
Penglipuran Village, a popular cultural tourism attraction in Bali, has announced that it will not host public Galungan celebrations this year, including the installation of penjor, due to a recent death in the community. Galungan Day, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, will be observed on July 17, 2026, with festivities continuing until Kuningan Day on July 27, 2026. Despite the change in Galungan observances, Penglipuran Village will remain open to visitors as usual, with all regular tourism programming, including access to the ancient bamboo forest, continuing. The village is open daily from 8 am to 6:30 pm, with entry fees of IDR 50,000 for adult international tourists and IDR 30,000 for children. Tourists can still observe penjor and Galungan festivities across Bali, with locations such as Ubud Water Palace, Pura Besakih, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Uluwatu Temple recommended. Visitors are reminded to ask permission before taking photos of penjor and to avoid touching ceremonial offerings. The Balinese phrase to wish someone a blessed Galungan is "Rahajeng Nyanggra Rahina Galungan."
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readImmigration officers at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport arrested Angelo Pandeli, a 55-year-old Australian man, who was listed on an INTERPOL Blue Notice. Pandeli was found hiding in the toilet of a US-registered Gulfstream Executive Jet N917CJ that was scheduled to depart for Maputo, Mozambique, at 10:00 am. He was attempting to travel using a falsified Brazilian passport and identity, which lacked an entry stamp or valid residence permit in Indonesia. Authorities believe Pandeli is a key figure in a transnational organized drug cartel with links to the Hells Angels motorcycle gang in Australia. He has reportedly lived in several Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries using various false identities. Following his arrest, Pandeli was deported to Australia to face legal proceedings and has been blacklisted from future visits to Indonesia. The Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Bugie Kurniawan, stated that the arrest was part of immigration oversight to maintain national security against transnational criminals.
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Must readSad Kahyangan Lempuyang Temple, also known as the Gates of Heaven Temple, will be closed to tourists for five days, reopening on Monday, June 22. The closure is to accommodate thousands of pilgrims attending Galungan, Kuningan, and the temple's Pidolan founding celebration ceremonies. I Nyoman Jati, Head of Purwayu Traditional Village, confirmed the decision, which was made after discussions with relevant parties, including tour guides. Tour guides and private drivers have been informed and will offer alternative options for guests. Tourists and non-worshippers will be refused entry, and traditional village leaders Pecalang will provide explanations to those unaware of the closure. Preparations have been made for pilgrim comfort and safety, including parking arrangements assisted by Pecalang and police. Visitors to nearby attractions should anticipate increased traffic and potential road closures. Lempuyang Temple, a major attraction in Karangasem Regency, typically receives 800 tourists daily in addition to worshippers. Galungan and Kuningan will be observed in Bali until June 27, 2026.