Ngusaba Bukakak in Giri Emas: Buleleng’s Biennial Harvest Thanksgiving

North Bali holds a harvest thanksgiving that almost never makes it onto tourist itineraries: Ngusaba Bukakak in Giri Emas village, Sawan district, Buleleng. The people of Desa Adat Sangsit Dangin Yeh parade the bukakak — a pig roasted only halfway, then seated inside a garuda-shaped frame of bamboo and young palm leaf. It happens only once every two years, so arriving in the right year is half the battle.

The Bukakak and Its Three Colours

Villagers read the name bukakak as a fusion of Lembu (the symbol of Siwa) and Gagak (the symbol of Wisnu). The pig is deliberately left partly uncooked so that three colours appear at once.

• Red — the roasted portion along the back.
• Black — the section where the bristles are deliberately left intact.
• White — the raw portion that has been shaved clean.
• Together they are read as the union of the Siwa, Wisnu and Sambhu sects — not mere decoration.

The garuda frame is called sarad ageng and is decorated with pucuk bang, the red hibiscus flower.

Once Every Two Years, Not Annually

• Held on Purnama Sasih Kadasa, with the main procession falling the day after the full moon.
• The last edition was 13 April 2025, and before that 6 April 2023.
• The next one is estimated at 22–23 March 2027, because Purnama Kadasa 2027 falls on 22 March. The official date is set by the customary village following the Balinese calendar, so confirm before booking flights.
• It used to be annual, then was reduced to every two years because of the cost.
• It was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Buleleng Regency in 2025.

The Sequence of Events and How to Watch Respectfully

The full cycle runs several days: melasti to the sea about five days before the peak, ngusaba uma at the subak temple, ngembang and nuntun three days prior, the raising of the dangsil, then ngusaba gede, the bukakak procession, and finally the Plaus dance.

• Adult bearers, men aged 17 and over, wear white and red; youths aged 12 and over wear white and yellow while carrying the sarad alit.
• Visitors may watch, but must wear a sarong and sash — this is a ceremony, not a performance.
• Never stand higher than the offerings or the bukakak, and never cut across the procession for a photo.
• Menstruating women are not permitted inside the temple grounds.
• Park at the village field or community hall and walk in; village roads close while the procession passes.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: Desa Giri Emas, Kec. Sawan, Buleleng Regency — about 10 km east of Singaraja — View on Google Maps
• When: once every two years on Purnama Sasih Kadasa; next estimated 22–23 March 2027, pending the customary village’s decision
• Price range: no entry ticket; bring a voluntary dana punia donation and budget roughly Rp50,000–150,000 to rent or buy traditional dress
• Reservations: no ticket needed, simply turn up. Confirm the date with the Giri Emas village office or the Sawan sub-district office, or follow official Buleleng Regency announcements
• Instagram: search on Instagram

Singaraja and Lovina are only 20–40 minutes from Giri Emas and make the most sensible base if you want to follow the procession from early morning. If you would like to stay nearby, compare prices and book a hotel voucher on AccessiaPass.