The exotic island of Bali, Indonesia will be the gracious host of 2013 Miss World pageant which will be held on September 28, 2013. The world's prestigious annual event will be held for the first time in South East Asia and will house 129 candidates from all over the world.

Known for its pristine beaches, world-class waves and cultural diversity, Bali offers a spectacular backdrop of the country's amazing landscapes and natural beauty. Indonesia will be the first country to have a private independent provider in organizing Miss World contest. Countries who organize this kind of events are usually funded by their state government budget, but in the case of Indonesia, Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI) will be its independent provider.

The 2013 Miss World pageant is scheduled to last for a month in September 2013 at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. Miss World 2011 from Venezuela, Ivian LunaSol Sarcos Colmenares, only has raving reviews about Bali.

"The hospitality of Bali is so pronounced. This will be felt by all the ambassadors who will come to this beautiful island paradise next year," she said.

Due to Muslim extremist protests, the pageant's final which is supposed to be held in Jakarta was moved at the last minute to Bali. However, the Indonesian Foreign Office warned the Balinese government against the local Islamic vigilante group. It said: "Extremists may be planning attacks targeting the Miss World pageant being held in Bali, including possibly against hotels used by participants."

"In addition, local Islamist vigilante groups have threatened to hold large-scale demonstrations to disrupt the event."

There will be a tight security around Bali where Police and traditional Balinese security personnel will be out in force as the 129 beauty candidates will take the stage. Since it began in 1951, Miss World contests have occasionally sparked controversies and in this case against Muslim extremist group.

This is also the reason why the 2013 Miss World contestants are wearing the traditional Indonesian sarongs and dropped the swimsuit element from the competition. This is to show the organizers' respect for Indonesian culture and local sensibilities.