Interesting Facts about Bali

12 Cool Facts About Bali You Would Love to Know

 

Description: From the mystical floating temples to the enchanting scenic beauty, Bali has everything. Discover some interesting facts about Bali that will leave you yearning for more from this tropical haven.

 

Bali is one of the most travelled tourist destinations across the world. And why not? This beautiful island promises a perfect getaway from your everyday chaos. 

 

This enchanting island is not just a destination; it's a memorable sanctuary adorned with iconic temples, serene beaches, and captivating landscapes that linger in your heart long after you arrive. Yet, Bali's allure doesn't stop there.  

 

Here we bring you some interesting facts about Bali that will fuel your curiosity and leave you yearning to unravel more.

 

1. Bali isn't Just One Island

 

Yes, this might be quite an intriguing fact about Bali for you. Bali isn’t a single island as you might have known so far. It’s a captivating group of four! 

 

While Bali is the ‘mainland’, we have three other smaller islands - Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. It will take you around 20 - 30 minutes of boat ride to reach these islands. Be sure to visit this charming trio - for they offer a perfect place for surfing and exploring the rich marine biodiversity that will leave your eyes utterly delighted.

 

2. Bali has a Unique Calendar System

 

Apart from the familiar Gregorian calendar, Bali people follow a lunar calendar as well. This calendar features 12 months, each beginning with a new moon.  It's a whopping 78 years behind our regular Gregorian calendar. This means that it is presently 1945 in Bali. 

 

Bali follows another unique calendar system called the Pawukon. There is no such thing as a 'year' under this type of calendar system. There are only ten concurrent weeks, each with one to ten days that resets over and over. The calendar plays a significant role in religious and cultural events. Isn’t that one of the most intriguing Bali facts?

 

3. Bali has its Own Language

 

Language in Bali is an intricate mix that contributes to the island's cultural diversity. While the prevalent language in Indonesia is "Bahasa Indonesia," Bali adds its own linguistic flavour with the unique Balinese language.

 

Here "Bahasa" is related to Tagalog in the Philippines and Malay and "Basa Bali" is related to the Malayo-Polynesian family. Although you might find it difficult to differentiate between the two, both languages have separate vocabularies.

 

4. Balinese have No Last Names

 

Here's another interesting fact about Bali. Balinese people do not usually use last names. Based on their birth order, children are given one of four names: Wayan, Made, Niyoman, or Ketut. 

 

And what if there's a fifth child? Wayan will be his new name. This means that all members of a generation will have the same first name.

 

5. Bali has Only 2 Seasons

 

Bali is classified as a "temperate zone" as it lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. That is why it is warm here all year. And there are only two seasons: rainy and dry.

 

The dry season lasts from May to September, and this is when the majority of tourists come to seek sun-soaked fun.

 

From October to April, the island has the rainy season. This time of year offers not only a tranquil ambience but also lower prices for travellers. You may count on beautiful green landscapes that grow amid moderate rainfall. 

 

6. You Need to Save Your Valuables from Monkeys

 

Bali is home to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - located in Ubud. Over 600 long-tailed macaques live in the refuge. Monkeys, however, are not solely found here. You can find them in other lush regions as well. 

 

But here's the catch – these pint-sized charmers can be surprisingly assertive. They can steal your bags, phone, and eyewear. So, while admiring their antics, it's wise to keep a respectful distance and safeguard your belongings.

 

7. Bali Celebrates a Day of Silence

 

Here’s an intriguing fact about Bali culture. There is a day in Bali when everything goes silent. The entire island shuts down, including beaches, local shops and even the airport. Both residents and tourists alike are expected to remain indoors. It's called Nyepi - the Hindu New Year set according to the lunar calendar. It usually occurs right after the new moon in March.

 

This day serves as an invaluable opportunity for self-reflection. The observance is diligently overseen by pecalang, the local security officers, ensuring a profound and peaceful experience for everyone. 

 

8. North is Not Always North for Balinese

 

Balinese people believe that the North is the location of gods and spirits. 

 

Mt. Agung, which is regarded sacred, represents the north to the Balinese. The majority of Balinese houses and shrines face this peak. Even if you are standing to the north of Mt. Agung, if you ask any native which way is north, they will gesture to Mt Agung. Even though it is geographically south.

 

9. It’s a Rule to Wear Traditional on Thursday

 

This is one of the most intriguing facts about Bali culture. Thursday is a traditional day. 

 

The governor established this law, which mandates citizens to wear traditional dress and speak only Balinese on Thursdays to maintain the island's traditions. Although no one follows this law in practice. People dress anything they want.

 

10. Bali has 2 Active Volcanoes

 

Bali is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur, with the latter being slightly smaller. 

 

Locally known as Gunung Agung, Mount Agung erupted dramatically in 1963, claiming around 1,500 lives. It still occasionally rumbles with gassy belches, several of which occurred between 2017 and 2019. 

 

On the other hand, Mount Batur's last eruption in 2000 released ash into the air without causing harm. Despite their volcanic past, adventurers flock to these peaks for the stunning views of Bali they offer. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on local news to verify that it is safe to visit.

 

11. Subak System is a Thousand Years Old

 

The Subak canal system crisscrosses Bali's lush central highlands, ensuring abundant harvests. This one-of-a-kind system, Bali's sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects millennia of social and spiritual tradition. 

 

Subak syphons water from underground sources through water temples via a canal system that was created in the 9th century as part of an irrigation system.

 

Subak was originally designed as an eco-farming irrigation miracle. Today it represents a self-sustaining and nearly perfect model of eco-farming.

 

12. Bali has Floating Temples

 

Here is another intriguing Bali fact. Tanah Lot, a sea temple, appears to float on the water during high tide. It is one of Bali's most iconic and photographed landmarks.

 

Another remarkable floating temple is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, located on Lake Bratan. This water temple, surrounded by mist-shrouded mountains, appears to float serenely on the lake's surface. These floating temples not only embody Bali's deep spiritual roots but also serve as iconic landmarks.

 

Take Away!

 

Bali has everything you might be looking for in your next holiday destination. These cool facts about Bali add to the island’s unique charm. Here you can dive into its world-class diving sites, savour the fusion of flavours in Balinese cuisine, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Nyepi, the Day of Silence. As you plan your next adventure, let such intriguing Bali facts guide your journey. 

Ready to experience the magic? Book a customised Bali tour package today and make your travel dreams a reality!