 | Bali today A few decades ago, the main forms of income for Bali were agricultural. Today, tourism is the single largest source of income for the Balinese. At least one member of every household is employed in the tourism industry. There was a sharp decline in the tourism industry after the 2002 and 2003 bombings in the busy shopping areas of Kuta and Jimbaran Bay. But things have picked up since then, especially after massive foreign investments (for instance, the Bulgari resort). Security measures such as bomb-sniffing dogs and security checks are now in place almost everywhere. The beaches in B |
 | Bali Back Then Bali was ruled by the Javanese who laid the foundations of the Balinese culture today. Bali became the melting pot for everything related to religion and culture for Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. However, Bali was conquered by the Dutch settlers in 1909 after much resistance. The Dutch had reached Bali in the early 17th century but were unable to secure complete control even with the expansion of the Dutch East India Company. The island was passed to the French, the British and then finally the Dutch who completely took over. This resulted in a steady stream of early tourism sparked b |
 | Amandari Resort Nestled in the rice fields and the green terraces of Bali, the Amandari is the ultimate getaway. Thi |  | Amankila The resort is located in the regency of Karangasem which offers exciting activities and excursions s |
 | Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah The Chedi Club offers private, luxurious yet cozy villas. Located in the hills of Ubud, even the sta |  | Ritz-Carlton Bali A joint venture with the Bulgari Hotels and resorts, th hotels offers breathtaking views of the Indi |
 | The Oberoi Synonymous with opulence, The Oberoi is like no other. Set in 15 acres of tropical gardens on Seminy |  | Alila Ubud Tranquility at its best, the Alila Ubud is located at the banks of River Ayung. It is also very clos |
 | Betty Bu Fashions If you’re looking to buy long skirts and dresses, then this is the shop for you. The clothes here |  | DFS Bali Galleria Available here are the up market brands such as Prada, Gucci, Dior and Tiffany’s. Shop (or window |
 | Okrakartini This is a hi-boutique which sells clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Here you can |  | Treasures Featuring Indonesian jewelry designers, this is an upscale store that sells unique gold pieces. Some |
 | Kartika Discovery Mall If you’re looking for variety and can’t decide what to get, then head over to the Kartika Mall w |  | Threads of Life Support fair trade, local artisans and female workers by buying from this non-profit organization th |
 | Bali International Jazz Festival Extremely popular as jazz enthusiasts from across the Indonesia as well as the world gather to play |  | Balispirit Festival A celebration of dance, music and yoga – this four-day festival brings together artists and yogis |
 | Negara Bull Races The bull are bathed and decorated with garlands before the annual race. |  | National Awakening Day-May 20- This is a pubic holiday all across Indonesia which celebrates the Indonesian state philosophy. |
 | Ubud Writers & Readers Festival October 7-11: An annual literary event attended by local and international writers, poets and critic |  | Kuningan Ceremony This marks the end of the new year holiday and the ceremony lasts about 10 days. If you visit during |
 | TJ’s Restaurant Serving quesadillas, tacos and burgers, be sure to stop by even if to grab a quick bite since the vi |  | Raja's Table When eating here expect to get an exotic array of food. From ginger pepper lobster to crispy shrimp |
 | Kafe Warisan Here you can sample raw oysters to meat from in from Australia in an open courtyard filled with fran |  | Ku De Ta For upscale dining and a trendy spot in town, head over to Ku De Ta. Serving fusion cuisine, the res |
 | Cafe Lotus Offering everything from pastas to Balinese Satay, the restaurant serves decent food. But what stand |  | Bebek Bengli (Dirty Duck) The Dirty Duck is known for its delicious duck which is marinated and roasted in local spices and th |
 | Fast Facts Location: One of the 18,000 islands in Indonesia. Located between the Java and Nusa Tenggara islands Dialing code: 62 Emergency numbers General emergency number: 112 Police: 110 Fire Dept: 113 Ambulance: 118 Search and Rescue: 111, 115 and 151 Population: 3.2 million Languages: English, Indonesian and Balinese. Time zone: UTC/GMT +8 Average January temperatures: 30C and 26C Average July temperatures: 28C and 24C Annual rainfall: 100 inches |
