Bali Geography

The island of Bali is 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover center to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak.

The island of Bali is surrounded by many coral reefs Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot.

To the east, the Lombok Strait separates Bali from Lombok and marks the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan eco-zone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The transition is known as the Wallace Line, named after Alfred Russel Wallace.

Bali has around 280 species of birds, including the critically endangered Bali Starling. The Bali Barat National Park, located on the north western side of the island, is a refuge for wildlife such as the Sunda Pangolin, Indian Muntjac, Mouse-deer, Leopard Cat, Black Giant Squirrel, and several species of macaque and leaf monkey.

Bali has a great landscape and this large island has something for everyone from beautiful beaches to rugged rice paddies and mountains.

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