Ngerebeg Tegallalang: Gianyar's Most Colourful Ritual, Rarely on Any Itinerary

About 20 minutes north of Ubud there is one day when the lanes of Tegallalang traditional village turn into a parade of figures painted red, white, black and every colour in between. It is called Ngerebeg — an old tradition inscribed as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2021, yet almost never on a tourist itinerary.

What Ngerebeg Is

• Hundreds to thousands of villagers, above all children and the sekaa teruna (village youth group), coat their faces and bodies in paint to imitate wong samar, the unseen guardian spirits of Balinese belief.
• Participants carry small penjor — decorative poles made from salak and sugar-palm fronds dressed with young coconut leaf — plus kober, sacred banners.
• The purpose is to neutralise negative energy in the village and within people themselves, while honouring the unseen beings.

When It Happens

• Once every Balinese six months (a 210-day cycle), on Buda Kliwon Pahang — the day also known as Pegatwakan, which closes the Galungan–Kuningan season.
• The procession falls one day before the peak of the piodalan anniversary at Pura Duur Bingin.
• Because it follows the Balinese calendar, the Gregorian date shifts every year. Check the traditional village's announcements or ask your accommodation before planning around it.

Route and Viewing Etiquette

• The procession sets off from Pura Duur Bingin, passing Pura Prajapati, Tegallalang market (the catus pata crossroads), the Ceking area, Banjar Gagah and Pejengaji, then returns to the temple.
• Dress modestly; a kamen sarong and sash are strongly advised because this is a ceremony, not a show.
• Stand at the roadside, never cut through or block the column, and ask permission before photographing participants up close.
• Park near Tegallalang market and walk in; sections of the road close during the procession.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Pura Duur Bingin, Tegallalang traditional village, Gianyar — View on Google Maps
• How to attend: free and open to the public, no ticket or booking. Come early in the morning, before the procession sets off, to find a spot and parking.
• Nearby: the Tegallalang rice terraces and art market are only minutes from the procession route.
• Instagram: search on Instagram for the latest scheduling news.

Since the procession starts early and the roads fill fast, staying a night around Ubud or Tegallalang makes the whole morning far more relaxed, and an AccessiaPass hotel voucher can help keep the room cost down.