A Friendly Guide to Bali’s Most Joyful Festival
If you’re visiting Nusa Lembongan and happen to be around during Galungan, you’re in for something truly special. While many come to this island for the beaches and the sunsets, not everyone gets the chance to see the spiritual side of local life.
Galungan is one of Bali’s most important religious festivals. It’s a time of prayers, family gatherings, offerings, and beautifully decorated streets. Even as a visitor, you can experience and enjoy the magic of Galungan, as long as you do it respectfully.
This guide will walk you through what Galungan is, what happens during the celebration, and how you can be a part of it in Nusa Lembongan.
What is Galungan?
Galungan is a Balinese Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. In the local language, it’s the celebration of dharma defeating adharma. It’s a reminder for everyone to stay kind, honest, and in balance with the world.
The festival lasts for ten days, and it ends with another celebration called Kuningan, which is the day when the spirits of ancestors return to their world after visiting their families during Galungan.
Galungan happens every 210 days, according to the Balinese calendar. So it’s not tied to Western dates like Christmas or New Year. It usually shows up twice a year, so check the calendar before your trip.
What Happens During Galungan?
Galungan is full of beautiful traditions, and the entire island feels different during this time. Even before the actual day, people get busy preparing.
A few days before, families clean their homes, make offerings, and cook special meals. The streets start to fill with something very unique to Balinese culture—penjor.
Penjor Decorations
These are tall bamboo poles, bent at the top, and decorated with coconut leaves, rice, flowers, and small cakes. Each family makes one and places it in front of their house or business. When you walk down the street, you’ll see rows of penjor swaying in the wind—it’s peaceful and stunning.
Temple Visits and Ceremonies
On Galungan Day itself, people wake up early, wear their best traditional clothes, and go to temples with offerings. You’ll see families walking together, carrying baskets filled with flowers, rice, and fruit. There’s a strong feeling of gratitude in the air. Everyone comes together to pray and ask for blessings.
Food and Togetherness
Food is a big part of Galungan. Families cook special dishes that are only made on certain holy days. One of the most famous is babi guling, or Balinese roasted pig, along with lawar, which is a spicy mix of vegetables, coconut, and meat. It’s a time when people really come together, share meals, and enjoy being with loved ones.
Where to Experience Galungan in Nusa Lembongan
Even though Nusa Lembongan is smaller than mainland Bali, the festival spirit is strong here too. There are many temples across the island, and you’ll see Galungan being celebrated everywhere.
Here are a couple of good spots:
Pura Puncak Sari
This is a temple located on a hill with great views. During Galungan, locals come here to pray, and it’s a peaceful place to observe the celebration from a respectful distance.
Pura Dalem Jungut Batu
A traditional temple located in one of the main villages on the island. This is where you’ll see large gatherings, traditional dress, and lots of offerings.
You don’t need to enter the temple to enjoy the atmosphere. Simply walking through the villages during Galungan is a beautiful experience.
What is Kuningan?
Kuningan is the last day of the Galungan period. It happens ten days after Galungan and marks the moment when the spirits that visited during the festival return to their world.
People prepare yellow offerings and pray one last time during the period. It’s slightly more quiet and reflective than Galungan itself but still filled with meaning. If you’re still on the island during Kuningan, it’s a great opportunity to see the conclusion of this spiritual cycle.
How to Be a Respectful Visitor During Galungan
Even though you’re a guest, it’s totally okay to observe and enjoy the celebrations. Locals will usually appreciate your interest, especially if you’re polite and curious. Here are a few simple tips to help you blend in and be respectful:
• Dress modestly if you’re visiting temple areas. A sarong and a sash are traditional and often required.
• Don’t interrupt ceremonies or try to walk into temples during prayers.
• Ask before taking photos, especially of people or rituals.
• Step around the small offerings placed on the ground. They are everywhere, including on sidewalks and stairs.
• If you’re invited to join or taste food, say yes with a smile. It’s a big honor.
You don’t need to do anything fancy. Just be kind, watch quietly, and show your appreciation.
Why You Should See Galungan at Least Once
Galungan is more than just a holiday—it’s a look into what makes Balinese culture so unique. It’s a time when everything slows down and people focus on the most important things: family, tradition, and gratitude.
On Nusa Lembongan, the celebration feels even more special. There are fewer crowds, the island is smaller, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to experience the festival in a more peaceful and meaningful way.
You’ll see decorated streets, families walking together in temple clothes, offerings being placed everywhere, and a sense of harmony you won’t forget.
If you ever get the chance to be in Nusa Lembongan during Galungan, take it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that goes far beyond sightseeing.
And if you do go, remember—it’s not just about watching from the outside. It’s about feeling the spirit of the island, even if just for a moment.
So, next time you’re planning your holiday, check the Balinese calendar. Galungan might be the perfect time to experience the real heart of Bali.