Penglipuran Village is located in Bangli Regency. You can visit this village on the way to the Kintamani Tourist Destination at a distance of about 45km or 1 hour from Denpasar by car. The location is about 700 acres; it gives this village enough fresh air. Penglipuran is a tourist village in Bali. Something interesting about this village is not only the unique customs and culture but also the fact that tourists come to it because of its beauty and neatness.
THE HISTORY OF PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE
Penglipurans believe that their ancestors came from Bayung Gede village, Kintamani. During the Bangli Kingdom Era, the Bayung Gede people were trusted by the king. They were commissioned in many wars and other royal events. King gave a special place for some trusted people to stay in Penglipuran. The location of Bayung Gede village is far away from the center of the kingdom. Penglipuran formerly referred to as “Kubu Bayung”, which means a small place for the Bayung Gede people.
There are some meanings of the word “Penglipuran”.
1. Penglipuran word is derived from the word “Pengeling=Reminder and Pura= Temple”. Penglipurans everywhere will always remember the Temple and the ancestral homeland. In the course, the Penglipuran society built the same Temple as the Temple in Bayung Gede with the hope that Penglipurans would always remember the Temple in Bayung Gede as their ancestor’s Temple.
2. It is derived from the words “Pelipur” and “Lara”. Penglipuran be a comforter in times of grief (Lara). It is said that people Penglipuran also entertained the king when the king was no problem.
3. It originated with the word “pangleng” and “temple”. It means that temples surround Penglipuran. To enter the Temple, Penglipuran will pass in four directions, namely East, West, North and South.
THE UNIQUENESS OF PENGLIPURAN AS TOURISM VILLAGE
Penglipuran Tourism Village has some uniqueness in terms of both its culture and beauty. The village consists of only 76 houses of almost the same architectural design. The 76 house is a major family (Krama Pengarep) that is responsible for all obligations of the cultural customs and Temple. The 76 houses lined up neatly along the main street of the village. The Penglipuran structure is divided into three parts. The first part is the upper part, which is a sacred building (Temple), the middle part (residential area) and downstream (Funeral and agriculture).
We will see the same building gate (angkul-angkul) with a roof made from bamboo. Each house has the same spacious yard, which has some of the main buildings in the form of holy places (temples), a traditional kitchen complete with granary in it, Bale Dangin (a place for the preparing of offerings and some ceremonies related to humans), bale daja (Residential), a bathroom and the location of livestock.
Every house should have a connecting door to a neighbour. Penglipurans have a philosophy of upholding harmony and peace between them. For example, if one family member passes away, family members are not allowed to announce it to the residents of the village. In this case, the incumbent is left and right neighbours. This rule allows that each family member should have a harmonious relationship with another family.
Penglipurans uphold their fidelity, and polygamy is not allowed. It is governed by customary rules with social sanctions for people who violate them. In addition to the loss of rights in the customs and Temple, society has also provided special land for their stay. Community Penglipuran is named with the term “Karang Memadu”. No one has yet dared to commit polygamy; this is proven by the empty land of “Karang Memadu”.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE
There are many things that tourists can see and enjoy in Penglipuran Tourism Village.
Temple. The temple in Penglipuran is very special, with the village’s background flanked by rows of gatehouses on the left and right main streets.
Rows Gate House. The rows line of gatehouses along the main street make this village look beautiful and presentable. The entire roof of the gate is made from bamboo, and the small park in front of the fence (telajakan) makes it more beautiful with a countryside impression.
Bamboo Forest. Penglipuran still has a bamboo forest of 45 acres (4,500 m2), which maintains its existence. People still keep the forest sacred, so taking and using bamboo in vain is not allowed. It needs a special day to cut it, and even then, it can only be used in religious ceremonies and maintaining the temples. Travellers can do trekking in the jungle while observing some bamboo.
Homestay. Some homestays are available for tourists who want to enjoy and feel the atmosphere and be a part of this village.
Culinary. Penglipuran has a typical drink called “Loloh Cemcem”. Loloh cemcem is a traditional drink made from coconut water mixed with the juice of the leaves and special traditional spices. In addition, Penglipuran also makes traditional cakes called “klepon”, made from purple sweet potatoes.
HAPPY TRAVELLING