In the midst of the natural and cultural charm of the island of Bali, hidden is a village that exudes unrivaled beauty and peace— Penglipuran Village. Famous as one of the cleanest villages in the world, surrounded by ancient architecture, neat streets and a calm village atmosphere, where every corner carries stories about local wisdom and customs that are still well preserved.
Located at a cool height in the Bangli Regency area, Bali, Penglipuran Village is an oasis that exudes unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Penglipuran combines authentic traditional Balinese architecture with stunning natural panoramas. Not only is Penglipuran a charming tourist destination, Penglipuran is now also a dream place for couples who want a wedding that is full of cultural values, amidst a natural and beautiful environment. With a calming atmosphere, this village offers the perfect backdrop for a wedding that is not only beautiful, but also sacred, at one with nature and tradition.
Setting foot in Penglipuran Village, it is as if you were taken back to the past, where Balinese traditions and culture are still very well preserved. Located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. With all its uniqueness, Penglipuran is the perfect choice for those who want to tie the knot amidst the authentic and sacred atmosphere of Bali.
History and Origins of Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village has a rich history and is closely related to ancient Balinese culture. The name “Penglipuran” comes from two words in Balinese, namely “Pengeling” which means remembering, and “Pura” which refers to a holy place or temple. Literally, Penglipuran can be interpreted as “a place to remember ancestors,” because this village was originally built as a place of worship and respect for ancestors by the Balinese people. Based on stories handed down from generation to generation, Penglipuran Village has existed since the time of the Bangli Kingdom and continues to maintain traditional values until now.
Uniqueness of Architecture
One of the main uniqueness of Penglipuran Village is its uniform architecture and very orderly village layout. The houses in this village are built following traditional Balinese architectural patterns, using natural materials such as bamboo, clay and reeds for roofs. Each house has an identical gate or “angkul-angkul”, creating a strong sense of harmony and unity throughout the village. The main village road which stretches from north to south is also very neatly designed, filled with flowers and green plants, and free from motorized vehicles, making the village atmosphere very calm and beautiful.
Traditions and Customs
Even though modernization continues to take place in various parts of Bali, Penglipuran Village remains steadfast in maintaining its traditions and customs. The people of this village still carry out traditional ceremonies regularly, such as Ngaben (corpse burning ceremony), Galungan, and Kuningan, with great solemnity. Relations between village residents are also very close, marked by mutual cooperation in various village activities, including religious celebrations and environmental maintenance. The Subak system, which is a traditional Balinese irrigation system, is also still implemented in this village, showing how closely connected the Penglipuran people are with nature.
Tourism in Penglipuran Village
Tourists can stroll along the village’s main street filled with beautiful flowers and get a closer look at the daily lives of local people. Apart from that, Penglipuran has a large and beautiful bamboo garden. This bamboo forest is not only a cool place to take a walk, but it is also a perfect location for taking photos. Tourists can also visit several temples in the village, such as Pura Penataran, which is an important place for spiritual and religious activities of the local community.
Awards and Recognition
Penglipuran Village has received various awards and recognition at both national and international levels. One of the most prominent awards is recognition as one of the cleanest villages in the world. This village is also often cited as an example of a tourist village that has succeeded in maintaining its cultural heritage and environment in a sustainable manner. This village’s success in maintaining cleanliness, order and cultural authenticity has made it a highly respected and admired destination by tourists and tourism observers.
How to Get to Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is located in Bangli Regency, Bali, about 45 kilometers from Denpasar. To reach this village, tourists can use various types of transportation. From Ngurah Rai International Airport, the journey to Penglipuran can be reached by car or taxi in around 1.5 hours. If using a private or rented vehicle, the most common route is via Jalan By Pass Ida Bagus Mantra to reach Bangli.
Public transportation such as buses is also available, although it may not go directly to this village. Usually, tourists need to get off at the bus terminal in Bangli and continue the journey by motorbike taxi or taxi. However, the best and most comfortable way to reach Penglipuran Village is to use a tour service or rent a car with a driver, so you can enjoy the trip without worrying about the route.
Penglipuran Village is not just a tourist destination, but also a reflection of traditional Balinese life which is still well preserved amidst the rapid flow of modernization. The beauty of the architecture, unique traditions, as well as the beautiful and well-organized environment, make this village a place that must be visited by anyone who wants to experience the tranquility and beauty of Balinese culture. Penglipuran teaches us about the importance of maintaining harmony between humans, nature and tradition. With all its charm, Penglipuran Village is a place that will leave beautiful memories for every visitor, whether they come to simply travel or choose it as a place to tie their sacred wedding vows.