BALI KITES FESTIVAL 2018

The Bali Kites Festival is a kiting event that takes place annually, between July and August (sometimes through October). It kicks off notably at the start of the windy season in Bali. The main festival takes place along the eastern coast of Padanggalak, just north of Sanur. This is usually held near the end of June and confirmed following favourable weather. Hundreds of competing kite troupes gather from all over the island to pilot their traditional kites. Oftentimes, alongside international teams with modern kites in various shapes and sizes. The kite festival in Bali started off as a seasonal agrarian festival. It was held to thank the heavens for abundant crops and harvests. The festivals then became a competitive ground for communal ‘banjar’ youth groups, who send their ‘sekaa layangan’ kite teams to participate and win prize money. A competition is also usually held for ‘new creation’ kites. These may include detailed three-dimensional figures and unusual designs, ranging from Hindu gods, cars and motorbikes, to mascots and brand sponsors. A gamelan orchestra accompanies each troupe. This adds to the joyous spirit of the Bali Kites Festival and the dramatic take-offs

Things You Can Do in Kuta Beach

Kuta’s main attraction is, and always will be, the beach. Kuta Beach is where Bali’s surfing scene (and tourism) started. But this famous resort continues to attract visitors with its plentiful options. These range from some of the island’s most modern shopping and entertainment centres, to world-class recreational spots. Kuta is good for all. Whether you’re a lone and adventurous surfer, or travelling as a family or band of friends. You can enjoy all Kuta has to offer. Here’s some of the top picks

Beachwalk Shopping Center

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shop-in-kuta-beachwalk-coast
legian street

Kuta Beach

the beach of legian board samsarainn

The skies over Padanggalak are dominated by these flying giants during the Bali Kites Festival. Nevertheless, you’ll witness kite-filled skies on any given day between June and August – every year. Skies over Bali are just as elaborately decorated as any Balinese procession this windy time of the year. Some kites are even fitted with sound instruments in the form vibrating bows called ‘guwang’. These generate a resonating hum that can be heard from far. Enjoy Bali’s windy season sights and sounds! Don’t worry if you missed out on the main opening festival events in July. There are various side events and competitions to witness throughout the second half of the year. These are also highlighted annually as part of the festivity. Following is the tentative line-up of 2018 Bali kite events. Updates are announced throughout the year by the Bali Kites Association or Pelangi (Persatuan Layang-Layang Indonesia, Bali chapter).

*Dates may shift following favourable weather conditions.

Side Events:

 

AUGUST EVENT SCHEDULE

Sanur Sanur Kite Competition (Sanur Village Festival):
3-6 (or 28-30) August, Mertasari Beach, Sanur

Denpasar Kite Competition:
7-9 August, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Biaung Kite Competition:
12-13 (or 14-15) August, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Banjar Banjaran Kite Competition:
17 August, Abiansemal, Badung

Klungkung Kite Competition:
17 August, Klungkung

Pelangi Denpasar Kite Competition:
19-20 August, Denpasar

Tanjung Kite Competition:
21-23 (or 26-27) August, Sanur

SEPTEMBER EVENTS SCHEDULE

Pelangi Badung Kite Competition:
2-3 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Penatih Kite Competition:
4-6 September, Penatih, Denpasar

Pelangi Tabanan Kite Competition:
9-10 (or 18-20) September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Peliatan Kite Competition:
9-10 September, Peliatan, Ubud

Ungasan Kite Competition:
11-13 September, Ungasan, Bukit Peninsula

Namaste Kite Club Kite Competition:
16-17 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Ganeca Kite Competition:
23-24 September, Tabanan

Best Places to Go at Night in Kuta

Once the sun sets over Kuta’s surf, you’ll find an exciting nightlife scene come alive with its wealth of beach bars, clubs and sunset chill-out spots. Kuta and Legian’s downtown clubbing scene are closely-knit, so you’re well positioned. Here are some of the best spots in Kuta to get down after the sun does:

sky garden rooftop lounge gallery2