Bali’s Tourism Villages Offer Culturally Rich and Family-Friendly Day Trips
Bali’s tourism villages are the island’s best-kept secret. First-time visitors naturally flock to temples and beaches. However, these communities offer something equally special: authentic cultural immersion.
Penglipuran Village leads the way in international fame. It was voted the cleanest village in the world. It also won the UN World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Village award twice.
At the end of 2025, Pemuteran Village in North Bali won the same award. This rural fishing community is now set to become a major attraction. It offers access to abundant coral reefs and sunrise dolphin tours.
Visitors can interact with locals and learn their culture firsthand. These experiences are both family-friendly and affordable.
What Visitors Can Experience
Communities have opened their doors with creative tourism programs. They offer intimate looks at day-to-day Balinese life. Options range from cooking classes to temple visits. Farming demonstrations and artistic workshops are also available.
Tourists do not need to venture far off the beaten track. Badung Regency, home to Canggu and Kuta, is developing five new tourism villages in 2026. These include Kapal, Petang, Munggu, Bongkasa Pertiwi, and Pangsan.
Munggu Village already has a new landmark. The Mekotek Monument and Cultural Park opened in late 2025. The local regent called it a legacy for future generations, improving community well-being.
Hidden Gems Worth Seeking
For those wanting to explore further, several villages stand out. Desa Batubulan in Gianyar Regency offers unique attractions. Desa Trunyan near Lake Batur is known for its ancient traditions.
Les Village in North Bali provides a total retreat. Visitors can stay for a day or a full week. They can learn traditional salt farming techniques passed down for generations. Fishing and fruit farming are also part of village life.
Guests are even invited to learn about arak-making. This traditional palm liquor plays an important role in Balinese culture. It offers a gateway to another side of the island’s heritage.
Natural wonders complete the experience. Les Village boasts gorgeous black sand beaches. Traditional junkung fishing boats line the shore. Les Waterfall is one of the island’s least crowded and most beautiful spots. It is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Tourism villages are being actively promoted throughout 2026. Travellers planning Bali visits should look for day trips to these culturally rich destinations. They offer something beaches and temples simply cannot: a genuine connection to Balinese life.
