In Bali's dry season, steady winds blow across the island and the sky over Sanur fills with kites. Children fly them in every open field, and the biggest event of the season, the Bali Kite Festival, takes place on the beach at Padang Galak in Sanur, where village teams launch giant traditional kites.
The Bali Kite Festival
The festival is held in the windy season, around July and August, on the beach at Padang Galak, with related events at Mertasari beach. Teams from banjars (neighbourhood associations) across Denpasar compete in heats, each with its own gamelan orchestra, flag bearers and flyers.
Exact competition dates are announced shortly before the event, so check local news nearer the time, or message us and we will tell you what we hear.
The traditional kites
There are three classic designs. The bebean is shaped like a fish with a broad mouth and split tail and is the largest. The janggan is bird-like, with a long flowing cloth tail that can stretch for more than 100 metres. The pecukan is leaf-shaped and the hardest to fly, because its shape tends to tumble towards the ground.
The giant traditional kites are about 4 metres wide and almost 10 metres long, made of bamboo and cotton cloth, in the traditional colours of red, white and black. There is also a competition for new-creation kites (kreasi baru), which can be elaborate three-dimensional figures.
More than a sport
Kite flying in Bali has a spiritual side: the season's festival is a way of giving thanks to the gods and asking for abundant crops and harvests. Teams of 70 to 80 people carry their kite to the beach in a procession, and it takes ten or more adults to launch one.
Tips for watching
Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler, and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Watching from the public beach is free. Stay well clear of launch areas and the ropes, because the giant kites pull hard in a gust, and do not stand on or step over the lines.
Kites everywhere in July and August
Even outside the festival, you will see kites of every size over Sanur's rice fields and beaches, flown by children and adults alike. It is one of the nicest times of year to be on the coast.
After a day in the sun
An afternoon on the beach in the July sun is tiring. Cool down afterwards with a relaxing massage or a foot massage at Sari Day Spa on Jalan Batur Sari. We are open daily 9AM–9PM, with the last appointment at 7:30PM.
Festival dates change each year and are announced locally. Check the latest information before you go.
Header photo: Andrew Keymaster / Unsplash.
Frequently asked questions
When is kite season in Bali?
During the windy dry season, roughly June to August. The Bali Kite Festival in Sanur is usually held around July and August.
Where is the Bali Kite Festival?
On the beach at Padang Galak in Sanur, with related events at Mertasari beach.
Is it free to watch?
Yes, watching from the public beach is free.
What are the traditional Balinese kites called?
Bebean (fish-shaped), janggan (bird-like, with a very long tail) and pecukan (leaf-shaped).
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Jalan Batur Sari No. 61A, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali
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