History of Bali in Timeline
Bali, a province of Indonesia located west of Lombok and east of Java, is a popular tourist destination. It is made up of the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Denpasar is the provincial capital and largest city. Ubud is considered Bali's cultural center. Tourism has boomed since the 1980s, now accounting for 80% of Bali's economy, and it is prone to overtourism.
6 hours ago : American Tourist Deported from Bali Following Chaotic Meltdown at Medical Clinic
A US tourist was deported from Bali after a half-naked rampage at a medical clinic. The tourist caused chaos and disruption, leading to their removal from the country.
1906: Dutch Intervention and Mass Suicides
In 1906, the Dutch mounted assaults at the Sanur region, met by Balinese committing ritual suicide (puputan) rather than surrender. A similar mass suicide occurred in Klungkung during a Dutch assault.
1906: The Dutch subjugated Bali
In 1906, the Dutch subjugated and repulsed the natives of Bali for economic control and took it over.
1932: Success of Virgins of Bali film
In 1932, the film "Virgins of Bali", consisting mostly of scenes of topless Balinese women, achieved great success and made Bali into a popular tourist spot.
1934: Hays code ban on nude civilized women
Up to 1934, the looser version of the Hays code existed, where nudity involving civilized women was banned, but permitted with uncivilized women. This allowed for the production of the film Virgins of Bali.
1937: Last definite record of a Bali tiger
In 1937, the last definite record of a tiger on Bali dates when one was shot.
February 1942: Imperial Japanese Army occupied Bali
On 19 February 1942, Japanese forces landed near Sanur and quickly captured Bali due to inoperative airfields on Borneo and the lack of regular KNIL troops.
1945: Bali liberated by British 5th infantry Division
In 1945, Bali was liberated by the British 5th infantry Division under the command of Major-General Robert Mansergh who took the Japanese surrender.
1946: Bali as district of State of East Indonesia
In 1946, the Dutch designated Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly formed State of East Indonesia.
December 1949: Bali included in Republic of the United States of Indonesia
On 29 December 1949, Bali was included in the "Republic of the United States of Indonesia" when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence.
August 1958: Regencies Inaugurated
In August 1958, the eight regencies of Bali were originally inaugurated.
1958: First governor of Bali appointed
In 1958, President Sukarno appointed Anak Agung Bagus Suteja as the first governor of Bali, when Bali became a province.
1962: 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta
The 1962 Asian Games was held in Jakarta.
1963: Bali Beach Hotel Built
In 1963, the Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur was built by Sukarno and boosted tourism in Bali.
1963: Eruption of Mount Agung
In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung caused thousands of deaths, economic disruption, and the transmigration of many Balinese to other Indonesian regions.
1965: Suharto comes to power
As a result of the upheavals of 1965, Suharto replaced Sukarno, and the "New Order" government revived Bali as "paradise", leading to an increase in tourism.
1970: Ngurah Rai International Airport Opens
In 1970, the Ngurah Rai International Airport opened, further increasing tourism in Bali.
1971: Classification of Balinese Rituals Standardized
In 1971 a committee of Balinese officials and artists standardized the three-tiered system of classification to better protect the sanctity of the oldest and most sacred Balinese rituals from being performed for a paying audience.
January 1992: Denpasar City Created
In January 1992, the city of Denpasar was created from part of Badung Regency.
1998: Rise of Traditional Society Aspects
Coercive aspects of traditional society, such as customary law sanctions imposed by traditional authorities such as village councils have risen in importance as a consequence of the democratisation and decentralisation of Indonesia since 1998.
1999: First free elections in Bali
Since the first free elections in Bali in 1999, the province's politics has been dominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
2000: Austronesian people inhabited Bali
Around 2000 BC, Bali was inhabited by Austronesian people who migrated from Taiwan to Southeast Asia and Oceania.
2002: Bombing in Kuta
In 2002, a bombing by militant Islamists in Kuta killed 202 people, predominantly foreigners, severely reducing tourism.
2002: Terrorist Bombings Impact
In 2002, the terrorist bombings significantly impacted Bali's economy.
2002: Tourism Affected by Bombings
The terrorist bombings of 2002 affected Bali's tourism economy.
2003: Tourism Dominates Economy
Around 80% of Bali's economy was tourism related in 2003.
2005: DNA Study
A DNA study in 2005 by Karafet et al. found that 12% of Balinese Y-chromosomes are of likely Austroasiasic origin, while 84% are of likely Austronesian origin, and 2% of likely Melanesian origin.
2005: Terrorist Bombings Impact
In 2005, Bali's economy suffered as a result of terrorist bombings.
2005: Bombing in 2005
In 2005, another bombing occurred, further reducing tourism and creating economic hardship on the island.
2005: Tourism Affected by Bombings
The terrorist bombings of 2005 affected Bali's tourism economy.
2006: Eat, Pray, Love Memoir Published
In 2006, Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" was published.
July 2008: First Directly Elected Governor
On 9 July 2008, Bali held its first direct election for Governor.
2008: 2008 Asian Beach Games
In 2008, Bali was the host of the Asian Beach Games. It was the second time Indonesia hosted an Asia-level multi-sport event.
2008: Travel Warnings Lifted
In 2008, the United States government lifted its travel warnings for Bali.
2008: Currency Drop Improves Value
In the last half of 2008, Indonesia's currency dropped approximately 30% against the US dollar, providing overseas visitors with improved value for their currencies.
August 2010: Eat Pray Love Film Adaptation
In August 2010, Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir Eat, Pray, Love was adapted into the film Eat Pray Love, which took place at Ubud and Padang-Padang Beach in Bali.
December 2010: Tanah Ampo Cruise Terminal Investment
In December 2010, the Government of Indonesia invited investors to build a new Tanah Ampo Cruise Terminal at Karangasem, Bali with a projected worth of $30 million.
2010: Best Island Award
Bali received the Best Island award from Travel and Leisure in 2010.
2010: Foreign Tourist Arrivals
In 2010, Bali received 2.57 million foreign tourists, surpassing the target of 2.0–2.3 million tourists.
2010: Bali's environmental quality index score
In 2010, an Environment Ministry report gave Bali a score of 99.65 on its environmental quality index.
2010: Tourism Increase
Since 2011, China has displaced Japan as the second-largest supplier of tourists to Bali. Chinese tourists increased by 17% in 2011 from 2010.
2010: 2010 Census
The 2010 census recorded the populations of Bali's regencies and city.
2010: Population as of 2010 Census
The population of Bali was 3,890,757 as of the 2010 census.
January 2011: Tourism Statistics
Since 2011, China has displaced Japan as the second-largest supplier of tourists to Bali.
March 2011: "Best Port Welcome 2010" award
In March 2011 (Tanjung) Benoa port received the "Best Port Welcome 2010" award from London's "Dream World Cruise Destination" magazine.
April 2011: Sea life Survey
A team of scientists surveyed sea sites around Bali from 29 April 2011 to 11 May 2011.
May 2011: Sea life Survey
A team of scientists surveyed sea sites around Bali from 29 April 2011 to 11 May 2011.
May 2011: Integrated Area Traffic Control System (ATCS) Implemented
In May 2011, an integrated Area Traffic Control System (ATCS) was implemented to reduce traffic jams at four crossing points: Ngurah Rai statue, Dewa Ruci Kuta crossing, Jimbaran crossing and Sanur crossing.
June 2011: Low Non-Performing Loan Rate
By the end of June 2011, the rate of non-performing loans of all banks in Bali were 2.23%.
July 2011: First Cruise Ship at Tanah Ampo
On July 17, 2011, the first cruise ship (Sun Princess) anchored about 400 metres away from the wharf of Tanah Ampo harbour.
December 2011: Construction Started on Toll Road
On December 21, 2011, construction started on the Nusa Dua-Benoa-Ngurah Rai International Airport toll road, which will also provide a special lane for motorcycles.
2011: World's Best Islands Ranking
According to BBC Travel released in 2011, Bali is one of the World's Best Islands, ranking second after Santorini, Greece.
January 2012: Increase in Chinese Tourists
In January 2012, Chinese tourists increased by 222.18% compared to January 2011, while Japanese tourists declined by 23.54% year on year.
May 2012: Australian Travel Advisory Lowered
On Friday, May 4, 2012, the Australian government lowered its travel advisory level to 'Exercise a high degree of caution'.
June 2012: Subak listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
In June 2012, Subak, the irrigation system for paddy fields in Jatiluwih, central Bali was listed as a Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
June 2012: Swedish Government Issues Warning
On Sunday, June 10, 2012, the Swedish government issued a new warning due to a tourist death from methanol poisoning.
2012: Tourist Arrivals in 2012
In 2012, Bali authorities reported the island had 2.88 million foreign tourists and 5 million domestic tourists.
May 2013: Bank Indonesia Tourist Survey
Based on a Bank Indonesia survey in May 2013, it was revealed that 34.39% of tourists are upper-middle class and 30.26% are middle class.
July 2013: Tanah Ampo Improvement Delays
As of July 2013, the tender for improvement was subject to delays, and as of July 2013 the situation was unclear with cruise line operators complaining and even refusing to use the existing facility at Tanah Ampo.
September 2013: Bali Mandara Toll Road Opened
On September 23, 2013, the Bali Mandara Toll Road was opened, with the Dewa Ruci Junction underpass being opened previously.
2013: Miss World 2013 in Bali
In 2013, Bali hosted Miss World 2013 (the 63rd edition of the Miss World pageant), marking the first time Indonesia hosted an international beauty pageant.
2013: Increase in Cruise Liner Visits
In 2013, The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry advised that 306 cruise liners were scheduled to visit Indonesia, an increase of 43 per cent compared to the previous year.
2013: Plans to build a water facility
In 2013, the central government plans to build a water catchment and processing facility at Petanu River in Gianyar to ease the water shortage.
January 2015: Australian Advisory Issued
On Monday, January 5, 2015, Australia issued an advisory due to new terrorist threats.
July 2015: Railway Plan
As of July 2015, no details of these proposed railways have been released after a memorandum of understanding was signed by two ministers, Bali's governor and Indonesian Train Company to build 565 kilometres (351 miles) of railway along the coast around the island.
January 2016: David Bowie's Ashes Scattered in Bali
In January 2016, after musician David Bowie died, it was revealed that in his will, Bowie asked for his ashes to be scattered in Bali, conforming to Buddhist rituals.
March 2017: Bali named world's top destination by TripAdvisor
In March 2017, TripAdvisor awarded Bali as the world's top destination in its Traveller's Choice award.
November 2017: Mount Agung Eruptions
On 27 November 2017, Mount Agung erupted multiple times, causing evacuations, disrupting air travel and causing much environmental damage.
2017: Expected Tourist Numbers
In 2017 it was expected that Chinese tourists would outnumber Australian tourists.
2017: Garbage emergency declared
In 2017, government officials declared a "garbage emergency" in Bali due to plastic waste covering a 3.6-mile stretch of coastline.
2017: Mount Agung Eruption
In late 2017, Mount Agung started erupting, resulting in mass evacuations and temporary closure of the island's airport.
2018: Traditional Dress Mandate
In 2018 Governor I Wayan Koster issued Bali Governor's Regulation No. 79 of 2018 which mandated that city officials wear traditional Balinese dress, such as that made of songket.
2018: Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group
In 2018, Bali hosted the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
2019: Pre-Pandemic Tourism
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, Bali welcomed 1.07 million international travelers in 2020, most of them between January and March, which is -87% compared to 2019.
2019: Electric Rail Network Consideration
In 2019 it was reported in Gapura Bali that Wayan Koster, governor of Bali, "is keen to improve Bali's transportation infrastructure and is considering plans to build an electric rail network across the island".
January 2020: Chinese Tourist Cancellations
In January 2020, 10,000 Chinese tourists cancelled trips to Bali due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: 2020 Census
The 2020 census recorded the populations of Bali's regencies and city.
2020: Population as of 2020 Census
The population of Bali was 4,317,404 at the 2020 census.
January 2021: Bali named world's top destination by TripAdvisor
In January 2021, TripAdvisor again awarded Bali as the world's top destination in its Traveller's Choice award.
2021: International Travelers
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, Bali welcomed 1.07 million international travelers in 2020, most of them between January and March, which is -87% compared to 2019. In the first half of 2021, they welcomed 43 international travelers.
2021: Number of Foreigners Living on Bali
In 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism estimated that there were 109,801 foreigners living on Bali.
2021: Endek Fabrics Circular
This was followed by Circular No. 4 of 2021 which specified the use of Endek fabrics, and was expanded to high-ranking individuals in the private sector and other institutions.
February 2022: Reopening to Foreign Tourists
On February 3, 2022, Bali reopened again for the first foreign tourists after 2 years of being closed due to the pandemic.
November 2022: 2022 G20 Bali summit
On 15–16 November 2022, the 2022 G20 Bali summit, the seventeenth meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) was held in Nusa Dua.
2022: Religious Demographics
About 87.91% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (8.10%), Christianity (3.30%), and Buddhism (0.68%) as for 2022.
2022: Miss Grand International 2022
In 2022, Bali co-hosted Miss Grand International 2022 along with Jakarta, West Java, and Banten.
2022: Medical Industry to Complement Tourism
In 2022, Indonesia's Minister of Health, Budi Sadikin, stated that the tourism industry in Bali will be complemented by the medical industry.
2023: Motorcycle Ban Proposal
At the beginning of 2023, the governor of Bali demanded a ban on the use of motorcycles by tourists.
2023: Dota 2 Bali Major
In 2023, Bali was the location for the Dota 2 Bali Major, a major eSports event and the third and final Major of the Dota Pro Circuit season. It was the first time that a Dota Pro Circuit Major was held in Indonesia.
2024: Bali's population density
In mid 2024 Bali's population density was roughly 798 people/km.
2024: Population of Denpasar and Singaraja
In mid 2024, Denpasar, the provincial capital, had a population of around 755,600 and Singaraja had a population of around 150,000 people.
2024: Mid-2024 Estimates
Official population estimates for Bali's regencies and city were made in mid-2024.
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