Artists and tourists have been coming to this island since 1920s, when air travel was considered an extravagance. They heard of the fabulous attractions of the island by word of mouth and they came, looking for beauty and peace of mind, enjoying its virgin palm-fringed beaches and sights of its peaceful villages set in a tapestry of green paddies and towering mountains. Most of all, however, they marveled at the people's artistry and their philosophical make-up - aspects of life that are inseparably tied to the religious beliefs of the Balinese.

   One other element that has since the beginning contributed of the island's great popularity among visitors is the apparently inborn friendliness of its people, and the ease with which they communicate with other. Bali has many sobriquets. People have called it "The Island of Gods", because worship color every facet of life among the Hindu Balinese.

Temples are everywhere, it has been named "the World last Paradise", because of its beautiful nature and idyllic mood. The late first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called it "The Morning of World". Art pervades the daily life of the Balinese. Almost every villages has its artists, many of whom have achieved worldwide acclaim.

   Bali one of the few places in the world where one can see a cowherd boy sculpting a piece of wood or coconut shell while watching his herd. Bali's music and dances have fascinated discriminating audiences in prominent art centers in many countries around the world. New wind maybe blowing, but as long as Balinese art and culture remain expressions of the people's deepest beliefs, there appears to be no danger that they will become things of the pass anywhere in the foreseeable future.