Indonesia is celebrating Eid al-Fitr with long holidays until April 4. Across Bali, many events are taking place that are open to everyone. Bali’s most beautiful traditional village, Penglipuran, has also prepared a special program for tourists.
One of the main highlights is the daily performance of the traditional Balinese dance Barong Macan, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the importance of harmony with nature. The performances are held every day at 11 a.m. until April 7 in the magical bamboo forest surrounding the village. Covering 45 hectares, this forest is one of Bali’s most important green landscapes.
Penglipuran Village is one of the last pedestrian-only communities in Indonesia — all forms of transportation are banned inside the village. In 2023, Penglipuran was named one of the winners of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World” competition organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
During a visit, tourists can stroll through the community’s narrow, authentic streets, see traditional homes and gardens, and take part in various cultural events and workshops. One of the most popular is a Balinese cooking class, where guests learn to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of local residents.
Entry to the village costs 50,000 IDR for adults and 30,000 IDR for children. For 375,000 IDR, visitors can spend the night in one of the village’s guesthouses. This offers a chance to truly experience village life and enjoy peaceful morning or evening walks without the crowds. Overnight stays include an authentic Balinese dinner served on the main street, featuring freshly prepared traditional dishes.
Other popular tourist villages include Taro Village near Ubud and Jatiluwih Village in Tabanan Regency.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster previously stated that he wants to change the term from “tourism village” to “cultural village,” emphasizing the importance of preserving Bali’s heritage.
“We currently call them ‘tourism villages,’ but if we keep doing that, culture may take a back seat. Without culture, tourism cannot exist. Culture is Bali’s main tourist attraction, and it must be shown and developed as a priority,” Koster said.
Sources: nusabali.com
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