Penglipuran Village is a traditional tourism destination in Bangli that is world-renowned for its urban planning and village cleanliness. This village offers an old-school Bali atmosphere that is lush, peaceful, and deeply rooted in the noble values of local wisdom.
Penglipuran Village serves as a mirror of the community's success in preserving heritage amidst the currents of modernization. The combination of uniform traditional architecture and a dense bamboo forest provides a truly authentic holiday experience.
History of Penglipuran Village
Historically, the name Penglipuran is believed to originate from the words "Pengeling Pura," which means a sacred place to remember the ancestors. The original inhabitants of this village came from Bayung Gede Village in Kintamani, who migrated and built a settlement with a concept similar to their place of origin.
The structure of Penglipuran Village was built based on the Tri Hita Karana concept: maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans and God, humans and fellow humans, and humans and the environment.
The uniform and symmetrical layout of the buildings has been maintained for generations as a strong cultural identity.
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What is Penglipuran Village Famous For?
The main specialty that has made this village world-famous is its title as one of the cleanest villages in the world, alongside Giethoorn in the Netherlands.
The discipline of the villagers in maintaining a plastic-free environment is a major draw for international tourists.
Furthermore, the village is famous for its residential architecture, where every house features a uniform traditional gate known as an angkul-angkul.
The spatial planning uses the "Hulu-Teben" system—the division of upstream and downstream areas—creating a visual harmony that is exceptionally neat and aesthetic.
Activities to Do in Penglipuran Village
There are several exciting activities that visitors can enjoy in Penglipuran Village, Bali:
1. Learn Culture While Visiting Temples
There are three main temples in the area: Pura Penataran, Pura Dalem, and Pura Puseh, which serve as the center for villagers' rituals.
You can witness traditional ceremonies such as Galungan or the Ngusaba Ritual, provided you adhere to local customs and maintain quietness while residents are praying.
2. Shop and Learn to Make Handicrafts
Penglipuran is a haven for handicrafts where you can find bamboo weaving and traditional accessories displayed in front of the artisans' homes.
Interestingly, visitors are also given the opportunity to learn the manufacturing process directly from local experts, creating a meaningful souvenir to take home.
3. Stay at a Local House and Mingle with the Community
For a more immersive experience, you can choose to stay in a homestay owned by local residents to experience the daily life of the Balinese people.
The hospitality of the villagers, who welcome guests with open arms, will provide a new perspective on the warmth of family traditions in this village.
4. Taste Mouth-Watering Local Culinary
Do not miss the freshness of Loloh Cemcem, a signature green herbal drink from Penglipuran, and Tipat Cantok, which is rich in authentic peanut sauce.
These traditional culinary delights are processed using fresh local ingredients, offering a healthy mountain flavor that pampers the palate.
5. Photo Hunting in the Bamboo Forest
The 45-hectare bamboo forest behind the village is the most Instagrammable spot, which also functions as a nature conservation area.
Besides taking photos, visitors can cycle along the shaded paths while enjoying the clean air resulting from the indigenous community's environmental preservation efforts.
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Take Note Before Visiting Penglipuran Village
Before you depart, ensure you know some basic information for a comfortable journey:
- Operating Hours & Fees: The village operates daily from 08:00 to 17:00 WITA. Entry tickets are approximately Rp25,000 for domestic tourists and Rp50,000 for international tourists.
- Dress Code: Wear polite clothing (shoulders and knees covered) or wear a kamen (sarong) as a form of respect toward the sanctity of the traditional village.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid crowds, or during the Galungan celebration to see the beautiful penjor decorations.
How to Get to Penglipuran Village, Bali
Penglipuran Village is located in Kubu, Bangli Regency, Bali with a travel time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by drive from the Kuta or Seminyak areas.
You can use a private vehicle, rent a car with a driver, or use a motorcycle for a more relaxed journey.
The route to Bangli is smoothly paved with views of green hills along the way. Simply follow the route toward the Bangli city center, and you will find clear road signs leading to the Penglipuran Tourism Village area.
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