PENGLIPURAN TOURISM VILLAGE, ONE OF BEST AND CLEANEST TOURIST VILLAGE IN THE WORLD

Bali is always an attractive destination, thanks to its natural beauty, rich culture, and cuisine. This time, I visited a traditional village transformed into a cultural tourism village concept. The name is no longer unfamiliar, especially since this tourism village has gained international recognition.

Indeed, its name is Penglipuran Tourism Village. This tourism village has gained global recognition after being listed among the three cleanest villages in the world by the international magazine Boombastic, following Mawlynnong in India and Giethoorn in the Netherlands. TripAdvisor even named it the second-best village in the world in 2016 based on travelers' choices, following the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador (source: Indonesia.go.id).

About Penglipuran Tourism Village

Penglipuran Traditional Village is in Penglipuran Hamlet, Kubu Village, Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali. It is approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Denpasar, and the journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport takes about 1–1.5 hours via winding and uphill roads.

This internationally renowned village is approximately 600–700 meters above sea level, making the atmosphere calm and comfortable. However, the heat remains intense during the dry season, but the breeze remains fresh.

This village has existed since the Bangli Kingdom era, more than 700 years ago. Its inhabitants are believed to have originated from Bayung Gede Village (Kintamani) and settled in this new area, eventually forming their village. The name Penglipuran is thought to derive from pengeling pura (a place to commemorate ancestors) or from pelipur (encouragement) and lipur (sorrow) as a meditation site for the King of Bangli.

The village has received the Kalpataru Award for preserving its bamboo forests. The Green Destinations Foundation has included it in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations as one of the cleanest villages in the world. The village's spatial layout follows the Tri Mandala philosophy (Utama, Madya, Nista) as a balance between humans, nature, and ancestors.

Initially, this village, one of the cleanest villages in the world and the best in the world, was a conservation village to preserve customs and culture. In 1989/1990, the town underwent settlement planning by the Public Works Department. During the project, several Udayana University students conducted community service here, and during this process, it gradually developed into a tourist destination.

Address and How to Get to Penglipuran Tourism Village

Penglipuran Tourism Village is at Jalan Penglipuran, Kubu, Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali 80611. The travel time to this tourism village is approximately 1 hour from Kuta or about 54 km away. You can use public transportation, rent a motorbike, or a car.

Penglipuran is approximately 5 km from the center of Bangli City. It is also near several other tourist villages, such as Pule Village (3.8 km), Pejeng Kangin (9 km), Kedisan (7.4 km), and Kenderan (8.5 km), as well as the well-known tourist areas of Kintamani and Mount Batur.

You can get to this place by private car, motorcycle, or rental car/driver. There is no public transportation that goes directly to this tourist village. Tourist vehicles can only reach the parking area outside the village.

From the parking lot, visitors continue on foot along the main road, free of motor vehicles, to maintain the village's beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

Operating Hours and Entrance Fees (HTM)

Penglipuran Tourism Village is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit during these hours to enjoy the atmosphere and unique culture of the community. Admission fees vary depending on the category.

• Domestic Adults IDR15,000 and Children IDR10,000  
• International Adults IDR30,000 and Children IDR25,000
• Parking IDR5,000 for cars

Best time to visit

Visit during the dry season, not the rainy season, to take great photos, and come in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.

• Nearby tourist attractions
• Penglipuran Bamboo Forest
• Cukad Cepung Waterfall
• Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari Temple
• Mount Kawi
• Tibumana Waterfall
• Besakih Temple

Facilities

The following are some facilities that visitors can use at Penglipuran Traditional Village.

• Photo spots/selfie areas
• Temple
• Toilets
• Restaurants/cafeterias and local food stalls
• Gazebos
• Information center
• Accommodation
• Vehicle parking area (cars & motorcycles)
• Rest area
• Souvenir kiosks and handicraft center
• ATM and payment services
• Meeting hall and open green space
• Limited Wi-Fi area
• Bicycle rental, camping equipment, camping grounds, and traditional Balinese homestays/guesthouses
• Rental of traditional attire and makeup for those wishing to take photos in Balinese traditional attire

Activities to do in Penglipuran Tourism Village

1. Traditions & Culture

Visitors can watch performances of the Sacred Baris Dance, traditional Balinese gamelan music, and religious rituals such as Ngusaba, Galungan, and Kuningan, which are often held at village temples and traditional halls. The annual Penglipuran Village Festival (PVF) is held every December, featuring a parade of traditional Balinese attire, Barong Ngelawang, cultural art parades, and traditional competitions, attracting thousands of tourists yearly. Be sure to check the dates before visiting in December.

2. Bamboo Forest & Photo Spots

The bamboo forest spans approximately 45 hectares and is home to around 15 types of local bamboo. This area has become a popular photo spot, and the main village road is designed to be vehicle-free to maintain its natural beauty. The bamboo forest is located behind Penglipuran Village, and visitors can walk up to the top, where it is situated behind the highest temple. The bamboo forest is open to the public, and the atmosphere is very cool.

3. Local Cuisine

Residents of Penglipuran Village sell various foods, and don't forget to try Loloh Cemcem, a traditional drink made from cemcem leaves. Its taste is almost similar to tape. The locals usually sell it for Rp 5,000 per bottle. It is also Tipat Cantok, a Balinese specialty consisting of ketupat (rice cakes) with spicy bean sprouts. It has a rich and delicious flavor. So don't forget to enjoy the culinary experience by eating and drinking at the locals' warungs.

4. Buying souvenirs

Another activity that tourists can do is buy various souvenirs from the residents of Penglipuran Tourist Village. Starting from bags, fabrics, key chains, and other souvenirs.

5. Taking Photos

Tourists can take photos at various photo spots in this tourist village. For example, in front of residents' houses, along the beautiful and long tourist village road. You can also wear traditional clothing that you can rent from the residents.

6. Learning Activities

Tourists can also learn many things in this village, from making handicrafts, Balinese dance, or gamelan music at the village cultural center in Penglipuran. Tourists can also observe the activities of the indigenous community, enjoy the natural atmosphere and views around the village, and even learn about the indigenous community's way of life.

7. Staying at a Homestay Owned by Residents  

Some traditional houses can be used as homestays and traditional guesthouses for overnight stays, with permission and guidance from the village's traditional customs. Take selfies and group photos with a backdrop of beautiful skies, traditional houses, and the local community. There are many activities visitors can enjoy while staying in this tourist village.

One of the best and cleanest tourist villages in the world

This tourism village, which is one of the cleanest villages in the world and one of the best villages in the world, has almost no vehicles, making it a very pristine and pollution-free place. Thirdly, this tourism village follows the Tri Mandala concept, which divides space into three parts according to their functions, the main space, the middle space, and the outer space, stretching from the north (mountains) to the south (sea).

Penglipuran Tourism Village spans approximately 112 hectares, surrounded by a 45-hectare bamboo forest, one of the main tourist attractions here. The village features spotless and picturesque streets. Upon entering the gate, Catus Pata is located, which includes the village hall, community facilities, and an open green area. It is no wonder that this village is listed as one of the cleanest villages in the world and one of the best villages in the world.

All the houses in Penglipuran Tourism Village are built in the traditional style of Balinese villages. Each house is marked with the name of the owner and family members and has a place of worship.

Another unique feature is that all the doors of the houses are designed the same, known as angko-angko. The house designs also follow established rules and are uniform across the village.

At Penglipuran Tourism Village, we can take photos freely and in an Instagram-worthy style, hehehe, especially during sunny seasons. The traditional houses' backdrop and blue skies make our photos even more beautiful. Anyone interested in visiting here, guys?  

Are you curious about visiting Penglipuran Tourism Village, one of the cleanest villages in the world and best villages in the world?

Penglipuran Traditional Village is a perfect example of the harmonious integration of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. With its traditional layout, maintained cleanliness, and friendly community, the village offers a unique experience, enjoying the cool natural surroundings, absorbing local wisdom, and witnessing and participating in Bali's rich traditions.

For those of you who want to enjoy a cultural vacation while exploring the local values and pristine nature of Bali, Penglipuran is a must-visit destination. Remember to maintain proper etiquette, dress modestly, ask permission before entering sacred areas or properties, and do not disturb offerings or plants.

That’s my story of visiting Penglipuran Cultural Village. I’ve visited this beautiful cultural village several times. It’s never boring to interact with the indigenous community, who are rich in culture and have so much to teach us about their unique traditions. Has anyone else visited Penglipuran Cultural Village? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.