What to Expect During Galungan and Kuningan 2026 in Ubud, Bali

Galungan and Kuningan are two of Bali’s most important Hindu ceremonies, celebrating the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma).

These sacred days mark the return of ancestral spirits to Earth, and Ubud becomes one of the most special places to experience it.

Streets are lined with towering penjors (bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves and flowers), families visit temples dressed in white, and offerings fill every doorstep.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, there’s a chance it might fall during Galungan or Kuningan.

They are two of the island’s biggest religious ceremonies. If you’re staying in Ubud, you’ll experience it all up close without needing to leave your street.

I’ve celebrated Galungan and Kuningan many times with my Balinese family in Ubud. My family’s temple is in Penestanan (a neighbourhood in Ubud), so that’s where I always go, but you can literally go anywhere you like!

Bali as a whole looks incredible during this time, because they decorate the streets with “penjors” (street decorations) and colourful offerings everywhere!

However, I have to say that the celebrations in Ubud are some of the most beautiful on the island because it’s considered the cultural hub of Bali, and on celebrations like this, it definitely doesn’t fall short!

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, now’s the time, because it gets busy!

👉 I always recommend Sri Ratih Cottages in Penestanan if you want to be close to the ceremonies but still sleep well at night. It’s peaceful, surrounded by Balinese family homes, and their breakfast is amazing. During Galungan, just step outside and you’ll see all the action.

And don’t forget your airport transfer. Most local drivers take time off for Galungan and Kuningan, so I always book ahead just to be safe.

👉 Book your airport pick up on Klook, it’s a very reliable website here in Bali and very affordable too!

When Are Galungan and Kuningan in Ubud 2026

Most people have never heard of Galungan and Kuningan before they land in Bali. I definitely hadn’t. But once you see those giant curved bamboo poles popping up all over the streets, you’ll start to realise something big is going on.

These two ceremonies are part of a sacred Balinese cycle that happens not once a year, but twice. Yep, Galungan and Kuningan are celebrated every 210 days, because the Balinese follow a completely different calendar called the Pawukon calendar, which is shorter than the Western one.

Each cycle lasts ten days, starting with Galungan (when the spirits arrive) and ending with Kuningan (when they head back to the heavens).

The next celebrations are coming up soon. In 2026 Galungan is on 17 June and Kuningan is on 27 June.

So if you’re planning your trip around those times, now you know why everyone’s wearing white clothes, cooking nonstop, and hanging giant banana-leaf sculptures from telephone poles.

What Are Galungan and Kuningan in Bali

Galungan is the day when the spirits of Balinese ancestors come back to visit. Ten days later, Kuningan is when they leave. That’s the basic idea. But what happens exactly?

Locals would make (extravagant) offerings, visit temples, cook all day, and spend time with family. It’s one of the biggest ceremonies in Bali and the whole island joins in. So big that children have time off from school for the entire time!

There is something funny I like doing for Galungan because, you guys, the offerings are pretty generous. When I talk about offering its bamboo trays with rice, satay, banana leaves, fried snacks, colourful cakes and sometimes even coins or cigarettes.

On a normal day, you would see birds, cats and dogs eating some of the offerings when none is watching but let me tell you, for Galungan, they go all in! Stray animals think it’s their lucky day.

Regarding street decorations, according to the local tradition, locals are supposed to decorate and put out 1 penjor per family two days before Galungan. What are the penjor you ask?

They are massive curved bamboo poles that families decorate with coconut leaves, rice, fruit, flowers and whatever meaningful items they choose. Each one is handmade. Some are simple. Some are so elaborate they look like they belong in a museum. It’s wild in the best way.

If you’re walking around Ubud during this time, it honestly feels like something is happening on every corner. And it is.

What to Expect During Galungan and Kuningan in Ubud

The day before Galungan is prep day. Families are busy cooking, making offerings, cleaning their temples and homes.

You’ll hear knives chopping from 6 am and probably smell garlic and pork before breakfast. If you’re staying with locals or at a homestay, they might invite you to help. One year I ended up folding tiny baskets made of leaves for hours. I had no clue what I was doing, but they didn’t care. They just smiled and let me join.

On Galungan morning, people dress up and go to the temple. Women carry huge trays of offerings on their heads. Men carry incense, holy water and umbrellas. You might hear bells ringing and gamelan music in the background. It’s peaceful but also buzzing in its own way.

Sometimes a barong shows up. It’s this lion-like creature that dances from house to house to bring blessings. You’ll hear drums first, then cymbals, then suddenly it’s right there outside your gate. I once opened my door and it was staring straight at me. No warning. Just blessings and chaos.

Between Galungan and Kuningan, locals travel all around Bali to visit their families and spend time together. Like in all countries, also in Bali, sometimes people don’t want to really spend a lot of time with their mother-in-law. So I love listening to a bit of gossip and giggling away. What should I say? I’m guilty!

Kuningan is quieter. It’s the last day of the celebration and it happens early in the morning. Most families stay home after visiting the temple.

The offerings turn yellow and the vibe is more reflective. One time, I forgot it was Kuningan, I packed a beach bag and was about to leave my house when my host looked at me and said, “Where are you going? It’s Kuningan!” I stayed. You should too.

If you are wondering how to get around Ubud during Galungan the answer is by scooter (or walk all day like I did which is a very unpopular thing to do!). The most reliable place to rent the scooter from in Ubud is BikAgo and it’s very affordable too! 👉 Check latest prices here!

How to Experience Galungan in Ubud as a Visitor

#1 Stay somewhere local

You don’t need to go looking for the ceremonies. If you’re in Penestanan, Nyuh Kuning or Sayan, they’ll come to you.

👉 Read my guide to where to stay in Ubud split by areas

#2 Bring water!

I’m not joking when I say you will walk for HOURS and fully dressed in Balinese clothes. Don’t make my same mistake and remember to bring water with you!

Last year I forgot and ended up completely dehydrated!

#3 Have a sarong and sash ready

You’ll need both if you go to a temple. Some homestays will lend you one. You can also buy a set at the market because the chances of you looking good with a borrowed one are very slim!

I swear they never have the right size for me, so I bought my own outfits!

#4 You can ask to join

You don’t have to just wait in silence and hope someone includes you. If you’re curious, ask.

Say something like “Can I help?” or “Would it be okay if I watched?”

In my experience, Balinese people are happy to explain things or invite you in if you’re respectful.

#5 Try the ceremonial food

During Galungan, many warungs serve lawar, babi guling and satay. Kuningan usually includes nasi kuning, the yellow rice you’ll see in a lot of the offerings.

Some places only cook these dishes on ceremony days, so it’s the perfect time to try something new.

FAQ’s For This Festivity In Bali

What Now?

If you’re in Ubud during Galungan or Kuningan, there’s still plenty to explore outside ceremony hours.

From early morning walks to local art classes and jungle cafes, it’s a good time to slow down and see a different side of the town.

I put together a list of my favourite low-effort things to do nearby, especially if you don’t want to go far: 👉 Things to Do in Ubud

Not in Bali yet? Grab my free Bali travel checklist so you don’t forget the important stuff before your flight, like travel insurance, eSIMs or which bag to bring.

Ciao for now,
Silvia x

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