Penglipuran Village: Visiting from Ubud (2026 Guide)

Why go

Most Balinese villages have grown and modernised along their main roads. Penglipuran has kept its traditional layout almost intact: a straight, car-free lane that climbs towards the village temple, with family compounds on both sides behind near-identical carved gateways (angkul-angkul). Gardens are tidy, the lane is swept, and behind the village a bamboo forest covers the slope.

It is a living village, not a museum. Families still live in the compounds, and many open their front courtyards to visitors, sometimes selling snacks, crafts or loloh cemcem, a local herbal drink. Looking into a compound shows you how a Balinese household is organised: family shrine, kitchen, sleeping pavilions, all inside one wall.

Getting there

Penglipuran is in Bangli regency, roughly an hour north-east of Ubud. The drive climbs gradually into cooler hills. A private driver is the usual choice, because the village fits best into a longer day with other stops. By scooter it's a pleasant ride, but plan the return before dark.

There is a large car park at the lower end of the village, where tickets are sold. From there you walk up the lane.

What to expect

The lane is a gentle slope, easy for most people. Walk up to the temple at the top, then back down, stepping into one or two compounds along the way. Most visitors stay 45 minutes to an hour. If you want to see the bamboo forest, follow the path that leads off behind the village; it adds a quiet 20–30 minutes.

Penglipuran is busy from mid-morning, when tour groups arrive. It is noticeably calmer early and late in the day. During major ceremonies such as Galungan, tall bamboo penjor poles line the lane, which is beautiful — and also when it is most crowded.

Etiquette

• Ask before entering a compound if no one has invited you in, and before photographing people.
• Keep to the lane and the open courtyards; family shrines are private.
• Wear modest clothes. If you go into the temple at the top, a sarong is required — see the temple dress code.
• Buying something small from a family that welcomes you in is a nice way to say thanks, but there is no obligation.

Tips

• Treat it as part of a day, not the whole day. One hour covers it well.
• Bring a light layer. Bangli is cooler than Ubud, especially in the morning.
• Carry cash for the ticket and anything you buy in the compounds.

Combine with

The classic pairing is Pura Besakih, the island's largest temple complex, on the slopes of Mount Agung. Penglipuran also fits on the way back from the Tampaksiring temples — Gunung Kawi and Pura Mengening — or before a night in the Sidemen Valley.