Gili Festival 2026: Tradition, maritime charm in North Lombok

The Gili Indah tourist area of ​​North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province had hosted the 2026 Gili Festival. The festival, included in the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar, took place from Aug. 10 to 12, 2026.

The event combined the spirituality of coastal communities with the internationally renowned marine tourism attractions. The core of the Gili Festival is the revival of the Safar Bathing tradition, locally known as Rebo Bontong.

This traditional ceremony is performed by the Gili Indah community every last Wednesday of the month of Safar, as a form of prayer for safety and protection from various diseases and dangers. This ritual is an expression of collective prayer that has been passed down through generations in the Sasak community.

The Mandi Safar ritual consists of two main stages, each rich with meaning:

1. Pelarangan Hasil Bumi (The Release of Produce): The procession begins with a ritual release of produce into the sea, as a form of gratitude and an offering to the natural world that has been their source of livelihood;
2. Bathing Together: After the release stage, the entire community plunges into the sea together. This communal bathing symbolizes purification, both spiritually and physically, and has become an integral part of the lives of the Gili Indah community

One of the unique features and main attractions of this ritual for tourists is its openness to everyone. Visitors are invited to experience the excitement of bathing together, regardless of position, social class, or gender.

Through the Mandi Safar ritual, the Sasak people of the Gili Indah area maintain harmony between humans, the Creator, and the sea, which has been their source of livelihood for generations.

Festival participants can enjoy this cleansing procession while gazing at the panoramic beauty of Gili's iconic beaches and sea. This combination of cultural rituals and natural beauty makes the Gili Festival a powerful tourism experience, where culture and nature merge in authentic harmony.