Penglipuran in Bali: One of the Cleanest Villages in the World

Summary

Penglipuran, a village on the Indonesian island of Bali, is renowned for its cleanliness and eco-friendly practices. Named the cleanest village in the world in 2019, it promotes environmental awareness through waste sorting, street sweeping, and bamboo-based construction. The village's layout follows a traditional philosophy that balances worship, residence, and the cemetery. Penglipuran upholds gender equality and local laws that ensure order, with no instances of theft for decades. Tourism plays a key role in the local economy, with visitors paying an entry fee to explore the sustainable architecture and rich cultural heritage of the village.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, but there’s more to explore beyond the beaches.
• 😀 The village of Penglipuran in Bali was named the cleanest village in the world by the Dutch NGO Green Destinations Foundation in 2019.
• 😀 Environmental awareness is taught from an early age in Penglipuran, which contributes to the village's cleanliness.
• 😀 Tourists are required to follow environmental rules, such as prohibiting motorized vehicles, to preserve the village’s ecosystem.
• 😀 The villagers maintain cleanliness by regularly sweeping streets and sorting waste, and littering is strictly prohibited.
• 😀 Bamboo, an eco-friendly material sourced from local forests, is widely used for furniture and buildings in Penglipuran, reducing the carbon footprint.
• 😀 Visitors can explore the village’s eco-friendly architecture by entering villagers’ yards, where bamboo-based structures are on display.
• 😀 The village's layout follows the Tri Mandala philosophy, dividing the space into areas for worship, residential use, and a cemetery, ensuring balance and harmony.
• 😀 Penglipuran’s customary law emphasizes gender equality, banning practices like polygamy that are common in other parts of Bali.
• 😀 The village’s customary law also mandates religious rituals as penitence for those who commit theft, contributing to a strong community ethic.
• 😀 Visitors must purchase a ticket to enter Penglipuran, with international tourists paying USD 3 and locals paying USD 2.
• 😀 Penglipuran preserves its unique culture and traditions, while also maintaining a healthy environment for future generations.

Q & A

What makes Penglipuran village in Bali stand out as a tourist destination?

Penglipuran village stands out due to its clean environment, which earned it the title of the cleanest village in the world by the Dutch NGO Green Destinations Foundation in 2019. The village emphasizes environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

Why is Penglipuran village considered the cleanest village in the world?

The village earned this title because of its strict environmental practices, such as banning littering, prohibiting motorized vehicles, and ensuring that villagers are educated about environmental conservation from an early age.

How does the village of Penglipuran maintain its cleanliness?

The cleanliness of the village is maintained through community efforts like sweeping the streets, sorting waste, and following strict rules on waste management. The residents are devoted to maintaining the village's cleanliness.

What role do tourists play in Penglipuran village's economy?

Tourists contribute to the local economy by visiting the village and spending money. The eco-friendly nature of the village and its focus on environmental sustainability attract many visitors.

What materials are used in the construction of houses in Penglipuran village?

The houses in Penglipuran are primarily made from bamboo, which is an eco-friendly material sourced locally from nearby forests. This sustainable material helps reduce the carbon footprint of the village.

What is the significance of Tri Mandala in Penglipuran village?

Tri Mandala is a spatial planning philosophy that organizes the village into three distinct areas: the northern part for worship, the middle for residential purposes, and the southern part for the cemetery. This layout ensures balance, comfort, and functionality.

What does the village's customary law say about polygamy?

Penglipuran's customary law prohibits polygamy, which contrasts with other parts of Bali where it is a common practice. The village upholds equal rights for women through this regulation.

What happens if someone commits theft in Penglipuran village?

According to the village's customary law, anyone who commits theft must perform a religious ritual as penitence. This tradition has contributed to the village's long-standing low crime rate.

How do tourists gain access to Penglipuran village?

Tourists need to purchase a ticket to enter Penglipuran village. The cost is USD 3 for foreigners and USD 2 for local tourists.

How does Penglipuran village preserve its unique culture and traditions?

Penglipuran preserves its culture and traditions by maintaining a clean environment, following local wisdom, and ensuring that its architectural and social practices are in harmony with its environmental goals. The village also educates its people and visitors about sustainability and cultural heritage.