History and Information About Bali Indonesia
Bali is a small island located in the Indonesian archipelago with a population of approximately 3.5 million. Its mainly Hindu people are deeply spiritual with a culture that's famous for it's rich, colourful ceremonies. It's always friendly, welcoming people and diverse landscapes; lush green rice paddies, ancient temples, steep volcanoes and tropical sandy beaches, makes Bali a uniquely special place.
Lying just 8 degrees below the equator Bali has a consistently warm, sunny tropical climate, making it a perfect holiday spot. Attracting visitors from all over the world for short and long stays alike, Bali has become a world-class holiday travel destination with 5 star hotel and villa resorts, high quality international restaurants, stylish boutiques, gourmet supermarkets, and exciting vibrant nightlife. There is something of interest for every type of visitor.
Balinese culture was greatly influenced by Indian and Chinese, and in particular the Hindu culture. The Hindu Majapahit Empire on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. In the 15th century, at the decline of the Empire there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests and musicians from Java to Bali.
It is thought a Dutch explorer named Cornelis de Houtman, who arrived in 1597, made the first European contact with Bali. Dutch colonial control expanded across the Indonesian archipelago in the nineteenth century thought their rule over Bali was later and never as well established as in other parts of Indonesia.
Imperial Japan occupied Bali during World War II, but following Japan's Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, to immediately reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly proclaimed Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia, which was officially proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta on Friday, 17 August 1945. The declaration marked the start of a five year diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the Dutch until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence. Bali was included in the "Republic of the United States of Indonesia" when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence on 29 December 1949.
Tourism is now the largest single industry in Bali; and as a result, Bali is one of Indonesia's wealthiest provinces. Although in terms of output, tourism is the economy's largest industry, agriculture is still the island's biggest employer, most notably rice cultivation. Although significant tourism exists in the north, centre and east of the island, the tourist industry is overwhelmingly focused in the town of Kuta and it's surrounding suburbs of Legian, Seminyak, Oberoi, Petitenget, Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, all in the south of Bali.
Bali is also known for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Most particularly is Balinese percussion orchestra music known as "gamelan" and dance stories portrayed from Hindu epics with heavy Balinese influences. Some of the famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, barong and kecak.
Another outcome of Bali being such a popular travel destination is the rapid growth of the property and real estate industry. With many high quality private and international branded apartment and villa developments attracting strong investment opportunities.
English is the primary foreign language spoken in Bali due to the tourist industry, though Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages. The vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. Communicating with the locals and learning more about their wonderful culture and colourful way of life is encouraged; the Balinese people are only too friendly and open to share.