Is Bali a Country? Where It Is, and Is It Third World?

No, Bali is not a third world country, and it is not a country at all. “Third world” is a Cold War label from the 1950s for nations that sided with neither the Western nor the Soviet bloc, and it is no longer used to describe how rich a place is. Today, the World Bank classifies Indonesia as an upper-middle-income country, with a gross national income of US$5,120 per person in 2025.

Within Indonesia, Bali is one of the most prosperous provinces. Its poverty rate was 3.44% in March 2026, less than half the national rate of 8.07% and among the lowest in the country. Unemployment was just 1.59% in February 2026, the lowest of any Indonesian province. Bali’s economy grew by 5.82% in 2025, and output per person reached about IDR 72.7 million.

That said, wealth is not spread evenly. Most tourism money flows to the south and Ubud, while many families in the north, the east and the mountain villages still make a living from farming and fishing, with fewer jobs and services nearby.

Bali is not a country. It is a province of Indonesia, and has been since 1958. The island sits in the Indian Ocean between Java and Lombok, about 8 degrees south of the equator, and covers around 5,600 square kilometers. Its capital is Denpasar, and the island is home to about 4.5 million people.

Bali is famous because it packs so much into one small island. It is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with around 87% of residents practicing Balinese Hinduism, so daily offerings, temple ceremonies and festivals are part of everyday life. Add rice terraces, volcanoes, surf breaks, white-sand beaches and some of Asia’s best restaurants, spas and beach clubs, and it is easy to see why the island draws millions of visitors every year. See more reasons to visit Bali at least once.

Bali can be as cheap or as expensive as you like. At the budget end, a plate of nasi campur at a local warung costs around IDR 30,000–50,000, a scooter rents for about IDR 80,000–150,000 a day and a one-hour Balinese massage at a local spa costs around IDR 100,000–200,000. A Bintang beer in a restaurant is usually IDR 35,000–60,000.

At the other end, Bali has some of the most luxurious villas, resorts and fine-dining restaurants in Asia, where a tasting menu can cost over IDR 2,000,000 per person. Most restaurants and hotels add 15–21% tax and service to the bill. To save money, travel in the shoulder months of April–May and September–October, eat at warungs and hire a driver or book a private airport transfer rather than airport taxis.

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Yes. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops and tour companies in the main tourist areas, such as Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur and Nusa Dua. English is less common in rural villages, so if you head off the beaten path, a translation app helps (see the best apps for Bali). An Indonesia eSIM keeps it working away from Wi-Fi.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, and most Balinese also speak Balinese at home. Locals love it when visitors try a few words: terima kasih (thank you), permisi (excuse me), selamat pagi (good morning), berapa? (how much?) and suksma, a Balinese way to say thank you.

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, when days are sunny, humidity is lower and seas are calmer for diving and boat trips. July and August are the driest and busiest months, with peak prices for villas and flights.

The wet season runs from November to March, with the heaviest rain in January and February. Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon or evening. The landscape is at its greenest, and hotels are cheaper and quieter, except over Christmas and New Year. For the best balance of weather, prices and crowds, go in April–June or September–October.

Bali is generally a safe destination, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The biggest risks are on the road: traffic is busy and scooter accidents are common, so only ride if you are licensed and experienced, always wear a helmet and make sure your travel insurance covers scooter riding.

The usual common-sense rules apply. Keep valuables out of sight in busy areas, use reputable taxi and ride-hailing apps and drink bottled water. Currents can be strong, so swim only between the flags on beaches with lifeguards, and be cautious around stray dogs and monkeys. In an emergency, call 112. Respect local customs too: dress modestly and wear a sarong when visiting temples.