© 2023 All Rights Reserved. Do not distribute or repurpose this work without written permission from the copyright holder(s). Printed from https://www.damninteresting.com/the-ancient-order-of-bali/ In the 1970s, the Indonesian island of Bali went through a period of rapid change. Along the stunning beaches on the southern side of the island, tourism boomed. Parking lots were put up, together with swinging hot spots and hotels of various colours. Hip young travellers from North America, Europe, and Australasia had “discovered” the island and began exploring its awesome surfing breaks, drinking in the newly-built bars, and spending money. There were consequences, good and bad, for the Balinese people. Living standards increased⁠⁠—as did the island’s population. The rest of Indonesia experienced growth too, and the country soon needed more of a vital food staple: rice.…