Bali is the only island in the Indonesian archipelago that is predominately Hindu, in contrast to the rest of the islands, which comprise the world’s largest Muslim population. For the Balinese, Hinduism is not just a religion—it’s a fundamental social and spiritual value that forms the bedrock of Balinese culture, from dance and painting to architecture.

In the 1970s, Ngurah Rai International Airport was expanded, and Australian surfers flocked to the small island. This first generation of foreigners was followed by others from all around the world, drawn to the pristine nature, nearly millennia-old traditional culture, and Balinese sages who bequeath secrets to a balanced life. Then came creatives with high hopes of learning about self-care and sustainable futures through yoga and meditation. More than just a tourist destination, Bali is now the ultimate mecca for alternative living.