Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village
A 'beautiful village' famous for its straight stone path and bamboo fences. Globally renowned for its cleanliness and traditional houses.
Located in Bangli Regency, Penglipuran Village is like a living museum that preserves the form of a traditional Balinese village, renowned as one of the 'world's most beautiful villages.' The most striking feature of this highland traditional village is its orderly spatial layout. The ancestral temple is placed at the highest point, from which a single stone path descends in a straight line, flanked by identical 'Angkul-angkul' (traditional gates) of the homes. This layout faithfully reflects the Balinese Hindu Cosmology 'Tri Hita Karana,' which respects the sacred mountains and values the harmony between God, people, and nature. Even amidst modernization, the villagers uphold their traditional laws (Awig-awig) and maintain this beautiful landscape and culture as a community. It is a peaceful place to experience the philosophy and aesthetics of traditional Balinese life.
History: Migrants from the Batur Kingdom
The ancestors of Penglipuran's residents are said to have been loyal subjects of the Batur Kingdom, which ruled the Mount Batur area about 700 years ago. They were ordered by the king to move to this land and faithfully preserved the spatial structure and customs of their homeland. As a result, the village's ceremonies and architecture are said to retain features from a particularly old era in Balinese history. One theory holds that the name 'Penglipuran' comes from 'Pengeling Pura' (meaning 'place to remember the ancestors'), expressing the village's spirit of cherishing its inherited traditions.
Architecture: Harmony of Bamboo and Cosmology
All houses in the village are built based on the same design and philosophy. The 'Angkul-angkul' (entrance gate) serves as a barrier separating the inside of the home from the outside world. Bamboo, which is abundant in the region, is used extensively for roofs and walls, creating a simple yet beautiful landscape that utilizes natural materials. Furthermore, each home is clearly zoned from the mountain side (sacred) to the sea side (impure), with distinct areas for the sacred space (family temple), living space, and impure areas (kitchen and livestock pens). This shows that the 'microcosm' of the house is analogous to the 'macrocosm' of the village and the entire island.
Culture: Landscape Maintenance by the Community
The beauty of this village is maintained by the communal efforts of its residents. For example, it is forbidden to unilaterally change the facade of a house, and the use of modern materials is strictly limited. Motor vehicles are also banned from the village center, preserving a quiet and clean environment. Income from tourism is managed as communal property and used for temple maintenance, ceremonial costs, and landscape conservation activities. It is a prime example of tourism strengthening and preserving traditional culture rather than destroying it.
Highlights (What to Check Out!)
During the day, the gates of many village homes are open to tourists, allowing you to freely see the courtyards and kitchens (remember to greet them if you enter). Some homes sell local specialties like 'loloh cemcem' (a herbal drink) or bamboo crafts. At the far end of the village lies a vast bamboo forest, which is wonderfully pleasant to stroll through while listening to the sound of the bamboo leaves rustling in the wind. During 'Galungan,' the annual major festival, the village is adorned with 'Penjor' (decorative bamboo poles) lining both sides of the path, creating an even more festive atmosphere.
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