Balinese culture has survived intact, despite colonial domination, war time occupation and unrelenting tourism. The temples and the unique Hindu Dharma religion have endured earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the wave of Islam; not to mention divergent cultures and practices brought by foreign tourists. The Balinese accept and ignore it all with a smile, continuing their spirit-filled life, undaunted.

The Balinese social cohesion traditionally centers on agriculture. Rice cultivation defines the collection of communities that make up Bali. The social structure is cooperative, in everything from preparation for elaborate festivals, to political, economic and social decisions, even solving problems for individual members. The banjar, an aggregate of family units, extended family members and neighbours, executes most life activities. The critical important communal rice collectives, subak, coordinate shared irrigation water and farming tasks, while banjar organizes everything else. Rice, water and religion are the foundations of Balinese life.