Haron Obare Omaita

Why Bali is one of Asia's Best Travel Destinations Bali is one of the best tourist destinations in Asia, and possibly the world. Located in Indonesia, it is one of the most diverse and beautiful destinations, attracting almost a million visitors annually from all over the world. Situated between the Java and Lombok Islands, Bali is just one of at least 17,000 islands that form the Indonesian Archipelago. It is small—about 140 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide. Climate Lying very close to the equator, Bali has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius as well as two seasons annually. The healthy monsoon season and rich volcanic soil makes this island highly fertile, so a variety of crops are grown here. The gentle slopes in the south boast the island's famous terraced rice fields while the hilly, coastal northern regions are renown for coffee, rice, cattle, spices, vegetables and copra farming. Culture Despite the huge influx of visitors to Bali, the locals have solid spiritual roots and their culture is alive and kicking. Agama Hindu Dharma is the main religion of the people while others profess the Balinese religion, which combines aspects of Hindu, Javanese, Buddhist and ancient native beliefs. With the neighboring Java Island adopting Islam in the 15th century, a huge number of craftsmen, musicians and courtiers fled to Bali, leading to an artistic renaissance. The Balinese people are naturally creative and have always showcased talents in religious artifacts, inspired by stories of various Hindu epics. Most of the island's 3 million people mainly live in large extended families within tight village communities. The largest towns are Denpasar, the regional capital with a population of around 250,000, and the northern town of Singaraja. Tourist attractions The main tourist location is Kuta, found near the airport. This small village is a major attraction due to its famed stunning sunsets, white-sand beaches and the surf. These days, Kuta is a key resort town, with hundreds of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. Those looking for some peace and quiet should head to the more tranquil east coast resorts of Candi Dasa and Sanur, Ubud in the central region, or Lovina in the northern area. The more upmarket crowd can head to Nusa Dua resort, which boasts a golf course and most of the largest 5-star hotels.