Megoak-goakan in Desa Panji: North Bali’s Muddy Ngembak Geni Tradition Honouring Ki Barak Panji Sakti

The day after Nyepi, when Bali comes back to life, Desa Panji in Sukasada District, Buleleng, erupts with Megoak-goakan. Hundreds of villagers link up in lines that twist like a snake while mimicking the call of the goak (crow), each trying to catch the “tail” of the other line, often on open ground full of water and mud. The latest edition took place on Friday, 20 March 2026, at Lapangan Ki Barak Panji Sakti and stayed lively despite heavy rain.

A War Tactic of Ki Barak Panji Sakti

The tradition commemorates Ki Barak Panji Sakti, the 17th-century founder of the Buleleng kingdom, who conquered Blambangan in East Java. Legend says the tactics of his Taruna Goak troops were inspired by a crow stalking its prey, and returning soldiers replayed them as a game. Megoak-goakan of Desa Panji is now recorded as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB).

How the Game Unfolds

• It opens with prayers at Pura Pajenengan, followed by a procession with baleganjur gamelan to the arena.
• The main arena is Lapangan Ki Barak Panji Sakti, but games are also held at Monumen Bhuana Kerta and in several banjar.
• Two teams line up behind a “head”; the first to grab the last person of the opposing line wins. Pecalang (village guards) keep order.
• Spectators, including women passing by, are often invited to join the line.

2027 Date & Viewing Tips

• Estimate: according to the Kalender Bali, Nyepi for Saka New Year 1949 falls on Monday, 8 March 2027, making Ngembak Geni Tuesday, 9 March 2027 (some national calendars list Nyepi on 9 March; confirm with the village closer to the day).
• The game takes place in the afternoon, starting around 15:00–16:30 WITA and running until dusk; arrive around 14:30 for a safe spot.
• Wear clothes and sandals you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, and protect your camera or phone from splashes.
• Ask before taking close-up photos; don’t enter the arena unless invited, and don’t block the temple procession.
• Ngembak Geni 2027 falls close to the expected Eid al-Fitr, so allow extra travel time.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Lapangan Ki Barak Panji Sakti, Desa Panji, Sukasada, Buleleng — View on Google Maps
• Getting there: about 8 km (around 15 minutes) from central Singaraja or 11 km (around 20 minutes) from Lovina; park where the pecalang direct you.
• Cost & booking: this community tradition is free to watch and needs no booking. For performances outside Ngembak Geni, Desa Wisata Panji Eco Village lists packages on Jadesta from around IDR 500,000.
• When: once a year on Ngembak Geni, in the afternoon.
• Instagram: no verified official account yet — search on Instagram

Since travel is not allowed all day on Nyepi, secure your stay in Singaraja or Lovina with an AccessiaPass hotel voucher so you can head straight to Megoak-goakan the next day.