Beliefs

A large majority of Bali's residents embrace Hindu as their religion but you will also be able to find minorities of other faiths such as Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. Religion plays a large role in Bali's daily affairs with most of a Balinese's gestures replicating religious connotations. This is apparent in everything from stone and woodcarvings, traditional ceremonies, trance dances and musical performances that all bear religious meanings. The temple still remains the most important structure in Balinese culture where most rituals take place.

Most temples have two separate courtyards. The inner courtyard hosts sacred rituals that are exclusive to the gods while the outer courtyard hosts ceremonies intended for gods and people. Performances meant solely for the entertainment of people are held outside the walls of the temple. This system has been in place since 1971 in order to protect the sanctity of sacred Balinese rituals.

The Hinduism practiced by most Balinese is unique, in the sense that it is basically a form of Indian Hinduism and Buddhism, infused with elements of existing local beliefs that are animistic in nature. Unique to Bali, it has come to be termed as 'Balinese Hinduism'.

Other than the majority of Balinese Hindus, you will also be able to find Chinese immigrants whose beliefs and traditions have blended in with that of the locals, resulting in a belief system that boasts traditional Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism elements as well as Hindu elements. Balinese Hindu priests have even been known to perform religious rites alongside a Chinese priest during certain religious ceremonies.