By : Ali Syarief
In October 2023, Penglipuran Village in Bangli, Bali, etched its name on the world tourism map by being recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World. The prestigious accolade, granted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), was announced during a ceremony held on October 19, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, placing Penglipuran alongside 54 other remarkable villages from across the globe.
This recognition is not the first feather in Penglipuran’s cap. Back in 2016, the village was internationally praised as one of the cleanest villages in the world—a testament to its strong commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and community-based governance.
However, the leadership behind Penglipuran Village isn’t resting on its laurels. In an interview on October 25, Wayan Sumiarsa, chairman of the village’s tourism management team, emphasized that the UNWTO award marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning.
“This award is the highest achievement Penglipuran has ever received,” said Wayan. “But it means little if visitors come and don’t find the quality reflected on the ground. Recognition must be matched with real experiences.”
From Recognition to Reinvention
Wayan and his team are initiating several key programs to uphold and further the village’s newly elevated global branding. At the heart of these initiatives is the Penglipuran Village Festival—a cultural celebration designed to deepen the tourist experience through traditional performances, culinary showcases, local crafts, and sustainable tourism workshops.
The festival aims not only to attract more tourists, but also to instill a deeper understanding of Balinese heritage, particularly the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and the divine—which shapes life in Penglipuran.
“We are focusing on strengthening the foundation of what it means to be a world-class tourism village. This involves improving facilities, enriching cultural activities, and empowering the local community,” Wayan added.
A Model for Sustainable Rural Tourism
Penglipuran’s journey reflects a broader narrative of how rural communities can thrive through tourism without compromising their identity or environment. Rather than turning into a mass-market destination, the village has chosen a path of quality over quantity, welcoming travelers who seek authenticity and respect local values.
This vision aligns with UNWTO’s emphasis on sustainable tourism—where economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
As Penglipuran steps into this new chapter, the global recognition serves as both a badge of honor and a call to action. The village’s next challenge is ensuring that every tourist who walks its bamboo-lined paths not only witnesses the beauty of its traditions but also becomes a part of its sustainable future.
After all, for a village that has charmed the world, the real success lies not just in being seen—but in being truly experienced.
