Although there are no artifacts on records dating back to the Stone Age, it is believed that the first settlers on Bali migrated from China. The complex system of irrigation and rice production, still use today, was established around this time.
It wasn't until the 11th century that Bali received the first strong influx of Hindu and Javanese cultures. The old Javanese language, Kawi, became the language used by the aristocracy, one of the many Javanese traits and customs adopted by the cause.

With the death of Airlanggha, in the middle of the 11th century, Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy. However, this proved to be short lived, as in 1284 the east Javanese King Kertanegara, conquered was murdered and Bali took the opportunity to leberate itself once again. However, in 1343, Bali was brought back under Javanese control by its defeat at the hands of Gajah Mada, a general in the last of the great Hindu-Javanese empires, the Majapahit. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16 th century, the Majapahit empire began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists, and artisans to Bali ensued. For a while Bali flourished and the following centuries were considered the Golden Age of Bali's cultural history. The principality of Gelgel, near Klungkung, became a major centre for the arts, and Bali became the major power of the region, taking control of neighbouring Lombok and parts of East Java.

Bali has many museums with fine collections of traditional and modern art such as :

• Tanah Lot
  South-West Bali in Tabanan Regency, built on a large rock that gets cut off from the mainland at high tide, this is one of Bali’s most spectacular sights.
• Uluwatu
  South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff-top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. During the Galungan festival people from all over the island travel here to worship.
• Pura Jayaprana
  North-West Bali. Superb views of Menjangan Island and the surrounding coral reefs can be seen from this temple.
• Pura Rambut Siwi
  South-West Bali (10 km from Medewi). Another cliff-top temple with views of Java and on a good day, Mt. Bromo. Steps down the cliff from the temple lead to a black sand beach where swimming is possible.

Temples – Inland

• Pura Besakih
  Besakih, North-East Bali, Karangasem Regency. Bali’s most important temple with great views of Gunung Agung. The temple complex houses over 80 shrines to the various gods and spirits.
• Pura Luhur Batukaru
  Tabanan – South Bali. Dedicated to the god of Gunung Batukaru, this temple is a small haven for flower bird lovers.
• Pura Yeh Gangga
  Near Mengwi, Tabanan Regency.
• Pura Ulun Danu Batur
  Near Batur village. The second most important temple after Besakih, housing more than 90 shrines. Worth visiting anytime of the year, especially during the Odalan festival. Dedicated to the goddess of the crater lake who controls the irrigation system for the entire island.
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
  Near Bedugul. This temple has several shrines which are located on both the lake’s shore and on various small islets.
• Pura Gunung Kawi
  Set in a ravine in Tampaksiring, the temple ‘Candis’ are carved into the rock face. There are five Royal Tombs at the near of the temple complex.
• Pura Tirta Gunung Kawi
  A water temple dedicated to the Rice Goddess. Near the temple grounds is a small spring-fed lake with sacred gold fish which are the guardians of the Spirit of the Spring.
• Pura Tirta Empul
  Considered the holiest spring in Bali, this temple is frequently visited by Balinese seeking mental cleansing and physical healing.
• Brahma Vihara Ashrama Buddhist Monastery
  Near Lovina (combine with a visit to the Banjar Tega Hot Spring). The only Buddhist monastery in Bali, set in beautiful surroundings.