Bali A Tropical Paradise

Bali is to Asia as the Hawaii islands are to the United States: a gorgeous tropical destination whose economy exists almost solely to serve the needs and dreams of tourists. In the 1920s the former Dutch colony began to gain a reputation as a destination for cruise ships, and word of its beauty spread.

Bali's culture is an interesting contrast to the main island of Java. The ethnic Balinese people are for the most part Hindu. The wave of Islam that swept through much of Indonesia bypassed Bali. While the Hinduism they practice is fundamentally the same as in India, the customs and daily practices are unique.

On the island of Bali the cultural differences with respect to Indian Hinduism can be found in their temple styles, ceremonial offerings, rites and rituals. Balinese cultural rites are based on the belief in reincarnation.

The society in Bali is organized strictly according to Hindu caste system. Peoples name grants a special place to them in the society. The Hinduism practiced in Bali is a mixture of Hindu, Buddhist and their own indigenous customs. These Hindu and Buddhist customs would have reached the island centuries ago. Though in the present day the Buddhist population is very less.

Bali was a Dutch colony until World War II, when the Japanese overtook the island. Indonesia gained independence in 1949. Prior to Dutch control, Bali was ruled by its own leaders as well as by Java. People lived on Bali during prehistoric times, so the Balinese people today are descendants of millennia of customs and traditions.

After independence, the communist took charge of the affairs of the islands and progress was little or slow. It was in 1965 that General Suharto came to power and placed the islands on the path to progress. He initiated a long movement against the communists that resulted in the killing of about 50,000 people. It was during his rule that the country progressed and the tourisms industry really grew. The economy of Bali revolves around
agriculture and tourism.

Still, after these cultural interruptions, Balinese culture remains unique and is kind of an oasis in Indonesia. Although neighboring Java has great influence and the Suharto regime uprooted many traditional communities, Bali is still a place of ancient tradition and Hindu culture rooted in agriculture and tourism. However, the Balinese do not take this steadfastness of their culture for granted. They honor it every day, and organizations exist to "conserve" Balinese culture and historical treasures for the future.

Tania Montmon is the operator and webmaster of Bali Inc., which is the premier resource for Bali information.

Submitted by Tania Montmon, www.fptbali.com