The “Makepung” One of the Very Special Summer Events 2018 in Bali

Author, Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Video by Wonderful Jembrana

The Makepung  is a special tradition from West Bali, Jembrana regency.  The Makepung means “to chase,”  pairs of buffaloes with jockeys chase one another in ornated wooden ploughing carts which decorate with extravaganza ornaments and some costumes for the buffaloes.  Hundreds of pairs of buffaloes are teamed up together with their jockeys.   These series of competitions is held around the district of Melaya Jembrana. They lead up to the finals, known as the Jembrana Regent’s Cup and the Governor’s Cup.  This competition is a big deal for the farmers and attract tourists to come to visit West Bali to enjoy the festivities. This event is also encouraging local farmers to breed healthy buffaloes for the best chances to win the competition.  The Makepung is a celebration abundant harvest of the crops, mainly  rice  by all the farmers in the Jembrana. 

The Makepung is an annual event.  This year, the event is open from July to mid November. 

Here is the  schedule for the 2018 Makepung buffalo races, based on the Jembrana government tourism office's announcements in February 2018:

Sunday, 15 July: Delodberawah Village Circuit Sunday, 29 July: Sanghyang Cerik, Tuwed Village Circuit Sunday, 12 August: Mertasari. Loloan Timur Circuit (Bupati Cup) Sunday, 26 August: Awen, Lelateng Circuit Sunday, 9 September: Delodberawah Village Circuit Sunday, 23 September: Kaliakah Village Circuit Sunday, 7 October: Mertasari. Loloan Timur Circuit Sunday, 21 October: Pangkung Dalem, Kaliakah Village Circuit Sunday, 4 November: Delodberawah Village Circuit Sunday, 18 November: Sanghyang Cerik, Tuwed Village Circuit (Jembrana Cup - FINALS)

Happy Travels!