Bali enjoys a consistently warm climate, which is particularly mild in the dry season, and the mountains ensure there is a steady rainfall to periodically cool the island down through the rainy season. The mountainous regions maintain a refreshing temperature all year round, and can provide a great break from the greater heat and humidity of the plains.

The people of Bali, as diverse as the geography of the different regions and yet united by their strong religious beliefs, draw their strength and their meaning from this wonderful environment. The mountains are the focus of all daily activities; with holy Mount Agung as the great heavenward inspiration. All villages, temples, family compounds, houses and furniture arrangements are designed to face ' _kaja", or towards the mountains. The seaward direction "kelod", on the other hand, is considered to be less sacred and at times impure, although the sea itself is not considered profane. Mountain slopes provide the ideal setting for the luminous terraced rice fields, which then transform into vast paddied fields. The Balinese have an ingenious irrigation system controlled by village organization called the subak that keeps these paddies well watered, and the rich nutrients from the volcanic ash ensure these fields are also well fertilized.