Penglipuran Tourism Village offers pristine natural beauty, strong Balinese culture, and various exciting activities to explore the traditions and lives of the local community.
Penglipuran Tourism Village is a village located in Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali, which is known for its enchanting natural beauty and cultural richness that is still very well preserved.
Located at an altitude of around 700 meters above sea level, Penglipuran Village offers cool air and pristine natural scenery, with cleanliness and comfort that are well maintained by the locals.
This village is famous for its unique government system, traditional Balinese architecture, and very strong cultural traditions, making it one of the interesting tourist destinations in Bali.
Visitors can enjoy various activities, from watching traditional ceremonies, touring the village, to trying delicious culinary delights.
The Attraction of Penglipuran Tourism Village
1. Unique Customary and Government System
One of the main attractions of Penglipuran Village is its unique government system. This village has two systems of government that run simultaneously: a formal government system with RT and RW structures, and a customary government system called the customary village. These two systems stand side by side and have their own rules, but still respect each other.
The customary government in Penglipuran Village is known as ‘awig-awig’ which regulates all aspects of community life, both in relations between individuals and with the surrounding environment.
The basic philosophy of ‘awig-awig’ is ‘Tri Hita Karana’, which means three causes of happiness. These three things are the harmonious relationship between humans and God (Parahyangan), the relationship between fellow humans (Pawongan), and the relationship between humans and nature (Palemahan).
Tri Hita Karana is the guideline for the lives of the people of Penglipuran Village in maintaining the balance of nature and harmony between individuals.
2. Unique Village Spatial Planning
Penglipuran Village is also famous for its very unique and traditional spatial planning, which is called ‘Tri Mandala’.
This spatial arrangement is divided into three main areas, namely Mandala, Madya Mandala, and Nista Mandala.
Mandala is an area considered sacred, where the people of Penglipuran Village perform various religious rituals.
Madya Mandala is a settlement located along the main road of the village, where the residents’ houses face east and west according to the applicable customary rules.
Each house also has parts that have been designated for certain functions, such as a bedroom in the north, a family room in the middle, and a waste disposal area or MCK in the east. Meanwhile, Nista Mandala is an area used for burial.
3. Religious Rituals and Cultural Festivals
One of the most interesting aspects of Penglipuran Village is the existence of religious rituals that are still routinely carried out by the local community.
One of them is the Ngusaba ritual, which is held before Nyepi Day. In addition, at the end of the year, this village holds a cultural festival known as the ‘Penglipuran Village Festival’.
This festival presents various events, ranging from cultural arts parades, traditional dance performances, to Barong Nlawang, which is one of the main attractions.
In addition, Penglipuran Village also has a unique traditional dance called Tari Baris. This dance is part of the Dewa Yadnya ceremony and symbolizes strength and courage in the lives of the Balinese people.
For tourists, watching the Baris dance is a rare opportunity to see the rich Balinese arts and culture.
4. Unique Death Ceremony
The death ceremony in Penglipuran Village is different compared to other areas of Bali. Although Balinese people generally perform ngaben (cremation) ceremonies, in Penglipuran Village, bodies are not burned except buried.
This is done because the location of the village is in a mountainous area far from the sea, where ashes thrown into the sea are considered to bring disaster if stored for too long. This ritual reflects respect for ancestors and maintains harmony between nature and humans.
5. Penglipuran Village’s Special Culinary
Penglipuran Village also offers a variety of special culinary delights that cannot be found anywhere else. One of them is ‘Loloh Cemcem’, a traditional drink made from cemcem or kloncing leaves.
This drink is similar to tamarind turmeric or beras kencur and can be served warm or cold. In addition, another special food is ‘Tipat Cantok’, which consists of ketupat and boiled vegetables, such as kale, long beans, bean sprouts, and Balinese ketupat, which are doused with delicious peanut sauce. This culinary is part of the cultural heritage that is still maintained by the local community.
Location of Penglipuran Tourism Village
Penglipuran Village is located in Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali, about 60 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
With a journey of about one and a half hours by vehicle, Penglipuran Village can be easily reached from various main tourist areas in Bali.
This village is famous for its cleanliness and order maintained by the residents, which makes visitors feel comfortable and satisfied while they are there.
Penglipuran Tourism Village Ticket Prices
To visit Penglipuran Village, visitors need to pay an entrance ticket at a very affordable price. Tickets for domestic tourists are IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 for children, while for foreign tourists, the ticket is IDR 50,000 per adult and IDR 30,000 for children.
This ticket price provides access to explore the natural beauty of the village, as well as the various cultures and traditions there.
In addition, visitors can also buy Balinese souvenirs from shops along the village road, such as handicrafts, traditional Balinese clothing, and other local products.
Fun Activities in Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village offers various activities that visitors can do. Here are some activities that you can enjoy in this village:
1. Staying at a Villager’s House
For those who want to experience living in Bali more authentically, several residents of Penglipuran Village offer their homes for rent to tourists.
Staying in a local’s home provides a first-hand experience of the daily life of the Penglipuran Village community, as well as the opportunity to participate in local cultural activities and traditions.
2. Witnessing Traditional Celebrations and Religious Rituals
If you visit at the right time, you can witness religious ceremonies such as Ngusaba or other rituals. Visit Pura Dalem, Pura Puseh, or Pura Penataran to see the uniqueness of Balinese traditional celebrations that take place in this village.
3. Taking Photos at Natural Spots
With stunning natural scenery, Penglipuran Village offers many beautiful photo spots, such as the bamboo forest that is still pristine. These places are perfect for visitors who like to take photos to capture beautiful memories in Bali.
4. Tasting Traditional Cuisine
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the culinary specialties of Penglipuran Village, such as Loloh Cemcem and Tipat Cantok. Experience the traditional flavors that are rich in spices and health benefits.
5. Making Handicrafts
In Penglipuran Village, you can also try making traditional handicrafts, such as bamboo weaving, which is a local specialty. Visitors can learn directly from local craftsmen and take home the crafts as unique souvenirs.
Penglipuran Tourism Village is an extraordinary destination in Bali, offering beautiful natural scenery, rich culture, and well-preserved traditions.
With a variety of fun activities and the opportunity to learn firsthand about Balinese life, Wae Rebo is the perfect place to experience the peace, beauty, and uniqueness of true Bali.
