Journal of Culture, Society and Development www.iiste.org ISSN 2422-8400 An International Peer-reviewed Journal Vol.59, 2020 14 BALI – A Traditional Society in Transformation Anak Agung Gde Agung 1 Rina Suprina 1* Arissetyanto Nugroho 2 1.Trisakti School of Tourism, Indonesia 2.Universitas Mercu Buana, Indonesia Abstract The purpose of this article is to highlight the cultural and environmental erosions in Bali caused by the effects of globalization through mass tourism, worldwide communication, international fashion and culinary as well as other aspects of modernity. Bali is not only inundated by countless hotels, malls, restaurants and never-ending concrete roads that clutter the once unique rice terraces and breathtaking vistas to fulfill the needs of the ever growing influx of mass tourism but is also suffers erosion of its age long tradition and heritage due to the same external threats. These foreign onslaught have posed negative impacts on the biocultural diversity of this small island of some 3 million inhabitants who have to bear the brunt of a mass tourist invasion of more than twice its population.The Balinese has potent traditional ecological knowledge (tek) and a philosophy of life called Tri Hita Karana that can deter those negative influences, because their philosophy of life forms a sacred balance as a basis to face all life challenges. However, to what extent and for how long can they be staved off is another question that this article aims to analyze and provide some provoking thoughts. Keywords: Bali, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tri Hita Karana, Sacred Balance. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/59-03 Publication date:May 31 st 2020 1. Introduction Bali, one of the most well-known island located in Indonesia, not only has the world’s most unique rice field terraces, beautiful vistas and white sand beaches with glittering clear waters that dot its landscape but also nurtures a rich tradition and culture interred from a time immemorial heritage. It is this tradition and culture that for the past few decades have faced a fast growing invasion of the negative effects of globalization brought by mass tourism, lightening-speed communication, a multiplicity of languages and other influences of a rapid interconnecting world. Bali, however, is not without its defenses. It has a viable traditional ecological knowledge that can cope with its agro-cultural practices and environmental upkeeps as well as a strong philosophy of life called Tri Hita Karana with its cosmovision of three worlds governing humankind’s beliefs and behavior. Tri Hita Karana teaches Balinese that he is surrounded by three worlds, namely that of his fellow beings, his environment and his spiritual belief. These three worlds each have their own characteristics and guidelines which have to be followed but all three are interrelated to form a Sacred Balance that is the basis for a harmonious, adaptable way of life which can surmount all challenges. Indigenous people’s philosophy of life provides better insights into the issues of human-environment among various cultures of the world (Agung, A. et al 2019). Armed with these principles and beliefs, Bali faces the challenges of modernity. But gapping holes are appearing in the armor. Both ecology and culture are suffering and if not coped could well mean the end of Bali’s identity as we now know it. 2. Review of Related Literature 2.1. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) ‘Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) encompasses local peoples’ knowledge, beliefs and practices concerning their interaction with their environment which has evolved within the Balinese’s traditional practices, particularly outside universities and research centres and handed down over many generations as part of the Balinese culture (cf. Berkes 1993; Warren 1995, Slikkerveer & Dechering 1996; Slikkerveer 1999). Since Traditional Ecological Knowledge has shown to be the basis for local-level decision-making in daily life in many rural communities, it also includes the use, management and conservation of natural resources and as such is inherently dynamic, holistic and evolving through local experimentation and innovation. It is interesting to assess to what extent certain aspects of the island’s system of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as a specific part of the overall ‘Indigenous Knowledge System’ (IKS) could be relevant for the understanding of the resilience of Balinese culture against the negative impacts of globalization. 2.2. Tri Hita Karana Literally, Tri translates to three, Hita to well-being and Karana to causes. Tri Hita Karana thus means the three causes to achieve well-being for humanity. It is the most basic of Balinese philosophy of life which calls for man, in order to achieve spiritual and physical prosperity, to maintain a harmonious and balanced relations with the