Presumably Bali needs a no further explanation. For in depth information there is the wide range of books and websites on the island available. Nevertheless, a few facts and comments here.

The island is located between Java and Lombok as an independent Indonesian province. It is the westernmost island of the Lesser Sunda Islands, measuring 5,561 km2 with a population of 4.2 million. From 1958 Denpasar (Badung Regency) is the capital, before was Singaraja (Buleleng regency). The people speak Balinese and often local languages, but the official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Time zone: +6 to Central Europe Summer Time (Amsterdam).

The neighboring communities consts of indigenous Balinese. The Bali Aga (original Balinese). 85% of Balinese are Hindu, 12% Muslim, and slightly more than 1% Christian. There is also a small number of Buddhists. Balinese Hinduism is specific to the island and is called Hindu Dharma. It contains numerous private Balinese (animistic) elements. Hindu Dharma determines the life of the Balinese. This is evident in the many temples and larger home puri and daily sacrifices. Balinese cremation ceremonies are important in Balinese culture. The 210 days Balinese calendar is leading. The Balinese New Year is Hari Raya Nyepi (Day of Silence). A day of meditation in which public life comes to a complete stop and people will remain indoors. Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport for example is closed so no departures and arrivals are possible that day. Nyepi dates are: 2023 March 22, 2024 March 11.

Tourism in Bali emerged during the 30s, after the Royal Parcel Shipping Company opened the Bali Hotel in Denpasar. From that time on also numerous European artists travelled the 'exotic' island as a source of inspiration. In 2013, some 3.2 million foreign tourists visited Bali. Australians make the highest number (826,388), followed by China (387,533) and Japan (208,116). Bali has an exotic and heavenly sound. The Indian Ocean in the south attracts surfers from all over the world.

There are unparallelled snorkeling and diving sites on the north and east and the Balinese religion and culture enchantes many from abroad. The inner land rice terraces in the interior with their unique irrigation system are UNESCO World Heritage. The dolphins at Lovina draw every morning hundreds of dolphin spotters.

That popularity has its downside though. Especially the south is crowded, traffic in Denpasar stagnant and authentic Balinese culture is under pressure. A problem also appeared with the increasing need for drinking water, electricity and building land. The government is trying to lead things in the right direction but does not succeed in every case yet. To be honest, the construction of villas in North Bali, has its ambigious sides as well.

Villa construction contributes to the increasing demand for land, water and electricity and does have it’s impact on rural life and social systems. Most building projects in the north however are so far still modest in scale while the government became more critic issuing building permits. Due to the lack of mass entertainment and the sometimes time-consuming road connections, the north attracts however mostly peace-seekers with respect for the authentic character of the country, its nature, culture and it’s people. Villa Sarah Nafi is an example. House and garden are built and laid out with (visual) respect for the environment by using Balinese accents. Installations and equipment are as eco-friendly as possible and during construction local labor force, supplies and materials have been used. Additionally, the villa makes a very modest contribution to employment and the local economy in the relatively poor North of the island. Guests staying in houses as Villa Sarah Nafi can make their own contribution as well. By using the services of locals, do some shopping at smaller family run warungs in rural areas. And off course acting respectfully  towards - and in the eyes of -  the Balinese people. And by a limited use of resources like electricity and water, and the reuse and recycle materials to minimize waste and thus pollution.