Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Water Buffalo Racing in Bali
Water Buffalo Racing
Think water buffalo and the image that probably springs to mind is of a large, sedentary animal up to its waist in a paddy field munching merrily away. Find yourself at a makepung water buffalo racing tournament in the Jembrana province of Bali, however, and you might just want to reconsider as two half ton adults connected to a flimsy chariot come thundering past at high speed.
Balinese Ben Hurs
The sport evolved with farmers racing their buffalos in the breaks between rice harvests, and the official season now runs from July to October. The tournaments are an opportunity for communities to celebrate, with musicians playing and jockeys decorating their chariots and the horns of their trusty steeds before taking part in one-on-one races in a knockout competition. The most prestigious contest of all is the Governor's Cup where some 300 amateur Ben Hurs arrive with their buffalos and compete over a series of days before huge crowds.
While Indonesia is (quite rightly) a tourist magnet, you can explore a side of the islands that often goes unseen with our team’s insider knowledge and connections. That might come in the form of an eco-snorkelling tour in Lombok, guided by fishermen who previously worked in the shark-fishing industry. Our savvy in-country Concierges are just a WhatsApp away, eager to recommend their favourite tried-and-tested experiences. We’ll even take the admin out of travel by arranging e-visas and the Bali Tourist Tax before you go, so you can enjoy Indonesia’s rice terraces, temples and beaches in peace.
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