Bali has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It’s no wonder, as the island offers breathtaking natural wonders and affordable vacations. Here are some interesting facts about Bali:

1. The population of Moscow is three times larger than the population of Bali.

2. You can become a millionaire in Bali! The Indonesian currency, the rupiah, has a stable exchange rate of around 14,000 to 1 USD. Exchange 100 dollars, and you’ll become a millionaire!

3. Contrary to common mispronunciation among Russian tourists, the stress in the word “Bali“ is on the first syllable, not the last.

4. Even during the rainy season, Bali experiences short showers that mostly occur at night.

5. Temples on the island are called “Pura,“ which means “a place surrounded by walls“ in English.

6. Water is highly revered in Balinese culture. In ancient times, the religion of the Balinese people was known as “Agama Tirta,“ meaning “faith in sacred water.“

7. Polygamy is allowed in Bali, mainly among the higher castes. Balinese men can have up to four wives with the written consent of the first wife. Without this document, a polygamous man can face imprisonment.

8. Bali is one of the southernmost boundaries of the Wallace Line, which separates Asian and Australian flora and fauna.

9. Shamanism holds more authority among the local population than conventional medicine, resulting in fewer pharmacies and hospitals on the island.

10. Umbrellas, known as “tedung“ in Balinese, can be seen throughout Bali. They serve a spiritual purpose, protecting the local population from diseases and misfortunes. Each color represents a connection to an Hindu deity.

11. Balinese people typically eat with their hands, and cutlery is not commonly used. 12. Bali attracts a significant number of European, American, and even Russian expatriates who have made the island their permanent home. Bali has relatively simple migration policies, attracting many individuals.

13. Young people in Bali undergo a teeth filing ritual in which their canines and four upper incisors, resembling animal teeth, are filed down. This ritual is believed to rid individuals of demonic characteristics and mitigate the six major sins: anger, greed, sloth, lust, pride, and drunkenness. The ceremony takes place between the ages of 16 and 18 or during weddings.

14. In the early 20th century, Balinese women used to go topless. However, with the arrival of Europeans, this tradition became considered indecent.
15. Public transportation on the island is poorly developed. Renting a motorbike is the best way for tourists to get around without overpaying for taxis, provided they can handle the chaotic local traffic.

16. Cockfighting is highly popular in Bali, as it is in the Philippines.

17. A Balinese person’s caste can be determined by their name, which is also indicated in their passport. 18. Balinese names directly indicate their caste. For the Shudra caste, which makes up about 80% of Bali’s population, there are no differences between male and female names.
19. Local cigarettes in Bali occasionally contain a mixture of tobacco and cloves.

20. The Bible was first translated into Balinese in 1990.

21. Bali has many cows, but they do not produce milk. As a result, finding fresh dairy products in local markets is nearly impossible. Milk and cheese are only available in supermarkets, imported from other Indonesian provinces or Australia.

22. Dreams come true in Bali. Visit Dreamland Beach, make a wish, throw a coin into the sea, and wait for it to come true soon!

23. Buildings higher than two floors are almost non-existent in Bali. 24. In traditional Balinese villages, it is still forbidden to seek a spouse from another village. Marriages are only allowed within one’s own village.

25. In Bali, the deceased are cremated rather than buried, unlike in most other countries.

26. Raising your voice is considered highly inappropriate in Bali. Those who shout are automatically considered wrong, similar to the cultural norms in Thailand.

27. White, black, red, and yellow are considered sacred colors in Bali.