History - Culture - Development

In addition to the main island of Bali, Bali Province includes several smaller islands in its vicinity, such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Serangan Island, and Menjangan Island. Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok.

The majority of Balinese people adhere to Hinduism. Globally, Bali is renowned as a top tourist destination, celebrated for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, particularly among Japanese and Australian visitors. Additionally, Bali is often referred to as the "Island of the Gods" and the "Island of a Thousand Temples."

Geography

The island of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, stretching 154 km in length and 113 km in width. It is located approximately 3.3 km from the island of Java. Astronomically, Bali lies at 8°26'23" south latitude and 115°15'56" east longitude, giving it a tropical climate like the rest of Indonesia.Mount Agung, standing at 3,149 metres, is the highest point in Bali and last erupted in March 1963. Another notable mountain is Mount Batur, which erupted approximately 30 years ago, spewing toxic ash and lava. Unlike the northern part of the island, which is mountainous, the southern region is characterised by lowland rivers that provide irrigation.

Bali’s topography is defined by a mountain range running from west to east, including a group of volcanoes such as Mount Batur and Mount Agung, as well as non-volcanic mountains like Mount Merbuk, Mount Patas, and Mount Seraya. These mountains contribute to geographical variations, dividing Bali into two distinct regions: North Bali, with rugged terrain and limited lowlands, and South Bali, which features broader lowland areas and gentler slopes.

The island's terrain is classified into different slopes:

1. Flat land (0–2% gradient) covering 122,662 hectares
2. Undulating land (2–15% gradient) covering 118,739 hectares
3. Steep land (15–40% gradient) covering 190,486 hectares
4. Very steep land (>40% gradient) covering 132,199 hectares

Bali is also home to four lakes, all located in mountainous areas: Lake Beratan (also known as Lake Bedugul), Lake Buyan, Lake Tamblingan, and Lake Batur.

In addition to its diverse geography, Bali’s stunning natural landscapes have made it a world-renowned tourist destination.

Cities

The capital of Bali is Denpasar, while Gianyar Regency is known as an important centre for art and culture. Nusa Lembongan, located in Klungkung Regency, is a renowned diving destination. Meanwhile, Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua—situated in Badung Regency—are among Bali’s most popular tourist areas, offering world-class beach resorts, spas, and entertainment.

Bali covers an area of 5,636.86 km², accounting for approximately 0.3% of Indonesia’s total landmass. The province is divided into eight regencies, one municipality, 55 districts, and 701 villages. Positioned around 9 degrees south of the equator, Bali experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The central volcanic mountains, some reaching heights of up to 3,001 metres, create cooler temperatures and higher rainfall compared to the coastal regions.

History

The next Bali fact is its rich history. The first communities on the island are believed to have arrived between 3,000 and 2,500 BC, migrating from Asia. Evidence of this early settlement includes stone tools discovered in Cekik, a village in the western part of Bali.

The prehistoric era came to an end with the arrival of Hinduism and Sanskrit inscriptions from India around 100 BC, marking the beginning of Bali’s cultural transformation.

Economy

Thirty years ago, the livelihood of the Balinese people primarily depended on agriculture, both in terms of output and employment. Today, tourism has become the island’s main source of revenue, making Bali one of the wealthiest regions in Indonesia.

By 2003, approximately 80% of Bali’s economy was reliant on the tourism industry. As of June 2011, the non-performing loan rate for all banks in Bali stood at 2.23%, significantly lower than the national average of around 5%. However, the island’s economy suffered greatly following the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings. Despite these setbacks, the tourism industry has since rebounded and continues to thrive.

Culture

Culture can be separated as one of Bali Facts. Bali has some unique culture and will be listed below:

1. Music
Balinese traditional music shares similarities with other regional music across Indonesia, particularly in its use of gamelan and various percussion instruments. However, it possesses distinctive characteristics in both composition and performance techniques. One such example is Kecak, a vocal performance that is said to mimic the sounds of monkeys.

Certain styles of Balinese music are deeply tied to ceremonies, such as Angklung, which is played during cremation rituals, and Bebonangan, which accompanies various other ceremonies. Additionally, Bali is home to uniquely structured gamelan ensembles, including Gamelan Jegog, Gamelan Gong Gede, Gamelan Gambang, Gamelan Selunding, and Gamelan Semar Pegulingan.

Modern adaptations of Balinese traditional music have also emerged over time. Gamelan Gong Kebyar, a highly dynamic and expressive style, developed during the Dutch colonial era, while Joged Bumbung, a social dance music genre, gained popularity in Bali in the 1950s.

Balinese music is characterised by its vibrant mix of metallic percussion instruments, gongs, and wooden percussive elements. As a result, the island’s rich musical traditions have influenced and been influenced by the surrounding regions, including the traditional music of Banyuwangi in East Java and Lombok.

2. Dance
Balinese dance can generally be classified into three categories: Wali, or sacred ritual dances; Bebali, which are performed for special ceremonies; and Balih-balihan, which are dances intended for entertainment, including performances for tourists.

In the early 1980s, experts categorised these dances accordingly. Wali dances include Berutuk, Sang Hyang Dedari, Rejang, and Baris Gede. The Bebali category comprises Gambuh, Topeng Pajegan, and Wayang Wong. Meanwhile, Balih-balihan features dances such as Legong, Parwa, Arja, Prembon, Joged, and various contemporary choreographed performances.

Among the most popular dances for tourists are the Kecak and Pendet, both of which beautifully showcase Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

3. Local Clothes
Clothing in Bali is quite varied, even though it may appear similar at first glance. Each region has its own distinct symbols and ornaments, reflecting the occasion, ceremony, gender, and age of the wearer. Additionally, a person's social and economic status can often be identified through their clothing style and jewellery ornaments.

4. Bali Customs House
Balinese traditional houses are built following the principles of Asta Kosala Kosali, a Vedic guideline that governs architectural design and spatial arrangement, similar to Feng Shui in Chinese tradition.

According to Balinese philosophy, a harmonious life is achieved through the balance of three fundamental concepts: Pawongan, Palemahan, and Parahyangan, collectively known as Tri Hita Karana. Pawongan refers to the residents of the house, Palemahan signifies the relationship between the residents and their environment, and Parahyangan represents the spiritual connection between humans and the divine.

Balinese traditional architecture is rich in ornamentation, featuring intricate carvings, symbolic decorations, and vibrant colours. These artistic elements serve not only as expressions of beauty but also as a means of communication, conveying cultural and spiritual symbolism. Fauna-inspired motifs, often seen in statues and sculptures, play a significant role in ritualistic and ceremonial practices.

Bali New Era

Thirty years ago, the Balinese economy was primarily reliant on agriculture, both in terms of output and employment. Today, tourism has become the primary source of revenue, making Bali one of the wealthiest regions in Indonesia. By 2003, approximately 80% of Bali’s economy depended on the tourism industry.

As of June 2011, the non-performing loan rate across all banks in Bali stood at 2.23%, significantly lower than the national banking industry average of around 5%. However, Bali’s economy suffered greatly due to the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings. Despite these setbacks, the tourism industry has since recovered.

Development

The development of tourism in Bali has led its people to diversify their livelihoods beyond the agricultural sector. Traditional farming communities with distinct local characteristics are becoming increasingly rare. As a result, the demand for work and perspectives has shifted toward efficiency and practicality.

In some villages, even traditional practices have evolved—during cremation ceremonies, human bearers are no longer required to carry the body to the grave. Instead, a pushcart-like structure has replaced manual labour. Additionally, infrastructure and ceremonial necessities that were once handcrafted are now easily purchased, a phenomenon previously unseen.

Bali can be likened to an open castle—on one hand, it must remain open to tourism and the cultural influences it brings. On the other, it must focus on preserving its traditions to prevent cultural erosion. This ongoing challenge reflects the Balinese people's deep commitment to safeguarding their heritage while simultaneously adapting to modern realities.

Bali plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s economy, contributing significantly to the flow of foreign currency and helping the country navigate financial crises. Moreover, preserving its rich cultural heritage remains vital in maintaining its allure as a premier tourist destination.