This Village in Bali Is So Clean, You Will Want to Walk Everywhere Barefoot

Imagine a village in Bali so clean that it makes you question every street you have ever walked on. Welcome to Penglipuran, tucked away in the highlands of Bangli Regency, where cobbled streets, manicured gardens, and traditional Balinese homes create a picture-perfect scene. Often ranked among the cleanest villages in the world, Penglipuran is not just about spotless streets. It is a living example of how a community can preserve tradition, embrace sustainability, and still welcome visitors from across the globe. From bamboo forests and family temples to local customs that guide everyday life, Penglipuran invites you to slow down, wander barefoot if you wish, and experience a village where order, culture, and nature coexist effortlessly.

Where Penglipuran Village Is And How To Reach It?

Penglipuran is located in Bangli Regency, about 45 kilometres northeast of Denpasar and just 5 kilometres from Bangli town. Sitting at an elevation of 600 metres, the village enjoys cool, comfortable weather year-round.

Getting There:

• From Denpasar Or Ngurah Rai Airport: Hire a private car or use ride-share apps like Grab or Gojek. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
• From Ubud: It is roughly an hour's drive. Many day-trip packages include Penglipuran as a stop.
• Avoid scooters: Bali's traffic can be unpredictable, and insurance rarely covers non-licensed riders.

Expert Insight: If you are travelling with elderly family members, opt for a car with air conditioning and plan your visit early in the day to avoid heat and crowds.

Also Read: 7 Best Countries Where Indians Can Get A Tourist Visa Easily

_{Photo Credit: penglipuran.com}

Why Penglipuran Village Is Unique?

Penglipuran is built around the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which promotes harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. The village layout follows the Tri Mandala concept:

• Utama Mandala: Sacred zone with temples like Pura Puseh and Bale Agung
• Madya Mandala: Residential area with traditional homes
• Nista Mandala: Southern zone with the cemetery and Pura Dalem

Each home compound features a family temple, kitchen, and garden, all framed by iconic angkul-angkul gates. The main street is cobbled, clean, and lined with flowering plants, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Bali.

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Best Time To Visit Penglipuran Village?

Penglipuran is open daily from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) or during Galungan and Kuningan festivals, when the village is decorated with ceremonial bamboo poles called penjor.

Pro Tips:

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler weather, and fewer tourists.
• Shoulder seasons (March-May and October-November) offer pleasant weather and better availability for homestays.

Entry Fees And What Is Included:

As of 2025, the entry fee for Penglipuran Village is:

• IDR 50,000 for international adults (approx. Rs. 270)
• IDR 30,000 for international children aged 3 to 12 years (approx. Rs. 160)

Included:

• Access to public areas, including the iconic cobbled main street and traditional home compounds
• Entry to the bamboo forest trail
• Opportunities to observe daily rituals and explore temple courtyards (outer areas only)

Not included:

• Parking fees (paid separately near the entrance)
• Guided tours or cultural workshops (booked independently)
• Professional photo permits or drone usage (drone flights are currently banned)

Payment tips:

• Cash or QRIS only; debit and credit cards are not accepted at the ticket counter
• Carry small denominations in Indonesian Rupiah
• No online ticketing; tickets must be purchased at the gate upon arrival

_{Photo Credit: penglipuran.com}

7 Things To Do And Suggested Itinerary:

Penglipuran offers a blend of cultural experiences, nature walks, and immersive activities. Here is how to make the most of your visit:

1. Stroll the main street:

The central cobbled path is lined with symmetrical homes, manicured gardens, and traditional Balinese decor. It is a favourite for photos, thanks to its charm and symmetry.

2. Explore the bamboo forest:

Just behind the village lies a 45-hectare bamboo forest with over 15 species. Sacred and serene, it is ideal for nature walks or quiet reflection.

3. Visit the temples:

Admire the architecture of Pura Puseh, Penataran Temple, and Pura Dalem. While entry is restricted, the outer courtyards offer insight into Balinese spirituality.

4. Join cultural workshops:

Held at Wantilan Tugu Pahlawan, activities include bamboo weaving, klepon cooking, gebogan making (ceremonial fruit towers), and keben painting (decorative baskets). Local guides can assist in bookings.

5. Stay in a homestay:

Experience daily life with a local family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and engage in meaningful conversations.

6. Sip loloh cemcem:

This herbal drink made from native leaves and spices is refreshing and available at local stalls and cafes.

7. Shop sustainable souvenirs:

Pick up bamboo crafts, herbal teas, and handmade accessories. A portion of sales supports community development.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Morning: Arrive early to enjoy the village before crowds. Stroll the main street, admire homes, and visit temple courtyards.
• Midday: Walk in the bamboo forest and enjoy loloh cemcem at a local stall.
• Afternoon: Join a workshop or check into a homestay to relax and interact with hosts.
• Evening: Enjoy a home-cooked Balinese meal and watch the sunset over the village rooftops.

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Where To Eat And What To Try In Penglipuran?

While the village is not packed with restaurants, local stalls serve simple, nourishing Balinese dishes such as:

• Nasi campur (mixed rice with vegetables and meat)
• Lawar (spiced minced meat with grated coconut)
• Bubur sumsum (sweet rice porridge)
• Klepon (palm sugar-filled rice cakes rolled in coconut)

Many homestays also offer home-cooked meals using seasonal ingredients. Meals are often vegetarian-friendly and easy on digestion.

Accommodation Options And Prices:

Homestays are the primary accommodation in Penglipuran. They range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 700,000 per night (approx. Rs. 1,600-3,800). Many include home-cooked meals, cultural interactions, and easy access to workshops and the village centre.

Transport Within The Village:

Penglipuran is best explored on foot. There are no shuttle services, but some homestays provide bicycles for short distances. Scooters are discouraged for visitors due to traffic and safety concerns.

Photo Spots And Instagram Highlights:

• Main cobbled street with flowering gardens
• Bamboo forest trails with natural sunlight filtering through
• Temple entrances with angkul-angkul gates
• Local workshops and homestay courtyards

Cultural Etiquette And Local Norms:

• Treat the village as a lived-in space, not a theme park
• Do not step on offerings on the streets and doorsteps
• Avoid littering; use bins or carry a trash bag
• Dress modestly in temples; a sarong is essential

Nearby Places To Explore From Penglipuran:

• Kehen Temple: A majestic temple 10 minutes away
• Mount Batur: Ideal for sunrise treks (best for active travellers)
• Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Hidden gem with dramatic light shafts

What To Pack For Your Trip?

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled paths and forest trails
• Light cotton clothing and a sarong for temple visits
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Cash in small denominations for entry fees, snacks, souvenirs, and tips
• Reusable water bottle and eco-friendly tote

Senior-Friendly Travel Tips:

The village is mostly flat, with shaded paths and resting spots. While temple interiors may require steps, outer courtyards are accessible. Locals are helpful, and homestays can accommodate basic mobility needs.

The Philosophy Behind Penglipuran:

The name Penglipuran is believed to come from Pengeling Pura, meaning "a place to remember the ancestral temple." Others interpret it as Pelipur Lara, or "a place of consolation."

The community follows Awig-Awig (written laws) and Drestha (unwritten customs), including monogamy, temple obligations, and communal land management. Tourism is community-led, with profits reinvested into infrastructure and cultural preservation.

Why You Should Visit Penglipuran Village?

Penglipuran offers a rare chance to witness how a community can welcome tourism without losing its identity. From bamboo forests and spiritual architecture to warm hospitality and cultural depth, this village invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect.