Bali has a long prehistoric history, with evidence of human life dating back to around 2000 BCE. Austronesian people migrating from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia are believed to have settled on the island during this period. Stone artifacts from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the western part of the island.
Bali's culture was significantly influenced by the Hindu-Buddhist empires that thrived in the Indonesian archipelago from the 1st century CE. During the Majapahit period in East Java (1293-1520 CE), Bali became a colony in 1343, introducing strong Hindu influences. This era witnessed the development of the Subak irrigation system for rice farming and the flourishing of religious traditions.
In the 15th century, with the decline of the Majapahit empire, a massive exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests, and musicians from Java to Bali occurred. This led to an increased cultural influence on the island. Many religious and artistic traditions from this time are still preserved and can be traced back to this period.
In the 19th century, Bali became a focal point of Dutch colonial attention. After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, Bali became part of the Republic of Indonesia. The island evolved into a globally renowned tourist destination, especially for Japanese and Australian tourists. In the modern era, Bali continues to blend its cultural heritage with rapid economic and tourism developments.
