Negara

Negara in West Bali is the capital of Jembrana district, and the home of the famous buffalo races, which run between July and October.

The regency even calls itself the land of the Mekepung. The Mekepung was originally held as a part of the harvest festivities. The carts and buffaloes were, until quite recently still used for transportation. The Mekepung consists of a race between two carts pulled by water buffaloes. 

The colorfully decorated animals race on a two kilometers course. These days, championship events are organized under the sponsorship of the local government, which uses the race to help promoting tourism.