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The sun beat down on the dusty field in Bantul, Yogyakarta, as I and tourist couple from the US, found in a spectacle I never imagined, pigeon racing. The air buzzed with excitement, a mix of Indonesian chatter and the cooing of hundreds of pigeons. My guest name is Mr Boyd and Ms Katelyn Foley, she found me on kejawa.com, my website page about tour in Yogyakarta. We communicated to do tour and visit temple around Yogyakarta.
Short story, the day after we visited the temples in Yogyakarta, we planned to do a bike tour in my village. That day I already knew that there was a pigeon racing competition near my village. I gave the information to Boyd and Katelyn, She really wanted to see the competition because she had never seen it before.
After visiting several places on the bike tour, we headed to the pigeon race venue. After we arrived, we were greeted by Mas Sahit. He was one of the participants in the race and he brought several pigeons to join the race. We watched, mesmerized, as the pigeons were released from their cages, soaring into the sky in a flurry of wings. The crowd erupted in cheers, their eyes following the birds as they raced towards the finish line.
Mas Sahid explained that the pigeons were trained from a young age. Their owners dedicating hours to perfecting their flying skills. The birds were released from a distance, their homing instincts guiding them back to their lofts. The first pigeon to cross the finish line was declared the winner.
Harmony pigeon racing in Bantul Yogyakarta
With curiosity and interest, Katelyn wanted to try holding the dove. I asked Mas Sahid for permission to borrow his dove for Katelyn to hold, luckily Mas Sahid allowed it.
The atmosphere was electric, a blend of friendly competition and camaraderie. We was struck by the passion of the pigeon owners, their faces etched with pride as they watched their birds compete.
As the race came to an end, We found caught up in the excitement, cheering alongside the locals. It was a glimpse into a unique aspect of Indonesian culture, a sport that was deeply ingrained in the local community.
The pigeon racing in Bantul Yogyakarta was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of community, tradition, and the bond between humans and animals. It was a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, you can find moments of pure joy and connection. For anyone who wants to experience the same adventure as Katelyn, please contact me on whatsApp or email.
