Penglipuran Village

Penglipuran Village, located in Bangli Regency, Bali, is a traditional village renowned for its rich cultural heritage, unique architecture, and well-preserved customs that have endured through centuries. The village’s history dates back over 700 years, believed to have been established during the reign of I Dewa Gede Putu Tangkeban III, when the people from Bayung Gede Village in the Kintamani region were granted land by the Bangli Kingdom. The villagers of Penglipuran are descendants of Bayung Gede, a community known for its deep spiritual discipline, ceremonial mastery, and dedication to maintaining traditional law and order. Because Bayung Gede was located far from the royal center of Bangli, the king strategically relocated a group of trusted villagers to Penglipuran to assist the kingdom more effectively in both religious and defense matters. The name “Penglipuran” itself carries profound meaning. One interpretation derives from the phrase “pengeling pura,” which translates as “to remember the temple,” symbolizing the villagers’ spiritual remembrance of their ancestral home and their connection to divine energy. Another interpretation of the name is rooted in the words “pelipur” (comfort) and “lipur” (unhappiness), meaning “a place for consolation.” This interpretation beautifully encapsulates the village’s atmosphere — a serene sanctuary where one finds peace, balance, and harmony amid nature’s calm surroundings.

Through generations, Desa Penglipuran has steadfastly preserved its identity as one of Bali’s purest examples of traditional life. The entire layout of the village is guided by the ancient Balinese cosmology concept known as Tri Mandala, which divides space into three zones: Utama Mandala (the sacred area), Madya Mandala (the central or community area), and Nista Mandala (the lower or outer area). The Utama Mandala lies at the top of the village and houses the main temple, Pura Penataran Desa Penglipuran, where villagers perform rituals dedicated to ancestral spirits and the deities who protect the land. The Madya Mandala forms the central residential zone, with rows of nearly identical traditional houses built symmetrically along the main pathway, symbolizing equality and unity among the villagers. Finally, the Nista Mandala at the lower end of the village serves as the area for agriculture and public facilities. This harmonious spatial organization not only reflects the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana — the balance between God (Parhyangan), humans (Pawongan), and nature (Palemahan) — but also creates an environment of peace, order, and social harmony that continues to attract admiration from both locals and tourists worldwide.

What distinguishes Penglipuran from other Balinese villages is its architectural integrity and environmental awareness. Each household compound maintains a consistent layout, with gates called angkul-angkul leading to beautifully adorned courtyards filled with shrines, gardens, and pavilions. The roofs are traditionally made from bamboo shingles, while the walls and fences are constructed from local materials such as red brick and volcanic stone. The uniform appearance of the homes and pathways gives Penglipuran its distinctive charm and has made it one of the cleanest villages in the world. The absence of motorized vehicles within the central area further enhances the tranquility of the village, as residents and visitors alike walk along stone-paved lanes shaded by bamboo groves. The commitment to environmental sustainability is a core part of the community’s daily life. Penglipuran’s residents have long practiced bamboo forest conservation, an initiative that safeguards more than 75 hectares of lush green bamboo forest surrounding the village. This practice not only provides building materials for houses and ceremonies but also prevents erosion, maintains water balance, and supports biodiversity. In recognition of these sustainable efforts, Desa Penglipuran was honored with the prestigious Kalpataru Award in 1995, Indonesia’s highest environmental accolade, further establishing the village as a model for ecological preservation and cultural integrity.

Equally remarkable is Penglipuran’s social system, which continues to function under traditional Balinese customary law (awig-awig). The awig-awig governs every aspect of village life, from marriage and inheritance to temple duties and environmental conduct. This system ensures fairness, mutual respect, and collective responsibility among villagers. Community meetings are held regularly at the Bale Banjar to discuss local issues and maintain harmony. Because of these strong communal values, Penglipuran remains free from crime, with a sense of safety and trust deeply embedded in its culture. The villagers are also known for their hospitality and openness to visitors, sharing their traditions through storytelling, dance performances, and cultural demonstrations. These experiences allow travelers to understand the essence of Balinese life, where spirituality and social harmony coexist naturally.

Today, Desa Penglipuran stands as a living museum of Bali’s timeless heritage and an outstanding example of sustainable tourism. The village has received numerous awards, including recognition as one of the “World’s Cleanest Villages” by international travel organizations. Visitors from around the globe come to admire its tidy streets, symmetrical architecture, and peaceful atmosphere that feels untouched by modern chaos. Yet, despite growing popularity, the community has successfully balanced tourism with cultural preservation. Income generated from visitors is reinvested into maintaining infrastructure, supporting local artisans, and funding traditional ceremonies. This conscious approach to tourism aligns perfectly with the values promoted by Semat Travel Indonesia, a travel company dedicated to promoting authentic cultural experiences and sustainable travel across the archipelago.

For travelers seeking romance and serenity, Penglipuran offers an enchanting setting that complements packages such as the Bali romantic getaway package by Semat Travel Indonesia. The village’s serene ambiance, with its picturesque bamboo forest and ancient architecture, creates a perfect backdrop for couples looking to reconnect with nature and tradition. Walking hand in hand through the clean, quiet lanes, visitors can witness the daily rhythm of Balinese life — women preparing offerings, children playing by the temple, and farmers tending to their gardens — all in harmony with their environment. Many couples also choose Penglipuran as a stop during their Bali photography honeymoon tour, as every corner of the village offers a storybook scene worthy of capturing. The soft golden light of morning reflecting on the bamboo roofs, the intricate carvings of the temple gates, and the smiling faces of locals dressed in traditional attire make it a dream location for romantic and cultural photography.

Beyond its visual beauty, Penglipuran’s deeper charm lies in its values — respect for ancestors, devotion to nature, and commitment to balance. Visitors leave with more than just photographs; they carry an understanding of how ancient wisdom can guide modern living. The villagers’ unwavering dedication to harmony serves as a reminder that sustainability begins with community spirit and respect for life in all its forms. As part of Bali’s growing focus on eco-cultural tourism, Penglipuran continues to inspire other regions to preserve their traditions while welcoming the world with grace. Through partnerships with responsible travel companies like Semat Travel Indonesia, initiatives are underway to expand cultural education, eco-tourism projects, and heritage preservation in nearby villages, ensuring that the legacy of Penglipuran remains alive for future generations.

In essence, Desa Penglipuran is more than a village — it is a living embodiment of Bali’s soul. Its well-preserved customs, harmonious architecture, and environmentally conscious community make it a shining example of how tradition and progress can coexist beautifully. Whether visited as part of a Bali romantic getaway package or explored during a Bali photography honeymoon tour, this serene village offers travelers a glimpse into the purest form of Balinese life, where time slows down, hearts open, and the true spirit of Bali reveals itself in every smile, every prayer, and every whisper of the bamboo forest.