Beautiful Bali for Beginners Trivia Quiz

Answer: Denpasar

Denpasar is Bali's largest city and its administrative centre. The other listed choices are all figments of my imagination.

In response to accusations of drivers 'ripping-off' tourists, the government-authorised taxi company has a window near the airport's main exit where you can purchase a voucher to your destination at fixed reasonable prices. You can, of course, negotiate your own fare in a 'bemo' (unmetered taxi) if you feel confident.

Answer: Kuta

Kuta remains a preferred destination for tourists despite two bombings in the area in 2002 and 2005 by a non-Balinese terrorist group. The town's economy suffered for several years in the wake of the tragedies but has slowly been recovering. Kuta offers something for everyone.

It's known for its plethora of hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and nightclubs which make Kuta attractive to family groups and young swingers alike. Kuta's long stretch of sandy beach is also very popular with surfers, swimmers and those that just like to lie in the sun (be careful of UV rays though).

Answer: Ubud

Ubud was once popular as a quiet retreat for rock musicians and film stars but has experienced a major influx of (for some reason mainly female) tourists since the release of the movie. Ubud also used to be a good place to find locally produced silver-, leather- and stone-crafts. You are now more likely to find tourist trinkets and brand outlets in the shops and markets. Sadly, in my humble opinion, the town even boasts a Starbucks although, fortunately, you can still purchase a cup of the superb, locally grown coffee in the excellent local cafés and restaurants.

Answer: Dutch

Although the Dutch seized partial economic and political control of the island in the 1840s (200 years after founding Batavia), there was always staunch local opposition. In 1906 and 1908 thousands of loyal supporters and members of the Balinese royal families were killed in Dutch attempts to secure the island. Administrative control was kept by the Dutch but local control of religion and culture was permitted.

The Dutch attempted to regain control of Bali after WWII and in 1946 Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai's battalion was wiped out in the final act of Balinese military resistance. Bali formally became part of Indonesia when the Dutch recognised Indonesian independence in 1949.

Answer: Pacific Ring of Fire

The Pacific Ring of Fire includes 452 volcanoes that extend from New Zealand in the west to Chile in the east. Mt Agung is sacred to the Balinese but is one of the few active volcanoes in the world that can be visited by the average, fit tourist. A popular tour includes viewing the rising sun while sitting on the rim of the volcano. You have to rise fairly early though to negotiate the four hour walk up the side of the mountain. Mt Agung erupted on 17th March 1963, killing over 1,500 people.

Answer: Rice

Rice is a staple of the Balinese diet like it is in the rest of Asia. Rice is mainly grown, as are most other foods, for local consumption. Copra and coffee are exported in economic quantities but tourism has become the island's main source of income.

Answer: Hinduism

Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country but the Balinese people have managed to maintain their own belief system known as Balinese Hinduism. It is a unique combination of Indian Hindu influences mixed with local traditional customs. The Balinese are particularly devout and affirm their beliefs through almost every aspect of daily life.

It is impossible to wander around Bali without seeing people preparing, placing or worshiping small tributes containing flowers and food in honour of their gods.

There are an estimated 20,000 temples and shrines throughout the island. Bali's devotion to its religion is why it is also known as "the island of the gods".

Answer: Bintang

The Indonesian Bintang brewery is owned by the Dutch brewing firm Heineken. This might account for their similar bottle shapes and the fact that they are both lagers. Bintang, however, has its own flavour that is very acceptable to the palate and it's a refreshing way to end a day of wandering about in tropical heat.

Answer: tarantella

There are many dance schools where Balinese children receive instruction in traditional dances. For many families, it's almost as important as the 'three Rs'. Balinese dances are based on religious themes and mythical legends and can involve very intricate hand and facial movements. There has been some criticism that the impact of tourism has altered the dances to make them more accessible to foreign tastes, but this seems to have been countered with the introduction of one style of performance for tourists and another for traditional performance.

A tarantella is an Italian folk dance.

Answer: Sanur

Sanur has been a holiday destination since the 1930s. Many major international hotels have resorts there. A five km cycle path runs the length of its beach, which is partly protected by an offshore reef. Sanur is attractive to those looking for somewhere a little less hectic than Kuta but where there is still plenty of local interest for the tourist together with many bars and restaurants.