Bali Tourists Can Find the Christmas Spirit in Nusa Dua This Festive Season
As the festive season approaches, tourists in Bali have a special opportunity to experience Christmas in a uniquely Balinese way, especially in the luxurious resort area of Nusa Dua. This year, the holiday spirit is celebrated by blending traditional Balinese culture with classic Christmas elements, creating a memorable experience for visitors from around the world.
Nusa Dua’s Unique Christmas Experience
Nusa Dua, known for its upscale resorts and tranquil beaches, has embraced the festive season with a creative program that combines the warmth of Christmas with Bali’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can expect to see Santa Claus mingling with the iconic Balinese Barong — a mythological creature symbolizing protection and good fortune. Alongside these festive characters, tourists can enjoy captivating traditional performances, including the fiery Kecak dance, which narrates the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Made Purnama Damayanti, Commercial & Relations Group Head of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) at The Nusa Dua, shared insights about the initiative. She explained, “We call it the Nataru customer experience. This is our annual year-end agenda to celebrate Christmas and New Year with a unique concept and Balinese character.” The term "Nataru" combines the Indonesian words for Christmas ("Natal") and New Year ("Tahun Baru").
The traditional Barong dance and Kecak performances have become annual hallmarks since 2023. Tickets for the Christmas Kecak performance are available for IDR 150,000, offering guests an authentic cultural show within the setting of a world-class resort.
Festive Cultural Events Beyond Nusa Dua
While Nusa Dua offers a fusion of luxury and tradition, other parts of Bali are also embracing the holiday season with distinctive celebrations. One notable destination is Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency, a beloved cultural attraction recognized internationally after winning the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Best Tourism Village Award.
From December 27th, Penglipuran Village will host the Barong Macan Parade, featuring at least 15 Barong puppets accompanied by live traditional gamelan music performed by local youth musicians. Following this, from December 28th to January 1st, visitors can experience the Tetantrian Macan Gading — a daily theatrical performance that tells a story of bravery and unity, presented alongside traditional music.
In keeping with Penglipuran’s cultural and environmental values, the village is adorned with beautiful handmade decorations crafted from bamboo and other natural materials instead of plastic. This eco-friendly approach supports the community’s commitment to regenerative tourism, ensuring a festive celebration with a minimal ecological footprint.
Celebrating “Nataru” – Christmas and New Year in Bali
For travelers who want to join in the seasonal greetings, the local phrase to wish someone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year is “Selamat Natal dan Tahun Baru!” This warm expression captures the spirit of unity between visitors and locals during this joyous time.
Tourists looking to explore beyond the festivities can book guided day tours in Bangli Regency, which include visits to other scenic attractions like the Cepung Waterfall. Entry tickets to events at Penglipuran Village can also be purchased upon arrival, making it easy for visitors to partake in the celebrations.
Embrace the Festive Spirit in Bali
Bali’s approach to Christmas and New Year ensures that the holiday season is not just a vacation but a cultural experience filled with vibrant performances, enchanting traditions, and sincere hospitality. Whether staying in the upscale ambiance of Nusa Dua or exploring the cultural charms of Penglipuran Village, tourists are invited to immerse themselves in the unique celebration of "Nataru" — a blend of Christmas joy and Balinese heritage.
As this festive season unfolds, Bali continues to welcome travelers with open arms, promising unforgettable memories and the true spirit of holiday togetherness.
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