Indonesia (Bali)

COUNTRY PROFILE 

Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia and is located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia in the Indian and Pacific oceans. The capital, Jakarta, is located near the northwestern coast of Java Island.

An archipelago – “Indonesia” sprawls along the equator for 5000km and is comprised of  17,500 islands of which more than 7,000 are uninhabited. The 7 main Islands of Indonesia are – Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara (Lesser Sunda) Bali, New Guinea and Maluku.

A traveler venturing across Indonesia will see a wonderfully dramatic landscape as diverse as anywhere on the planet. Bali’s beaches are the stuff of legend. The Banda islands in “Maluku”, Derawan island in Kalimantan and Pulau Weh off Sumatra all offer superb beaches too.

Yes ! just go on sitting in the open door of a train whizzing across Java,  go gazing out at an empty sea while on a Ship bound for the “Kei Islands”, go hanging on to the back of a scooter on Flores, go rounding the mystifying corner of an ancient West Timor village.
An Orangutan lounging in a tree, the heart-stopping menace of a Komodo Dragon, the precise moves of the artful Balinese dancer, a deserted stretch of blinding white sand on Sumbawa, the astonishing crowds in a glitzy Jakarta mall, the intriguing tales of the beautiful Banda Islands’ twisted history, the delicious restaurants in the south Bali – all these in combination impress the traveler about “Indonesia”  by illustrating its Cultures, Festivals, Adventures, Sights, Flora & Fauna , Customs and Foods. 

QUICK  FACTS ON  INDONESIA   :-

CAPITAL  :: Jakarta
NUMBER OF STATES :: 34
LARGEST CITY  :: Jakarta
NATIONAL LANGUAGE :: Indonesian
RELIGION :: Islam
AREA  :: 1,904,569[6] km2
POPULATION :: 261,115,456
CURRENCY  :: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

MAJOR  CITIES 

JAKARTA

Jakarta is the largest city and capital of Indonesia and lies on the northwest coast of Java island, at the mouth of the Liwung River. The city has long been a major trade and financial center. It has also become an important industrial city and a center for education. One of the world’s greatest megalopolises, Jakarta is a dynamic and vibrant city. Its chaotic charm and juxtapositions can be found on every street.
Jakarta is where Indonesia puts on its best face. The newer “Merdeka Square” in Jakarta, is where Indonesia presents the face it wants the world to see – bold and confident. It has the country’s top museums, the greatest diversity of restaurants and public spaces in countless shopping malls that rival anything in Singapore or Bangkok.

In Jakarta, you can find all of Indonesia. Walk down an alley with food stalls and you’ll find a huge diversity of flavors, while the glitzy malls and hotels offer fine dining from around the archipelago and the world. Meanwhile, goods come in from all over and are sold at shops and on street corners around the clock. 

BALI  ISLAND
Bali island is situated in the “Lesser Sunda Islands” in Indonesia, at a distance of 1.6 km east of the main island of Java.
This is the island of the Gods, which is more than a place but a paradise. The rich and diverse culture of Bali is beautiful and
unique.

The middle of Bali is dominated by the dramatic volcanoes of the central mountains and hillside temples. Most of Bali is mountainous, the highest point being “Mount Agung” Or “Bali Peak” (3,142 meters) and known locally as the
“Navel of the World.”  The main lowland is south of the central mountains.

In the 16th century, Bali became a refuge for many Hindu nobles, priests, and intellectuals. Today it is the only remaining
stronghold of Hinduism in the archipelago – a blend of Hinduism & Buddhism. “Ubud” – is the heart of Bali, a place where the culture of the island is most accessible.

This touristic destination is popular for its myriad temple ceremonies, the otherworldly traditional music and dance performed island-wide. The Balinese are fond of music, poetry, dancing and festivals, are extraordinarily able in arts and crafts, and are passionately fond of betting games, especially cockfighting. Stage plays and especially, dancing is an integral part of Balinese life.

Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving and resorts great and small, but it’s the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes it so much more than just a fun-in-the-sun retreat.

Bali is climatically comfortable throughout the year, and is a year-round destination. Geographically being situated in the region just below the equator the island of Bali has a very charismatic type of weather.

High Season   ( Summer –  July and August  ) :
The best & the busiest time to visit Bali is generally during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather
is driest and the days are sunny with pleasant temperatures. The island becomes the most crowded and everyone is in search
of Surf, Sand, and Sun !  Even within these months, the peak tourist season lasts from July to August.  If you don’t mind heavy traffic and sharing crowded beaches, go when the weather is best. 

Shoulder Season  ( Cool  – April, May, June and September )
But April, May, June and September are truly the best months to visit in Bali. The island is slower than the peak season but
there’s still plenty of life if you’re looking for nightlife and busy restaurants. The shoulder months are enjoyable and experience
many sunny days. 

Low Season  ( Rainfall – October, November, December, January, February and March )
The quietest months on the island are from October till March: Bali sees rainfall during these months, so you may want to avoid this half of the year. The disadvantages are the regular downpours, plus high humidity, poor visibility at dive and snorkel sites and the rougher seas may make boat trips less enjoyable. The drawbacks sound less than appealing, but many travelers prefer to visit destinations only during the low seasons. Despite the rain and slightly hotter temperatures in December, Bali still becomes busy with revelers during Christmas and the New Year holiday.