Recognized as the premier international kite festival in Bali, the Bali Kite Festival is known for its selection of exuberant festivities, drawing in a large number of tourists from around the world. Revellers will undoubtedly enjoy the pulsating ambience of the festival, complemented by the enthusiasm of the local community.
Taking place during the month of July at Padang Galak, Sanur Beach, the Bali Kite Festival is a spectacular event. Travellers can catch a glimpse of one of the most pristine beaches in Indonesia and prepare to stroll along its white sandy shores. Watch as the sun strikes upon the calm waters, creating a sparkling body of water. Feel the cool air sweep across your face and gaze at the swaying palm trees, dancing in harmony to the gush of the winds. Sanur Beach provides the atmospheric setting for a memorable kite flying experience, where participants vie for a place among the other airborne kites. For the first time visitor, a sight to behold will be the sea of coloured kites dotting the picturesque canvas of fleecy clouds.
According to the local history, the Bali Kite Festival is considered to be a religious occasion. Corroborating with the myths and legends of the land, the festival is held with the intention of sending a message to the Gods, imploring for an abundant harvest. The kites depict an eclectic fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, all of which are variedly shaped, diverse in their vibrant shades.
Among the traditional kites flown during the Bali Kite Festival, the common kites which could be seen in abundance are Janggan, Bebean and Pecukan, which literally translates to bird-shaped, fish-shaped and leaf-shaped, respectively. Diversely hued, these kites are flown by a number of teams consisting of 10 members. The largest kite is the Bebean, which carries a semblance to a split-tailed, broad-mouthed fish. The Janggan is perhaps the longer kite among the two, which features a wide flowing cloth tail, which reaches well-over 100 meters in length. However, the Pecukan is defined as the more complex, which requires a higher level of expertise to fly due its unsound structure. For the first-time kite-flier, flying the Pecukan will often result in the kite tumbling towards the ground. The traditional colours used in the kite’s designs are red, white and black.
The most distinguishing feature of the Bali Kite Festival is that each traditional kite has its own themed competition. Coupled with a number of heats, the teams remain vying for the coveted trophy for the longest flight and best launch. Often, the kites plummet to the ground and fall over to the adjacent paddy fields. The team members then, have to hastily rush through the fields to rescue the kite before it lands on the water. In addition, there is a competition held for new kite creations, which are mostly inspired by 3-D figures of the Hindu Gods. Accompanying the revelry of the festival is the music of a gamelan orchestra, popular in Bali.
For the traveller in search of a Bali resort, an ideal option would be staying at one of the luxurious Bali Hotels such as Anantara Seminyak Bali. Staying at this opulent hotel, touched by elegance and genial hospitality will ensure guests a delightful vacation in Indonesia. Explore the alluring charm of Bali’s upscale enclave, situated in a prime beachfront location and awaken to the soft rustling sounds of sea breeze sweeping across coconut palms.