Ngerebong at Pura Petilan Kesiman: A Sacred Rite Every 210 Days

Every 210 days, the grounds around Pura Agung Petilan in Kesiman, East Denpasar, transform completely. Dozens of barong and rangda effigies from surrounding temples are carried in and gathered together, gamelan pounds without pause, and many pemedek (worshippers) fall into kerauhan — a trance state — then press kris blades against their own chests without being wounded. This is Ngerebong: a purification ceremony, not a show scheduled for tourists. It was formalised as a standing rite at Pura Agung Petilan in 1937 and has been kept alive ever since by the krama of Desa Adat Kesiman.

When It Happens

Ngerebong falls on Redite (Sunday) Pon of wuku Medangsia, eight days after Kuningan. The 2026 observance took place on Sunday, 5 July 2026. According to the Balinese calendar, the next cycle falls around the end of January 2027. Because the 210-day Balinese cycle shifts against the Gregorian calendar, always confirm the current date with Desa Adat Kesiman or the local banjar before travelling.

How the Rite Unfolds

The sequence opens in the morning, around 8am local time, when sacred banners (kober) are escorted to Pura Petilan to mark the start. In the late afternoon, around 4pm, the best-known portion begins and usually ends around dusk.

• Ngider buana: the procession of sacred effigies circles the wantilan pavilion, symbolising cosmic harmony
• Kerauhan & ngurek: entranced worshippers turn kris blades on their own bodies
• Purification: holy water and closing prayers, framed by dozens of towering penjor along the road

How to Watch Respectfully

People from outside the customary village are welcome to attend, but the conditions are explicit and are not mere formalities.

• Traditional dress is required: a kamben (sarong) with a sash at the waist, shoulders and knees covered
• Sit with the worshippers; do not stand in the procession path or climb temple walls
• No flash photography, and never push a camera into the face of someone in trance
• Follow the pecalang (customary wardens) without arguing; do not bring plastic bottled drinks
• Women who are menstruating may not enter the temple grounds

Info Praktis & Reservasi

• Location: View on Google Maps — Kesiman area, East Denpasar, about 15–20 minutes from Sanur
• Best time / schedule: every 210 days on Redite Pon Medangsia; arrive around 3pm for a place, with the peak in the late afternoon
• Cost range: free; budget IDR 5,000–15,000 for parking and IDR 50,000–150,000 to rent or buy a sarong and sash if you don't own one
• How to join/book: the event is open and ticket-free, no booking needed; come early, wear full traditional dress, and respect every customary rule and instruction from the organisers
• Social: search on Instagram

Traffic around Kesiman thickens from midday and the procession only ends near nightfall, so staying in Denpasar or Sanur makes the day far calmer — and an AccessiaPass hotel voucher helps keep the budget in check.