Penglipuran
A traditional Balinese village in Bangli known for its well-preserved layout, bamboo forest, and recognition as a UN Tourism Best Tourism Village 2023.
Penglipuran is a compact village in Bangli Regency, roughly an hour north of Ubud. It runs along a single stone-paved main street flanked by traditional family compounds, each following the same architectural patterns. This is a living community: families have lived here for generations, and daily life continues around visitors rather than for them.
In 2023, UN Tourism named Penglipuran one of the World's Best Tourism Villages. The settlement traces its roots back to the 14th century, during the Bangli Kingdom.
Village layout and philosophy
The village follows the Tri Mandala concept, dividing Penglipuran north to south into Utama Mandala (the sacred temple area), Madya Mandala (residential), and Nista Mandala (the cemetery). This reflects Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese principle of balance between the spiritual, communal, and natural worlds.
Each house compound follows the same layout and is marked by a traditional angkul-angkul gate. The uniform gates and tidy front gardens give the street an orderly, well-kept look — part of why Penglipuran is often praised as one of the cleanest villages in the world.
Bamboo forest
About 45 hectares of bamboo forest surround the village, protecting water sources and forming a natural buffer. Local customary rules (awig-awig) restrict cutting: villagers harvest bamboo only for ceremonies or house repairs, and only with elders' permission.
Walking paths from the northern end lead into cool, quiet bamboo groves where tall stalks form a natural tunnel overhead. The grove is included with the standard village entry ticket.
Entrance fees and visit packages (2026)
From 1 January 2026, Penglipuran introduced package-based entry options that replaced the previous single-entry model. There are two packages with different prices for domestic and international visitors.
| Package | Includes | International adult | International child | Domestic adult | Domestic child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelipur Lara 1 | Main street, residents' houses, bamboo forest | Rp 50,000 | Rp 30,000 | Rp 25,000 | Rp 15,000 |
| Pelipur Lara 2 | All of Package 1 plus a local guide | Rp 125,000 | Rp 100,000 | Rp 75,000 | Rp 50,000 |
Ticket prices include Personal Accident insurance (valid for 1x24 hours): up to Rp 50 million for accidental death or permanent disability, and medical expense reimbursement up to Rp 5 million.
Practical information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM WITA (last entry 4:30 PM) |
| Closed on | Nyepi (Day of Silence); may close temporarily for ceremonies |
| Payment methods | QRIS or cash (IDR only); no credit or debit cards accepted |
| Parking fee | Motorcycle Rp 2,000, car Rp 5,000, bus Rp 10,000 |
| Dress code | Modest clothing recommended; sarong not required for the village area |
| Contact | +62 821-4454-3439 |
Cultural rules and customs
The village is governed by customary law known as awig-awig, which covers building standards, social conduct, and everyday life. One traditional rule designates Karang Memadu as a separate area for men with more than one wife — a local practice that remains in effect.
Crime is low in Penglipuran; residents attribute this to strong social bonds, regular neighbourly interactions, and a shared commitment to order and community norms.
How to get there
| From | Distance time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ubud | About 1 hour | Route passes through rural Bangli landscapes |
| Seminyak / Canggu | 1.5 to 2 hours | Via Kuta-Gianyar-Bangli road |
| Ngurah Rai Airport | About 2 hours | Best done as part of a day trip with other Bangli stops |
Most visitors hire a private driver for the day or join a small-group tour. A scooter is possible for confident riders, but the roads from Ubud to Bangli have heavy truck traffic in sections.
Best time to visit
The dry season (April to October) offers the most comfortable conditions, with clearer skies and lower humidity. Penglipuran is several degrees cooler than the southern coast thanks to its elevation. Visit early between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to enjoy the village before larger tour groups arrive.
The village is pedestrian-only: no motorised vehicles on the main street. Wear comfortable shoes and allow 1.5 to 2 hours to explore properly.
What you can do inside the village
- Stroll the main street and observe traditional family compounds up close
- Explore the bamboo forest at the northern edge of the village
- Visit residents' courtyards (with permission) to see everyday Balinese home life
- Join a cooking class or try a traditional Balinese breakfast
- Rent traditional Balinese attire for photos
- Stay overnight in a homestay to experience village life more deeply
Many cultural activities are organised by village residents rather than external operators, so revenue stays within the community.
