But the glitz and glamour of the iconic competition has been overshadowed by an ongoing outcry from Muslim extremists. Protestors have threatened to attack the pageant, which they have branded as 'pornography' and a 'whore contest'.
The US embassy in Jakarta warned that: 'Extremist groups may be planning to disrupt the Miss World pageant…potentially through violent means,'
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Final ten: Miss World contestants who were selected as top 10 in the fashion show pose during the event at the convention centre in Nusa Dua, on Indonesia's resort island of Bali
The growing movement has prompted the government to order the entire event be moved to Hindu-majority Bali, where extremist influence is minimal. Originally only the early rounds were due to take place on the island, with later rounds and the September 28 final to be held in and around the capital Jakarta.
But some hardliners are now claiming they will travel to Bali to protest.
Haidar Al-Hamid, head of the East Java province branch of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), told The Jakarta Globe: 'We are going to protest against it, because it is unacceptable.'
Al-Hamid said that the group planned to head to the island on Saturday, although they will face a tough time as main entry points will be heavily guarded.
However, Adjie S. Soeratmadjie, corporate secretary of TV network RCTI, which is broadcasting Miss World and helping to organise the pageant, told the paper: 'We are confident that the police will do everything necessary to ensure safety.'
In a nod to conservative public opinion, organisers have decided that the contestants will not wear bikinis during the 'beach fashion' round of the event.
Instead, they will cover up with garments such as sarongs, which avoid revealing the body shape.
Miss Brazil: Sancler Frantz Konzen of Brazil poses ahead of this weekend's final, which has moved from Jakarta to the resort island of Bali due to the ongoing protests
Protests: Miss Philippines Megan Young (C) on the catwalk. Extremists are threatening to attack the pageant's final which they have dubbed 'pornography'
Conservative: In a nod to public opinion, organisers have decided that the contestants will not wear bikinis during the 'beach fashion' round of the event
Talent: Wei Wei Yu of China poses during the top model show. The final will see models walk in traditional outfits and face a question and answer session before a panel of judges
Security: Miss England, Kirsty Heslewood on the catwalk. This weekend will see hundreds of policemen guard the competition
Despite the axing of the bikini round, protests are rife and almost 500 police, including traditional Balinese security personnel known as pecalang, have been deployed to guard Miss World venues as a result.
The final will last several hours and contestants will don Indonesian-designed dresses as well as being faced with a question and answer round from a panel of judges before a winner is crowned.
Julia Morley, chair of the Miss World Organisation, told AAP that the decision to ban the swimsuit section was taken in order to show 'respect' for the hosts and other participating countries.
'I don't want to upset or get anyone in a situation where we are being disrespectful,' she said.
The decision comes after a series of controversies surrounding Western singers performing in Indonesia.
Last year Lady Gaga cancelled a concert in the country when radical Islamists threatened to burn down the venue where she was performing in protest at her outlandish outfits.
Respect: Miss United States Olivia Jordan. The decision to ban the bikini round comes after a series of controversies surrounding Western singers performing in Indonesia
Final: Miss Italy, Sarah Baderna, struts her stuff. The final will last several hours and contestants will don Indonesian-designed dresses
Attack: 'Extremist groups may be planning to disrupt the Miss World pageant - potentially through violent means,' said the US embassy in Jakarta (L) Miss Brazil Sancler Frantz Konzen (R) Miss Cyprus, Kristy Marie Agapioy
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