History of Bali
Although there are no artifacts or records
dating back to the Stone Age, it is believed
that the first settlers on Bali migrated from
China around 2500 B.C.
By the Bronze age, around 300 B.C. quite an
evolved culture existed on Bali. The complex
system of irrigation and rice production, still
in use today, was established around this
time.
It appears that the main religion, around 500
A.D. was predominantly Buddhist in
influence. A Chinese scholar, Yi-Tsing, in
670 A.D. reported, on a trip to India, that he
had visited a Buddhist country called Bali.
Feb 17: Tumpek Uye
when blessing
ceremony is given to
cattle or livestock for
good growth and
product, Throughout
Bali.
Mar 19: "Nyepi" I Saka
New year 1929. It is the
day of absolute silence
and the stillness for
Hindu Balinese, no fire
lit, no activity done no
travelling to anywhere
and no amusement
held, but fasting
meditation and
self-introspection are
done. Throughout Bali.
Surya Residence
On the edge of Heaven
It wasn't until the 11th century that Bali received the first strong influx of Hindu
and Javanese cultures. With the death of his father around A.D. 1011, the
Balinese Prince, Airlangga, moved to East Java and set about uniting it under
one principality.
Having succeeded, he then appointed his
brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali. During
the ensuing period there was a reciprocation
of political and artistic ideas. The old Javanese
language, Kawi, became the language used
by the aristocracy, one of the many Javanese
traits and custom adopted by the cause.
With the death of Airlangga, in the middle of the
11th century, Bali enjoyed a period of
autonomy. However, this proved to be
short-lived, as in 1284 the East Javanese king
Kertanegara was murdered and Bali took the
opportunity to liberate itself once again.
However, in 1343, Bali was brought back
under Javanese empires, the Majapahit.
With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century,
the Majapahit empire began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy,
priests, artists and artisans to Bali ensued. For a while Bali flourished and the
following centuries were considered the Golden Age of Bali's cultural history.
The principality of Gelgel, near Klungkung, became a major center for the Arts,
and Bali became the major power of the region, taking control of neighboring
Lombok and parts of East Java.
Climate of Bali
April to October is warm with relatively low humidity.
The average daily temperature hovers around 33C
or 91F. November to March is more humid. Tropical
rain falls in short bursts, interspersed with periods of
bright sunshine. The average daily temperature is a
constant 30C or 86F
