Bali, A World-Famous Island in Indonesian Archipelago

History of Bali

The ancient island of Bali was inhabited by Austronesians around 2000 BC, which migrates and originates from Taiwan via maritime Southeast Asia. The culture and language of the Balinese people are closely related to those of the islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Oceania. Ancient discoveries, such as stone tools dating from the Austronesian era, have been found near the village of Cekik in the west of the island of Bali.

In ancient Bali, there were nine Hindu sects, namely Pasupata, Bhairawa, Shiva Shidanta, Vaishnawa, Bodha, Brahma, Rishi, Sora, and Ganapatya. Each sect honors a particular deity as its personal godhead. Balinese culture is heavily influenced by Indian, Chinese, and especially Hindu cultures. This culture began around the 1st century AD.

The name Bali Dwipa (“Bali Island”) has been found in various inscriptions. Including the Blanjong pillar inscription written by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 914 AD, which mentions “Walidwipa.” At that time, the complex Subak irrigation system developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still exist today and can traced back to when you visit Bali. The Hindu Majapahit Kingdom (1293–1520 AD) in East Java founded a colony in Bali in 1343.

Religious ceremonies in Bali

In general information about Bali, one of the important ceremonies is the cremation or corpse burning ceremony. Which is usually called Ngaben. During this ceremony, gamelan, dance, and offerings accompany the procession. With a “decorated tower” being carried from the funeral home to the burial place.

The cosmology and symbolism of mountains in Balinese architecture. You can see in the form and architectural structure of temples or the characteristics of gates that made to resemble towers. Some curved to resemble two separate parts of a pyramid and depict two parts of a mountain. One part of mount Agung and the other a manifestation of Mount Batur.

Another common symbol is the meru, which consists of tens or even hundreds of pagoda-like buildings standing in holy places and on temple grounds. The Meru building is a layer of stone that has a series of roof shapes resembling overlapping pyramids that are covered by black palm leaves. The number eleven is a number determined on the basis of beliefs related to the order of the universe.

Beliefs, ceremonies, and celebrations have guided the lives of Balinese people. From birth to form a blend that reflects the cultural character of the people. Religious regulations not only bind the shape of temples and shrines but also regulate village layout. The structure of family homes, and a series of rights and responsibilities in their lives.

Bali and tourism

Bali is the most popular tourist destination on earth. You will find most of the honeymoon tourists and vacation tourists who visit this island. Bali is famous for its dance and culture, traditional music. The first tourist trip was carried out by Maha Rsi Markandeya. From Java for the purpose of spreading Hinduism on the island of Bali in the 8th century AD. Then there were also several other spiritual figures who came to the island of Bali for the same purpose afterwards.



A tourist trip from Europe to the island of Bali was carried out by Cornellis de Houtman. From the Netherlands in 1579 as the first westerner to land on the island of Bali. His arrival was part of an expedition to search for spices and trade in the archipelago. Even though they didn’t find the spices they were looking for on this island. During a brief stop, the group explained about the island of Bali. They described the island of Bali as just a place of life with a culture that, in their view, was very unique and never found in other places they visited while they were traveling around the world.

Bali Tourism Now

The rapid growth of development in the tourism sector to date. It has had a major impact and influence on the traditions and lifestyle of Balinese people and those on this island. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as it is, growing along with globalization. Another thing that can be the answer to preserving Balinese culture is the vision of the Balinese people. Which inspires every soul to love and glorify their own culture without having to be ashamed.