The island of Bali in Indonesia has more than one nickname, but most visitors know it as “The Island of the Gods.”
You might also hear other names, such as “Island of a Thousand Temples” or “The Last Paradise.” But why does Bali have so many nicknames? Let’s take a look at what makes the Island of the Gods so special.
Bali is a paradise filled with stunning landscapes and rich culture. From pristine beaches to lush jungles to majestic volcanoes, Bali has something for everyone. Its cultural heritage has been preserved over centuries and can be experienced through its traditional dances, temples, and art. But there’s more to Bali than just its physical beauty – it’s a place of spiritual renewal and inner peace. Read on to explore the unique atmosphere that makes Bali “The Island of the Gods.”
I’ve lived in Bali for several years now, and the stunning beauty and spirituality of this incredible island never ceases to amaze me. Let me introduce you to my favourite place on earth, its incredible culture and the true origins of its name.
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What is Bali’s nickname?
Bali has several nicknames, but the most common is the “Island of the Gods. ” This is due to the strong spiritual connection that the Balinese people have with Hinduism, which has been practised there for centuries.
Other nicknames used to describe Bali are ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’ and ‘The Last Paradise.’ These refer to the large number of temples on the island and its pristine natural beauty. Another nickname is Bali Dwipa, which translates roughly to Island of the Gods. The Balinese love their island and like to give it these nicknames while thinking of it fondly.
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Why is Bali called the Island of the Gods?
Bali, which is also called the Island of Gods, is a beautiful paradise in Indonesia that definitely lives up to its nickname. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture and unique spiritual atmosphere.
The island has been inhabited for centuries and is home to ancient temples dedicated to Hindu gods such as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. There are also several important Buddhist and animist sites that are considered sacred.
Bali is often referred to as an enchanted paradise, a place where you can commune with the gods and find inner peace. It also offers visitors an opportunity to explore its incredible beaches, culture and vibrant nightlife. With so much natural beauty and spiritual significance, it’s no wonder why Bali is called the Island of Gods. You won’t be disappointed if you visit this incredible place, which is why I call it my second home.
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The Island of the Gods and the importance of religion in Bali
Hinduism is the major religion in Bali, and this ancient faith has been integral to Balinese culture since the very beginning. The gods are believed to be omnipresent and worshipped regularly by the locals. Every morning, offerings of fruits and flowers (canang sari) are made as a way of expressing gratitude to the gods for their blessing.
Ceremonies are an integral part of everyday life and every Balinese house has its own temple, which come in various sizes. The presence of spirituality in everyday life of Bali is reflected in its nicknames such as the Island of the Gods.
Bali is also home to some of the most spectacular temples in Indonesia such as Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple which are perched atop cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. These majestic places of worship are a testament to the deep faith and devotion of the Balinese people.
The sheer number of temples is also part of what gives Bali its nickname as the Island of the Gods, a place abundant with spiritual energy.
History of Bali and its nicknames
Bali is an Indonesian island located at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of Indonesia’s 33 provinces with its capital Denpasar towards the south of the island.
Bali was originally inhabited by Austronesian people, and their culture dates back to 2000 BCE. The local people were animists, believing in many gods and goddesses.
The Balinese Hinduism that is practised today was introduced in the 14th century, when Javanese Majapahit empire brought it to Bali, making them one of the only predominantly Hindu countries in Asia. A number of ancient temples remain, such as the famous Pura Besakih temple, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
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Colonial times and Bali today
The Dutch arrived in Bali in 1619, bringing modern weaponry and quickly conquering it. But by 1849, Bali had regained its independence from Dutch rule and formed a union with Lombok and East Java under a single government. The Balinese monarchy continued to rule until the Second World War when Japanese occupation put an end to the royal dynasty.
In the post-WWII era, Bali has become a popular tourist destination due to its rich culture and stunning landscapes. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, spectacular volcanoes, picturesque rice paddies and lush rainforests
Bali’s culture is rooted in Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, which were brought to the island by migrating Indians in the first century CE. Balinese Hinduism is unique in its blend of local traditions and Indian religious practices. This blend of cultures has left a lasting mark on the island and makes Bali a very special place. The Balinese language is still used today, as are traditional arts and crafts, music, dance and various rituals.
You can find more information on Bali’s history here.
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Bali’s nickname before Indonesia even existed
During King Sri Kesari Warmadewa’s rule, the nickname of Bali was ‘Bali Dwipa’. He was the first king of Bali and evidence of his reign has been found on the ancient Belanjong Pillar in Sanur. Even after Indonesia gained independence, Bali still held the same name in Balinese culture.
This name is much more than just a nickname – it’s a symbol to represent the rich cultural heritage of Bali that has been passed down through generations of Balinese people. The symbols and writings of ‘Bali Dwipa Jaya’ are still proudly displayed as the symbols of the Provincial Government of Bali today. It’s a reminder of the proud past and a sign of progress in the present.
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Check out these beautiful sayings about Indonesia and quotes about Bali for some inspiration.
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Bali Dwipa and what it means today
Bali Dwipa is more than just a nickname – it’s an identity that unites all Balinese people, no matter where they may be in the world. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience that has been passed down through generations and will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
The phrase “Bali Dwipa” can today be found all over Bali in different forms – from traditional wooden carvings to modern-day souvenirs. It’s no wonder why Bali has become such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, as it truly is the Island of Gods. From its vibrant culture to its lush landscapes, there’s something special about Bali that makes it hard not to fall in love with.
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Where does the name Bali come from?
There are several theories on where the name Bali comes from. The two most popular ones include.
A ritual and offering
One story about where the name Bali comes from features Maha Rsi Markandeya, an ancient character from Hindu scripture who came to Bali from Java to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation. On his journey from Mount Raung in Java to Bali, his 400 followers all perished from disease, so he tried a second time with a group of 800 people. Most of the group made it to the island and settled in the area of Besakih in northwest Bali.
To protect his people, Markandeya came up with a ritual, which would later heavily influence Balinese Hinduism. He worshipped Sang Hyang Widhi three times a day and bringing offerings called “bebali” that consisted of water, fire, and flowers. This not only became the basis for canang sari offerings you see all around Bali today but is also said to have lead to the creation of the name Bali.
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Island of the waves
Another theory is that King Sri Kesari Warmadewa came up with the name ‘Bali Dwipa’ which can be traced back to the sanskrit meaning for island of offerings, or if pronounced differently, island of waves. This is a valid theory, due to the large Indian population at the time which also introduced Hinduism to the island.
It is difficult to prove exactly where the name Bali comes from, but stories like these are often told to find its origin.
Fun facts about Bali
- The island has a population of around 4.3 million people, at least 100,000 of which are permanent foreign residents.
- Bali is home to the world’s most expensive coffee, known as Kopi Luwak, which is made from beans that have been eaten and then excreted by civet cats. You can try it in Ubud.
- The island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, which is one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the world.
- The traditional Balinese dance, called the Barong dance, tells the story of the battle between good and evil and is often performed at religious ceremonies and festivals.
- Bali has a unique calendar system called the pawukon calendar, which is based on a 210-day cycle.
- Bali is home to the largest statue in Indonesia, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which is 121 meters tall and depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda.
- The island is known for its traditional crafts, including woodcarving, silverwork, and batik.
- Bali has a unique form of irrigation called subak, which is a complex system of canals and rice terraces that dates back over a thousand years and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
- Bali’s popular southern beaches in Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are all connected so you can walk up the coast, seeing interesting sights along the way.
Best time to visit Bali
Now you know what the many nicknames of Bali are and what they mean, you’re ready to take the next step. If you’re not sure when to go, we made a complete guide so you can figure out when to plan your trip to Bali. Ready to discover the Island of the Gods?
Bali nickname FAQ
Bali’s most famous nickname is the Island of the Gods, but it’s sometimes also called the “Island of a Thousand Temples” or “The Last Paradise.”
The people from Bali are called Balinese.
Bali used to be called Bali Dwipa.
The origin of the name Bali is unclear, but it can be translated to mean “Island of the Gods” or “Island of Waves.”
Bali was either named after the term Bali Dwipa or the traditional bebali offering.
Bali isn’t short for anything. The exact origin of the name is unclear but could come from the ancient bebali ritual.
It’s not easy to determine where the name Bali came from, but there are several myths and legends that are often quoted.
Before you go…
We’ve caught you up on the history of Bali’s nicknames, but you’ll have a lot more to plan for your trip. Check out our guides on Ubud, the Monkey Forest, Uluwatu and Nusa Penida.
You might even enjoy our step-by-step instructions on where you can swim with green sea turtles right on the beach and our guide on how much money you need for 7 days in Bali.
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