The first human inhabitants of the island are believed to have arrived about 5000 years ago, as they traveled from the Asian mainland on their way to dispersing throughout the Indonesian islands. Tools made from stone have been uncovered in Bali that experts believe date back to the times of these ancient immigrants, the first Indonesians. A second influx arrived in about 100 BCE, bringing important technological advances in agriculture with them from India. Their methods of irrigation allowed rice to be cultivated on Bali. These new arrivals left a lasting trace on the island. Visitors today can still see the influence they had, both culturally and religiously, on Bali.

The natural beauty of Bali is as much of a draw for tourists as the unique culture of this tradition-rich island. Bali measures only about 150 km by 100 km, but packed within this compact space is a wealth of varied and stunning landscapes, including vast mountains of more than 10,000 feet. The volcanic history of the island has left its mark on the landscape. The volcanic mountain, Batur, is believed to have been the source of one of the worst catastrophes in history, when it exploded many hundreds of years ago, while even the tallest mountain, Agung, is a volcano that apparently last erupted during the sixties.

Visitors of a less active disposition may prefer to view the mountains from a distance, and spend their time exploring the beautiful and serene coast. There are many excellent beaches to relax on, from the pure white sands of the south to the exotic black beaches in western Bali. The island is circled by coral reefs and shallow waters that make it an ideal spot to enjoy the sea. The bright blue of the lagoon at Padangbai among the warm, clear waters is particularly stunning.