The Joy of Flying Kites at Kampung Kerbau Situbondo: A Slice of Traditional Tourism in East Java

Astonishing aerial view of Kampung Kerbau Situbondo.(Photo by: Jimmy Yanuar Annas)

The afternoon sun hung low over the fields of Kampung Kerbau Situbondo, painting the sky in warm shades of gold. Here, amid the gentle rustle of rice stalks and the distant mooing of grazing buffalo, the air was alive with color. Dozens of kites danced above us, twisting and diving like playful birds. This wasn’t just any leisure activity. This was an authentic slice of traditional tourism in East Java, where local culture, nature, and simple joys blend into an unforgettable travel experience.

As a travel blogger exploring Indonesia, mainly pantura trail route, I’ve seen my fair share of stunning beaches and majestic mountains, but there was something special about this moment. 

Visiting Kampung Kerbau Situbondo wasn’t just about the kites, it was about the community, the laughter, and the connection to traditions that have stood the test of time.

Kampung Kerbau, A Village with a Story

Buffalo freely roam around in Kampung kerbau Situbondo.(Photo by: Maghroby)

Kampung Kerbau (literally “Buffalo Village”) got its name from the sight that greets visitors upon arrival, large herds of buffalo roaming freely, grazing under the blue Situbondo sky. Life here moves at a slower pace, untouched by the rush of modern city life.

The villagers have kept kite flying as more than just a pastime. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, often tied to harvest celebrations or simply as a way for neighbors to gather and enjoy the wind-swept afternoons.

When I arrived, children and adults alike were already out in the fields, each holding onto their own creations. Some kites shaped like fish, others like dragons, and a few in vibrant geometric patterns. It was as if the sky had turned into an open-air art gallery.

They flew kites with joy. Some simply enjoyed the beautiful afternoon panorama, while others enjoyed the thrill of competing with other kites until one of their kites broke in midair. Afterward, the children would run after the broken kite with enthusiasm and energy. Sometimes, in their excitement, they missed the numerous water holes found in Kampung Kerbau, and ended up falling in. 

Even so, they would get back up, laughing, and then run again, chasing the broken kite.

 

The Art of Kite Flying in Kampung Kerbau

Here, kite flying is not about high-tech gear or flashy materials. The locals still make many of their kites by hand, using bamboo frames and thin but sturdy plastic or paper. They take pride in creating kites that are both beautiful and aerodynamic, adjusting each curve and angle to catch the wind just right.

I was lucky enough to try it myself. A kind local man named Pak Samin handed me a bright red kite with a simple diamond shape. “Just feel the wind,” he told me with a smile. It took a few tries, but once the kite caught the breeze, it soared effortlessly. I couldn’t help but grin, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your kite climb higher and higher into the vast East Javanese sky.

Why This Experience is Special?

Many travelers head straight to famous beaches or mountains, but places like Kampung Kerbau remind us that traditional tourism in East Java is just as magical. 

In Kampung Kerbau, you don’t just observe the culture, you become part of it. You chat with locals, share snacks after a kite session, and feel the genuine warmth of village hospitality.

It’s not about chasing Instagram-perfect moments (although you’ll get plenty of those). It’s about feeling the breeze in your hair, the pull of the string in your hands, and the sense of belonging in a community that opens its heart to visitors.

My visit to Kampung Kerbau was also prompted by a video of the Situbondo Regent flying a kite so enthusiastically that his wife even reminded him to go home because he was having too much fun. It was a fascinating phenomenon that made me even more interested in visiting Kampung Kerbau Situbondo and enjoying its beauty and the excitement of kite flying.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mas Rio (@masrio.bupatiku)

 

Tips for Flying Kites at Kampung Kerbau

If you’re planning to experience kite flying here, a few things can make your visit even more enjoyable:

• Choose the right time to visit: Late afternoon offers the perfect combination of wind and golden light for photography.
• Bring your own kite or buy locally: Supporting local kite makers is a great way to contribute to the community. The price for a piece of kite also really affordable.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sandals: You’ll be walking in open fields, so comfort is key. It also best to use sandal due to lot of water hole in Kampung Kerbau as it territory is mainly swamp.
• Join the locals: Don’t be shy. The villagers are friendly and often happy to help you get your kite airborne. It's hard first time, though. But you can fly it by the time going. Just catch the breeze of air.

 

How to Get to Kampung Kerbau?

Kampung Kerbau is located in Situbondo, East Java, and can be reached by car or motorbike from the city center in about 30–40 minutes. The route itself is scenic, taking you past rice paddies, small shops, and stretches of rural charm.

I reccomend you to rent a motorbike or take Ojek rather than car because the road is not well paved and stony. Here is google map navogation for you who are curious about Kampung Kerbau Situbondo.

Final Thoughts

Flying kites at Kampung Kerbau is more than just a fun outdoor activity, it’s a window into the everyday joys of rural East Java. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences come from the simplest traditions. If you’re looking for an authentic, heartwarming, and breezy escape, this corner of Situbondo might just be your perfect stop. (*)