Foreign Tourists Enthusiastically Try Carrying Gebogan at Ulun Danu Beratan Festival

A cultural parade at the Ulun Danu Beratan tourist destination (DTW) in Baturiti, Tabanan, has become a special attraction for foreign tourists. Dozens of overseas visitors were keen to assemble and even try carrying gebogan themselves.

Barbara, a tourist from Italy, said she was deeply impressed by the experience. During her time in Bali she had often seen women carrying gebogan along the streets, but this was the first time she had the chance to try it herself.

“It is very interesting. I have never seen a tradition like this in Italy. This is my first time trying it and it turns out to be quite challenging. I even tried lifting a heavier gebogan,” said Barbara at the Ulun Danu Beratan DTW on Wednesday (15/7/2026).

Barbara regarded the gebogan tradition as a unique culture found only in Bali. The experience of assembling and carrying a gebogan was a moment she would not forget during her visit to the Island of the Gods.

Besides Barbara, other tourists also had the opportunity to try carrying the gebogan, which weighed tens of kilogrammes.

The gebogan parade at the Ulun Danu Beratan DTW involved the Family Welfare Movement Team (TP PKK) of Marga District. Twenty red-and-white-themed gebogan were neatly lined up in the parade.

The Marga District TP PKK took part in the gebogan parade over two days, Wednesday and Thursday (16-17/7/2026). The first day focused on assembling the gebogan and sharing how they are made with the tourists present, while the second day continued with a gebogan parade accompanied by baleganjur music circling the Ulun Danu Beratan DTW area.

Representatives of the Marga District TP PKK, Nyoman Sinta Yundari and Ni Wayan Puti Lestari Dewi, said the enthusiasm of participants was very high. According to them, the event was not merely a parade but also a means of introducing Balinese culture to tourists.

“One of the aims of this event is to attract tourists. They are interested in watching the making process from the start; many ask questions and even want to try making and carrying the gebogan. After trying it, they realise that making and carrying a gebogan is no easy task,” said Sinta Yundari.