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Based on the information found on an 8th century AD inscription, it could be said that the ancient Balinese historical period covered the time between the 8th and the 14th century AD when the Majapahit's Gajah Mada expedition invaded and defeated Bali. The term Balidwipa (meaning Bali island) has existed since time immemorial. This has been discovered from various inscriptions. Among these inscriptions were Blanjong charter which was issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD mentioned the word Walidwipa. Similar evidence was from King Jayapangus' charters: Buwahan and Cempaga A inscriptions dated 1181 AD.

Bali is part of Indonesian archipelago. Bali is the small island with three million people and majority of balinesse religion is hindu, the rest there are Christian, budha, katholik and islam.

The arrival of the Hindu people from India marked the end of prehistorically period in Indonesia. The first centuries AD until the year of 1500, i.e. with the fall of Majapahit kingdom, constituted the Hindu influence period. Based on the information found on an 8th century AD inscription, it could be said that the ancient Balinese historical period covered the time between the 8th and the 14th century AD when the Majapahit's Gajah Mada expedition invaded and defeated Bali.

The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. It is not an exaggeration that when the Balinese is asked what heaven is like, they would say, just like Bali, without the worries of mundane life. They want to live in Bali, to be cremated in Bali when they die, and to reincarnate in Bali.

Hindu funerals in Bali are intensely suggestive ceremonies of great cultural and religious significance. Funerals are centred on cremation of the body requiring a complex apparatus and characterized by a large following known as ngaben or pelebon. This practice is considered essential if the 5 elements making up the microcosm of the human body are to be returned to their original residence, the universe’s macrocosm. The five elements, Panca Maha Bhuta, are the earth (pertiwi), water (apah), fire (teja), air (bayu), and ether (akasa). Since the primordial dimension can only be attained through water and fire, the ashes are dispersed in the water of the sea or if the distance is too great, in a river. The funeral ceremony is generally led by a priest and punctuated by a lavish offering of gifts. For the occasion, a large bullock-shaped wooden structure is built and then entirely covered with white drapes if the deceased belongs to a priestly caste--in black.

One thing to remember about Bali is the island is not too big - about 100 miles from North to South, and 175 miles from West to East.