TABANAN, balitourismnow.com – Batu Tampih Beach in Pangkung Tibah Village, Kediri District, Tabanan, came alive with color and activity on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as the first Pelangi Tabanan Kite Festival brought together 1,501 kite flyers from across Bali.
Hundreds of colorful kober—traditional kite flags bearing various designs and symbols—decorated the beach, alongside the Indonesian Red-and-White flag. Giant kober fluttered from tall poles, while crowds dressed in Balinese traditional attire prepared their kites, ropes, and guwang.
Known locally as rare angon, Bali’s kite flyers included children, teenagers, and adults. The festival provided a gathering place for kite communities while supporting the preservation of Bali’s kite-flying tradition. The atmosphere was further enlivened by the sound of baleganjur, a traditional Balinese musical ensemble.
The festival was officially opened by Tabanan Deputy Regent I Made Dirga, representing the Regent of Tabanan.
Que Marcell Aureole, Business Development Manager of Ciputra Group, accompanied by Eddo Agustinus, General Manager of Ciputra Beach Resort, said the event reflected Ciputra’s commitment to supporting the local community and preserving Balinese culture.
“An event like this is very positive. It not only involves foreign tourists but also demonstrates Ciputra’s contribution to the local community in preserving Bali’s cultural heritage. Ciputra is here not only to develop and do business, but also to contribute to the surrounding community and Bali,” Marcell said.
For Ciputra Beach Resort, community involvement goes beyond providing a venue. Located in the Pangkung Tibah coastal area and close to the local community, the resort sees opportunities to collaborate with communities and event organizers while highlighting Tabanan’s character and potential.
Pecukan Kites Take to the Sky
Before the official opening, participants in Series 1A launched their pecukan kites. As the signal was given, the colorful kites rose into the sky, accompanied by the sound of guwang and baleganjur.
Some kites struggled to gain space or were blocked by others already in the air, while several kite strings became tangled. Kite No. 116 collided with another kite and fell, but was repaired and flown again.
Most participants successfully controlled their kites, creating a lively display across the beach. Kite No. 63 suddenly landed in front of the VIP stage, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Kite No. 98 also attracted attention when it suddenly moved to the left as participants attempted to bring it down. The team quickly followed its movement before finally catching it, prompting another round of cheers.
Supporting Community Activities and Tourism
Marcell said Ciputra would continue supporting positive community activities in Tabanan, including a planned motocross event the following month. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the development, local communities, and the Tabanan administration.
“As a new development, Ciputra needs to collaborate with its surrounding environment, particularly the Tabanan Regency, so that its presence can contribute to the development of Pangkung Tibah Village and Tabanan as a whole,” he said.
Earlier that morning, Pangkung Tibah Fun Run was also held, attracting 756 participants in the 5K and 10K categories, with around 20 percent of participants coming from overseas.
Marcell said the event was part of the growing development of sport tourism in Bali and aligned with Ciputra’s vision of developing a wellness-oriented area in Tabanan.
“We hope these activities can help promote tourism and support Tabanan’s development as a leading destination,” he said.
He added that such events also provide opportunities to introduce Balinese culture while contributing to the local economy.
Keeping Tradition Alive
Deputy Regent I Made Dirga expressed his appreciation to the organizers and all parties involved. He said kite competitions not only provide a space for creativity and community togetherness but can also help promote the tourism potential of Pangkung Tibah.
“Traditions will continue to live when the younger generation is willing to learn, appreciate, and develop them through new creativity without losing their identity and values,” Dirga said.
Festival committee chairman I Ketut Arsana Yasa said the event was initiated with the support of the Tabanan Regent, who envisioned Tabanan as a meeting point for different communities.
“He said there was no better place than Tabanan. Find a good location to hold the kite festival,” Arsana Yasa said.
He added that the festival was built on the spirit of cooperation and togetherness, while providing a space for kite communities from across Bali to gather and helping preserve the island’s kite-flying arts and traditions. [buda]