If you’ve never spent Indonesian Independence Day here, it’s worth knowing what to expect. From early August onward, villages and neighborhoods across Bali start preparing. Flags go up along the streets, red-and-white bunting gets strung between shopfronts and by the time the 17th arrives, entire communities gather for traditional games. Think sack races, kerupuk-eating contests and the ever-popular panjat pinang, where teams scramble up a greased betel-nut trunk for prizes tied at the top. At Risata Bali Resort, we wanted to bring that chaotic, fun and deeply communal spirit into our hotel.

Last year, we turned the 17th into something the whole hotel looked forward to. One staff from each department dressed in traditional Indonesian clothing from different regions in Indonesia. What started as a simple show of pride quickly turned into a friendly competition and our guests got to be the judges, casting their votes for the department that wore the day best.

This year, we’re doing it again, but with a twist that means a little more to us. Our team’s outfits will be made entirely from recycled and upcycled fabric. It felt like the right next step — dressing our team in reimagined materials is part of our broader push to be a more sustainable hotel in Bali, one small habit at a time.

Alongside the celebrations, we’re marking the week with a small gesture that highlights the diversity of Indonesian cuisine. Running from the 17th through the 23rd of August, enjoy our Indonesian specialties served at a special discount. And if the festive spirit have rubbed off on you, wear red and white to get one free soft drink alongside your meal!

One of the highlights of Bali in July is the Bali Arts Festival, the island’s longest-running celebration of art, music and tradition. Held in Denpasar, this annual festival brings together performers and artisans from across Bali, filling the stages with traditional dance performances, gamelan orchestras and parades. You can also join workshops, try local Balinese dishes and buy handcrafted works, offering a meaningful glimpse into the island’s cultural identity and creativity. The festivities are primarily held in Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, which is a 40-minutes drive away from Risata Bali Resort & Spa. 

For a more intimate cultural experience, the Penglipuran Village Festival invites visitors to discover one of Bali’s best-preserved traditional villages. Nestled in the highlands of Bangli, Penglipuran is celebrated for its beautifully maintained streets, bamboo forests and timeless architecture. During the festival, the village comes alive with traditional dances, local culinary specialties, craft exhibitions and community celebrations. It’s a rewarding day trip for those looking to venture beyond the beaches of Kuta and explore another side of the island.

While these two festivals celebrate long-standing, traditional arts and crafts, this month also welcomes the Bali Jani Arts Festival, a celebration of contemporary Balinese creativity through visual art, theatre, music, film and innovative performances that offer a fresh perspective on the island’s cultural landscape. Further north, the Lovina Festival showcases the charm of Bali’s coastal communities with traditional performances and more unique experiences like a traditional fishing tournament, dolphin ecosystem awareness and beach cleanup initiatives.