Bau Nyale: The Legendary Storynomics of Mandalika’s Tourism
Mandalika, located in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is one of the five Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP). Due to its many charms, the area has successfully attracted both domestic and international tourists. One notable attraction is its selection as a world-class sports tourism destination and its upcoming hosting of the MotoGP 2024 international racing event from September 27 to 29, 2024.
Mandalika has been selected to host the international race for the third time because of the existence of the Mandalika International Street Circuit, which is also supported by its natural beauty. Be it the presence of beautiful white sandy beaches such as Mandalika Beach and Kuta Beach, Merese Hill, which is the best place to enjoy the sunset in Mandalika, or the local wisdom of the Sasak Tribe at Sade Tourism Village.
Mandalika’s popularity stems not just from its world-class racing events and natural beauty but also from its rich culture and traditions that have been passed down for generations. One example is the legend of Bau Nyale, which is considered the precursor to the birth of the Mandalika region.
The Legend of Princess Mandalika
Based on the legend believed by the local community, the name Mandalika is taken from the legend of the Sasak Tribe about Princess Mandalika, which is interesting as a storynomics tourism. So, what is the connection between Princess Mandalika and the name “Mandalika,” which is now a Super Priority Tourism Destination area?
Photo: Crowds at the Bau Nyale Festival in Mandalika (Shutterstock/Tomas Srb)
According to local legend, a king and queen from a kingdom had a daughter named Princess Mandalika. She was beautiful, and many princes from other kingdoms sought her hand in marriage. To make her decision, Princess Mandalika meditated and invited all the princes to Seger Beach on the 20th of the 10th month of the Sasak calendar to inform them of her choice.
During that time, Princess Mandalika accepted the princes’ proposals to prevent disputes. As the princes were confused, Princess Mandalika stood on a rock and unexpectedly threw herself into the sea. This action startled the princes, and they tried to rescue her. Unfortunately, Princess Mandalika could not be found as the waves swept her away.
Uniquely, many small creatures resembling colorful worms, called “nyale,” suddenly appeared during the search. Consequently, the locals came to believe that nyale is the incarnation of Princess Mandalika, who seeks to maintain peace and harmony in the area.
The Meaning of the Legend of Bau Nyale in Mandalika
The “extreme” choice made by Princess Mandalika has become a deep memory for the Sasak people. The Sasak people regularly hold the Bau Nyale ceremony to commemorate the princess. This tradition begins with a sangkep or meeting of leaders to determine a good day: the 20th of the 10th month of the Sasak calendar believed to be when nyale comes out. This tradition has become an annual festival known as the “Bau Nyale Festival”.
The local community celebrates the Bau Nyale Cultural Festival by gathering at Seger Beach in the afternoon. The festival continues with peresean (a traditional stick-fighting ritual) activities until midnight. The tradition involves catching nyale, a sea worm, from early morning until dawn. The nyale are later cooked and eaten by the local community, as it is believed to be a form of love for Putri Mandalika.
The Bau Nyale Festival showcases various traditional arts, such as betandak (exchanging rhymes), bejambik (giving gifts to lovers), and belancaran (boat rides). In addition to celebrating Bau Nyale, a statue of Princess Mandalika was erected in the Mandalika area to honor her sacrifice.
