In News
 Viewed: 47 views

Badung district will hold their first ever Ocean Festival (Festival Bahari) on May 19 – 21 at Tanjung Benoa Beach.

“We are grateful that we can present Badung’s Ocean Festival from which we aim to inspire and hopefully in the future we can make it an even more creative, innovative, and more synergized,” said I Ketut Suiasa, Badung Vice Regent, at Mangupura on Tuesday (16/05), as quoted by Republika.

Suiasa has big plans to cater for each region with specific themes. “For instance, in North Badung, the huge agricultural potential makes it perfect for an agricultural festival; while in Central Badung we will create a culture-oriented festival.”

And as for South Badung, they will highlight the ocean tourism potential by organizing the Ocean Festival. I Made Badra, Head of Tourism Division, accompanied by Putu Oka Swadiana, Head of Fisheries, remarked that the main goal of the festival is to push the potential of the ocean to support the tourism activities in Badung. “On the first day, we will start the festivities with water-sport attractions, [traditional Balinese instrument] gong kebyar concert, and a Sekar Jepun traditional dance courtesy of the Cultural Agency,” said Badra.

The festival will be opened by the Regent of Badung along with the General Director of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, with a traditional fishermen dances performed by 200 elementary school children and a performance by Adi Merdangga “Ketug Gumi” from the Indonesian Art Institute in Denpasar. “There will also be a parade involving foreign guests, Putri Bahari (Miss Ocean) contest, and Jegeg Bagus Bali [Mr. and Ms. Bali].” Other supporting events are an ocean-themed photo competition and a food bazaar.

On the second day, there will be a Dragon Boat Festival at Kedonganan Beach with nine countries participating; a surfing competition at Halfway Beach Kuta; and swimming competition at Kuta Beach.

On the last day there will be an Indonesian food bazaar at Pandawa Beach; a fishing tournament on the waters of Badung Strait; and a traditional boat (called jukung) parade with 100 boats participating. For entertainment, the marching band team from Udayana University will put on a show at Pandawa Beach and a Sendratari Baruna Murti dance at Kedonganan Beach.

Photo: www.abhiramatourdibali.com.