Bali, island of a thousand temples- charming, beautiful, captivating and alluring. Images of lush, green paddy fields, ancient temples, exotic beauties performing traditional dances, friendly people, peaceful beaches and intricate carvings arise when one thinks of Bali. It is this combination that makes Bali so special and memorable. It is certain that Bali has been inhabited since early prehistoric times. Fossilized human remains have been discovered from neighboring Java, which are dated to be as old as 250,000 years. Stone tools and earthenware vessels, which were estimated to be 3000 years old, were unearthed near Cekik (west Bali). Other artifacts also show that the Bronze Age began in Bali before 300 BC. Hinduism spread its influence around 400 AD followed by Buddhism in 500 AD. Bali and West Java then underwent several episodes of conquering that includes conquering each other until the Dutch arrived and established themselves partially in Bali in 1850. Dutch troops landed in Sanur Beach in 1900 and Bali was then completely occupied by them. Many prominent families committed suicide due to this defeat. After the Japanese occupation in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, Bali became an Indonesian province but was able to maintain its own unique culture.
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