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All about Bali! By Jace Smiley Geography East to west of Bali, the island is approximately 153 km wide, and spans approximately 112 km north to south; its land area is 5,632 km². Bali's central mountains include several peaks over 3,000 metres in elevation. The mountain is called Mount Agung (3,031 m), known as the “mother mountain” which is an active volcano. Long tailed Macaque Long tailed Macaque. The long tailed macaque lives in various habitats in Southeast Asia, typically in forests alongside rivers or by coastal areas.  They are also often found in mangrove forests, swamps, deciduous and bamboo forests.   There are 10 long tailed macaque subspecies’s , all slightly different from each other.  The differences are mainly in height, tail length, colour and the marking on their face and chest.  Their colours vary from grey and white to yellow and brown.  Females are sexually mature when they reach about 4 years old; males reproduce when they are 5 or 6 years old.  A female can give birth to 1 young every one to 2 years.  The gestation period is around 6 months.  Youn and dependant on their mothers milk for more than one year. Flora and fauna Flora and fauna. Some teak grows in Bali and the giant banyan (waringin) trees are held sacred by the Balinese.  Tigers are found in the West, and deer and wild pigs numerous.  Bali also forms part of the world - famous Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species, with over 500 reef-building coral species exist, which is about 7 times as many as in the entire Caribbean. Bali hosts a diverse reef coral fauna, with a confirmed total of 406 reef building (hermatypic) coral species.  When you visit Bali you will get a chance to explore its wide range of marine flora and fauna as you scuba dive or just swim in its beautiful oceans. Languages, culture and flags Languages and flags.  English is the third language (after Indonesian and Balinese) and the most foreign language by far.  A lot of Balinese speak a level of English that allows them to communicate with tourists on a basic level.  Even so, you will come across many people how are quiet good.  The “Umbul Umbul” (equals tail of the dragon) is also called Bali flag, temple flag, prayer flag or garden flag in this country.  In Bali it is not only used in Hindu celebrations and ceremonies, but all year round, a symbol of the presence of the gods.  It is also finding its way into western cultural circles. Balinese have continued in many ways to honour and respect their ancestors and the spirit world. They do everything they can, from praying to their gods to wearing ceremonial garb and leaving offerings (Canang Sari) for the gods, to maintain harmony. Ngaben (or Pitra Yadyna, Pelebon) is the Hindu cremation ceremony practiced in Bali. After completing the Ngaben Ritual, the spirit or Atman is freed from the bonds of the material world and is able to unite with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi. This action also represents the family’s understanding that their departed loved one will eventually leave them. Interesting facts Coral triangle. Bali’s waters and teeming with marine life with at least 2,000 species of fish and other creatures including coral reef, dolphins, turtles and much more. This is due to the fact that Bali sits in the centre of the coral triangle, the world’s centre of marine biodiversity, also dubbed “the Amazon of the seas”. Interesting facts The world’s most expensive coffee comes from Bali. It is called Kopi Luwak and is not your typical coffee bean… They collect the beans from the digestion of a Civat Cat, which is a shy cat-like creature living in Asia. The Civat cat only eats the ripest and finest coffee cherries but doesn’t digest the bean.