[Bali Cultural Attractions] Penglipuran Village Guide: Step into the Island's Cleanest, Most Ancient Village and Bamboo Forest

Bottom Line: Penglipuran Village, located in the Gianyar highlands of eastern Bali, has been an official tourism village since 1988 and has been consistently recognized as one of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages. Its highlights include the best-preserved traditional architectural settlement, the warm home-visit culture of the locals, and a mysterious giant bamboo grove behind the village. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Balinese traditional experience and strong photo opportunities, with a drive of about 1 hour from Ubud.

As one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, Bali attracts countless visitors with its stunning beaches, cultural heritage, and unique atmosphere. Yet, hidden on this breathtaking island lies a gem: Penglipuran Village, waiting to be discovered by travelers.

Background of Penglipuran Village

Penglipuran Village is located in eastern Bali, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This village is hailed as one of the best-preserved traditional Balinese communities, holding special significance for its preservation of original Balinese culture and unique way of life. Immersed in Balinese cultural influence, it is an invaluable treasure of Bali.

Becoming One of the World’s Best Tourism Villages

Since becoming an official tourism village in 1988, Penglipuran has been continuously listed among the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages. With ‘safety, cleanliness, and deep culture’ at its core, it serves as a model for Bali’s tourism transformation.

Penglipuran Village

Attractions and Activities in Penglipuran Village

One of the greatest charms of Penglipuran Village lies in its well-preserved traditional architecture and layout. Here, you’ll feel the passage of time, as if stepping back into an ancient Balinese community. The winding streets and old houses exude a rich Balinese atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.

Penglipuran Village is also a venue for traditional Balinese ceremonies and festivals. Visitors have the chance to participate in and observe local rituals, experiencing authentic Balinese religious culture. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the daily lives of the villagers, admire their traditional crafts and activities, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique community.

Penglipuran Village

A Lush Bamboo Village

Not far from Kintamani, amidst rolling hills and countryside, lies Penglipuran Village—a serene and charming place. The village structure remains almost intact, with orderly stone-paved roads and ancient traditional buildings interwoven with meticulously manicured gardens. The village continues traditional building methods, with a particular emphasis on bamboo. Nearly everything in the village—from kitchens and grand gates to doorways, furniture, roofs, and entrances—is woven from abundant plant materials. Notably, bamboo roofs and many other distinctive creations have become unique hallmarks of this small community, hard to find elsewhere.

Eco-Friendly and Beautiful

Yet, what’s most stunning is the village’s beauty, reflected in its cleanliness. This is because environmental awareness is an integral part of daily life here, passed down through generations. Neither locals nor visitors litter, and smokers can only smoke in designated areas. Penglipuran Village holds a special title: along with Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India, it is recognized as one of the three cleanest villages in the world.

In June 2025, the village once again received the Kalpataru Lestari Appreciation Award from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment, an honor specifically recognizing communities and individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability.

Village Chief Wayan Budiarta said, ‘This honor is the result of the entire village’s long-term efforts to protect the environment. Our culture of cleanliness has been passed down through generations.‘

A Timeless Experience

Visitors can come to this village year-round, but the best time to visit is around the Galungan religious festival. During these days, the village is adorned with special decorations called “penjor,” hung on bamboo poles. At these special moments, you can also witness young girls in traditional Balinese attire, gracefully carrying offerings on their heads as they head to the village’s Hindu temple, like a ceremonial stage.

Tasting Loloh Cem-cem

Loloh Cemcem is a traditional drink from Penglipuran Village. Cemcem leaves are one of the main specialties of the village. Locals turn these leaves into a fresh, health-boosting beverage.

This green health drink is often thought to taste bitter, as many believe cemcem leaves naturally have a bitter flavor when used in food. In fact, this idea is wrong. When you drink Loloh Cemcem, you won’t taste any bitterness because the palm sugar syrup balances it out.

During preparation, cemcem leaves are mixed with other plants like Jatropha leaves, betel nut leaves, and coral tree leaves. These four types of leaves are mashed and then steeped in warm water. After that, cinnamon and palm sugar syrup are added to neutralize the bitterness. To enhance the drink’s flavor, some vendors add coconut meat. Adding ice makes it even more refreshing! It’s the perfect thirst-quencher in Bali’s hot weather—your thirst will vanish instantly.

Loloh Cemcem is not just a cooling drink; it also offers several health benefits, such as lowering high blood pressure and improving digestive issues. Because of these benefits, visitors to Penglipuran Village often try Loloh Cemcem. It’s also easy to find—almost every resident sells it, usually right in front of their homes. A bottle of Loloh Cemcem is very affordable, so you can enjoy it without worrying about the price.

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Tips for Visiting Penglipuran Village

When visiting Penglipuran Village, it’s essential to respect local culture and customs. Dressing appropriately and behaving politely will help you interact well with the villagers. Please note that you need to ask for permission from locals before taking photos.

We strongly recommend hiring a local guide, which will give you deeper insights into the village’s history and traditions. The guide can provide profound perspectives, explain the village’s stories, and answer any questions you may have.

In Penglipuran Village, you can stroll through quiet alleys, admire traditional-style houses, well-trimmed gardens, and the friendly smiles of the locals. The residents have always taken pride in respecting the environment and their culture, so the entire village maintains a high level of cleanliness and pristine beauty.

While exploring the village, don’t forget to visit the local temples and cultural heritage sites to learn about the Balinese people’s religious beliefs and traditions. You can also sample authentic Balinese cuisine at local stalls, letting your taste buds experience the unique flavors of this land.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion or pure travel adventure, Penglipuran Village is a destination not to be missed. This ancient Balinese community will transport you to a unique time and space, allowing you to feel the profound depth of Balinese culture.

Entry requires a ticket. Prices are IDR 25,000 for Indonesians and IDR 50,000 for foreigners.

Want to plan your budget before you go? Bali Ticket Price List includes real-time reference prices for popular attractions across the site, making it easy to compare deals on Klook/Trip.com.

Klook Day Tour

One-day tour combining Penglipuran with other nearby attractions

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📚 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Penglipuran Village?

Penglipuran Village is located in the Bangli Regency of Bali, Indonesia, near the active volcano area of Lake Batur.

Why is Penglipuran Village Called the Cleanest Village in the World?

Villagers have long practiced strict waste management and eco-friendly measures, with no visible trash anywhere and streets kept spotlessly clean.

Can You Stay Overnight in Penglipuran Village?

Accommodations are mainly local homestays, offering simple and comfortable stays that require advance booking.

Can You Visit the Bamboo Forest in Penglipuran Village?

Yes. Some bamboo groves are open to visitors, with guided tours explaining their sustainable management model.

Is There an Entry Fee for the Village?

Yes, visitors need to pay a small entry fee, which funds the village’s environmental protection and maintenance efforts.

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