Where is Bali? is apparently one of the top question Googled about Bali. I remember that my primary school teacher once sneered that “foreigners went to Bali, but don’t even know where Bali is!”. Well, don’t worry. No judgement here. I am Indonesian, so I know the answer. But I could easily ask the exact same question about another island in South America!
Where is Bali?
Bali is an island province of Indonesia. If you don’t have provincial system in your country, think of it like a states in the US (Maryland, California, etc) or counties in the UK (Lancashire, West Yorkshire, etc). Bali lies between Java Island to the west and Lombok to the east.
And in comparison to the world, as you can see, it is located not too far away from Australia, and just below the equator. This means that Bali is in tropical climate, which is warm all year round. Bali’s tropical climate and diverse ecosystems make it a popular destination – who doesn’t like lush rice terraces, volcanic mountains, and white sandy beach in warm weather? The climate also makes Bali very attractive to tourists from subtropical climate in winter, where they can sunbathe instead of suffering in the cold depths of winter.
[Visiting Bali for the first time? I have written a perfect guide for you!]
Is Bali a Country?
No, Bali is not a country. The country is called Indonesia. Say like how Hawaii is not a country, but the United States is. In fact, that’s kind of a good comparison.
Is Bali in Indonesia?
Yes, that’s right. Just how people can say that Hawaii or Washington DC is in the US, or that London is in the UK, you can say that Bali is in Indonesia. As we’ve said above, Bali is a province in Indonesia, it’s a part of Indonesia.
Where is Indonesia?
Geographically, Indonesia is positioned to the south of the Philippines and Vietnam, to the southeast of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the northwest of Australia. Indonesia is located in the South East Asia, or technically the bridge between Asia and Australia. The capital city of Indonesia is Jakarta, which is located on the island of Java.
And while at it, perhaps it’s a good idea to talk a little about Indonesia. Indonesia is a large and diverse country in Southeast Asia, made up of over 18,000 islands. One of it is Bali! Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago (nation consisting of islands) and the fourth most populous country, with more than 270 million people. The capital city is Jakarta, located on the island of Java. Java is the most populated island and is the centre of the country’s politics and economy. Indonesia is known for its rich cultural diversity, with many ethnic groups and languages, blending traditional customs with modern life.
The country is famous for its beautiful landscapes, including tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Indonesia is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Its economy is one of the largest in the region, with key industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Indonesia also has a rich cultural heritage, with a history of ancient kingdoms, colonial influences, and a lively contemporary culture.
How Big is Bali?
Bali is a relatively small island in Indonesia, covering an area of about 5,780 square kilometres. I say relatively small, because Indonesia is also the house of many of the world’s biggest island. The Island of Papua (also called New Guinea by foreigners) in the east of Indonesia is the world’s second largest island. The third and sixth largest island (Kalimantan/Borneo and Sumatra) are both also in Indonesia. Java, the most populous island in Indonesia, doesn’t even make it to the top 10, but it is the 13th largest island in the world. Hence Bali, in comparison, is miniscule.
Despite its size, Bali is packed with diverse landscapes, from lush rice terraces and dense jungles to volcanic mountains and beautiful beaches. The island is roughly 153 kilometres wide from east to west and about 112 kilometres long from north to south, making it easy to explore many of its attractions within a short period.
It used to be a long and bumpy drive to reach the Buleleng in the North of Bali from Denpasar (capital of Bali, located in the south). Infrastructure has recently improved in 2021, and the journey is currently shortened to about 2-2.5 hours. Mind that
Even though Bali is small compared to other islands, it has a significant population of around 4.3 million people. This population density contributes to the island’s vibrant atmosphere, with bustling markets, lively festivals, and a rich cultural scene. Bali’s compact size means visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, from surfing on the southern beaches to hiking in the central highlands, all within a short drive from one another.
How to Get to Bali?
If you are asking this question, it is very likely that you don’t live nearby. So, the best way to get to Bali is by flying. Bali has an international airport called I Gusti Ngurah Rai, one of Balinese heroes. It has connections from all over the world, including Europe, Americas, Asia, Australia. Ngurah Rai airport, as we often call it, is also one of the busiest international airport after the one in Jakarta, which is the capital. Make sure you read my secret hack on how to score a cheap long haul flight to Bali!
Hope that answers your question about Bali. If you are about to visit, make sure that you read this guide on visiting Bali for first timers, and 10 common mistakes to avoid when visiting Bali!
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