By Eddie Tobey
Bali is an Indonesian island that is known for its rich culture and scenic nature. Located at the east of Java and south of the equator, Bali has a surface area of only 5,632 square kilometers and measures fifty-five miles along the north-south axis and less than ninety miles from east to west. Because of this, anyone can explore the island for a day, visit many beautiful places, and be able to return to the hotel in the evening.
Bali has now come a long way since the first settlers immigrated to this place from China in 2500 BC. Nowadays, it has a total population of over 3 million people, of which the majority of these are Hindus, while there are a few people who are Muslims. Most of these people live in the coastal areas in the South and others live in Despansar, which is Bali’s capital, with a current population of over 370,000.
Textiles, handicrafts, and garments are the backbone of the economy of Bali; they provide thousands of jobs and, when exported, these contribute about 45% to Bali’s economy. The hotel and tourist industry in Bali also continues to boom as more and more people find Bali a totally relaxing tourist destination. Over the years, many people come and visit beautiful tourist locations in Bali such as the town of Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. There are several available activities in these places, including diving, snorkeling, paragliding, cruising, rafting, and even mountain climbing.
However, due to the terrorist attacks in October 2002 and October 2005, not only properties were lost but many lives as well. The devastation that was caused to the island affected not only the people of Bali but also those who planned to travel to this place. Many people changed their minds because of their fear that terrorists might attack once again.
Indeed, Bali has come a long way. And although terrorists’ attacks happened in the past, the determination of the Balinese people never fades, thus, they continue to look forward to a much brighter tomorrow.
