Experience Galungan & Kuningan in Ubud: A Meaningful Cultural Journey at The Sun of Granary Ubud
Bali is a place where spirituality and daily life blend beautifully — and few moments show this more clearly than Galungan and Kuningan, two of the island’s most cherished celebrations. For travellers who want to connect with Balinese culture in an authentic and heartfelt way, timing your stay with these festivals offers a rare and meaningful experience.
At The Sun of Granary Ubud, surrounded by peaceful rice fields and traditional village life, you are perfectly placed to witness the true essence of these celebrations — from graceful temple rituals to the welcoming spirit of the local community.
What Is Galungan?
Galungan marks the victory of dharma (goodness and harmony) over adharma (imbalance and negativity). It is believed that during this time, ancestral spirits return to bless their families, and offerings are placed in homes, temples, and village shrines to honour them.
Across Bali, families prepare traditional foods, dress in ceremonial attire, and decorate their homes with tall, elegant bamboo poles known as penjor, symbolising gratitude and prosperity.
For guests staying in Ubud, this is a truly special time to witness authentic community traditions — gentle processions, meaningful prayers, and the warm hospitality of Balinese families welcoming blessings into their homes.
Galungan & Kuningan Dates to Plan Your Stay
Galungan is celebrated every 210 days based on the Balinese Pawukon calendar. Mark these upcoming dates to experience Bali’s most meaningful cultural period:
2025
- Wednesday, 19 November 2025 – Galungan Day
- Saturday, 29 November 2025 – Kuningan Day
2026
- Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – Galungan Day
- Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Kuningan Day
- Next cycle expected in January 2027
Staying in Ubud during these dates allows you to witness the full rhythm of the celebrations — from preparations and temple offerings to the grand closing ceremonies of Kuningan.
What Is Kuningan?
Kuningan takes place ten days after Galungan and signifies the return of the ancestral spirits to heaven after visiting the earthly realm during Galungan. It is a day of gratitude, symbolising balance, harmony, and the closing of the sacred festive cycle.
Homes and temples are adorned with tamiang (decorative round ornaments made of coconut leaves) and endongan (small offerings symbolising prosperity). Families come together to pray, make offerings, and express thanks for blessings received.
For travellers, it’s a serene and uplifting time to see Bali at its most reflective and harmonious — filled with prayer, colour, and devotion.
Activities Around The Sun of Granary Ubud During the Galungan–Kuningan Period
The Ubud region is alive with ceremonies, art, and traditional rituals during Galungan and Kuningan. While staying at The Sun of Granary Resort & Villas, here are some meaningful experiences you can enjoy nearby:
- Temple Visits: Discover the spiritual atmosphere of Pura Taman Saraswati or Gunung Kawi Sebatu, both less than 20 minutes away.
- Village Walks: Stroll through the surrounding rice fields and village paths to admire penjor decorations and daily offerings.
- Cultural Workshops: Join a Balinese offering-making class or a cooking experience that explores the island’s spiritual connection through food.
- Mekotek Tradition in Munggu Village (29 November 2025): One of Bali’s most dynamic and unique rituals, Mekotek is held in Desa Adat Munggu, Mengwi, to coincide with Kuningan Day.
This centuries-old tradition symbolises unity and protection, dating back to the 17th century. Male villagers carry long wooden poles (tokek) and gather in the streets to perform a ritual mock battle — symbolising the collective strength and courage to ward off negative forces.
The atmosphere is festive yet deeply spiritual, accompanied by gamelan music and village blessings. Visitors are welcome to observe respectfully; it’s a vivid display of Balinese energy, teamwork, and devotion.
(The village is approximately 1.5 hours from The Sun of Granary Ubud and makes a wonderful cultural day trip during your stay.)
Plan Your Cultural Stay in Ubud
If you wish to connect with the true essence of Bali, we invite you to discover our rooms and special offers designed for travellers seeking a peaceful and meaningful escape.
Explore your stay options below:
- Accommodation:
https://thesunofgranaryubud.com/accommodation/ - Special Offers:
https://thesunofgranaryubud.com/special-offers/ - Direct Booking Page:
https://thesunofgranaryubud.reserveonline.id/book/308
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the warmth, gratitude, and beauty of these sacred Balinese celebrations.
Contact Information :
- The Sun of Granary Resort & Villas
- Banjar Pinjul, Kenderan, Kec. Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali, 80561
- +62 361 908 90 28
- +62 813-3725-6308
- info@thesunofgranaryubud.com
- https://thesunofgranaryubud.com/special-offers/stay-longer-save-more
- https://www.instagram.com/thesunofgranaryubud
- https://www.facebook.com/thesunofgranaryubud
