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Our knowledge of Bali during its prehistoric age is limited as historical records and artifacts are few. It is supposed that the first settlers of Bali arrived very early in this prehistoric period although there are contrasting beliefs as to their origin. Some say that Austronesian (MalayoPolynesian) migrants arrived three to four thousand years ago while others believe that the first settlers came from China around 2500 BC.

Modern Balinese language shows reflections of Proto Austronesian language and this evidence tracing back the origin of the Balinese is supported by artifacts and other historical records. It is also known that the descendents of the indigenous people who populated the island were the Bali Aga, who practiced animism.

Prehistoric artifacts that survive include grave sites, the sarcophagi stone and the "Moon of Pejeng", a huge bronze kettledrum that is thought to have supernatural powers and is today kept in a temple in the village of Pejeng. Others were recently found in the Buleleng area.

Some historical records found from the time of c. 300 BC identified a more advanced and organized agrarian society. By then, complex irrigation systems supplied cascading rice terraces in wet rice cultivation. As a result, rice was already well and truly established as the major food commodity in Bali, and as its abundance and importance increased, so did its value. Dewi Sri, the ancient rice goddess, was revered then as she still is today through cili figures given as offerings. Based on the produce of rice, communities became wealthier and wealthier and developed into more sophisticated kingdoms, each with ruling rajahs or kings.

One of the most dramatic and enduring developments in the history of Bali came about when a form of Hinduism, which had been introduced to Java, was transported to and widely accepted in Bali in the first century AD. This religion was, in fact, a fascinating mix of Siwa Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, both originally came from India and brought to Indonesia by Indian traders. Artifacts found include statues, bathing places, caves and temples. Inscriptions dating back from around the 9th century AD were discovered on a stone pillar near Sanur.

The peak of its success in Java came with the rise of the Majapahit Empire, but these Majapahits were eventually forced further east to Bali as Islam gained followers throughout Sumatra and Java. Some Javanese shamanism was thrown in en route, and by the time this religion reached Bali it merged with Bali's own form of animism. The foreign religion was welcomed enthusiastically by the Balinese, who saw it as a further step in civilization. Any discussion of arts or architecture in Bali now usually refers to the "pre-Majapahit" period, which is distinguished by its primitive simplicity, or "post- Majapahit" which is much more elaborate and detailed.

The Balinese initially resisted the arrival of the new religion strongly, however, when the Majapahits first invaded Bali in 1343, Gajah Mada, the Prime Minister of the Majapahit Empire, had an extremely tough opponent in the Balinese king, Dalem Bedaulu. The king ruled from Pejeng, now a simple village east of Ubud, and this was where much of the action took place. The king was so stubborn in his resistance that he became known by the Majapahits as "Pig-head". Stories relating to the king's incredible determination and skill have survived, and he is now known, literally, as the king with the pig's head and magical powers. Gajah Mada eventually defeated the powerful king, and has been considered a hero and great holy man ever since.

Up until the 15th century, the Majapahit kingdom maintained dominance in the area now known as South East Asia, and Bali was an influential province. As the links between the mother religion and her descendants in Bali slowly vanished over time and due to distance, indigenous beliefs reappeared.

By AD 1600, the Dutch East India Company had been set up in Java. Bali was considered as "New Holland" by a Dutch Admiral, who was warmly welcomed by Waturenggong, the King at the time. With the death of this king, though, the seat of power in Klungkung diminished in importance and independent rule was established by local rajas.

Intellectuals and artists, priests and princes, soldiers and artisans arrived in Bali with their precious books and records. The island suddenly flooded with the sudden flow of creative ideas and skills, and culture developed significantly. By the beginning of the 19th century, Bali was still an isolated island relatively unaffected by the west, with its unique ever-evolving culture still intact.

The British East India Company introduced some opportunities for self-government to Bali in the early 1800s, after Holland's influence decreased as a result of the Napoleonic wars. When the Dutch returned to Indonesia and tried to gain sovereignty of Bali in the early 1840s, trouble flared. After sixty years, two important wars against the Dutch, i.e., Puputan (a battle to the last blood) Badung and Puputan Jagaraga were popularly known as a mass suicide of Balinese families, finally ended what had developed into an ongoing dispute. Rather than giving in to the Dutch, the rajahs and their families chose to fight to the last blood or used ceremonial knives to end their misery and make a proud statement. Holland relented, and Bali survived the immediate threat of European influence.

The quiet period from the early to mid 1900s brought a different type of western influence, though, with a sudden influx of tourists. During this period, foreigners were already being drawn to the exotic beauty of the island and its people and culture. Cruise ships made Bali a regular stopover. Buleleng port became the main point to anchor and more and more people became intrigued by this endearing paradise. Many visitors also chose to settle on the island at this time, including the famous German painter Walter Spies who later in 1938, together with Beryl de Zoete, wrote "Dance and Drama in Bali", published by Faber and Faber Ltd. London. This book is a comprehensive reference to all dances and other performing arts of that time.

Two major incidents interrupted this peaceful period.

Firstly, the Japanese invaded and occupied the island in an attempt to overrun the Dutch government that had her central office on Java Island.

Secondly, the Dutch tried once more to exert their influence after the Pacific War. Indonesia's President Sukarno declared independence in 1945. It took the Indonesian War of Independence a further four years before the Dutch finally accepted the authority of the new government, and even after that Indonesia remained unsettled.

Bali also suffered from individual disasters, a plague, a period of chronic food shortage, and a volcanic eruption in 1963 that made Surabaya have a dark day and Jakarta had rains of dust. Bali only opened up to tourists again in the late 1960s, when the new President recognized the value of the island as a tourist destination. The Bali Beach Hotel, now The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, was started to be built early in 1960s on President Soekarno's order, after the building of Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta completed in 1962.

Since then Bali has been heavily promoted for its tourist value, and has also quite naturally acted as a magnet to the many types of tourists who enjoy Bali. Artists, surfers, backpackers, divers, shoppers, adventurers, scholars, writers and a whole range of visitors now appreciate the many facets of Balinese environment and culture.

It was not until late 1960s that the state philosophy of Pancasila influenced the religion of Bali, when Soeharto's government interfered with both religious and political affairs of the people. Every political party or any social organisation should include in its basic principles the Pancasila.

Even on the brink of the 21st century, Bali is proving that the unique spiritual forces that have shaped the island will continue to act as major determining influences well into the future. Every time a small canang offering, laden with incense and colourful flowers, is laid on the ground; every time a chisel strikes soft wood and carves out the features on a mythological creature; every time a young baby touches the ground for the first time or ashes are offered to the seas; evidence of Bali's living traditions are being manifested, acting as constant reminders of her passion for an authentic existence.

If you can share but a small taste of this passion, your own life will be enriched. And if you can also give something in return, by respecting these people and their culture and supporting them as they find their way into the future, the benefits will be mutual.