Negara is the capital town of Jembrana Distric on the southern coast in West Bali. The town is best known for the wild and exciting buffalo races. The Buffalo Races are part of the harvest festivities which run between July and October. If you are on the island during this period make sure to see the races.

Negara is also call the land of Makepung, the Balinese word for buffalo race. The race is held on a course and the riders ride in a cart pulled by two water buffalos. The course is two kilometers in length. The races are pretty exciting and present a riot of spectacle with the buffalos decorated colorfully and the winners hailed loudly. The events are organized and sponsored by the local government in order to promote the local tourism industry.

For something tamer but just as colorful, Negara is also well known for the Joged dance. The dance is performed by a girl in a variation of the legong costume. This dance is considered as an erotic dance by the Balinese because the girl entices the men from the audience during the course of the dance.

The man invited must dance with her in postures that represent a love game of approach and refusal, in which the man tries to come near enough to the girl's face to catch her perfume and feel the warmth of her skin, the Balinese form of a kiss. The dance is coy and fun and sometimes the source of mild embarassment for an unsuspecting man, though of course done in good humour by all.

Negara is rarely visited by tourists outside the buffalo racing season and accordingly offers a glimpse of the real Bali. One word of caution -- it is best to go with a driver as the road to Negara can be a bit tricky as it is heavily trafficked by through buses and trucks.