Cairns

Although Bali’s history has been traced to the Stone Age, most of Bali’s rich heritage started to develop during the Empire of the Majapahit (1293 to 1520 AD). It was an era ruled at its peak by Hayam Wuruk who controlled other kingdoms such as the southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia, and the Philippines. It was a sophisticated golden time that brought over Hindu-Javanese literature and artistic activities, which today are still the foundation of Balinese arts. After Hayam Wuruk’s death, the kingdom’s golden age came to an end as power struggles erupted within the ruling family and the kingdoms of Java continued to grow in influence and strength. The decline of the Majapahit Empire in the 15th century was followed by an exodus to Bali of Hindu priests, intellectuals, artists and members of the royal family.