When Bestival Bali was just announced some months ago we were ecstatic. Not just because an international festival in such caliber is finally coming to Indonesia, but also because of the line up, the concept and best of all, the location. At the majestic Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bestival Bestival Bali made its debut with a bang. We came in not knowing what to expect, we came out thinking that Bestival Bali is exactly what we’ve been waiting for. Here are some of our favorite part of the festival. 1. Alt-J

It’s been a long time coming for this three piece band from the UK to make their Indonesia debut. Lucky for us it was Bestival Bali was their first stop. Alt-J’s unique sound that tick off basically every style of music makes them universally loved by everyone. The atmosphere in the crowd was through the star filled sky of Bali from start to finish. The band played some of their older pieces like Matilda, Fitzpleasure and the bagging Breezeblock, but we have to say their songs from their new record stole the show. Numbers like 3WW, In Clood Blood and especially Deadcrush really translated well in to their live set. Although they only performed for merely an hour, people were still having a good time.

2. A magical venue

Being in Bali, the land of Gods, we can’t think of a better venue that Bestival could choose  than Garuda Wisnu Kencana. Located far away from the busy Kuta, GWK was the perfect venue for this intimate festival. Imagine being surrounded by tall cliffs and glimmering lights. It does make you feel small, but in a good way. 3. An intimate festival

Festivals are known to be this huge thing that makes it harder for people to taking every thing in. Bestival Bali was a big festival that somehow felt intimate enough for everyone to get lost and absorbed everything there was to take. In every corner we could see people just becoming one with the festival. From sunset watching from the cliff, drinking a pint on the lawn, and dancing their night away in front of the stage, we could just tell that they all have the same reason. That was a very intimate night.

4. The Cuban Brother

The Cuban Brother, our new favorite brothers! Since Archie and Kengo came out with that festive floral suits, we knew we were in for a show, and we were right! A group of four grown up men rapping and break dancing all through their set with many crazy body con outfit changes was nothing like we’ve ever seen before. Their happy, radiant energy was contagious! Definitely a festival must have. 5. Crazy outfit parade

Festivals are the prefect place to put on something weird, wild and crazy. Clothes you don’t normally see in your daily life. But somehow people at Bestival Bali seemed to get the bar higher with their outfit. While at the beginning people seemed to be wearing their regular festival gear, as the sun goes down and the festival got crowder, things also took a turn for the best. People walked in wearing a full length sequin jumpsuit, an orange wig, crochet bikini top and a guy even stripped down his “day outfit” to don a speedo and shirt look.

6. A melting pot

Another advantages about Bestival in Bali is that this Land of God is a melting pot of travelers. People traveling in Bali from all around the world can be spotted at the festival. We have never been to a festival in the country where asking “Where were you traveling from?” to someone besides us was a necessary ice breaker. It truly felt like a proper international festival.

Bestival Bali was a refreshing new take on festival this is country has been waiting for and we can’t wait to see what Bestival has in store for us next year. (Photo: Bestival)

Bestival Bali, the award-winning UK festival to hit Indonesian shores on 30th September and 1stOctober, has revealed its next wave of acts.

Adding to an already jam-packed line-up, Bestival Bali has added the multi-platinum selling Pendulum, who will be playing an exclusive DJ set in their iconic, electronic rock style. Also, hailing from Australia, new artists to hit the bill include electro-duo, Bag Raiders, multi-instrumentalist, Kilter, and the tech-house powerhouse, Colour Castle.

The new announced acts follow Bestival Bali’s first artist announcement, featuring old friends and new from Alt-J to Purity Ring and De La Soul. Promising to make the inaugural edition one to remember, Bestival will bring its trademark unique, creative vision from the UK to the paradise island of Bali, Indonesia.

Rob da Bank, Bestival curator says “So here we are upping the ante with our first foray into Indonesia’s festival scene. We’ve got some old-school legends, hip hop wizardry and indie beauties, so we’re adding some serious antipodean vibes with the like of Pendulum, Bag Raiders and Kilter who are all smashing it down under. We’re only a (long) stone’s throw from Australia so you’ve no excuse. Book ya flight!”

First up, the mighty Pendulum! Taking to the hallowed Bestival decks, the festival is honoured to welcome the founding member of one of the most exciting musical forces of the last decade – Paul ‘El Hornet’ Harding of drum & bass and metal behemoths Pendulum. Landing in Bali as part of a busy summer, that includes a residency at legendary Ibiza super club Amnesia, expect some insane drum & bass action from one of the finest DJs in the game.

Australian duo Jack Glass and Chris Stacey are Bag Raiders, purveyors of spectacular electronic madness that has been setting the world alight since their debut EP was unleashed over a decade ago.  Chances are, if you’ve stumbled into a club, wobbled at a party, looked into the light at a festival or dawdled along the radio dial then you’ve been exposed to the majesty of Bag Raiders, who now bring their incredible live show to Bestival Bali.

One of Australia’s top 20 most streamed electronic artists, Kilter has quickly made the leap from burgeoning multi-instrumentalist to household name. Adored by listeners from all corners of the internet and festivalgoers alike for his euphoric, energised sound, Kilter is the moniker for 24-year-old Sydney rising star Ned East. Having amassed 40 million streams online, multiple visits to the top of Hype Machine charts and triumphed in the Triple J Like A Version studio, he has extensively toured Australia and played every major festival in the country. 2016 saw Kilter depart on his debut UK/EU tour and 2017 saw him touring across America.

Renowned for his melodic poolside grooves and slamming late night stompers, Colour Castle has been a driving force on the Aussie tech house scene for years now, gaining favour with the likes of Carl Cox, Doorly and Hannah Wants with one powerhouse release after another.

Bestival Bali will take place at the incredible Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK Cultural Park). With breath-taking vistas across the tropical landscape of Bali, and with over 240 acres of parkland centred around 25m high limestone-carved cliffs. Bestival will entertain the audience with eclectic music from around the globe as well as offering immersive experiences, delicious food and unforgettable shenanigans – in a way that only Bestival can.

The UK’s multi-award winning festival, Bestival, is setting sail for a new adventure in Bali on 30^th September and 1^st October 2017.

On a mission to spread its very own peace and love to Asia for the first time, Bestival will be bringing its trademark unique, creative vision from the UK to the paradise island of Bali, Indonesia. Expect one of the most colourful shows Bali has ever seen.

Taking place at the incredible, mind-blowing venue, Uluwatu’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK Cultural Park), Bestival will entertain the audience with eclectic music from around the globe as well as offering immersive experiences, delicious food and unforgettable shenanigans – in a way that only Bestival can.

Bestival curator Rob da Bank says: “Well I can’t think of a better place in the world to do a new festival than Bali – a beautiful country, incredible culture, great music and don’t even get me started on the surf, history, nature and people… We are honoured to be bringing Bestival to Bali and promise to deliver a sublime festival experience reflecting being on the Island Of Gods from funk pioneer George Clinton and hip hop royalty De La Soul to indie heroes alt-J and Purity Ring it’s gonna be the best!”

Bestival UK has been at the forefront of the British festival scene for the past 14 years, winning a multitude of awards. The original boutique festival attracts over 40,000 fans each year and is known for its creative vision and eclectic music.

The inaugural show will feature Bestival friends old and new. Having recently released their third studio album, Mercury winning, British indie-rockers alt-J will also be making their Bestival Bali debut along with Canadian electronic duo, Purity Ring. They will be joined by Bestival family and renowned crowd-pleasers, The Cuban Brothers, plus Indonesian born reggae superstar Ras Muhamad.

‘Feel the Love’ as the Rudimental take the main stage helm. The drum and bass band, who previously collaborated with pop royalty including Ella Eyre, Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sande, to name a few, will be on-hand to deliver one of their high-energy DJ sets. D.A.I.S.Y Age legends, De La Soul, will be gracing the stage with some of their classic back catalogue. After releasing a phenomenal 17 albums, the hip-hop trio will celebrate 30 years of De La Soul this year. Not to be missed! We are also incredibly honoured to have the Granddaddy of funk and acid rock, Parliament-Funkadelic main man, George Clinton join us. Bestival curator and musical wizard, Rob da Bank will be on the decks, plus some incredible pop from local act, Stars and Rabbits.

Providing the backdrop to the first ever show in Southeast Asia, is the stunning Garuda Wisnu Kencana. With breath-taking vistas across the tropical landscape of Bali, and with over 240 acres of parkland centred around 25m high limestone-carved cliffs, this beautiful venue will host some of the biggest international and local talent over two days.