When you visit Penglipuran Village, you truly step into a different kind of Bali. It’s a world of remarkable order, serene beauty, and profound community harmony. It feels almost like a journey back in time. Tucked away in the cool highlands of the Bangli Regency, Penglipuran is celebrated throughout Indonesia. It stands as one of the island’s cleanest and best-preserved traditional villages. It offers a unique and inspiring glimpse into Bali’s living culture.
Unlike the bustling beach towns or even the artistic hub of Ubud, Penglipuran’s charm lies elsewhere. It boasts an incredible sense of order. It also showcases a deep connection to tradition. Furthermore, it maintains a harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature. As your friendly hosts here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we believe a visit Penglipuran Village offers a deeply rewarding experience. It helps one understand the philosophies that shape Balinese life in a tangible way. Let’s take a walk together through this remarkable community.
The Philosophy of Order: A Village Laid Out by Tri Mandala
The first thing you’ll notice about Penglipuran is its striking, uniform layout. This isn’t by accident. The entire village is structured according to the sacred Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Mandala. This serves as a physical manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony. The village organizes itself into three distinct zones. These are based on elevation and spiritual purity:
- Parahyangan (The Sacred Zone): At the highest point of the village, closest to the sacred Mount Batur, lies the main village temple (Pura Desa). This represents the most sacred area. It dedicates itself to the relationship between humans and God.
- Pawongan (The Human Zone): In the middle section lies the heart of the community – the residential area. Rows of traditional family compounds neatly arrange themselves along a single, beautifully maintained stone-paved street. This street runs directly through the center of the village. This zone represents the harmony between people.
- Palemahan (The Worldly/Impure Zone): At the lowest point of the village, furthest from the temple, you’ll find the area for worldly matters. This includes the village graveyard and land used for farming.
This deliberate spatial organization creates a powerful sense of balance and reverence. You can truly feel it as you walk through the village.
A Symphony in Stone & Bamboo: The Beauty of Uniform Architecture
As you stroll along the main village path, the visual harmony captivates you. Every family compound features an identical, traditional gate, known as an angkul-angkul. This is a key feature when you visit Penglipuran Village.
- A Vision of Equality: The village’s customary law (awig-awig) mandates this striking uniformity. This philosophy minimizes social jealousy. It also promotes a sense of equality and community harmony. No family outwardly displays more wealth than their neighbor.
- Traditional Materials: The architecture showcases the beauty of natural, local materials. You’ll see earthen walls, intricately carved wooden doors, and window shutters. Most distinctively, roofs utilize neatly layered bamboo shingles. Villagers split and weave these together.
You are often welcome to peek into the family compounds. Sometimes, families will graciously invite you inside. You can then see the traditional layout of a Balinese home. It typically consists of several small pavilions within a walled courtyard.
The Power of Community: Awig-Awig Customary Law
A strong set of customary laws, known as awig-awig, upholds the remarkable order and cleanliness of Penglipuran. All residents adhere to these. These traditional rules govern many aspects of village life. They are also key to preserving their unique heritage.
- Preserving Harmony: One of Penglipuran’s most famous rules in its awig-awig prohibits polygamy. The community believes this rule helps maintain harmony within families and the community itself.
- Environmental Stewardship: The village’s renowned cleanliness is no accident. It forms part of their customary law. This law includes strict rules on waste management and maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the village.
- Architectural Integrity: Residents are bound by the awig-awig. They must maintain the traditional architecture of their homes. This ensures the village retains its unique and harmonious character for generations to come.
The Village’s Guardian: The Sacred Bamboo Forest
A visit Penglipuran Village isn’t complete without understanding its deep relationship with the vast bamboo forest. This forest surrounds it. Covering about 40% of the village’s territory, this forest is not just a resource. It is considered a sacred, protected part of their ancestral land.
- Ecological Importance: The forest acts as the “lungs” of the village. Crucially, it protects the water sources. These have sustained the community for generations.
- Cultural & Spiritual Significance: The bamboo forest is seen as a symbol of their origins and history. The community believes the forest is a legacy from their ancestors. They maintain it must be preserved. Their awig-awig strictly regulates cutting bamboo from this protected forest. It usually requires permission from the village elders. This is typically only for essential ceremonial or traditional building purposes.
- A Material for Life: Bamboo proves integral to village life. It provides the primary material for their beautiful architecture. It also serves for making ceremonial implements, kitchen utensils, and musical instruments. A peaceful walk through the designated paths of this serene bamboo forest, located behind the main temple, is a highlight of any visit.
Planning Your Visit from Nusa Dua
A journey to Penglipuran offers a wonderful day trip. It takes you into the heart of Bali’s cultural landscape.
The Journey: Scenic Drive and Optimal Timing
Penglipuran is located in the Bangli Regency. The drive from Nusa Dua takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way. It offers a scenic journey through different Balinese landscapes. We highly recommend arranging a private driver for a comfortable and flexible day. This ensures a pleasant trip when you visit Penglipuran Village.
What to Expect: Exploring the Village
The main experience involves a leisurely walk up the central stone pathway. You can admire the architecture and peaceful atmosphere. You can visit the temple at the top. Also, explore the bamboo forest behind it.
- Entrance Fee: An official entrance fee exists for the village. This fee goes directly to the community. It helps maintain the village and preserve its traditions. Please have Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash ready.
Etiquette for Visitors: Being a Gracious Guest
Remember, you are a guest in people’s homes and a living community.
- Dress Respectfully: As you will be near a temple and in a traditional village, modest dress is essential. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
- Be a Gracious Guest: Walk quietly. Be mindful not to litter. Respect the privacy of residents. Many are welcoming, but always ask for permission. This applies before taking close-up photos of people or entering a family compound.
- Support the Community: The villagers often sell homemade snacks, drinks (like the unique herbal drink loloh cemcem), or small handicrafts. Purchasing something offers a wonderful way to directly support the local families.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Harmony
Penglipuran Village is so much more than just a picturesque tourist spot. It’s a living, breathing example of a community deeply committed to preserving its cultural heritage. It also lives in harmony with its environment. It’s a powerful and inspiring testament to the Balinese philosophy of life. Here, community, spirituality, and nature intricately weave together.
A visit offers a chance to slow down. Appreciate simplicity and order. You can also see a side of Bali that feels timeless and profoundly peaceful. It’s a journey we wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking to connect with the island’s authentic soul.
Should you wish to plan this special excursion, our concierge team at Merusaka is always ready to assist. We can help with arranging transport and offering further advice. This will make your day perfect when you visit Penglipuran Village.
