Siat Yeh in Jimbaran: Bali's Only Water War, Held the Day After Nyepi

The day after all of Bali switches off its lights for Nyepi, one banjar in Jimbaran opens the year by throwing water at each other. It is called Siat Yeh — literally “water war” — and it is the only water-fight tradition held regularly in Bali. The participants are residents of Banjar Teba, Desa Adat Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan district, Badung, and this is not a splash contest but a purification ritual (melukat) that opens the Saka New Year.

Two Water Sources Brought Together

Early in the morning, villagers set off in two opposite directions to collect water. The eastern group heads for the area of Pura Dalem Gaing Mas on the Suwung marsh side; the western group goes to Segara Beach in Jimbaran. The water is carried home in clay jugs — the two groups use jugs of different colours — accompanied by baleganjur gamelan, then brought together at the catus pata, the Banjar Teba crossroads. That meeting of two waters is the heart of the ritual: a symbol of two opposing poles becoming one, and a means of melukat for the community.

When It Happens and Who Takes Part

• Timing: Ngembak Geni, the day after Nyepi (around March). The 2026 edition ran on Friday 20 March, from 09.00 to 11.00 WITA.
• Next edition: Nyepi Saka 1949 is expected to fall on 9 March 2027 according to the national holiday calendar, so Siat Yeh would most likely be held on Wednesday 10 March 2027 — reconfirm with the traditional village closer to the date.
• Participants: mostly the unmarried youth of Banjar Teba, split into two groups, dousing each other with scoops or coconut shells; a Rejang Sari welcome dance precedes the water fight.
• History: dormant for around 35 years, revived on 8 March 2019, and listed as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2020.

Where to Stand, and Visitor Etiquette

Siat Yeh takes place in a village space, not on a tourist stage, so behave as a guest. The most comfortable vantage point is around the Banjar Teba crossroads; if you want the full procession, follow the water collection from Segara Beach Jimbaran from about 08.00.

• Dress modestly; a kamen or sarong is advisable if you join the prayer section.
• Do not stand in the path of the jug bearers — that water has been consecrated, it is not a prop.
• Ask permission before shooting close-up photos, and never start a dousing yourself; join in only if villagers invite you.
• Waterproof your phone and camera. Ngembak Geni is also the first day vehicles may move again, so set out early while the roads are still empty.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: Banjar Teba, Desa Adat Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan, Badung — View on Google Maps (the western procession point).
• Hours & cost: roughly 08.00 (water collection) to 11.00 WITA; free, no entrance ticket. Keep about Rp5,000–10,000 for parking.
• Reservations: none needed — simply turn up at the spectator area. To confirm the current year's timing and procession route, ask the Desa Adat Jimbaran officials or your hotel reception the day before.
• Social media: search on Instagram

Because Ngembak Geni falls immediately after Nyepi — when the airport is closed and the whole island stops — staying in Jimbaran from the day before is the only way to watch Siat Yeh without rushing; compare rates and secure your stay voucher on AccessiaPass well before March.