A Forgotten Tourism Village at Penglipuran

Tucked away in a quiet area, around 6 kilometres from Bangli City, Penglipuran Village is one of traditional village tourism destinations in Bali. Not only known for its authenticity of Balinese culture in its traditional architecture, culture, and social rules, this village is well-managed by the community, making it considered as one of the cleanest villages in the world.

Fresh, clean, neat are among your first impression upon entering the village area. Here no motor vehicle is allowed to enter. All must be parked at the designated area outside the village complex. Passing through the welcome sign, I walk slowly through the main paved road. There is only one main road here where all the houses are lining along the road. Each house has a similar entrance gate, called angkul-angkul. Everyone is welcome to visit the house.

As you follow the road, notice that the village’s layout is designed in a certain way. It is adapted from the Three Mandalas concept of Balinese Hinduism. At the higher area is the sacred area where temples sit. Following down the road, the settlement area in the middle, and graveyard at the bottom area of above. Unlike another Balinese community, the deceased here is buried instead of cremated (Ngaben).

The real charm of Penglipuran Village in its nature, culture, and traditional way of life is worth experiencing. Fortunately, here you can stay longer for one night or more to be able to absorb the peaceful serenity. There are homestays inside the village with adequate facilities.