Bali is a part of the Republic of Indonesia. Bali is located at the western part of the Nusa Tenggara Islands. At the beginning of Indonesia’s independence, the island belonged to Lesser Sunda islands, whose capital was Singaraja, but now it is divided into three provinces: Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
With its rich culture and beautiful landscape, Bali has become one of the main tourist destinations all over the world. In this article, we will learn more about Bali, including its population, history, facts, and other information to help us understand the Island of the Gods better.
History of Bali
The early history of the Island of the Gods adopted Hinduism in the 7th century. Mahendra Datta, the mother of Airlangga married Udayana, the King of Bali, and many Javanese Hindus migrated to Bali.
In 1284, Kertanagara, the last king of Tumaperu of Java (eastern Java), conquered Bali. After his death in 1292, the island regained its independence. Bali came under the control of the Majapahit Empire of East Java in 1343 and remained under the rule of the Majapahit Empire until the empire was overthrown by Muslims in 1478.
There was a short period of cultural and artistic development when aristocrats, Hindu priests, craftsmen, soldiers, and artists who fled the Javanese Mataram empire arrived in Bali, now that’s the golden age of Balinese cultural history.
Another version is Bali’s history is thought to have begun around 2000 BC by migrants from Southeast Asia and Oceania
The European Invasion of Bali
Ancient Bali went through various rulers from the mid-11th century until the Europeans arrived. The Dutch East Indies first visited Bali in 1597, after the island had been divided between a number of Muslim nations. Then, the Dutch governors are tempted to dominate Bali.
In the late 19th century, the Dutch government extended its control over the Indonesian archipelago. Dutch political and economic domination of Bali began on the island’s north coast in the 1840s. At this time, the Dutch pitted various competing Balinese empires against each other.
Then, the Dutch forces Buleleng and Jembrana regency in northern Bali in 1882, and invaded nearby Lombok in 1894, killing the Balinese prince Anak Agung Ketut. In 1906, the Dutch control and attacked Denpasar, massacred about 3,600 Balinese and conquered the entire island. Dutch has taken a big part in Indonesian history.
Then, Bali was occupied by the Japanese during World War II and ended the Dutch’s reign. In 1945, Indonesia finally declared its independence.
Balinese Religious Beliefs
The majority of Bali’s population adheres to Hinduism. a Hindu kingdom had been founded in Bali in the early century. Bali is also home to the largest Hindu minority in Indonesia. About 83.5% of the population practices Balinese Hinduism. Other religions practised in Bali are Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam.
Also Read: Kawah Ijen Volcano: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Balinese Caste System
Balinese names are usually based on caste or social class. However, in Bali today, caste no longer functions as a social division of labour and is only used for naming family trees.
The castes described consist of four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras. Brahmins are descendants of religious leaders who were in charge of religious ceremonies during royal times.
People of this caste usually have the names Ida Bagus for boys and Ida Ayu for girls. For the Brahmin caste, the words “I” and “Ni” are automatically replaced with “Good” meaning cute, and “Ayu” meaning beautiful.
In addition, knights are descendants of kings, nobles, or royalty. People of this caste are commonly referred to by the names Anak Agung, Kokorda, or Gusti.
Then there are the Vaishyas, descendants of royal merchants and businessmen, who have names like Dewa, Desak, Gakan, Kongpyang, San, and Si.
Finally, there are the Sudra groups who used to work as laborers or laborers, but now their jobs are more diverse, including working in the government and private sector.
Sudra names usually use birth orders without specific titles. Thus, the first child is Wayang, the second is Made, the third is Nyoman, and the fourth is Ketut.
Bali Island’s Population
Based on the recent census, Indonesia’s population is about 280,703,108 people, while the population in Bali has reached 4.2 million people with an area of 841.80 km2. Bali is not only one of the largest islands in the Indonesian archipelago but also an island with almost as many visitors as residents. Today, Balinese society’s growth is considered to be rich and cultural heritage.
The majority of people living in Bali are Balinese people, making up 90% of the population. Other ethnic groups are Javanese, Balinese, and Madurese mostly come here for work.
Bali also has a large expat population, with an estimated 30,000 people living on the island. Indonesian is the only official language, but the most widely spoken languages are Balinese language and Indonesian. Most residents speak 2 or 3 languages with English as their foreign language.
Bali’s motto is Bali Dwipa Jaya which means Glorious Bali Island.
Cultural Traditions on Bali Island
There are so many traditions in Bali, that you can still see now, like Stone Carvings and so many Balinese Dance. You can see the dance in tourist areas like Uluwatu Temple and Ubud Palace.
Tourist Hub Bali Island
Bali’s fame did not come overnight. It took hundreds of years to become the tourist hub it is today. The reasons for its popularity have changed over time. In the past, Bali tourism was advertised with very different motives. Today, affordable luxury, breathtaking scenery, and a tropical island. Now, almost other areas in Bali had their own famous tourist spots. The Western image of Bali is an enchanted land.
Bali and Tourist Seasons
The dry season in Bali lasts from April to October. Most visitors come at this time since it’s a great time to enjoy the islands, especially if you’re a beach bum. Expect crowds in June and August due to school holidays and strong southern hemisphere sunshine.
November to March is the rainy season. There are fewer tourists and the island is much quieter. A very rainy day is expected. Definitely, not a good time to go to the beach. Though, Bali is relatively small but packed with incredible culture and generally remained intact.
Popular Tourist destination
South Bali
- Tanah Lot Temple, Sanur Beach, Uluwatu Temple, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran Beach, Bingin Beach, Sukawati Art Market.
Gianyar regency
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali Zoo, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Lawah
Northwest Bali
- Mount Agung, Amed beach, Sekumpul Waterfall, Fiji waterfall, Mount Batur
