One of Bali's most iconic symbols and postcard-perfect views, the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, has become the center of a grand Cultural Festival. Participants from 18 traditional villages have gathered to showcase dozens of cultural dances and performances, sharing the island's history with tourists and guests in Bedugul. It's a rare and captivating experience!
Ulun Danu Beratan's public relations manager, I Made Sukarata, mentioned that visitors can witness the Gebogan parade, symbolizing fertility and agricultural abundance. The highland area of Bedugul, where the temple complex is located, is known for its fertile soil, perfect for growing coffee, fruits, and flowers.
Organizers hope the Ulun Danu Beratan Festival will draw more visitors to this part of Bali, and it seems to be working. In the festival's early days, the temple saw over 1,300 foreign travelers and around 700 domestic tourists daily, compared to 900 and 400, respectively, before the festival. Australians, in particular, are keen to experience Balinese culture as a must-do part of their holiday.
The festival also attracts Balinese youth, especially as participants. Bali's leaders note that tourism development in the southern part of the island is increasingly focused on nightlife and luxury lifestyles, so they believe cultural tourism in less-visited areas needs more active promotion. On a broader scale, this festival is an attempt to shift focus and redirect foreign interest.
Dewi I Made Mendra Astawa, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Village Communication Forum, mentioned that inviting tourists to more cultural festivals, ceremonies, parades, and other events could create a more respectful attitude toward Balinese culture. He said, "[We should] make use of what we have. We can organize an event in a village with the budget and human resources available. When it comes to existing religious and traditional events, all that's needed is marketing."
The performances don’t happen every day; they can be seen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 1:00 PM. Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy a parade in the Flowering Garden on Saturday and Sunday, also at 1:00 PM. The Flowering Garden will host exhibitions and other flower-themed events until the end of the festival.
The Ulun Danu Beratan Festival runs until August 17. Admission to all festival-related events is free for tourists, but there is a fee to enter the temple itself: IDR 75,000 for adults and IDR 50,000 for children.
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