The Jembrana Regency is like a forgotten treasure in Bali that is only recently beginning to be unearthed. Since the inauguration of the ferry service, the popularity of this place slowly started to grow and today attracts a good number of tourists each year. It is a unique little town in Bali that is laced with wild rocky beaches and consists of a plethora of cultural attractions that are highlighted by the traditional performances and dance of the area. But the real crowd puller is Mekepung, Bull Racing; a heated battle that turns rather docile cattle into fierce beasts racing away to the finish line.
Bull Racing in Mekepung is held as a celebratory festival and marks the end of the harvest season. It usually takes place between August to October and makes a colourful and interesting event to enjoy if you are visiting Bali at that time of the year.
The history of bull racing can be traced back to the Madurese immigrants who originated from an island off the coast of Surabaya. Performed to please the god of the harvest, the race presents a majestic and mighty aura that can be experienced by the grunts heard and dust dishevelled before you. It begins early at 9 am and stretches over a distance of 4 kms. At the start of the event chillie paste is applied to the anus of the animal and throughout the race the bulls are lashed and kicked to gear the animal with vigor and speed. Handpicked for strength, magnificence and speed, the bull race displays the sleekest buffaloes in town. The bulls are trained several weeks before the event and on the big day they are ornamented with silk banners and wooden bells; their horns are painted in colourful shades to add to the cheer and festivity of the event.
There is food, drinks and fun at the event that will keep you entertained all day long. Relax at the Alila Villas Uluwatu to enjoy the favourite among Bali resort villas. These Bali luxury villas provide all the luxurious amenities you would want making your holiday in the city complete.
