Bau Nyale is a tradition of catching sea worms (nyale) carried out by the Sasak people in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This tradition is celebrated every year in February or March, and is associated with the legend of Princess Mandalika who sacrificed herself to the sea, which then transformed into nyale.

Nyale itself is like a type of colorful sea worm. Its uniqueness is because this worm is not found on other beaches, only on the beach where Princess Mandalika threw herself. What’s unique is that nyale can be eaten and is often used as a dish every year. Are you interested in eating this sea worm?

Bau Nyale Tradition

The Bau Nyale Tradition is a cultural celebration carried out by the Sasak Tribe on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

Quoted from Kumparan.com, in the book Pendidikan Toleransi Sasak Muslim Bali Hindu di Kota Mataram by Lalu Khothibul, Bau Nyale comes from the Sasak language, namely “bau” which means “catch” and “nyale” is the term for a type of “sea worm”.

This celebration is held to catch sea worms that appear on certain beaches at certain times of the year, usually around February or March according to the Sasak calendar.

Bau Nyale usually takes place at dawn on certain beaches in Lombok, such as Seger Beach in Kuta, Central Lombok, taking into account the lunar cycle and sea tides.

The tradition of catching sea worms is an activity that presents the culture of the Sasak tribe. This tradition originated from a local legend of someone named Princess Mandalika.

According to the beliefs of the Lombok people, Nyale is the incarnation of Princess Mandalika who is described as a beautiful princess with noble morals.

Because of her beauty and character, many kings and princes fell in love with her. The princess chose to sacrifice herself by jumping into the sea and turning into a colorful Nyale. This sacrifice was made because Princess Mandalika did not want a war to occur because of fighting over her.

Therefore, some people in Lombok believe that Nyale is not just an ordinary sea worm but a creature that is believed to bring prosperity to those who can catch and eat it.

The types of sea worms caught include worms that are classified as the annelid phylum. This tradition has been carried out from generation to generation by the Sasak people. The Bau Nyale tradition has become an official festival by the Ministry of Tourism. People try to catch sea worms on the beach with white sand and clear sea water, adding to the lively atmosphere of the beach.

Overall, the Bau Nyale tradition is a blend of cultural heritage, local beliefs, and social activities that strengthen the sense of togetherness among the people of Lombok.

In fact, many people are willing to stay overnight on the beach to wait for the nyale to appear in the ocean. This has become the most awaited annual agenda.

Nutritional Content in Nyale

Quoted from Kompas.com scientifically, Nyale worms that have been studied do contain very high animal protein, in addition, Dr. dr. Soewignyo Soemohardjo in his research revealed that Nyale worms can release substances that are proven to be able to kill germs. While socially and culturally, based on a survey among farmers in the central Lombok region, 70.6% of respondents who threw away used leaves from wrapping Nyale Pepes into the rice fields could increase soil fertility and increase community agricultural yields. There are many nutritional contents, right? So what are you waiting for, if you go to Lombok you must try nyale!