There is a small admission fee to enter Penglipuran village, payable in cash on-site. As one of Bali’s prettiest traditional villages, Penglipuran is a popular stop on Bali cultural tours, sightseeing trips, and shore excursions, often combined with attractions such as the Batur volcano, the Tirta Empul temple, and Ubud. While you do not need a guide to visit Penglipuran, you’ll undoubtedly get more out of the day with someone to explain how Hindu religion has shaped the village’s architecture.
A Penglipuran tour is a must for photographers and fans of traditional architecture.
It’s possible to stay overnight in a traditional homestay in village houses. Private guides can help you arrange this.
The bamboo forest next to Penglipuran is sacred. When visiting the forest, dress modestly, with shoulders and thighs covered.
Penglipuran is located in Kintamani, around 6 miles (10 kilometers) northeast of Ubud as the crow flies, or around 1.5 hours’ drive from Kuta. Reaching Penglipuran by public transport is tricky, so the only practical options are drive, hire a private driver, or visit on a tour. A private charter allows the flexibility to spend as much time as you would like at different stops, and many choose this option.
Visiting on a full moon or a new-moon day will likely offer the opportunity to see Penglipuran locals worshipping or making offerings. Guides who specialize in Kintamani may be able to advise on the dates of special festivals in the village’s calendar. Penglipuran can get quite crowded later in the day, so it’s worth visiting early in the morning or in the early evening to beat the buses.
Many of today’s Hindu Balinese came over from Java in the 16th century, after the fall of the Hindu Majapahit empire. The Bali Aga, a minority on Bali, are also Hindu but follow many old animist practices, some unique to each village. Besides Penglipuran, other Bali Aga villages on Bali include Trunyan and Tenganan Village.
