Bau Nyale Sea Worm Festival

Once a year the beaches around Kuta fill up in the dark. Families arrive with nets and lamps, music plays until sunrise, and at first light everyone wades in to catch the nyale – the sea worms that spawn on exactly these nights.

The legend behind it is the story of Princess Mandalika, who threw herself into the sea rather than choose between rival suitors and, tradition holds, returns each year as the nyale. It is the same legend that gave the Mandalika area its name.

Part festival, part fishing expedition, part all-night beach party – and one of the best windows into Sasak culture you will find anywhere on the island. Dates follow the Sasak lunar calendar and are announced each year.