Bali the most famous island in Indonesia, its spectacular mountain scenery, tropical beaches and the friendly Balinese people make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Bali covers approximately 2160 square miles  with a mountainous interior of lush forests and clear lakes that complement the gorgeous beaches, which ring the island. Bali is known for its distinctive and unique culture that is a meld of Chinese, Indian and Hindu influences. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1930s when the island’s culture was romanticized through the writings of anthropologist Margaret Mead.