Touching Down in Bali this November? The Island of the Gods has lined up an excellent program of cultural events, performances, and traditional festivities that will surely charm all visiting holidaymakers. Want to groove to the rhythms amidst the beachside bars or witness the heritage-rich ceremonies. Well, this is your ultimate guide to get the most out of your trip to Bali this November.
Makepung Jembrana Cup (9 November)
Up north in the village of Jembrana in the province of Bali, you can witness the oldest ritual held in the province entitled "Makepung" in memory of the recent harvest season, which is a very festive event that includes the traditional racing of water buffalo. It is definitely a very unique and traditional event that you should witness once you arrive in Bali!
Observe the decorated buffaloes thunder down the muddy tracks, accompanied by expert jockeys, in an enthralling ceremony which merges spirituality, agriculture, and thrills. The Makepung Jembrana Cup is a glimpse into the rural culture of Bali, where the residents come together to rejoice and celebrate their rich agricultural culture through various processions, gamelan music, and feasting.
Galungan (19 November)
The Galungan celebration is one of the holiest days of the year for Balinese people, and it commemorates victory of ‘dharma’ (good) over ‘adharma’ (evil).
Over this period of ten days, the spirits of the ancestors are believed to come from the spiritual world to earth to pay a visit to their ancestral homes. You will witness a change on the island as all households prepare penjor, a structure that consists of a curved pole made of a stalk of bamboo, placed along the path. Temples are filled with rituals, and the households are clad in traditional apparel while making offerings.
Visitors can learn about the cultural traditions and see the strong religious fervor of the Balinese people on Galungan Day.
If you are wondering if Galungan might affect your holiday, then the likely answer is yes. As there is a large population of Hindus in Bali, some local shopping destinations, sites, and restaurants close early, while some even provide exclusive shopping deals!
Color Fun Run International (23 November)
Prepare your running equipment and attend one of the most thrilling running events in Bali in the come-on November!
The Color Fun Run is set to occur on the 23rd of this month and is set to attract hundreds of people to cruise along the coastal regions of Sanur and end with a colorful finish.
This 5k run will also be organized in other cities in Indonesia, with Bali having the largest, as part of charity activities in support of those with disabilities and senior groups. Click here for more information on joining the crowd!
Kuningan (28 November)
The final day of the Galungan festival is Kuningan and is when the spirits of ancestors return to heaven. The Balinese people will prepare nasi kuning and will make their final prayers at family and public temples to honor their ancestors.
The atmosphere is one of gratitude and closure, where the people thank the gods and their ancestors for their blessings. The Kuningan day is also a period of lesser fanfare but has the same spiritual importance as Galungan. This is a great chance to see the reflection of the Balinese Hindus in their more subdued expression.
November Nightlife in Bali
Bali is not a place that lacks a fun nightlife event that is happening somewhere on this enchanting beach paradise every evening. We might not be in a position to point them all out at this point in time; if you're interested in the fun places to party in November, click on the link provided here for that information.
What is the weather in Bali this November?
There is a change that happens throughout November from the dry season towards the rainy seasons. This means an increased number of sun days and dry mornings. However, considering the current conditions of the weather within Indonesia, you may want to bring along shirts and an umbrella because the weather is quite unpredictable.
Plan Your November Bali Adventure
November in Bali provides the best possible mix of cultural experiences and modern entertainment. This coming November, let it be memorable in Bali by immersing yourself in its rich culture amidst top-notch entertainment. The events are often crowded with visitors from other countries, so book your hotels in advance.
Categories: Destination, Art & Culture, Things to Do
Emily Suryadi
Hello! I'm Emily, born and raised here in Bali. I'm all about exploring the hidden charms around the island I call home. From trendy spots, hidden corners, to a stretch of idyllic sand where sunsets seem to stretch on forever. Trust me, there's no shortage of eye-opening destinations once you touchdown in Bali.