Buleleng International Rhythm Festival (BIRF)

The Buleleng International Rhythm Festival (BIRF) is an annual cultural exchange festival held in Singaraja, North Bali, Indonesia. Supported by IOV-UNESCO, it brings together international folk dance groups, traditional music ensembles, and cultural performance artists from countries across Asia and Europe.

Taking place over six days each March at Gedung Kesenian Gde Manik, BIRF fills North Bali with performances, parades, cultural workshops, and destination visits — including the temples of Singaraja and the famous dolphin watching waters of Lovina.

Past editions have hosted delegations from Poland, South Korea, Bulgaria, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and India. The festival is organised in collaboration between Yayasan Sanggar Seni Santi Budaya and the World Festival Association (WOFA), with a UNESCO recommendation for the 2025–2027 period.

What to expect: outdoor parade performances through Singaraja’s streets, stage performances at Gedung Kesenian Gde Manik, cultural workshops and art exchanges between international and local groups, excursions to Bali temples and dolphin watching in Lovina, and local craft and food participation from Desa Wisata Panji and Desa Wisata Kalibukbuk.

International groups can apply via the World Festival Association. Group size is up to 20 participants. The participation fee covers accommodation at New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort, meals per programme, all local festival transfers, and a dedicated liaison officer.

The 2027 BIRF dates have not been officially announced through Buleleng government channels as of this writing. Based on the established annual pattern, the festival is expected to run 10–15 March 2027, consistent with all previous years. Check official channels for final confirmation.