The charming, vibrant, and unique cultural richness of Bali

Worshipping their ancestors and the land they’ve inherited, the Balinese possess a rich culture that merges traditions, wisdom, nature and aesthetics

Stretching from Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia is home to thousands of differing cultures, each bearing unique practices. Passed down from generation to generation, these traditions and wisdom have found a way to remain in existence despite the times , providing visitors with a glimpse into the daily life of a bygone era.

As the archipelago is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, it’s also common for certain cultures to practice customs that are deeply rooted in reverence for the natural environment. For instance, in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, there’s a tradition known as the Rasulan, during which locals clean up the village and hold several celebrations, including a parade of the village’s crops. It’s a way for villagers to express their gratitude for the harvest and the produce they receive.

Apart from its mesmerising landscape that has successfully attracted millions of travellers to explore every inch of the island, Bali is also known for its captivating culture. The island is the final bastion of the ancient Hindu kingdoms where their belief withstood for centuries. This is one of the reasons why Bali has a unique cultural appeal that differs greatly from other regions throughout Indonesia.

Bali is a place where tradition meets nature. Among the island’s lush forests and verdant rice fields, the Balinese lead a humble daily life. You can get a glimpse and even experience their daily lives personally by spending time at several tourism villages available around the island.

These tourism villages offer a chance for you to learn authentic Balinese traditions and customs. The natural and architectural sight these villages provide is sure to make your time there something to cherish.

One of the most popular tourism villages in Bali can be found standing gracefully in the south of the Bangli regency. Known as Penglipuran, this village has an unmatched beauty. Neat rows of traditional houses and spotless green gardens surrounding the village evoke a sense of serenity. The locals take incredible pride in their village and in 2017 received the Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Award (ISTA) from the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Still holding on to ancestral teachings, Penglipuran maintains a traditional concept known as Tri Hita Karana. This concept is a philosophy of the Balinese Hindu that puts focus on the balance or harmony between the relationship of God, humans and the environment. The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana can be seen from the spatial organisation of the village itself. The village’s layout is split into three areas – parahyangan (sacred area), pawongan (settlement area) and palemahan (graveyard, farming area, etc).