Galungan and Kuningan in Bali
Galungan and Kuningan are two of Bali’s most sacred festivals. Galungan marks the triumph of dharma (good) over adharma (evil), and the return of ancestral spirits to bless the family. Kuningan, ten days later, marks their return to the spirit world.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, this period is a special time to visit. Whether or not you’re drawn to spiritual traditions or local customs, these festivals give a rare, authentic glimpse of the local culture that most itineraries usually don’t mention.
This guide gives you a vivid picture of Galungan and Kuningan in Bali. You’ll read about how Balinese celebrate, and how you can experience these festivities respectfully. You won’t find this level of detail in most travel guides.
Galungan and Kuningan Dates in 2025
In 2025, Galungan and Kuningan will be celebrated twice yearly according to the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar.
First Cycle:
- Galungan: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
- Kuningan: Saturday, 3 May 2025
Second Cycle:
- Galungan: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
- Kuningan: Saturday, 29 November 2025
The Bali Provincial Government officially recognises these dates.
How Bali Prepares for Galungan
The days before Galungan are filled with rituals, preparations, and family traditions. In Balinese homes, preparations begin three days in advance. Each day has a specific name, purpose, and set of rituals.
Three Days Before: Penyekeban
On this day, families start ripening bananas at home. The name Penyekeban comes from nyekeb, which means to cover or enclose. It’s a quiet day; people pause their usual routines and begin preparing their homes and minds for Galungan.
Two Days Before: Penyajahan
Families prepare traditional cakes and sweets. They prepare these dishes from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar. These treats will later become part of the offerings. Kitchens stay busy. Women work together in groups. The air smells sweet and earthy.
One Day Before: Penampahan
Penampahan is the most intense day of preparation. Families cook lawar and prepare babi guling. Some households make small animal sacrifices. Locals believe this tradition cleanses the space before welcoming ancestral spirits.
By evening, the streets are quieter. Families have finished shopping. Homes are clean. Offerings are ready.
Villagers line the streets with tall bamboo poles called penjor. They decorate them with coconut leaves, rice, and small ornaments. The island shifts from daily activity to spiritual focus.
Note: Kuningan doesn’t have formal preparation days. Most families prepare offerings the night before and complete ceremonies by midday.
What Happens During Galungan and Kuningan in Bali
Morning Rituals at Home
Rituals begin before sunrise and wrap up before noon.
Families bathe, dress, and begin the day with prayer at home shrines and family temples. The prayers are personal and unhurried. Parents light incense and recite blessings. Children help place offerings.
Women wear lace kebaya with colourful sashes. Men wear white shirts with sarongs and udeng headscarves.
Offerings During Galungan
Families prepare small arrangements called canang sari. These sit in woven palm-leaf trays, filled with flowers, betel leaves, rice, coins, incense — and sometimes even crackers.
Locals choose each item intentionally. They offer betel leaves to Brahma, place flowers for Vishnu, and include incense to honour Shiva.
They add rice to symbolise daily nourishment. Many now include candy or crackers, especially when children help prepare the offerings.
Locals place offerings with reverence to the Trimurti — Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the transformer.
They place these offerings at doorsteps, roadside altars, home shrines, and family temples.
People move slowly. They speak softly. They often walk barefoot. The act of offering is not rushed.
Traditional Foods and Family Gatherings
After morning rituals, families share a special meal. Galungan is one of the few times extended families come together across generations.
Meals include:
- Lawar — a mix of minced meat, coconut, and spices.
- Babi Guling (roast pork).
- Urab — a mix of vegetables and grated coconut.
Locals make these meals at home and serve them on banana leaves. They sit together on the floor mat, sharing food as a blessing and a celebration.
Village Customs
Penjor is the most visible sign that Galungan has begun.
Women walk with baskets of offerings on their heads. Temples sound their gongs, bells, and mantras.
In some villages, the Barong appears. It’s a lion-like figure that represents a guardian spirit. Dancers and musicians lead it from house to house to ward off negativity and restore balance.
Children follow behind. Some laugh. Others watch quietly, unsure whether to be scared or amazed.
Not every village keeps this tradition. But where it happens, it adds a burst of colour and movement to an otherwise quiet day.
The day after Galungan is called Manis Galungan. Families reserve this day for temple visits and relaxed gatherings. It’s quieter; it’s a day for reconnecting with roots.
Kuningan: The Closing Ceremony
Kuningan quietly marks the end of the festival cycle. The offerings shift in atmosphere and colour.
The mood feels quiet and reflective.
Yellow becomes the dominant shade. ‘Kuning’ means yellow in Bahasa Indonesia.
The colour symbolises purity, prosperity, and farewell. It reflects a hope for protection and blessings as ancestral spirits bid farewell to humans.
Yellow is seen in the rice (nasi kuning), the flowers, the coconut-leaf decorations, and in the clothes people wear.
Locals place tamiang at shrines — round, shield-like decorations made from coconut leaves. These symbols represent protection and spiritual closure.
Kuningan isn’t just a farewell to the spirits. It’s a gentle reminder that every homecoming is followed by release.
Are Galungan and Kuningan Public Holidays in Bali?
Yes, Galungan and Kuningan are official holidays in Bali.
Most schools close for about two weeks. Banks and government offices shut or work shorter hours.
Tourist zones like Seminyak and Canggu stay more active. But even here, the mood softens.
How Galungan and Kuningan Affect Travel Plans in Bali
Galungan and Kuningan won’t stop your Bali trip. But they do change how things run.
Shops and Services
Many locally run shops and family businesses close for the day. Tourist-facing restaurants and beach clubs usually stay open. Supermarkets may open late or close early.
Transport
Fewer taxis and drivers are available, especially in the mornings. Expect slower response times on ride apps. Rural roads can get crowded as families travel between temples and homes.
Temples and Tours
Some temples may be closed to non-locals during key prayer times. Cultural tours might get cancelled, shortened, or rerouted. Always check with your operator a day in advance.
Planning TripsAvoid long road trips or activities early in the morning. Book transport or drivers ahead of time. Be flexible; some changes can happen last minute.
Galungan and Kuningan Etiquette for Visitors
Dos
- Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially if you’re around temples or villages. Even if you’re not entering a sacred space, your outfit shows respect.
- Step aside during processions or temple activities. Give locals space. Observe them from a distance without interrupting.
- Walk around offerings. Never step on or over them. You’ll see them on sidewalks, at shop entrances, and even on vehicles.
- Ask before taking photos of people. Many may be praying or performing rituals. They may not want to be photographed.
- Keep your tone and body language respectful. Speak softly. Don’t point your feet at people or shrines.
- If you’re allowed to watch a ritual or prayer, observe silently. Avoid using flash. Don’t get too close to locals.
Don’ts
- Avoid walking through or disrupting a ceremony, even if it’s happening in a public space.
- Offerings are sacred. Do not touch, move or photograph them without seeking permission from locals.
- Only enter temples if you’re dressed appropriately and welcomed in.
- Avoid sacred spaces during menstruation, as per local custom and temple signage. Many temples display signs to indicate this restriction.
- Skip loud activities like ATV rides, pool parties, or outdoor workouts near villages or temples on festival days.
- Rituals aren’t performances. Observe with quiet respect, not curiosity meant for entertainment.
Experiencing Galungan and Kuningan at Viceroy Bali
At Viceroy Bali, Galungan and Kuningan aren’t marked with events. But you’ll still notice signs of the festival all around you.
Each morning, fresh offerings appear near steps, shrines, and quiet corners of the resort. Incense burns softly at entryways. From nearby temples, you may hear bells or distant chanting.
The staff wears ceremonial attire. They’re happy to explain the meaning behind what you see. No lectures, just gentle context.
Viceroy Bali gives you space to witness Balinese culture as it unfolds.
To experience this sacred time with quiet comfort, book your stay at Viceroy Bali. We’ll ensure your experience flows gently and meaningfully.
FAQs
- What are the best places to stay in Bali during Galungan and Kuningan?
You could stay in Ubud, Sidemen, or Gianyar if you want to feel the festive spirit of Galungan and Kuningan around you. Sanur is quieter but still close to tradition. Canggu and Seminyak are busier. So, the festive mood may be more muted.
- Do restaurants offer special menus during Galungan and Kuningan?
Some local warungs and family-run eateries may offer traditional Balinese dishes like lawar and babi guling during this time. Fine-dining restaurants usually keep regular menus, unless they’re celebrating in-house with their teams.
- Are kids allowed to visit temples or watch ceremonies?
Yes, children are welcome. Make sure they follow basic etiquette: stay quiet, don’t touch offerings, and keep a respectful distance.
- Is traffic worse in certain areas during Galungan and Kuningan?
Yes. Village roads and temple zones may see heavier traffic in the early mornings. Ride-hailing apps may take longer to respond. Avoid planning intercity travel or full-day excursions before noon.
- Are ATMs, currency exchanges, or convenience stores open during the festivals?
In Ubud or Seminyak, most ATMs and convenience stores remain open. Some may reduce hours. However, smaller money changers and family-run shops may close.
- Do airlines or domestic flights get busier during Galungan and Kuningan?
Yes. Many Balinese people working or studying outside the island return home. Demand for domestic flights spikes, especially from Jakarta and Surabaya.
- Can I wear traditional attire as a tourist during the festivals?
Yes, but wear it respectfully. You can wear a sarong, sash, or kebaya if visiting temples. Avoid dressing up purely for photos. Ask your hotel staff for guidance. Cultural sensitivity matters more than clothing accuracy.
