A Complete Guide to Bali Traditional Villages: Culture, Craft, and Community

Bali is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, iconic temples, and vibrant culture. Yet, beyond these well-known attractions lies a deeper, more authentic aspect of Bali’s cultural identity: its traditional villages. Rooted in community, spirituality, and artistry, these villages showcase the rich heritage and time-honored customs that form the soul of Bali. Visiting these villages offers an intimate experience of Bali’s culture, allowing travelers to connect with the people and traditions that make the island unique. Here’s a guide to some of Bali’s most captivating traditional villages, each offering a blend of culture, craft, and community.

1. Penglipuran Village

A Model of Tradition and Cleanliness

Penglipuran Village is one of Bali’s most famous traditional villages, known for its commitment to cleanliness and cultural preservation. Located in the Bangli Regency, Penglipuran has been awarded several times as one of the world’s cleanest villages. Its meticulously maintained main road, flanked by traditional Balinese houses and gardens, creates a picturesque view, offering visitors a glimpse into the villagers' daily lives.

The village is designed according to ancient Balinese architectural principles, with houses that follow traditional styles passed down through generations. Visitors to Penglipuran can stroll through the village, interact with locals, and learn about traditional Balinese family life and customs. Penglipuran is also famous for its preservation of local wisdom, environmental practices, and respect for nature, as seen in its bamboo forests, which are integral to the village’s landscape and craft industry.

Highlights:

• Traditional house architecture and village layout
• Bamboo forest exploration
• Opportunities to learn about Balinese family customs and rituals

2. Tenganan Pegringsingan Village

The Ancient Bali Aga Village

Tenganan Pegringsingan is one of Bali’s oldest villages, home to the Bali Aga, the island’s original inhabitants. Located in East Bali, this village has preserved a unique cultural heritage, maintaining its own customs, dialect, and lifestyle. Tenganan is particularly famous for its traditional textile art known as double ikat, or geringsing, a technique practiced by only a few communities worldwide. This intricate weaving process can take months to complete, and each piece is believed to carry spiritual protection for those who wear it.

The village layout and social structure reflect the Bali Aga’s distinct way of life, with communal houses and shared resources. Traditional ceremonies, some involving dramatic displays of traditional art, are held regularly. Visitors can explore the village’s markets, observe the weaving process, and even purchase a geringsing as a rare and valuable souvenir.

Highlights:

• Unique Bali Aga culture, customs, and dialect
• Geringsing weaving demonstration and market
• Regular ceremonies and traditional dances

3. Celuk Village

The Center of Balinese Silver Craft

Celuk Village, located in Gianyar, is renowned for its skilled silversmiths and intricate jewelry. For generations, families in Celuk have been crafting detailed silver pieces that showcase both Balinese culture and exceptional artistry. In recent years, Celuk’s reputation has spread worldwide, with visitors flocking to the village to see the process firsthand and purchase unique, handcrafted silver jewelry.

Visitors can take workshops where they learn basic silverworking techniques and create their own jewelry pieces, guided by local artisans. These workshops offer an immersive experience, giving travelers an understanding of the time, precision, and artistry involved in Balinese silverwork. A visit to Celuk provides a fascinating look at Bali’s rich artisan heritage, as well as a chance to leave with a handmade memento.

Highlights:

• Silver-making workshops and demonstrations
• Opportunity to create custom silver jewelry
• Local markets with high-quality handcrafted silver pieces

4. Mas Village

The Woodcarving Capital of Bali

Mas Village, also in Gianyar, is the heart of Bali’s woodcarving industry. Renowned for its detailed and expressive wood sculptures, Mas has attracted carvers from across the island who specialize in creating everything from traditional masks to intricate statues. The village’s woodcarving tradition dates back centuries, with the craft often passed down through generations.

A visit to Mas Village allows travelers to observe master carvers at work, creating art pieces that range from spiritual figures to contemporary designs. Many workshops in the village offer hands-on experiences where visitors can try their hand at wood carving under the guidance of a skilled artisan. This village is ideal for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are interested in the spiritual significance of Balinese wood art.

Highlights:

• Woodcarving demonstrations by master artisans
• Hands-on workshops to create your own wood sculpture
• Wide selection of wood carvings and sculptures for sale

5. Batuan Village

A Center of Balinese Painting and Traditional Art

Batuan Village, located near Ubud, is well known for its unique style of Balinese painting, characterized by dark, crowded compositions that depict scenes from Balinese mythology and daily life. This traditional painting style, known as Batuan painting, originated here and has remained a cultural treasure for generations. The village is home to numerous art studios and galleries where artists continue to produce these iconic works.

Visitors to Batuan Village can watch painters at work, explore local galleries, and learn about the history and symbolism embedded in the Batuan painting style. Some studios offer short painting workshops, allowing visitors to create their own art in this traditional style, making it an immersive cultural experience.

Highlights:

• Traditional Batuan painting galleries and demonstrations
• Insight into Balinese mythology through art
• Painting workshops for visitors

6. Batubulan Village

The Village of Stone Carving and Traditional Dance

Batubulan Village, located near Denpasar, is famous for its intricate stone carvings and traditional Balinese dance performances. Known as the stone-carving capital of Bali, Batubulan’s streets and workshops are lined with statues and sculptures depicting deities, mythical creatures, and figures from Balinese folklore. These detailed stone works are often used to adorn temples and homes across Bali.

In addition to its stone-carving heritage, Batubulan is also well-known for its daily performances of Barong and Keris dance, two of Bali’s most iconic dances. Visitors to Batubulan can enjoy watching these dramatic performances that depict the eternal battle between good and evil, an essential theme in Balinese culture. The village provides a unique opportunity to experience Bali’s artistic traditions, combining visual art with performance.

Highlights:

• Stone-carving workshops and galleries
• Daily Barong and Keris dance performances
• Unique stone statues and sculptures for sale

Exploring Bali’s traditional villages offers a truly enriching experience that goes beyond the island’s tourist attractions. Each village provides insight into Bali’s unique blend of spirituality, artistry, and community values. From the meticulous cleanliness of Penglipuran to the artistic heritage of Batuan and the dance traditions of Batubulan, these villages showcase the diversity and depth of Balinese culture. By visiting these villages, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s heritage, supporting local artisans and preserving ancient customs.

With Satiya Bali Tours, you can embark on a journey through these captivating villages, guided by experts who provide context, cultural understanding, and a genuine connection to Bali’s people and traditions. Whether you're interested in crafting, history, or spiritual practices, Bali’s traditional villages offer a chance to connect with the heart and soul of the island, making your visit truly unforgettable.