Discover Bali’s Hidden Gems: Best Tourism Villages to Explore in 2025

Religious ceremony taking place in Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese village known for its cultural heritage

Bali has always been synonymous with stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and majestic temples. Yet in 2025, travelers are beginning to seek something different—authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection with local life. This is where Bali’s tourism villages truly shine.

Unlike mainstream destinations such as Kuta, Seminyak, or even central Ubud, these villages offer a more intimate and sustainable way to experience the island. From breathtaking rice terraces to traditional crafts and age-old rituals, Bali’s tourism villages are now the hidden gems that every traveler should add to their 2025 itinerary.

Why Tourism Villages Are Trending in 2025

• Authentic experiences are in high demand. Travelers now prefer immersive journeys where they can live like locals, join daily activities, and connect deeply with community traditions.

• Support for sustainable travel. The Balinese government is actively promoting eco-friendly and community-based tourism, ensuring that every visit contributes to local livelihoods.

• A shift from mainstream destinations. Instead of crowded beaches and nightlife hubs, visitors are now looking for peaceful escapes where nature, culture, and spirituality blend in harmony.

Top Tourism Villages in Bali 2025

• Penglipuran Village (Bangli). Recognized as one of the cleanest villages in the world, Penglipuran charms visitors with its unique architecture and orderly layout. The village strictly preserves its traditions, making it a living museum of Balinese culture

Aerial view of Jatiluwih Village with stunning rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape in Bali

• Jatiluwih (Tabanan). Famous for its UNESCO-protected rice terraces, Jatiluwih offers a scenic trekking experience and a glimpse of Bali’s sophisticated subak irrigation system. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking landscapes while learning about ancient farming traditions.

• Tenganan Pegringsingan (Karangasem). As one of the oldest Bali Aga villages, Tenganan is home to the rare double ikat weaving known as Gringsing. The village also hosts unique ceremonies and traditions that are not found anywhere else in Bali.

Tenganan Pegringsingan Village in Bali, a traditional settlement famous for its preserved culture and double ikat weaving

• Sidemen (Karangasem). Nestled in a lush valley, Sidemen is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and nature-based activities. The village is also known for its traditional weaving, making it a hub for culture and craftsmanship.

• Serangan Village (Denpasar). Often called “Turtle Island,” Serangan is famous for turtle conservation projects and fishing traditions. Visitors can also explore its sacred temples and enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.

Blahbatuh (Gianyar). A cultural village best known for gamelan and traditional Balinese music. Tourists can witness performances, join art workshops, and explore nearby temples.

Blahbatuh Village in Gianyar, Bali, featuring a scenic temple view that highlights local heritage and spirituality

• Bongan Village (Tabanan). This eco-tourism village offers authentic farming experiences where visitors can plant rice, join local ceremonies, and learn about Balinese spirituality. It’s an ideal stop for those looking for hands-on cultural engagement.

Unique Experiences in Bali’s Tourism Villages

• Stay with local families. Homestay programs allow travelers to live inside the community, experiencing everyday routines, hospitality, and traditional meals. This is the best way to feel the authentic soul of Bali.      

• Join traditional ceremonies. From temple rituals to harvest celebrations, visitors can take part in cultural events that reveal Bali’s spiritual depth. These ceremonies also strengthen the bond between guests and locals.

• Explore Balinese arts and crafts. Many villages offer workshops in painting, gamelan, and weaving, allowing visitors to bring home skills and stories. These hands-on experiences are both fun and educational.

• Taste authentic Balinese cuisine. Culinary tours in the villages introduce travelers to homemade dishes that are rarely found in restaurants. Each meal tells a story of tradition, family, and community.

Travel Tips for Visiting Tourism Villages

• Choose the right season. The dry season from April to October is ideal for visiting villages, as rice terraces are green and many cultural festivals take place. This ensures a vibrant and enjoyable journey.

• Respect local customs. Always dress modestly, especially when entering temples or joining ceremonies. Showing respect not only enriches your experience but also strengthens your relationship with the community.

• Plan your transportation. Renting a motorbike or private car makes it easier to explore different villages at your own pace. Alternatively, guided tours are a good option for those who want deeper insights into traditions.

• Support the community. Buy local crafts, eat in family-owned warungs, and contribute to eco-tourism activities. Small actions from travelers help preserve culture and support local economies.

Stay Near Bali’s Tourism Villages

Finding the right place to stay enhances the entire village exploration experience. Here are some recommended accommodations across different regencies:

The Tunjung Boutique Resort at Canggu, Bali

Tabanan

• The Tunjung Boutique Resort (Canggu, Tumbak Bayuh)

  • Distance: About 40 minutes from Jatiluwih, 30 minutes from Bongan Village.

  • Budget: Around $65 per night.

  • Unique Features: A boutique-style resort with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for travelers who want a tranquil stay yet remain close to cultural attractions. Its strategic location makes it ideal for exploring both Tabanan’s UNESCO rice terraces and nearby traditional villages.

Gianyar

• Puri Sebali Resort (Ubud)

  • Distance: About 20 minutes from Blahbatuh Village.

  • Budget: Starts from $130 per night.

  • Unique Features: Nestled in lush rice fields near Ubud, this resort blends luxury with cultural immersion. Guests can enjoy cooking classes and yoga while being close to Bali’s artistic heart.

Denpasar

• Sanur Village Hotel (Sanur)

  • Distance: Only 15 minutes from Serangan Village.

  • Budget: Around $58 per night.

  • Unique Features: A cozy beachside hotel offering easy access to both Serangan’s turtle conservation and Sanur’s relaxed coastal vibe. Perfect for families and eco-conscious travelers.

Karangasem

• Wapa di Ume Sidemen

  • Distance: 10 minutes from Sidemen Village, 35 minutes from Tenganan Pegringsingan.

  • Budget: Around $160 per night.

  • Unique Features: Overlooking valleys and rice paddies, this boutique resort is a retreat for nature lovers. It’s ideal for those seeking yoga retreats, weaving workshops, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Bangli

• Penglipuran Bamboo House Stay

  • Distance: Located right inside Penglipuran Village.

  • Budget: Around $45 per night.

  • Unique Features: A traditional homestay experience where guests can live like locals, learn about bamboo crafts, and experience the daily rhythm of one of the world’s cleanest villages.

Conclusion

Bali’s tourism villages are no longer hidden secrets—they are the island’s new treasures for 2025. With a blend of culture, tradition, and sustainability, they offer travelers an authentic side of Bali far from the crowded tourist centers.

For those looking to explore these hidden gems, staying in a boutique resort near key villages ensures a comfortable and enriching journey. In Tabanan, The Tunjung Boutique Resort stands out as the perfect base for travelers who wish to discover the heart of Bali’s cultural and natural wonders. By combining village adventures with serene accommodation, your 2025 Bali trip will be truly unforgettable.

The Story Behind The Famous Bali Fire Dance

BALI KECAK AND FIRE DANCE

BALI KECAK AND FIRE DANCE IS TRADITIONAL BALINESE DANCE WITH STORY FROM FRAGMENT RAMAYANA

Bali Kecak and Fire Dance Performance, Not known exactly where Kecak dance originated and which was first developed, but there is some kind of agreement on the Balinese Kecak was first developed into a performing arts in the village of Bona, Gianyar, as additional knowledge Kecak was originally a song or music that is resultant from a combination sounds those makeup melodies that are usually used to accompany the sacred dance Sanghyang. And can only be staged in the temple. Then in the early 1930s by artists from the village of Bona, Gianyar trying to develop a Kecak dance by taking the story of Ramayana who danced as a substitute for Sanghyang Dance so this dance could eventually be displayed in public as performance art. Part of the Ramayana story in which the first is taken as Goddess Sita was abducted by King Ravana.

The development of Bali Kecak and Fire Dance in Bali

Kecak Dance in Bali continues to change and progress since the 1970s. Developments can be seen is in terms of story and staging. In terms of the story for staging not only sticking to one part of the Ramayana, but also other parts of the story of the Ramayana. Then in terms of staging also began to experience growth not only found in one place like the Village Bona, Gianyar but also other villages in Bali began to develop Kecak dance so all regions in Bali there are dozens of Kecak groups whose members are usually members of the Banjar. Activities such as the Kecak dance festival is often held in Bali well by government or by a school of art in Bali. As well as from the number of dancers who ever performed in the Kecak dance was recorded in 1979 which involved 500 dancers. At that time Kecak performed by taking the story from the Mahabharata. But this record was broken by Tabanan regency government that organizes colossal Kecak dance with 5000 dancers on September 29, 2006, at Tanah Lot, Tabanan, Bali.

The pattern of Bali Kecak and Fire Dance

A Kecak dance performance is supported by some very important factor, and in the Kecak dance performance presents the dance as an introduction to the story, of course, vital music to accompany the dancer's movements. But in the Kecak Dance, the music generated from a combination sounds of members “Cak” which were about 50-70 people all of them will make music in acapella. A person will act as a leader who gives the tone early, someone else acting as a suppressor in charge of pressure high or low tone, someone else acting as a solo singer, and someone else will act as the mastermind behind that to deliver the story. the dancers in the Kecak dance motion should not follow the movement of dance accompanied by gamelan. So in the Kecak dance, these gestures of the dancer are more relaxed because the main priority is the storyline and the sound mix.

Bali Kecak and Fire Dance Performance Story

What makes the Kecak special is that the accompanying music is provided by the human voice, the gamelan voice, a choir of a hundred men or more sitting in concentric circles, swaying, standing up, lying prone as the story develops. Amongst the swaying masses, the voices of the storytellers can be heard telling the unfolding tale. The story is a fragment from the Ramayana, the Hindu epic which finds its expression in many forms, not only in dance but also in painting and carving. Prince Rama, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Ayodya, and his wife Sita have been banished from the kingdom by King Dasaratha as a result of trickery by Rama’s stepmother. The story begins with the arrival of Rama and Sita accompanied by Rama’s brother Laksmana in the forest of Dandaka.

The trio has been observed by the demon Rahwana, King of Alenka, who lusts after the beautiful Sita. Rahwana sends his prime minister Marica to try and isolate Sita so that Rahwana can kidnap her. Marica’s magical powers turn him into a golden deer and he enters the forest and when the Sita sees the golden deer she is so enchanted by it that she asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama chases after the deer leaving his brother Laksamana behind with strict instruction to protect Sita. When Sita thinks she hears a cry for help from Rama she forces Laksamana to go after Rama by accusing him of cowardice and he goes off to help Rama with great reluctance after drawing a magic circle on the ground and telling Sita she should not under any circumstance step outside the circle.

Sita, left alone in the forest becomes an easy prey to the trickery of Rahwana who has disguised himself has an old priest and bags Sita for some food as he is cold and hungry. Sita falls for his trick, she steps outside the circle to give the old priest some food and Rahwana grabs her and takes her to his palace. Once back in his palace in Alenka, Rahwana tries everything he can to seduce Sita without any luck.
In the palace of Alenka, Sita pours out her heart about her cruel fate to Rahwana’s niece Trijata, when Hanoman appears telling her that hi is Rama’s envoy and proving it by showing her Rama’s ring. Sita gives Hanoman a hairpin to show she is still alive and sand him back to Rama with a massage to come to her rescue.

In the meantime, Rama and Laksamana accompanied by Tualen are wandering in the forest looking for Sita when Meganada, Rahwana’s son, appears and engages Rama and Laksamana in Battle. Meganada uses his magic powers and shoots of an arrow that magically turns in to a dragon which overpowers Rama and Laksamana and they are trussed up in ropes. The bird Garuda, King of all the bird, a good friend of King Dasaratha, has observed trouble Rama is in from high up in the sky and comes to the rescue freeing the brothers from the ropes. Rama and Laksamana continue on their way to rescue Sita and are joined by Sugriwa, king of the monkeys, and his monkey's army.

This fragment of the Ramayana comes to an end with the battle between Sugriwa and his Monkeys Army and Meganada and his Demon Army which ends with the defeat of Meganada.

Otonan - Unique Ceremony for Birthday Celebrations In Balinese Way

Otonan - Unique Ceremony for Birthday Celebrations In Balinese Way

In Bali island, you can find many traditional ceremonies (that are very much related to Hinduism) every day. I would like to share to you one of the ceremonies in Bali is Otonan. Celebrating a religious ceremony means they have to prepare one or more Banten (offering = something made by the Balinese and present to God).
 

The offering is consisted of fruits, cakes, Tumpeng (rice-shaped in mountain-like), Tebu (sugar cane) and decorated with Sampiyan (made from young coconut leaves). The size of the offering made for the Otonan varieties from one village to another village. The details of the offering are also diverse according to the tradition of the hometown and creativity of the preparer, but the essence always remains the same.



Otonan or Ngotonin is a ceremony commemorating the birthday of 1 year, based on Wuku (6month times 35 days = 210 days). The fall day of otonan will coincide with Sapta Wara, Panca Wara, and Wuku. Otononan ceremonies are purposes to give thanks to Hyang Widhi for the gift of longevity, as well as please the safety and welfare.

Different from the birthday anniversary of using only the calculation of the date and month. Otonan conducted every 6months once by using the calendar calculations of Bali. ( 1 month = 35 days)
Otonan ceremony accompanied in prayer, along with giving a string bracelet to someone who was conducting Otonan ceremony. Prayer has the meaning of hope to be physically strong, strong in determination, strong in belief in God and Truth, and strong in facing all challenges of life.


The symbolic meaning of the bracelet thread:
1. Yarn in Bali was "Beneng" means straight, and also because the treads are often used to saw something and become straight. The point is that the heart is always on the straight and true.
2. Yarn has a flexible nature and not easily broken as a symbol of the resiliency of the heart and not easily discouraged.

WELCOMING BABY ACCORDING TO HINDU CUSTOMS

Balinese Three Month Celebration

The Samsakara performed immediately after childbirth is called Jatakarma. In this Samsakara the father has to chant specific mantras into the right ear of newborn and feed the mixture of Madhu, Ghrta, and Svrna Bahsma to the newborn followed by breastfeeding to a child.

Jatakarma (birth ride): The first Samskara to be done after birth is Jatakarma. The child is made to lick a mixture of honey and ghee while the mantras are being chanted.

Ritual of Jatakarma:

1. Entry: The entry is when the newborn child is brought into this world
2. Preparation: First, a spoon of honey, curds and clarified butter is given to the child to lick. Mantras specific to the ritual are whispered into the right ear or over the naval of the child. This is to give a long life to the child.
3. Climax: Then, the father touches the child’s shoulders and chants more mantras (still having hands on the child) while chanting verses from the three Vedas, the father breathes three times over the child.  This rite of Jatakarma also includes the breathing of five Brahmanas from the east Prana, Vyana, Apana, Udana, and Samana (these are the names of the five Vayus).
4. Celebration: While the father is chanting, the mother of the child offers him/her breast milk. The father of the child then bends down and touches the spot of earth where the child was born, still chanting the mantras. After this, the parents give a name to the new child. The father then bathes, shaves and purifies the house. He then performs Ha-van. All of the elements before this point are performed anywhere between the 10th to the 12th day after the child is born. The early rituals are important because it is proven that anything absorbed in the years up until age five, will stay set in the person's mind for life. The symbol for Om (the prayer word) is drawn on the tongue of the child with the end of the golden spoon, this is so that his words will lead him to spirituality.
5. Exit: The word “Vedosi” is whispered into the ear of the child by the father. This word means that you are a knowledgeable person, and this concludes the ceremony.

Mejejaitan and Metanding - The Basic Skill of Balinese Women to Make Offering

As we know Bali is the best tourist destination in the world which offers interesting culture and unique Balinese daily life. Tradition or culture can’t spread from Balinese people daily life like dance, subak irrigation system and many more. The majority of Balinese people are Hindu, because of that, they must make the offering. The process to make offering was called by Mejejaitan and Metanding.

The Balinese Artistic Equipment for Corpse's Place

Ngaben or the Balinese Cremation Ceremony is the ritual performed to send the dead through the transition to the next life. This is the unique ceremony and you see it only in Bali. Many equipments was used in this ceremony, one of them is Bade. Have you heard it before?

Barong Brutuk - The Mystic Dance was Given the Fertility

Barong is a lion-like creature and character in the mythology of Bali, Indonesia. He is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good. Bali has many kinds of Barong, one of them is Barong Brutuk. This is unique Barong performed that must you know.

The 5 Facts About Balinese People That Never You Know

Bali is the famous tourist destination in the world. Every tourist knows about Bali and they usually come to this paradise island to enjoy unique cultures, delicious food and talk to Balinese people. Balinese people are very kindly, and I will give you 5 facts about Balinese people.

Tedung -The Balinese Sacred Umbrella

When during your holiday, have you seen an umbrella which decorated in Balinese Temple? It called Tedung or Pajeng. Tedung or Pajeng is one of Balinese Hindu ceremony equipment which was shaped like an umbrella and has many shapes, sizes, colors, functions.

Tedung or Pajeng was made by bamboo for the work frame, yarn, cotton cloth and wood for the pole. Every place in Bali has a difference style than each other. Undagi (Tedung maker) has a special skill to make it. Tedung or Pajeng is divided into 2 types, those are Tedung Agung and Tedung Robrob. Tedung Agung usually was decorated with a colorful cloth or normally called Ider-Ider on the edge of Tedung Agung. Tedung Robrob was decorated with a small ball made from wool yarn on the edge of Tedung Robrob. 

The generally, every color of Tedung has meaning, like black or white (called by Poleng) is symbolized of harmonizing (Rwa Bineda), the black is symbolize of Wisnu God (God of maintenance the world), the red is the symbolize of Brahma God ( God of creator the world) and the white is symbolize of Siwa God ( God of destruction the world) Tedung or Pajeng is not the normal umbrella, we cannot use it to protect us from rain, but it is the holy equipment. 

When Balinese people conduct “Melasti’ (purification ceremony and ritual ), they use pajeng to protect God’s manifestation like Barong, Rangda or Pratima. But now, Tedung is used the decoration of hotel or restaurant and look more beautiful.

The Powerful Guardian of Balinese House

Balinese Statue Powerful Guardian of Balinese House

Have you been seen the statue in front of a temple or palace during you spent the holiday in Bali? It was called by Bedogol which is the Balinese name for the gate guardian statue. It also called Dwarapala.

The statues were placed only in Pura (temples) and Puri (Royal homes), but nowadays they can be found in most houses in Bali. The statues are usually placed on the left and right sides of the gate - they are an essential element of Balinese exteriors. They mark homes with stark personality, charm, beauty or eccentric figures. People are free to choose any character to be used as a Bedogol. 

The statue representing the more powerful character is placed on the right side of the gate. Balinese People are always concerned with directions and also with positions - left and right. The complementary nature of Bedogol and their placement on both sides of the gate relates to the Balinese philosophy of good and bad, positive and negative and the essential necessity to balance these forces - to make them neutral. And it is important to know that the good does not exist without the bad or, for that matter, the bad without the good. The bedogol’s purpose is to organize possibly unbalanced elements from the outside world, to make the positive and negative neutral before they enter the home.

The guardian statues are typically a pair of characters that complement each other, such as young and old brother. Most Balinese use the male-female Dwarapala to guard their homes. Sometimes they look alike, but they are not identical. Often the statues are like a mirror image rather than an exact replica. For example, if one statue makes a gesture to the left, the other would make it to the right. So, you just glance at our Dwarapala statues and walk through the gate assured of a stable and peaceful atmosphere. This is one of the unique things in Bali that you must know when you spent the holiday in Paradise Island.

Subak – The Balinese Traditional Irrigation System

Subak Organization Lead The Balinese Traditional Irrigation System

While spending your holiday in Bali, you will discover many amazing places. You have been visited many tourist destinations such as Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, Ubud, etc but have you heard about Subak? This island is famous for its unique system of irrigation. Guided and informed by religious values, it combines impressive feats of engineering with complex and elaborate social structures. Subak is a community organization that was in charge of the irrigation system applied in rice farming in Bali.

Subak usually has a temple, called Bedugul Temple or Uluncarik Temple specially set up by farmers and destined to prosperity and fertility goddess Dewi Sri. Subak irrigation system is governed by a leader who called by Pekaseh. A Subak consists of all the landowners – or their representatives- in a particular rice production area. The Subak is not only responsible for the construction and maintenance of canals, tunnels, aqueducts, and dams, and for the distribution of water but also coordinates the planting and organization of ritual offerings and festivals.

Subak System

The overall Subak system exemplifies the Balinese philosophical principle of Tri Hita Karana that draws together the realms of the spirit, the human world, and nature. Subak temple rituals promote a harmonious relationship between people and their environment through the active involvement of people with ritual concepts that emphasize dependence on the life-sustaining forces of the natural world.

Most Subak possesses written legal codes, called Awig-awig, which detail the rights and responsibilities of Subak membership. Awig-awig or traditional customary laws and regulations, including Subak management and the traditional protection and conservation of cultural properties are covered by regulations of Bali Province Number 5 (2005) Section 19, that clarify zoning for protected sacred sites such as temples, based on local Awig-awig.

UNESCO admitted Subak (Balinese Culture Landscape) be a World Heritage Site. The ratification held in the first hearing which took place in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2012. If you want to see a Subak irrigation system, you can visit Ceking Terrace in Tegalalang, Jatiluwih Rice Field, Busung Biu Rice Field in Buleleng. Those are the best place for exploring this unique irrigation system.

Pengerebongan Ceremony from Kesiman Village

Paradise Island has many unique ceremonies and Pengerebongan is one of the amazing ceremonies. Pengerebongan is a ceremony conducted by Kesiman Village’s Society in Pura Dalam Pengerebongan.

This ceremony is held every 210days, exactly Friday Wuku Medangsia according to the Balinese calendar system or the day after Kuningan Day. Pengerebongan Ceremony was taken from the Kawi language “Rebu”, it means party and makes us happy. This ceremony was created by Puri Agung Kesiman (Agung Kesiman Empire).

Procession of Ceremony

Before conducting this ceremony, Kesiman society does Tabuh Rah (Sowing chicken blood that used ceremony). The entire God’s Manifestation in Kesiman Village like Barong, Rangda, and Pratima comes to Pura Dalem Pengerebongan. After that, all the society of Kesiman Village is rounding the Wantilan (the building in the middle area of Temple) three times. So many people are trance when the people bring God’s Manifestation and they lost their control.

After rounding 3 times, the entire God’s Manifestation is put in Gedong (the holy place to put God’s Manifestation). The societies pray together in Pura Dalem Pengerebongan. The function of the Pengerebongan Ceremony is reminding the human about Tri Hita Karana Concept (three of the harmony, balance to create peace and happiness). Don’t miss this ceremony, because it’s awesome and amazing but a little bit mystic.

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Sanghyang Memedi - The Mystical Rare Dance from Bali

Sanghyang Memedi - The Mystical Rare Dance from Bali

Sanghyang dance is one of the holy dance. Sanghyang Memedi is one kind of Sanghyang dance. Memedi is one of the Balinese ghosts. This dance is almost extinct because it’s less popular than other Sanghyang dance. This dance is very mystic & scary. Sanghyang Memedi was danced by the old man, and they use leaves and paddy. 

The Procession of Sanghyang Memedi Dance

The dance started from Pemangku (the Hindu religious leader) does a prayer, after that the men who dance Sanghyang Memedi will be a trance. They lost their control and follow the gamelan (Balinese music), they jump into the coconut leaves burned. They don’t feel hot. 

The function of this dance is to refuse reinforcements. It dance will be held if there are disaster strike the village. Usually, this dance will perform in the middle area of the temple. We can find it in Buleleng regency. I believe if you watch this dance you will be amazed.

Eating Together in Bali

Megibung -The Culture of Eating Together in Balinese Communities

Bali has so many cultures, maybe more than one hundred cultures. Balinese people always do their culture, because they don’t want Balinese culture vanished. Megibung is one of Balinese culture; Megibung is eating activity was did by some people in one big plate or banana leaves. Megibung comes from “Gibung”, it means the activities were carried out by many people and make activities easily finished. Megibung not only full stomach obtained from these activities while eating but we can exchange ideas with each other. Besides that Megibung can make us feel so close to each other, and feel like family.

The History of Megibung

Megibung was introduced by Karangasem King, I Gusti Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem in the 16th century. When Karangasem attack The Lombok Kingdom, The king asked the soldier to eat together. 

After we prepare the ceremony, we usually do Megibung. We usually served Balinese food; like Lawar, Sate Lilit, and suckling pig, chicken roast with Balinese ingredient when we do Megibung. All are eaten with the hand, not used a spoon and we usually drink the Tuak (palm wine) after Megibung activity. It is a very intimate and social way of sharing food, as well as being more economical and better for the environment: no plates, cutlery or plastic!. So, Mengibung is Balinese unique culture that you must try.

Penjor Symbol of Universe

Beautiful Balinese Penjor

Bali has many cultures and traditions, sacrifice is one of the ways to grateful for the God-like ‘Penjor’. ‘Penjor’ very importance with Balinese culture. The ‘Penjor’ is a tall, curved bamboo pole decorated with coconut leaves with an offering at the base. This is one of the media used by Hindus people in Bali as part of almost every important ceremony, especially for the anniversary temple celebrations.

The ‘Sri Jaya Kasunu’ manuscript states that the ‘Penjor’ symbolizes the mountain and the mountain itself is the symbol of the universe. Therefore, for the Balinese, the Penjor is synonymous with Mount Agung, the highest and holiest mountain in Bali.

The aim of erecting ‘Penjors’ at ‘Galungan’ is to show devotion to God in His manifestation as ‘Hyang Giri Pati’ (the God of the mountain). Mountains with deep forests hold a lot of water, which flows into rivers. This then fulfills water needs for irrigation and drinking water. During ‘Galungan’ celebrations, each family erects a ‘Penjor’ outside their gate, which makes the whole neighborhood look splendid.

Material to make ‘Penjor’

The basic material of a ‘Penjor’ is a curved bamboo pole. The pole is then decorated with yellow coconut leaves, ‘Pala Bungkah’ (roots - sweet potato or cassava), ‘Pala Gantung’ (fruit - cucumbers, oranges, bananas), ‘Pala Wija’ (cereal - rice, corn), ‘Plawa’ (leaves), traditional cakes, 11 Chinese coins, and a small shrine with some offerings.

All materials for a Penjor constitute peoples' basic needs, signifying that we should take care of those things. In addition, livestock sacrificed for the ceremony are believed to become better creatures in their next life.

You can see Penjor in Bali if you come when Hindus people celebrate Galungan and Kuningan Day. On 2015 you can see in July month.

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