Badung, the southernmost regency
of Bali, is the most heavily populated area of the island - with
an average density of more than 1,000 persons per square km. Partly
this is because Denpasar, the island's capital and principal metropolis
is here. Also, Bali's major tourist resorts are all in Badung,
and the tourist boom of the past two decades has fueled a rapid
economic expansion and population influx to this traditional southern
court center.
Badung's historical role is due to its pivotal position, allowing
control over the three major elements of Balinese economic life:
irrigation, rice and the sea. Indianization took place early here,
as evidenced by the Prasasti Blanjong inscription, dating from
the 10th century. Besides Bugis settlements, there are also Chinese
tombs and dances named after the Chinese - such as the baris cina
of Semawang and Renon.
The regency has many attractions such as the lively Kuta beach
and its surrounding areas such as Seminyak, Legian and Tuban,
Sanur, which is a little more outback, Nusa Dua, the tourism areas
with many world famous hotels and accomodations ie. Sheraton,
Hyatt, etc located, the city itself that rich in culture, and
many others. Badung with Denpasar as its capital is the heart
of Bali generously hold its traditional values while it is very
modern in many ways.
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