Living heritage: the art of flying the majestic Bali kites
- Reklamasi Pantai Mertasari
- Late afternoons July – September
Majestic Bali kites
Mertasari Beach is where the true Bali spirit comes alive. Every afternoon when the temperature drops and the wind picks up, local Balinese flock to the beach to compete in what is Bali’s most popular sport: kite flying. Kids from the local banjar drive here on their motorcycles to fly hat mythical kites that can be as big as 10 metres.
Kite beach
Here at kite beach, is where Bali kite surfing was born. ‘The side-shore winds with waves up to 10 feet provide the perfect conditions for jumping and wave riding’ says local kite surferJankie who operates the Bali kite surfing school where you can rent equipment and take lessons: ‘The school is mobile, we chase the wind. Mostly we’re here in Sanur at Kite Beach.’
The school is mobile, we chase the wind. Mostly we’re here in Sanur at Kite Beach.
Bali kite festival
A fantastic sight, Bali’s bright blue sky dotted with giant colourful kites. Every July and August, when the winds are blowing from the east, it is time for the Bali kite festival attracting kite flyers from all over the world. What carnival is to Rio is the kite festival to Denpasar; the local banjar groups compete with each other for skill and creativity in a game that entertains both young and old.