan accordingly.

19. Bali is part of the coral triangle

Bali's underwater world is teeming with life thanks to its location within the Coral Triangle. The warm waters, abundant coral reefs, and strong currents all contribute to the incredible variety of marine life.

Over 500 species of coral and more than 950 species of reef fish can be found in Bali's waters, which is why it's popular with divers and snorkellers. The best spots can be found near Amed, Menjangan Island, and around the Nusa Islands.

Some of the more unusual species you’ll spot in Bali include Manta Rays, Mola-Mola (also known as ocean sunfish), and reef sharks.

20. Those cheeky temple monkeys are sacred

Monkeys roam freely in many areas of Bali. You’re most likely to spot them at temples and by the roadside, especially in the jungle-heavy north.

In Balinese Hinduism, monkeys are considered sacred and fulfill a role as "guardians of the temples".

They represent the spirit of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god from the Hindu Epic Ramayana. He is known for his strength, loyalty, and intelligence. If you attend a traditional dance performance, someone often plays the role of a monkey.

At some temples, the monkeys have become a little too accustomed to humans. They're very smart and are known to steal belongings such as phones and glasses from tourists which they'll use to barter for food.

21. Family life is an important part of Balinese culture

Bali has a patriarchal social structure. Most young couples don't live together until marriage. After this, the woman will usually move in with the man's family and become part of his family linage.

Many generations continue to live in one home, which is why they tend to be sizeable compounds. Living together allows the whole family to share responsibilities such as childcare, household chores, and financial obligations.

But unlike Western homes, one home often contains many different buildings, so there's more privacy than you might expect. As well as the living areas, a traditional Balinese home will have a courtyard area and pavilions where families might hang out, make offerings, or prepare for ceremonies.

22. Bali is home to the largest statue in Indonesia (and you can go inside it)

It’s impossible to miss the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park when you’re visiting Bali. Not least, because the enormous GWK statue can be seen from across southern Bali.

At 121 metres tall (including the base), it’s the tallest statue in Indonesia and one of the tallest in the world. The giant statue is devoted to the Hindu gods Vishnu and Garuda, the mythical bird who became his companion.

Many people don’t realise that you can go inside the statue. Its base holds a museum that explains the significance of the statue and details the entire construction process. You can also go up to the top in an elevator where you can look out across the island.

But there’s more to the park than the statue. There’s an amphitheatre, huge sculptures, and a jam-packed schedule of daily cultural performances (including many dances).

23. Babi Gulung is the national dish of Bali

Nasi goreng and mie goreng are two of the best-known dishes that you can find on almost every menu in Bali. Chances are you’ll have at least one during your visit.

But contrary to popular belief, neither are actually Balinese specialties. They are very typical dishes across all of Indonesia and likely have their roots in Chinese cuisine.

Locals would consider Babi Guling to be their national dish. It’s Bali’s version of a spit-roasted suckling pig. A whole pig is stuffed with a mix of spices and roasted over a fire for several hours until the meat is tender and juicy and the skin crispy.

Beloved by locals, Babi Guling is usually reserved for special celebrations and ceremonies. However, the dish has also become popular among tourists in recent years, meaning you’ll also find a wide selection of local restaurants serving the specialty.