Flags inspired by the umbul umbuls of Bali are a great way to decorate a wedding or other outdoor event. Select from classic white or a colour or printed design to match your chosen theme.

Besides your fabric flag, you'll also need a long, pole to hold it. Bamboo is traditional, but other materials may also be employed. Some flag suppliers also sell poles. For safety's sake, make sure the pole is is good condition and anchored securely.

Where to buy

For weddings, check the suppliers section here: Garden weddings

Should you be interested in creating a Balinese-themed garden in your own backyard, you can also check the list of Balinese Garden Suppliers for vendors of flags and other Balinese-style garden accessories (especially if you live in Qld). That page also has links to a variety of other websites offering information and pictures about Balinese, Indonesian and Polynesian art and culture, which may be useful if you're planning a wedding using one of those themes.

More about Umbul Umbuls

See flags and learn about the 2004 Umbul Umbul Festival in Bali at the following websites: Arti Foundation and The Rainbow Project

A traditional form is the penjor. a long arching bamboo pole like that of the umbul umbul (and sometimes also called umbul umbuls). Instead of a fabric flag, they're decorated with palm leaves and other materials. There's some information here: Bamboo in Balinese Rituals, one of the articles (scroll down the page) in "Bamboo, People and the Environment" (Proceedings of the Vth International Bamboo Workshop and the IV International Bamboo Congress, Volume 4). A close look at a penjor in Seminyak Bali at Baliblog.com tells us about the symbolism involved.

More Links:

See more Balinese flags and the ways they are used Bali and abroad in the following links:

Untiltled photograph by "pinhole" - a beautiful shot of a Balinese garden decorated with a profusion of flags.

Our Bali Holiday - 2004 Note use of flags and umbrellas in the ceremonial procession. (Lots more interesting pics of Bali at this site)

Offerings Online

Bamboo and palm leaf Umbul umbuls or Penjor:

Penjor at Belong, Bugbug photograph by Steve Gill (with more on the possible symbolism of the arching pole)

Umbul-umbul biasanya dipasang kalau ada upacara Images from Indonesia, Center of Southeast Asian Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Umbal umbals made of palm or banana leaves part of the "Our Bali Honeymoon" blog.

Possible misspellings or alternative spellings: umbel umbels, umbal umbals

Ready to create your own tropical paradise?

To visit the Balinese Gardening Page, CLICK HERE

All about gardens inspired by Bali, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands, including where to buy Balinese and Polynesian themed garden accessories in Qld (statues, thatched huts etc.)

For questions about products or services advertised above, contact the business concerned. If you can't find a supplier, the webmaster might be able to help: email an enquiry (for Qld suppliers only). Sorry, personal gardening advice cannot be given.