Indonesia is a fascinating country known for its natural diversity, rich cultural heritage, and unique identity. It consists of more than 17,000 islands, and among them is one truly special place — the world-famous island of Bali. Bali stands out distinctly from other regions of the country, and in this article, we’ll explore what makes it so unique.
Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, with about 90% of the population practicing Islam. In contrast, Bali is mostly Hindu, making up about 2% of Indonesia’s population. Balinese Hinduism (Agama Hindu Dharma) is distinctive, blending ancient animist beliefs with Buddhism and classical Hinduism. This fusion is reflected in Bali’s architecture, religious rituals, and daily life. While religion plays an important role across Indonesia, on Bali, it's expressed differently — through thousands of temples (Pura), colorful ceremonies, traditional dances, music, and offerings to the gods.
Though all of Indonesia lies within the tropical zone, Bali’s climate is more predictable and consistent. The island has two main seasons: dry (April to October) and rainy (November to March). This makes Bali an attractive destination for relocation or business due to its reliable weather. Other major islands in Indonesia experience more climate variation. For example, eastern regions are drier with low rainfall, while central-eastern areas have extended monsoon seasons.
In terms of natural beauty, Bali features rice terraces, volcanoes, white and black sand beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and coral reefs. Other Indonesian islands also boast diverse landscapes, including tropical forests, volcanoes, and savannas.
Bali welcomes millions of tourists each year who are drawn by its scenic beauty and wide variety of activities. Visitors enjoy surfing, diving, hiking, yoga, wellness retreats, and more. The warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people also contribute to the island’s charm. Indonesia’s government continues to invest in Bali’s infrastructure to support tourism growth. However, it is also working to develop other destinations under the “10 New Balis” initiative launched in 2016, aiming to spread tourism more evenly across the country.
The Balinese philosophy of life is based on the concept of “Tri Hita Karana,” which translates as “Three Causes of Prosperity.” It implies harmony between people and their surroundings, people and nature, also people and the gods.
In other parts of Indonesia, Islamic culture prevails, and Indonesians' approach to life is more traditional and religiously oriented. Bali is more tolerant of the Western lifestyle thanks to the long-standing influence of tourism.
In addition, the pace of life in Bali is worth noting. It seems more relaxed than in large Indonesian cities such as Jakarta or Surabaya. This is probably due to cultural traditions and a love of spiritual practices.
Since Bali is very popular among tourists, the island's infrastructure is geared towards tourism: there are a large number of hotels, villas, guest houses, cafes and restaurants, spa and yoga centers, travel agencies, and high-class medical facilities. However, there is virtually no public transport on the island, so many people get around on scooters, taxis, or rent private cars.
In other regions of Indonesia, the transport system is more developed: Jakarta has a metro and buses, and ferries and domestic flights operate between the islands.
Bali’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it more vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist activity. In contrast, other parts of Indonesia have more diversified economies — agriculture and industry play a larger role elsewhere.
If you’re considering doing business in Indonesia, it's important to weigh these differences. While Bali is ideal for hospitality and lifestyle-related ventures, other regions might offer better opportunities in agriculture, logistics, or manufacturing.
Tips for visiting Bali and Indonesia
1. Learn about local culture. Respect local customs and traditions. For example, wear a sarong when visiting temples and follow etiquette rules.
2. Communication. English is widely spoken in Bali, but learning a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia can be helpful and appreciated.
3. Plan your travel. If you want to explore beyond Bali, check transportation options in advance — ferries, domestic flights, and buses vary depending on the region.
Bali is more than just a part of Indonesia — it’s a unique world of its own. With ancient traditions, stunning nature, and welcoming locals, the island offers an exceptional experience. Its popularity and strong service sector create ideal conditions for launching a business in hospitality, wellness, or tourism.
To learn how to open a company or bank account in Bali, contact our team at Good Luck Group. We help foreigners navigate the process of setting up and running a business in Bali or anywhere in Indonesia.
