Penglipuran Village (also called Sangeh Traditional Village) is a village on Bali where you step back into history, but with real people. The village is located in the hills of Gianyar, at about 625 meters altitude. Everything here breathes structure and balance: the straight paths, symmetrical little houses, blooming gardens and an almost serene silence.
But what really makes this village special is that tradition here is not a play – it’s everyday reality. I tell you about our experience. Our driver Adi – a very friendly man who spoke good English – brought us there from Kintamani.
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What makes Penglipuran so unique?
Penglipuran is one of the cleanest villages in Indonesia – and you can see that in everything. No litter on the street, no stray plastic, and even the sidewalk tiles are laid straight here. But what really makes it special is that tradition here is not kept alive for tourists – it is the real life for these people. Even though these people of course know very well that many tourists come here and they can sell stuff to them.
Every family lives in a Karang: a walled courtyard with multiple pavilions (Bale), each with its own function. One for sleeping, one for cooking, one for ceremonies. When we were there, a friendly woman invited us to take a look inside. In her wooden little kitchen – low, smoky, but atmospheric – she was cooking for twenty family members. Twenty! And does something like that look very responsible according to the European standards we’re used to? I doubt it. It just shows again how good we have it in the Netherlands.
And then the rules: in this village you can only marry one woman. If you don’t do that? Then you have to leave. Well, in the Netherlands this is also the standard. So this might not be so remarkable as a tourist.
Also beautiful: the village lives according to the Balinese concept Tri Hita Karana – a philosophy that revolves around balance between humans, nature and the divine. You can feel that in the layout of the village:
- Parahyangan: the temple area
- Pawongan: the living area
- Palemahan: the surrounding nature
What can you do here?
Penglipuran is not a village to hop from highlight to highlight. It is a place to walk around, look around, and take it all in. Still some concrete tips:
Recommendations:
- Walk along the central village street and take some cool photos
- Talk to locals – many residents are happy to show you their courtyard. They naturally hope you’ll buy something from them.
- Visit the temple at the end of the village
- Buy a handwoven sarong or local snacks (tip: bring some cash and negotiate!)
- Take photos – but always politely ask permission if you want to photograph someone
Practical info:
- 📍 Location: ±30 min from Kintamani, ±1 hour from Ubud
- 💰 Entrance: approx. 30,000 IDR
- 🕘 Best time: before 10:00 AM (less hot and quieter)
- 🧣 Dress code: respectful – bring or rent a sarong on site
More beauty nearby for a day trip
Penglipuran was our first stop of the day. After that we drove further east with driver Adi to complete our day tour:
Pura Besakih – Bali’s mother temple
Located on the slope of Mount Agung lies Bali’s largest temple complex. You reach it via an impressive staircase. Although we had already seen quite a few temples by then, the location of this one – with a view over the landscape – makes it truly special. The gray stonework is somewhat subdued, but it is an enormously large complex.
Read our blog about Pura Besakih here →
It works a bit strangely here, because you are immediately paired with a guide. This one expects a (generous) tip from you at the end of the tour. Now you know!
Tirta Gangga – Royal water garden
This is a water temple that is open to the public. It is a relaxed place full of ponds, fountains and stepping stones. You can walk around here and take fun photos over the stepping stones. Of course you can feed the fish and take a commercial boat ride.
Read our blog about Tirta Gangga here →
Stay near Penglipuran?
Want to stay sleeping near Penglipuran? These accommodations are nearby and wallet-friendly:
- Penglipuran Guest House – from ± € 20/night
Simple rooms within 5 minutes walking from the village. Perfect for those who want to be early or wander back late. - Sayuban Villa – from ± €30/night
Slightly more luxurious and a bit further (1.5 km), but wonderfully quietly located. Good option if you want a bit more comfort.
Stay in a dream villa in Lempuyang
We ourselves ended the day a bit further away from Sangeh Traditional Village, namely in Lempuyang. We stayed at the Lempuyang Boutique Hotel, which rightly has the nickname Dream villa. And it was: a villa with a view of rice fields and Mount Agung in the distance. We jumped into the pool, got a bottle of Italian wine from the house, had a romantic dinner and slept under the stars.
Is Penglipuran the most beautiful village in Bali?
You can fill this in yourself as far as I’m concerned. They are all too happy to profile it as Bali’s most beautiful village, but that is of course also for tourism. It is especially a fun stopover on the oh so busy Bali and especially fun to combine with a day tour. The village breathes tradition, and is at the same time open and hospitable.
