Bali Holds a Unique Traditional Ceremony! Ngaben Tikus ‘Rat Cremation’ Takes Place at Seseh Beach
In Bali’s traditional culture, beyond the well-known human cremation ceremony Ngaben, there is a special ritual tied to agriculture and harmony with nature—Ngaben Tikus, also known as Ngaben Bikul.
On November 9, 2026, the Badung Regency government held the Ngaben Tikus ceremony at Seseh Beach, with farmers, religious figures, and local officials participating, alongside the Pemahayu Jagat purification and blessing ritual.
This tradition primarily relates to rice field rat infestations. Rats damage crops and affect farmers’ harvests, so the local agricultural community first conducts a collective rat-catching activity called ngropyok, then performs the cremation and prayers according to traditional rites.
Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa stated that this is the third time the local government has held the Ngaben Tikus event.
Beyond praying for healthy crops and reduced rat damage, the ceremony symbolizes the Balinese Hindu concept of balance between humans, animals, land, and the natural environment.
It’s important to note that this is a religious and cultural tradition, not a scientifically proven method of pest control; local authorities still implement practical agricultural measures.
For travelers, such ceremonies reveal that Balinese culture extends beyond temples, dances, and tourist performances, deeply embedded in local agriculture and daily life.
Bali Governor Praises Thai Tourists! Both Sides Discuss Direct Flights, Tourism, and Medical Cooperation
Bali Governor Wayan Koster received Thai Ambassador to Indonesia, Prapan Disyatat, at the Jayasabha official residence in Denpasar on November 10. The two discussed tourism and other cooperation opportunities between Bali and Thailand.
The Governor noted that approximately 32,000 Thai tourists had visited Bali as of October 2026, with an estimated total of around 38,000 visitors for the full year.
Koster also commended the conduct of Thai tourists in Bali, stating that they generally followed regulations and caused no significant issues.
The meeting focused on the following areas of cooperation:
- Tourism Exchange: Promoting travel between Bali and Thailand
- Direct Flight Connectivity: Thailand aims to further improve direct flight links between Thailand and Bali
- Waste Management: Discussing waste treatment technology and related collaboration
- Medical Tourism: Exploring medical tourism cooperation opportunities in the Sanur Special Economic Zone
The Thai Ambassador also noted that over 40,000 Thai citizens visited Indonesia in 2025, with both sides agreeing there is room for further growth.
The specific timeline for route launches or formal cooperation agreements has not yet been announced.
For Bali’s tourism market, an increase in direct flight options in the future could help expand the source of travelers from Southeast Asia.
Comprehensive Rainy Season Disaster Prevention Upgrade! Hundreds of Cross-Department Personnel Gather in Denpasar
As Bali enters the rainy season, the Denpasar city government held an emergency disaster preparedness assembly on November 11 at I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung Square.
Participants included:
- Indonesian Military (TNI)
- Indonesian National Police (Polri)
- Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD)
- Local government agencies
- Disaster relief volunteers
- Pecalang: Bali’s Traditional Village Security Organization
The main purpose of this gathering was to strengthen coordination and emergency response capabilities among various units in dealing with potential floods, fires, and other natural disasters.
Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara also urged relevant departments to ensure that personnel, equipment, rescue vehicles, shelter facilities, and communication systems remain operational.
The city government will continue to monitor:
- Drainage ditch and river maintenance
- Inspection of trees at risk of falling
- Flood warnings and public information dissemination
- Preparation of shelter facilities and rescue equipment
According to local reports, the peak of Bali’s rainy season is expected to fall around February 2027.
For travelers, it is advisable to keep itineraries flexible when visiting mountainous areas, waterfalls, or outdoor attractions during the rainy season, and to stay updated on official weather and safety information.
PLN Upgrades Power System on Nusa Penida with Monitoring Equipment to Reduce Outage Risks
Nusa Penida is a key island destination in Bali, where stable electricity is vital for both residents and tourism services.
On November 10, Indonesia’s state electricity company PLN announced it had carried out scheduled maintenance at several distribution substations in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, and installed Power Meter monitoring devices.
This initiative is led by PLN’s Bali Distribution Control Execution Unit (UP2D Bali).
The monitoring equipment helps staff track:
- Current
- Voltage
- Power load
- Distribution substation operating conditions
Through real-time monitoring, PLN can detect abnormal equipment loads or potential issues earlier and schedule appropriate maintenance work.
PLN stated that Nusa Penida is a key tourist destination in Bali, and a stable electricity supply not only affects residents but also the operations of accommodation providers, tourism services, and public facilities.
This upgrade does not mean that local power supply issues are fully resolved; rather, it enhances the precision and reliability of power maintenance through improved monitoring capabilities.
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ICC Annual Council Meeting Kicks Off in Bali! International Cricket Development Discussed from November 11 to 15
Bali is hosting another international conference this week.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding its final round of council and committee meetings for 2026 in Bali from November 11 to 15.
The meeting will bring together ICC council members and committee representatives from around the world, with discussions across eight committees.
Key agenda items include:
- Scheduling for the 2027–2029 and 2029–2031 World Test Championship (WTC) cycles
- Timelines for major men’s international events from 2028 to 2035
- Review of international cricket league systems and regulations
- ICC organizational governance reform
- Tournament qualification system for emerging cricket nations
- Development program for Afghan female refugee cricket players
ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated that this meeting will help member nations jointly discuss the future development of cricket, tournament systems, and global promotion.
Indonesia has also been actively promoting cricket development in recent years and planning related sports facilities. The ICC’s decision to hold its annual meeting in Bali this year brings opportunities for international sports exchange to the region.
While this is not a typical tourism activity, the international conference and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry remains a vital component of Bali’s tourism market.
No discussions yet — be the first to ask.