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Garden in Netherlands Transformed into a Balinese Village


Imagine strolling through a garden in the Netherlands, only to be greeted by the sounds of Balinese gamelan, the scent of incense, and the irresistible aroma of Balinese cuisine.

That’s exactly what visitors will experience at Taman Indonesia Kallenkote from April 27 to May 4, 2025, when the garden is transformed into a Balinese Village in celebration of the Bali Festival.

The event brings the full spirit of Bali, from traditional rituals and cultural performances to authentic Balinese street food right to the heart of the Netherlands.

The festival is initiated by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague, in collaboration with the Bali Abdi Samasta Foundation and the Balinese diaspora community in the Netherlands.

A Balinese Atmosphere in Netherlands

For eight days, Taman Indonesia will take on a new identity, adorned with Balinese traditional ornaments. Visitors will enjoy a wide array of experiences: cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions, documentary screenings, and a bazaar showcasing Balinese products and food.

In addition to witnessing the Melaspas temple purification ritual, visitors can enjoy Balinese dances and gamelan music, learn how to craft canang sari offerings, and sample authentic Balinese dishes like sate lilit, lawar, and sambal matah.

The highlight of the festival coincides with the inauguration of the first Balinese Hindu temple in the Netherlands, Pura Shanta Citta Bhuwana, on May 3, 2025. Built by the local Balinese community, the temple serves as both a place of worship and a center for spiritual activities.

The sacred Melaspas and Ngenteg Linggih ceremonies will be led by Ida Shri Bhagawan Putra Natha Nawa Wangsafrom Bali and witnessed by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, as well as Indonesian dignitaries and citizens residing in the Netherlands. The inauguration marks a historic moment for the Balinese diaspora in Europe.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action

The transformation of Taman Indonesia Kallenkote into a Balinese Village is more than just seasonal decoration.

It is part of a cultural diplomacy initiative that strengthens the relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands, while also promoting Bali as a world-class cultural and tourism destination.

This festival also serves as a platform for empowering the Balinese diaspora, who have taken the lead in preserving and showcasing their cultural identity abroad.

Support for the event comes from various stakeholders, including the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, the Provincial Government of Bali, Bank Indonesia London, ISI Denpasar, and many others.


Sources: Travel Kompas, Tempo.co
Feat Image: via Embassy of Indonesia in Den Haag

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