Bali doesn’t need any introduction. A special island in the big archipelago of Indonesia, Bali is (and will keep on being) one of the most popular destinations in the world. From the incredible nature with beautiful scenery to great food, active social life, laid-back atmosphere, and, ultimately, amazing quality of living for super affordable prices… Bali is fantastic, and we could not love more our time there!

Do you want to visit Bali someday? Or, have you been there already? Check these 10 Bali facts that will definitely surprise you and change your idea about this amazing island!

If you prefer, you can see this article in video format, here:

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Related: Bali Guide – Our Personal Recommendations


1. Bali is the only Hindu Island in Indonesia

More than 87% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, making Indonesia the country with the biggest number of Muslims in the world. However, Bali, the most famous island on the Indonesian island, is Hindu, with a religious ramification which they call Balinese Hinduism.

Due to the importance of the religion in the Balinese daily basis, Bali has a nicknamePulau Dewata (Island of Gods).

bali facts

2. Bali owns the most expensive coffee in the world

The world’s most expensive coffee in the world comes from Bali. That doesn’t mean it is the best in the world! It is just the way how this coffee is processed which makes it so expensive! This coffee comes from ordinary coffee beans, HOWEVER, it is eaten, pre-processed, and pooped by a wild cat-like creature living in Asia, called Luwak. That’s why this coffee is called Kopi Luwak. This cat only eats the ripest and finest coffee cherries, based on its aroma, and doesn’t digest the bean. Only after it is collected and put through the traditional process.

We tried this coffee in Bali and we loved it, but we understood this industry is growing and unfortunately, the captivity of the animal is growing too… Sad but human-obvious 🙁

3. Cockfighting is Bali’s traditional sport

Although football is very popular in Bali, cockfighting continues to be the traditional national sport. (Fortunately) we didn’t assist it anywhere but we visited a big statue representing this ”sport” on Taman Ayun Temple.

cockfighting bali curiosities

Read also: Travel Asia on a Budget – How we only spent 10€/day!


4. Balinese Hinduism is different from Traditional Hinduism

Balinese society is nearly 90% Hindu, however, it is a different Hinduism than the traditional one. It has a big Buddhist influence that came from Java and Sumatra islands before the 14th century, where Islam took place. There is also a caste system but, for example, unlike the caste system in India, it is not, at all, unusual for members of different castes to socialize and marry.

Indian wedding vs bali hindu
Indian Wedding

Read also: 20 India Travel Tips – A Beginner’s Guide


5. Balinese babies do not touch the ground

Balinese babies are considered pure and holy and if they touch the floor they might become “dirty”. That’s why, to maintain those first months sacred, babies are always held in someone’s arms (family, neighbors, or other community members), until 3 months of age. It is during the “Nyabutan Ceremony”, 105 days after the baby is born when the baby touches Mother Earth for the first time.

6. Bali beaches are black

When thinking about the beaches in Bali you’d probably imagine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Well… At least that was our idea! We were almost imagining Bali as the Maldives! And we were so wrong! Bali is a volcanic island and even though there are some stunning beaches around the island the majority are with black sand instead! 

canggu black sand beach

Read also: Perhentian Islands – Hidden Paradise in Malaysia [Full Guide]


7. Bali is still in 1940

According to our Gregorian calendar, Bali Island is still in 1940, while the rest of Indonesia is in 2018. This may seem crazy, but is true! The Pawukon calendar is a 210-day calendar that has its origins in the Hindu religion in Bali. 

Another big difference and curiosity about this Balinese Calendar is the first day of each New Year. This first day is called Nyepi Day (”Silence Day”) and it is considered a re-starting day, where it is attempted to be as close as possible. On this day no one is allowed to leave home! Balinese do not go to work, do not travel, and do not make any kind of noise for 24 hours and some of them don’t even talk or eat anything. Tourists are not except for these prohibitions.

Curiosity: As all islands turn off their lights during the night, the sky is more clear than ever and it is an unbelievable experience to just sit and watch the millions of stars above you. It will leave you speechless.

8. Nearly all Balinese people have the same few names

You may think this is one more strange thing about Bali… and it is! But is also super funny and practical! You will find a lot of people called ”Wayan”, ”Made”, ”Nyoman” or ”Ketut”. Most Balinese people are given one of these four names, male or female. It simply means ‘firstborn’, ‘second born’, ‘third born’, and ‘fourth born’. When comes to the fifth child, they simply start over again and name him/her ”Wayan” again! 

9. Taxi cartels are everywhere on the island

Local taxi cartels are one of the biggest threats to Bali’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. You will feel this ”threat” as soon as you arrive at the airport! Some areas in Bali aren’t allowed for transportation apps like Grab, GoJek, or any other private transportation company since they were banned by the local taxis. With this freedom, local taxis raise their prices to double or triple the expected! It’s insane! That’s why the best option to drive around is to rent your motorbike.

10. The ice in Bali is quality controlled by the government

As in all countries of South East Asia, the tap water in Bali is of uncertain quality. So make sure you stay hydrated with bottled water!

Anyway, ice is a common problem in these countries, since it can be made from unsafe tap water, however, on this Indonesian island, the ice is safe! The island’s ice supply is quality-controlled by the local government.

If you have a refillable bottle, visit one of the participating businesses of Refill Bali for a cheap, or even free, refill, and feel good about limiting your plastic waste!

And that’s it! We truly hope you were as surprised as we were when we discovered these facts about Bali.

Let us know if you liked it in the comment section or if you know any other fact that we might have forgotten!

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And get ready for Bali with this Bali, Indonesia – Full Guide

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10 Bali Facts you didn't know

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