Bali is one of the 13.000 island in indone, is famous for
its scenic beauty , dinsmic culture, and friendly people. Located just south of
the equator, tropical bali has hot, wet season ( November – March ) and a cool
dry / rainy season ( May – September ). Towering volcanoes, some still active,
contain large lakes which provide water for irrigation thousands of the rice
field, enebling up to 30 harvest / year.
Over the century the Balinese have fused inluences from Asia
and the west with their own traditions. Prehistoric remains predating
the cristians era have been found, but the earliest inscriptions date
only from the 9th century.
Buddism arrived from India during the first few centuries. Followed by hinduism
and trade contacts with china. Relation with Java began in the 11th
century, but full javanese control of Bali did not come untyl 1334 and lasted
just over 100 years. A division of the realm followed as factions of the
vaerious balinese ruling houses vied for
power over the next few centuries. The Dutch first landed in Bali in the late
1500s, and after many battles , Bali finally became a part of the Netherlands
Indies in the early 1900s. colonial rule lasted until the japanese inveded in
1942. At the end of world war II Indonesia became an independendent republic. Bali is one of
its 27 provinces, with 9 regencies based on the territories of the former
kingdoms. Bali’s tourism has resulted is spectacular economic growth, a triving
hotel industry, and major improvments to transportation and comunication
facilities. The international fame of Bali culture has brouht a heightened
sense of identity among the balinese. Many villages produce art and craftd, presents music and dance
perfomances, and hold elaborate religious ceremonies. As always, the balinese
take everything in stride, absorbing and adapting from different sources. They
are flexible people, welcoming new ideas but at the same time relating a unique
lifestyle guided by their social, religious, and cultural taditions.
