BANGLI, Bali (BPN) – Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency, Bali, serves as a living example of how tradition and modernization can walk hand-in-hand, creating a harmony that captivates travelers from around the globe.
After previously ranking third among the World’s Cleanest Villages—following Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India—Penglipuran Tourism Village has once again been listed in Condé Nast Traveller’s “The 53 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World,” published in March 2026.
This customary village is recognized for offering visitors an authentic taste of traditional Balinese life through its well-preserved spatial planning, neatly paved stone streets, and rows of homes built in traditional architectural styles.
Furthermore, approximately 40 percent of the village area consists of bamboo forests, which play a vital role in the daily lives of the local community.
The uniqueness of Penglipuran is also evident in its application of the traditional Tri Mandala spatial concept, which divides the village territory into three zones based on levels of sacredness: utama mandala (sacred zone), madya mandala (living zone), and nista mandala (outer/profane zone).
The local residents maintain strict architectural uniformity across their traditional homes, including the design of the traditional entrance gates (angkul-angkul) and room layouts.
For a more festive cultural experience, Condé Nast Traveller recommends visiting during Galungan Holy Day, when the main street of the village is adorned with decorative bamboo poles (penjor).
I Wayan Sumiarta, Manager of the Penglipuran Tourism Village Business Unit, expressed pride and gratitude for the global recognition from Condé Nast Traveller.
For Sumiarta, this accolade is an appreciation of everything the Penglipuran community has continuously preserved, from its rich culture and village layout to its natural environment.
However, he also acknowledged that this international recognition brings greater responsibility. The primary challenge ahead is ensuring that tourism continues to grow and benefit the community without eroding the village’s customary values and authenticity.
“We do not want Penglipuran to be known only for its beauty, but also for the commitment of its people in preserving ancestral heritage. For us, preserving what is already good while continuously improving our shortcomings is the most important thing,” Sumiarta stated.
Meanwhile, Customary Chief (Kelian Adat) of Penglipuran, I Wayan Budiarta, explained that Penglipuran’s journey into tourism began in 1990, when Udayana University students participating in a Community Service (KKN) first introduced the village to wider audiences.
Three years later, in 1993, the Bangli Regional Government officially designated Penglipuran as a tourist village.
“Since then, our tourism management has been community-based,” Budiarta explained.
A major shift occurred in 2012. Residents who were previously merely tourist attractions transformed into active key players in local tourism by operating homestays, hosting cultural performances, and offering various services.
“So we are no longer just an object to be looked at, but a subject or driver of tourism,” Budiarta said.
These ongoing cultural preservation efforts and local innovations have earned Penglipuran numerous honors, ranging from the Kalpataru environmental award and the title of one of the world’s cleanest villages, to being named one of the world’s best tourism villages in 2023.
“We must emphasize, Penglipuran is not just a tourist attraction, but a living museum, an entity that is truly alive,” Budiarta stated. (*)
