Calendar of Events

  • Galungan day

    Jan 04, 2023 and Aug 02, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    Galungan is the day people celebrate the victory of Good (Dharma) over Evil (Adharma). It is the first day of a festive period lasting ten days, culminating in Kuningan. Penjor or heavily decorated bamboo poles brighten the streets across the island. Stuck at every house entrance, they adorn both sides of the village roads. They symbolize prosperity and the Mahameru or World Mountain, which is Mt Agung in Bali. Galungan marks the start of a period when the ancestral spirits and Gods come down from their heavenly dwellings to reside for a while with the humans.

  • Pura Batukaru

    Jan 05, 2023 and Aug 03, 2023
    Wongaya Gede, Tabanan

    According to Kusuma Dewa lontar that temples was built by Empu Kuturanand one of them is Batukaru temple. Beside he searched and perfected the temple which existed before he came. This temple can be interpreted as a place of hermitages in former time. This interpretation is taken from the spring outside the temple. Usually hermitages chose a place with spring. To do their meditation because they have to live and the important thing that they need is water. This temple is belong to public/state temple is situated at western Bali dedicated to Mahadewa, God as manifestation of Supreme God. Temple ceremony is carried out in every six months (210 days).

  • Pura Lempuyang Luhur Karangasem

    Jan 05, 2023 and Aug 03, 2023
    Karangasem

    One of the six major Temple in Bali, the sad Khayangan Agung Lempuyang Luhur, that it is the place for Hyang Iswara and Hyang Agni Jaya. The word Lempuyang is derived from 2 words “Lampu” which means light and “Hyang” which means God therefore the meaning of Lempuyang is Light of God. Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali`s nine main temples and is of great significance for the Balinese culture and religion. It known as The Temple of 1000 steps which entire temple complex consists of seven temples the highest is at 1,058 meters high and once you manage to come up it gives picturesque view of the surrounding forest and mountains.

  • Pura Kentel Gumi

    Jan 05, 2023 and Aug 03, 2023
    Tusan village, Banjarangkan subdistrict, Klungkung.

    Literally, “kentel” means solid or intimate and “gumi” means earth. So, “kentel gumi” means the intimate atmosphere in the earth. The name of Kentel Gumi was given as a symbol of the resurrection of Bali Island by Mpu Kuturan after destructed by the authority of Maya Danawa in 962 C – 975 C. And Mpu Kuturan became a conceptor also a religionist rebuilt Bali Island until intimate and unite like before, by embedding a rectangle pole on the ground which then called Ratu Pancer Jagat which means new developing earth, or the rising of whole living.

  • Pacu Jawi

    Jan 07, 2023
    Tanah Datar, West Sumatra

    A traditional bull race from century’s tradition held once a year to celebrate the end of the rice harvest. In the race, a jockey stands on a wooden plough loosely tied to a pair of bulls and holds them by their tails while the bulls cover about 60–250 meters (200–820 ft) of muddy track in a rice field. Although the name means a "bull race", the bulls do not directly compete against each other, and no formal winner is declared. Instead, spectators judge the bulls by their performance (mostly their speed and their ability to run straight) and may buy well-performing bulls at well above their usual price.

  • Kuningan day

    Jan 14, 2023 and Aug 12, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    Together with Galungan, this festival forms an inseparable unity. Hindus believe ancestral spirits and deities return to the heavenly dwellings after having spent a while on earth. On this day, unique offerings made of yellow rice are prepared, while every compound and temple looks amazing with ornaments made of young coconut leaves and flowers. Vast crowds of believers will flock to a dedicated Kuningan temple on the small island of Serangan, just off the coast of Sanur in southeast Bali. Crowds of pilgrims will seek a blessing from a priest, and often one can observe sacred dances. A fascinating festival not to be missed.

  • Pura Sada Kapal

    Jan 14, 2023 and Aug 12, 2023
    Kapal village,district of Mengwi, Badung regency.

    The oldest of these is Pura Sada, the name Ssada may derive from the Old Javanese and Sanskrit term prasada, meaning a tower temple, a huge shrine in the shape of a tiered tower. The local inhabitants call this temple a candi, meaning a funerary monument for a deceased king. According to the chronicles of the rulers of Mengwi, the son of the first Cokorda or Lord of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Panji, received a shrine in this temple after his death around 1710. The divinity of the temple is Bhatara Jayengrat, the Divine World Conqueror.

  • Makotekan (The Exciting Purification Ceremony)

    Jan 14, 2023 and Aug 12, 2023
    Desa Adat Munggu, Mengwi-Badung.

    This unique activity can only be found in Munggu village, Mengwi, Badung. Makotekan is performed in order to purify the village and serves as symbol of never ending battle between virtue and evil. Makotekan begins with a procession of temple treasure, deities’ effigies, temple’s flags and holy weapons from all temples in the village to Pura Desa (Village Temple). This procession involves hundreds of villagers and accompanied by the Gamelan Baleganjur. Half of the male members of the procession, especially the youth carry Kotekan (Long wood staves decorated with leaves and tamiang –a shield like ornament made of young coconut leaves).

  • Pura Sakenan

    Jan 14, 2023 and Aug 12, 2023
    Serangan Island, known as Turtle Island.

    Welcoming ceremony, a procession held from Denpasar to Sakenan Temple. This temple is estimated to have been established in the 16th century and is connected with the journey of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a great priest who purified the Hindu religion in Bali.

  • Pura Tanah Lot

    Jan 18, 2023 and Aug 16, 2023
    Beraban Vilage, Kediri - Tabanan

    One of Bali`s most important sea temples, Tanah Lot temple is built atop a huge rock, surrounded by the sea. Build in the 16th century, Tanah Lot`s rituals include paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in the little caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. Best place for watching sunset.

  • Chinese New Year Celebration

    Jan 22, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    Beginning of 2020, Chinese New Year became a national holiday in Indonesia known locally as Imlek. For a long while, Indonesia outlawed all celebrations of a Chinese character. However, now Imlek incorporates customs, beliefs, and practices brought to Indonesia by Chinese immigrants who still follow the traditions handed down from their parents. It is common to exchange gifts during this festive period, so many ethnic-Chinese go on a buying frenzy in preparation for the gift exchange. The present and its value depend on the social status of the giver and the receiver. Costly or exotic foods or specially prepared food that has some symbolic meaning are common gifts. Paper decorations are also bought to decorate the house. Pictures of ripe fruit or healthy smiling babies are standard. Banners with gold Chinese lettering on bright red backgrounds are sold. They express wishes for good fortune, long life, and many friends. Classically they would be poetic in composition. Indonesian Chinese families consume lots of food during the New Year celebration, more than at any other holiday. As it is considered bad luck to cook on New Year`s Day itself, food is prepared the day before. Chinese believe that what you do on New Year`s Day will reflect on your life in the coming year, so most housewives do not want to take a chance of being `chained to the oven`. A large number of traditional dishes symbolize abundance and wealth for the household. One required dish is a whole fish. Fish in Chinese is `yu`, which sounds similar to the word meaning surplus or abundance. Families will usually serve an entire fish as this represents family togetherness. Oysters are also a favorite. In Cantonese, the word oyster sounds like the word that means `good business.` In Cantonese, shrimp is pronounced `ha`, which to the Chinese sounds like laughter, so it is also often included. Clams are another favorite, as they open up when cooked, symbolizing the opening of new horizons. Family members stay up late playing games, drinking wine, singing, joking, and telling stories. They strive to make the evening happy in hopes of setting the pattern for the incoming year. Visitors to Indonesia throughout this period gaze at festively decorated Chinese temples across the country. The Barongsai, a sizeable dragon-like puppet, often appears in the streets of Chinese neighborhoods. Manned by three or four dancers, they place a spectacular and acrobatic accent on the festive mood. In Bali, many ethnic Chinese visit local klentengs or Chinese temples to burn incense, paper money, and have their fortunes predicted for the new year that lays ahead.

  • Pura Uluwatu

    Jan 24, 2023 and Aug 22, 2023
    Pecatu Village, Kuta Badung.

    ra Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s ‘directional temples’ (kayangan jagat) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the Sang Hyang Widhi. This means that the temple affects the island as a whole and has meaning for all Balinese, not just the Uluwatu locals Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the Sang Hyang Widhi of the Bukit peninsula. The temple was founded in the 10th century by Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered ‘meru’ and a shrine here as well as at other key locations long the Balinese coast. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu. The inner courtyard at the highest point has a view both north and south and has merus, the multi-tiered structures featuring thatched roofs. Monkeys are present in this part of the temple and as well as lingering in the branches of trees are happy to patrol the temple walls looking for an unsuspecting tourist. There is also a daily kecak dance.

  • Pura Taman Ayun

    Jan 24, 2023 and Aug 22, 2023
    Located Mengwi village Badung regency.

    Taman Ayun mean beautiful garden which is suitable for everybody. Local history, Babad Mengwi says: I Gusti Agung Putu the king of Mengwi was successful to reign some surrounding regions. For the memory he ordered his people to build a new city/ kingdom and temple (Taman Ayun). Formerly was Bekak city changed to be Mengwi 1634 AD. There are many shrines with multy roofts we call it Meru dedicated to the supreme God with its manifestation, deities of mountains and ancestors.

  • Pura Goa Lawah

    Jan 24, 2023 and Aug 22, 2023
    Pesinggahan village Klungkung regency.

    Goa Lawah means "bat cave" and is really a home to thousands of bats. This cave is said to be dwelling place of Naga Basuki, the guardian of Besakih temple. Balinese consider this temple as one of the important temples on the island. They will come to this temple with offerings to complete any cremation ceremony which is called Nyegara Gunung ceremony.

  • Pura Dalem Timbrah

    Jan 27, 2023
    Timbrah, Karangasem

    Every region in Bali has its uniqueness. The residents of Timbrah, for instance, organize a so-called Ngusaba Dalem, a ceremonial occasion on which virtually all households of the village offer at least one roasted suckling pig. It is a ritual held in the eighth month based on the Balinese calendar and usually falls around January-February. The myriad of roasted pigs put into offering reflects the togetherness of the villagers. If poor villagers could not offer roasted pigs, then `the haves` would share their roasted pig after being submitted to the Gods. The actual purpose of the Ngusaba Dalem ritual was to worship the Goddess Durga to invoke welfare and safety for the village and its people.

  • Pura Silayukti

    Feb 08, 2023 and Sep 06, 2023
    Padangbai village, district of Manggis, Karangasem.

    Balinese believe the priest Empu Kuturan supposedly lived and meditated in the eleventh century; the three roofed meru is dedicated to him.

  • Pura Penataran sasih

    Mar 06, 2023
    Pejeng, Gianyar.

    Pura Penataran Sasih is still one of the more traditional temples, prescribing a compulsory sarong and sash. Balinese people believe it to be a particularly sacred temple, because this is the home of the so-called Moon of Pejeng hence the epithet, Moon Temple. The `moon` in question, is a large bronze gong, shaped almost like an hourglass, suspended so high up in its special tower that you can hardly see the decorations scratched onto its surface. It probably dates from the Balinese Bronze Age, from some time during the third century BC, and at almost 2m long is thought to be the largest such kettledrum ever cast. Etched into its green patina are a chain of striking heart-shaped faces punctured by huge round eyes. Legend tells how the gong was once the wheel of a chariot that transported the moon through the skies. The wheel shone just as brightly as the moon itself and, when it fell out of the sky and got stuck in a tree in Pejeng, a local thief became so incensed by its incriminating light that he tried to extinguish it by urinating over it. The wheel exploded, killing the thief, and then dropped to the ground. Ever since, the Balinese have treated the Moon of Pejeng as a sacred object.

  • Tawur Agung Kesanga

    Mar 21, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    These significant sacrificial rituals are held in welcoming `Nyepi`. In every family compound, village, up to the provincial center of Bali focused at Puputan Square in Denpasar, the capital city, in front of the Governor`s residence in downtown Denpasar at noon, people will erect temporarily shrines constructed of bamboo. The rituals and prayers held at noon will be followed by the procession of Ogoh - Ogoh, giant monster-like dolls made of papier-mache and symbolizing evil spirits. Taking place in every municipality of Bali, along the village and city roads, it is a spectacle not to be missed!

  • Nyepi (Silent Day)

    Mar 22, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    Nyepi signals the Icaka New Year 1943. It is a day of absolute silence for Hindu followers. No activity or entertainment of any form is allowed. No fire is lit along the day and night. Nyepi marls a day of fasting and self-introspection for the Hindu Balinese. The observance is so strict that even the Internet, radio, and TV signals are switched off. No international flights are allowed to land or depart during 24 hours. The whole island remains eerie silent, and completely dark at night. Even the street lighting is extinguished.

  • Omed - Omedan

    Mar 23, 2023
    Sesetan Village, Denpasar

    A yearly a ceremony held by the youths of Banjar Kaja, Sesetan, Denpasar. This ceremony held a day after Nyepi. The word Omed Omedan came from Balinese language means to attract. The origin of this ceremony is not known for sure, but it has lasted a long time since the ancestors and has been preserved for generations. Omed-omedan involves a group of teenagers or young people aged 17 to 30 years old and unmarried. The omed-omedan procession begins with a joint prayer to ask for salvation. After the prayer, participants were divided into two groups, men and women. The two groups took a position facing each other on the main road of the village. The two groups, after an elder gives a signal, face each other and pull at each other which normally ending by kissing. Nowdays this ceremony become a famous festival on the island

  • Pura Besakih

    Apr 05, 2023
    Besakih village Rendang distric Karangasem regency.

    The renowned temple of Besakih is built against the southern slope of Gunung Agung, a violent yet sacred mountain for the Balinese. A sprawling complex of shrines, dedicated to an unknown number of gods, constitutes the religious center of Bali. On ominous days, Besakih brims with colorful activity. Row after row, women climb the temple stairs, proudly carrying a heavy load of flower and fruit offerings. They are meant to stabilize the Universe or to finalize a complicated religious ceremony. Besakih and surroundings can easily be described as the holiest place on the island, covering an extended religious patchwork of shrines and temples, dedicated to kings and Gods. At any given time, you`ll walk together with numerous pilgrims as every Balinese is required to pay homage several times throughout the year.

  • Pura Ulun Danu Batur

    Apr 05, 2023
    Batur village, Kintamani, Bangli.

    This temple is on the side of a large lake (Lake Batur) that provides water to a large part of the surrounding area. People, especially farmers come from all over Bali to worship Wisnu because of the temple’s strong connection with irrigation systems for the entire island.

  • Eid Al-Fitr

    Apr 21, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    Eid Al-Fitr also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

  • Pura Puncak Tinggah

    May 04, 2023
    Angseri village, Baturiti, Tabanan.

    Puncak Tinggah means a large peak in the middle of a bamboo forest. According to local people it is said that this temple was originally bamboo forest. The function of Pura Kahyangan Jagat Pucak Tinggah as Ulun Suwi for irrigation to invoke prosperity and shelter of the universe and the place of purification. During temple ceremony there are many Tapakan barong as personifications of protector.

  • Siat Sampian

    May 04, 2023
    Samuan Tiga Temple, Bedulu, Gianyar

    A very unique tradition which is only held in Samuan Tiga Temple in Bedulu village. This yearly ceremony held as a part of a temple ceremony which falls on the full moon or Purnama in the month of Jyestha according to Balinese calendar. Siat Sampian came from Balinese language Siat means war and Sampian is a form of young coconut leaf which is formed into an ornament which is use during temple ceremony. Among all who attend the ceremony, there are hundreds of men and only 35 women chosen as participants through a sacred ceremony called mapekeling. The chosen ladies are called Jero Permas, while the choosen men are called Jero Parekan. Each contestant tries to strike each other by Sampian. If one can strike their counterpart three times, one wins. The procession also involves circumambulating the temple 11 times while carrying the Sampians. The meaning of Siat Sampian is to calm negative characters inside oneself. By expressing one’s emotion through games and fun activities, their emotion will be directed into a positive way. Each human has hidden emotion, and by expressing it with war arts, such emotion would gradually diminish in a beautiful way.

  • Saraswati day

    May 20, 2023 and Dec 16, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    The day devoted to Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge, sciences, and arts when a blessing ceremony is given to holy scriptures, science, and art is held every 210days. The hallmark of the celebrations is the provision of offerings by Balinese held whether at school, at home, at the office, or in the temples. These offerings are varied, but the one similarity between them is the fact that the offerings are often placed in books and the middle of pages with holy scripture.

  • Gawai Dayak Festival

    May 20, 2023
    Kalimantan

    Gawai Dayak is a part ceremony and part celebration with great religious and social significance. It is held yearly by the indigenous people of Indonesian Borneo, appeals to the imagination of every righteous traveller. This festival is one of the best times of the year to visit. Attendees are welcome to observe traditional dances, spirit-appeasing rituals, cooking, musical performances, and blow-pipe competitions. It is not unusual to see how a shaman goes into a trance when trying to communicate with the world of the spirits. On several occasions, the Dayak dwellings, the famous longhouses, will be opened for visitors. Often guests will be served with tuak, an alcoholic beverage made of fermented rice, yeast, and sugar and drank in parts of Indonesia. The Gawai Dayak festival may last up to several days, with visitors being welcomed to the homes of the Dayaks throughout the festival. It is also this time of year that many Dayak weddings take place, as it is rare for all community members to assemble at the longhouse at one time.

  • Pagerwesi day

    May 24, 2023 and Dec 20, 2023
    Everywhere in Bali.

    On this auspicious day on the Balinese calendar, the Balinese protect themselves from evil forces. Pagerwesi Day has a close association with Saraswati Day. It falls four days after Saraswati, the day of knowledge and wisdom, tying in the two special holy days on the Balinese calendar. Pagerwesi commemorates the day the ancient battle between Good & Evil took occurred. In English, the word Pagerwesi translates to `iron fence`. It symbolizes the day that the Balinese strengthen their will against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and Saraswati is that knowledge, no matter how powerful, needs to be protected from negative influences. Hindu followers pray for a robust mental defense to face life obstacles.

  • Pura Kehen temple

    May 24, 2023 and Dec 20, 2023
    1.500m north of the town of Bangli.

    The ancient and much revered Pura Kehen, 1.500m north of the town of Bangli, rises up steeply from the road in terraces lined with religious statues. Sporting several remarkably fierce Bhoma leering above fabulously carved doors, the great entrance leads into the outer courtyard containing a massive banyan tree with a kulkul tower built among the branches. A small compound, guarded by naga under a frangipani tree, contains a stone that is supposed to have glowed with fire when the site of the temple was decided. Steps lead up to the middle courtyard, from where you can look into the inner courtyard, with its eleven-roofed meru dedicated to Siwa. The word `kehen` is derived from "keren" meaning `flame`.

  • Waisak Celebrations

    Jun 04, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    Waisak day is a significant celebration for Buddhists worldwide, who will remember on this day the enlightenment of the last known historic Buddha some 2.500 years ago. The holiday in Indonesia is associated with flowers and bright colors. Just before dawn on Waisak Day, Indonesian Buddhists will gather at temples for ceremonies that honor Buddha and his teachings. Once the ceremony concludes, believers will often hoist Buddhist flags and sing Buddhist hymns. The most popular place to celebrate Waisak Day is Borobudur. Borobudur is a large Buddhist temple that hosts an elaborate Waisak festival. Each year, many Buddhists from across Indonesia and worldwide make a pilgrimage to Borobudur. They gather for processions and mediation., visiting and paying homage to the temple, chanting mantras.

  • Mekepung Lampit

    Jun 11, 2023
    Melaya, Jembrana, West Bali

    Derived from the Balinese word kepung, meaning `chase`, Makepung Lampit is a traditional Balinese water buffalo race, held in Jembrana, West Bali. A legacy of the area`s cultural tradition, lampit refers to a traditional rice plow tool, pulled by a pair of water buffaloes. The lampit is traditionally used to flatten muddy wet fields. Once the fields are flattened, the rice planting can begin. A twist on the regular Makepung bull races, the Makepung Lampit Race is held in wetlands on a straight race track of about 100 meters in a water-filled field. Inspired by Balinese agricultural traditions, Makepung Lampit exemplifies gotong royong, where everyone helps one other for the same communal purpose. In the villages, everyone contributes to the land leveling process to prepare for the rice planting season. This tradition led to initiating the Makepung Lampit. Early in the last century, Makepung Lampit was very popular, but the tradition almost disappeared. Only in the last few years have the authorities of Jembrana revived the tradition after decades of hiatus. Now once a year, Makepung Lampit is held at the end of the dry season.

  • Perang Pandan

    Jun 11, 2023 and Jun 12, 2023
    Tenganan Dauh Tukad, Karangasem

    Literaly means pandanus war, and ancient ritual held once a year as a part of Usaba Sambah ceremony in Tenganan Dauh Tukad village, one of the ancient village in Bali. The ceremony held to appies Lord Indra, the chief diety of Tenganan people. This pandanus war are held in front of Bale Patemu, a meeting hall located in the centre of the village. The meaning of this ceremony is as a rite of passage from teenage to adulthood. But then not only adolescents join this festival, but also children and adults - but only male. They are very enthusiastic and never feel hurt because of the wounds on their bodies. This is one of the most attract ceremony in Tenganan as hundreds of people might like to witness this pandanus war. A fascinating festival not to be missed.

  • Eid Al-Adha

    Jun 28, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God`s command. Before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, however, Allah provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, an animal (usually a sheep) is sacrificed ritually.

  • Yadnya Kasada Bromo

    Jun 29, 2023 and Jun 30, 2023
    Mount Bromo, East Java

    Yadnya Kasada, also known as Kesodo, is a traditional Hindu ritual of the Tengger community, a group of the Javanese ethnicity. They adhere to a unique form of Hinduism, particularly intriguing on an island where most people are Muslim. During this day of great significance, the Tenggerese carry offerings of livestock and agriculture to the Hindu temple at the base of Mt Bromo. At a time ordained by the shaman, usually around midnight, the offerings are brought to the mountain peak. While prayers are recited, the crowd will throw their offerings into the crater. The ritual signifies the reverence of the Javanese for the destructive power of the volcano.

  • Pura Desa, Puseh Batuan

    Jul 08, 2023
    Banjar Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar.

    Every village in Bali as minimum three temple for territorial temple. Pura Puseh, where the founders of the village are worshiped, always lies in the Kaja sphere, towards the mountains, so it lies on the highest spot in the village; Lord Brahma the Creator, resides there. Pura Desa, the village temple, is built in the center of the village, where Lord Wisnu, the maintainer, is worshipped, because in Pura Desa the activities of the village manifest to maintain the welfare of the village and its inhabitants.

  • Pura Tirtaharum

    Jul 18, 2023
    Tegalwangi Village Bangli.

    Pura Tirta Harum ("Temple of the Fragrant Spring") is a royal temple six km south of Bangli, about an hour`s walk up a long uphill path. It`s believed the ancestor of the present-day dynasty of Bangli was born in a small thatched-roof building. Pura Tirta Harum derived its name from a nearby holy spring.

  • Ulun Danu Beratan

    Jul 18, 2023
    Candikuning Village, Tabanan.

    Ulun Danu sits at the shores of Lake Bratan, the source of water for a large part of the island. It effortlessly combines Hindu and Buddhist elements into a unique sample of Balinese temple architecture The location on the shore of the giant lake effectively filling a crater formed thousands of years ago by a seismic blast of an extinct volcano, is significant. The lake supplies most of the drinkable water to large areas of Bali. Dense pine forests tumble down the slopes of Mount Bratan to the calm shoreline dotted with holy shrines.

  • Baliem Valley Festival

    Aug 07, 2023 and Aug 10, 2023
    Wamena, Papua

    The Baliem Valley Cultural Festival is held every year in August. It is a special occasion where all various tribes from the highlands of Wamena and the Baliem Valley such as Dani, Lani, and Yali gather together. In this festival, there will be many shows performed by various tribes which mostly present the simulations of war between tribes, families, and some traditional dances from various tribes in Baliem and Wamena. The tribal war simulation will be held for two days performed by around 26 groups of 30-50 fighters. This battle scene is accompanied by traditional Papuan music called Pikon, a musical instrument made of wood that produces sound when blown. The sound created beautiful relaxing music. It is a colorful festival at one of the last places on earth where man is confronted with its prehistoric past.

  • Indonesia’s Independence Day

    Aug 17, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    Naturally, on this day, independence from colonial rule is celebrated throughout the archipelago. In the days running up to the 17th of August, people will march on public roads in a show of proud nationalism. There are many sports-like competitions for children from kindergarten to students from the university. The most solemn ceremony is the flag hoisting at the National Palace, televised live. Full of pomp and circumstance and conducted the same way each year, it is a spectacle of tremendous respect and honour for the flag and the Republic of Indonesia. The ceremonies are led by the President and Vice President and attended by the cabinet, military brass, family members of the current and preceding president, diplomatic corps, and honored guests. High School students from throughout the archipelago are chosen for their marching skills and put on a show of intricate steps, and turn to hoist the flag. The military is out with all its brass in high shine, standing smartly at attention in their dress uniforms. While the solemn ceremonies are taking place, neighbourhoods gear up for fun and games for the kids. Krupuk or shrimp chips eating contests, bike decorating, games, races, and lots of joy fill the day. The women are busy trying cooking contests to see who can make the biggest krupuk or the most delicious nasi tumpeng, a rice-shaped cone. One of the most popular games is the Panjat Pinang. An Areca palm trunk is erected in a public area and well greased with a mixture of clay and oil. At the top are hung various prizes like bikes and TVs. Whoever makes it to the top wins the award. Needless to say, there are a lot of slippery, muddy kids and grownups alike climbing over each other and struggling to reach the goal. A good time is had by all, especially the crowd watching the gaiety.

  • Sanur Village Festivals

    Aug 21, 2023
    Sanur, Denpasar

    One of the few noteworthy non-religious festivals, the Sanur Village Festival is a yearly event held in the coastal village of Sanur. It offers cultural activities such as traditional dance performances, music, water sports, and a food festival full of delicious cuisines. `Dharmaning gesing`, literally honoring bamboo, is this year`s theme of 2021, with emphasis on the glorifying of bamboo. This theme aims to create awareness and highlight the importance of bamboo`s role in the day-to-day life of local people. Significant in religious ceremonies and architecture, the festival brings out bamboo as an essential feature of the Sanur community.

  • Birthday Of Prophet Muhammad

    Sep 26, 2023
    Everywhere in Indonesia

    Most denominations of Islam approve of the commemoration of Muhammad`s birthday. Mawlid is recognized as a national holiday in most of the Muslim-majority countries of the world except for Saudi Arabia and Qatar which are officially Wahhabi-Salafi. Some non-Muslim majority countries with large Muslim populations such as India also recognize it as a public holiday.

  • Pura Tirta Empul

    Sep 29, 2023
    Tampaksiring village Gianyar regency.

    All Balinese will make regular pilgrimages to Tirta Empul. They come seeking to cleanse themselves spiritually and to cure their physical ailments by bathing in the holy springs, which have been considered the most sacred in Bali ever since the tenth century, if not longer. The shallow red-brick bathing pools are sunk into the ground of the outer courtyard of a temple, fed by water from the springs in the inner sanctuary. Men, women and priests each have their own segregated sections in which to immerse themselves, though most modern devotees just splash their faces and smile for the camera.

  • Pura Pulaki

    Sep 29, 2023
    Banyupoh Village, just beyond the eastern edge of Pemuteran.

    Pulaki Temple is located in Banyupoh Village, just beyond the eastern edge of Pemuteran and 53km west of Singaraja. The stark charcoal-grey stone of the 16th century temple Pura Agung Pulaki peers down from a weatherworn cliff face, making a good viewpoint over the northwest coast. It is situated on a hill that is only 25m away from the beach an inhabited by monkeys which are considered as the descendants of Dewa or the Gods. Pura Pulaki is one of the highest sad kahyangan temples, giving orientation to all Balinese.

  • Perang Tipat Bantal / Rice Cake Wars

    Sep 29, 2023
    Kapal, Mengwi, Badung

    This century-old tradition features the villagers of Kapal gathering in front of the village temple, where prayers and blessings occur during the full moon of the fourth month in the Balinese calendar. Crowds of devoted believers proceed towards the foyer and streets, where they divide into two groups armed with baskets of rice cakes called tipat bantal, later flinging their ammo at each other in a very rare and unique spectacle. The event signifies blessings and prosperity for the whole rural village. After the battles, people will spread the remainders over the nearby rice fields.