BALI A Brief Profile Geography The well-known tourism destination Bali is an island in Indonesia, located between Java Island

to the west and Lombok Island to the east. The island lies approximately 8 degrees south of the equator, is 2,175 sql in size, with 95 miles wide and 69 mile north to south. Mounth Agung, a 10,308 feet high active volcano is the highest point in the island. Mountains cover center to the eastern side of Bali. Bali is also one of Indonesia's 33 provinces with the provincial capital of Denpasar, located in the southern part of the island. The province is divided into 8 regencies (Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klingkung, Tabanan) and one city, which is Denpasar. As of 2005 the population of Bali is 3,151,000. Other than Denpasar as the provincial capital and the center of politic and economy of the island, three other principal cities and towns are Singaraja, Ubud and Kuta. The historical city of Singaraja located at the northern port is the former colonial capital of Bali. The town of Ubud (north of Denpasar) is arguably the cultural center of Bali, widely known with its handicrafts, artworks, museums and galleries. The center of tourism of Kuta lies at the southern shore of the island is well known with its white sand beaches, shopping arcade and nightlife. The tropical island is surrounded by coral reefs, with mostly white sand in the south coast and black sand in the north and west coast.

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Religion Although more than 85% of Indonesian population is Muslim, Bali is the only region in the country with 93.18% of Hindus population. Balinese Hinduism formed as a combination of local beliefs and culture and Hindu influence from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam 4.79%, Christianity 1.38% and Buddhist 0.64%.

Language Most of Balinese are bilingual or trilingual. Balinese as the island's dialect and Indonesian as the national language are two most widely spoken language of Balinese. Balinese language is made up of several types of languages. The usage of these languages was traditionally determined by the Balinese caste system although the tradition is diminishing. Tourism industry and national education curriculum making English as a compulsory course in schools help making the language as the third language of many Balinese. People living in tourism spots within the island are often multilingual to some degrees due to the tourism industry demand and exposure to tourists from various countries.

Flora and Fauna Approximately 280 species of birds live in Bali, including the critically endangered Bali Starling. The wild population of the bird was only 6 birds in 2001 following a high volume of illegal pet trade in the late 1990s when its wild populations was 3-4 dozen.

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Continuing release of Bali Starling to its wild habitat raised the number to 24 by March 2005. Nowadays, approximately 1,000 individuals are believed to be held in captivity legally. Bali Tiger, the only endemic mammal of the island became extinct in the 1930s. Various species of tropical plantations grow in Bali such as majestic, holy Banyan trees, swaying palms, the versatile bamboo, acacia trees and flowers. Colorful tropical flowers can be found easily in public park, gardens, temple grounds reflecting Balinese passion for flowers and nature beauty. Hibiscus, bougainvillea, poinsettia, oleander, jasmine, water lily, roses, begonias, magnolias, orchids and hydrangeas are among the most common flowers found in the island.

Culture Bali is widely known for its wealth of culture in various forms, ranging from music, dances, religious celebrations, painting, sculptures, woodcarving, handicrafts and many more. Balinese music is rich in melody. The two main medical instruments are angklung (made of bamboo) and Balinese gamelan. Gamelan is an ensemble of metal percussion instruments made of bronze, brass and iron such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs. Gamelan may also include bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings and vocalists. Balinese dances are mostly characterized by its energetic and dynamic movement and colorful costumes. Some of most popular and widely performed dances are pendet, baris and kecak. Pendet is normally performed as a prelude to religious ceremonies. The dance also serves as a dance of greeting, to welcome audience on a special event. Baris is a solo dance depicts the feeling of a young warrior prior to a battle, and Kecak is a

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traditional dance involving dozen of dancer performing the epic of Ramayana. Among many Hiduism ceremonies in Bali, Nyepi is arguably the most unique celebration. Nyepi means "Day of Silence", a celebration of Balinese Lunar New Year. Nyepi is the day when Balinese are encouraged to meditate and do self-reflection. There are several restrictions that Balinese Hindus should obey, they are: no lighting or fires, no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling, no talking and no eating. This results to the almost total silence and darkness of the island. Only vital public facilities such as hospitals and police offices are allowed to operate. Even the international air port is closed for the new year celebration.

Children Like most children around the world, aside from going to school, Balinese children also love to play games and toys. Not only they play modern games and toys like video games or Lego, they also like to play traditional games and toys. Some of popular traditional games played by Balinese children are kasti (similar to softball) and rubber ban games. Children who live in rural areas often make their own toys using material they can find easily in the farm like banana leaves and Balinese orange skin. Most Balinese children also learn traditional art since they are very young. They learn traditional dances, music and handicrafts making in school or in the community. It is a part of the community's and provincial government's afford to preserve Balinese culture.

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History Historical finding showed that the island has been inhabited since 3000 BC by people who migrated through the mainland Asia. In 1243 The Hindu Majapahit Empire located on eastern Java founded Balinese colony, followed by an exodus of intellectuals, artist, priests and musicians from the kingdom to Bali in the 15 century as the kingdom crumbling down. In 1585 a Portugese ship was discovered off the Bukit Peninsula, followed by the arrival of Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman in the island in 1597. Since then the island has been a target of occupation by foreign countries such as Netherlands and Japan until the 20th century.

Sources: http://www.marimari.com/content/bali/general_info/flora_fauna.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali

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