Bali, one of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, is located between the country’s most populated island, Java, and the island of Lombok. Bali is one of the country’s most developed provinces with the capital Denpasar located on the southern part of the island.

Bali is divided into 8 regencies (Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung and Tabanan) and 1 city (Denpasar). Unlike most of the Muslim-majority Indonesia, around 94% out of Bali’s 3 million inhabitants adhere to Balinese Hinduism, which is a combination of local traditions and Hindu influences.

As the main tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali is renowned for its highly developed arts, including music, dance, sculpture, painting, metalworking and leather. The island is also the home to wildlife such as hundreds of bird species (including the endangered Bali Starling), Indian Muntjac, Mouse-deer, Leopard Cat, Black Giant Squirrel, and several species of macaque and leaf monkey.

The island’s countless natural irresistible charms have made Bali one of the world’s most visited holiday destination. With its tropical climate (temperatures averaging 31 degrees Celsius, 88 fahrenheit), the Bali climate is nice and warm all year round–perfect for exploring its smoking volcanoes, stepped rice fields, remote beaches, towering cliffs, famous surf breaks and the majestic thousand–year–old temples.

Many visitors consider the hospitable and friendly Balinese and their way of life an important part of the allure of Bali, inspiring those who have been in the island to return – and those who have yet to see Bali to visit.