BeritaBali reports that the July 2026 edition of *Condé Nast Traveler* has named the Bali village of Penglipuran in Bangli Regency as one of the world’s 20 most beautiful towns. Known for its pristine environment and cultural preservation, Penglipuran has been honored for the second year in a row, after being included in the magazine’s list of the world’s 53 most beautiful small villages in March 2026.
Penglipuran, located in Bangli Regency, is just 5 kilometers north of Bangli City and 45 kilometers northeast of Bali’s capital, Denpasar.
Condé Nast Traveler cited the Penglipuran Tourism Village for maintaining its Balinese cultural identity amid the island’s rapid tourism growth. Rows of traditional houses with uniform architecture, neatly arranged village streets, and a clean environment are distinctive features that captivate tourists visiting this Bali Village.
About 40 percent of Penglipuran village is bamboo forest, which plays a vital role in the lives of the local community. Bamboo from Penglipuran is widely considered the finest in Bali. Bamboo is a key component in constructing public buildings and housing in the village and surrounding communities.
Penglipuran also upholds the “Tri Mandala” concept—a spatial division based on varying levels of sanctity—as an intrinsic part of traditional Balinese spatial planning.
Condé Nast Traveler recommends visiting Penglipuran during the Galungan festival. During this time, rows of “penjor” – ornately decorated bamboo poles- adorn the village’s main street, creating a spectacular sight and a unique photographic opportunity.
I Wayan Sumiarsa, chief of the Penglipuran Traditional Village Enterprise (BUPDA), expressed his pride and gratitude for the international media exposure for his village. This achievement acknowledged the community’s efforts to preserve their culture, village layout, and environmental sustainability.
Sumiarsa accepts that this recognition also brings the responsibility of preserving the village’s authenticity amidst the growth of tourism.
“Our challenge moving forward is ensuring tourism continues to develop and benefit the community without eroding traditional values or the village’s authenticity,” said Sumiarsa in a WhatsApp message on Monday, 12 October 2026.
This achievement adds to the list of accolades Penglipuran Tourism Village has earned at national and international levels. Previously, the village was named a “Best Tourism Village” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023 and received the 2025 Kalpataru Award from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
Condé Nast Traveler’s List of the 10 Most Beautiful Towns in the World
- Penglipuran, Bali, Indonesia
- Praiano, Italy
- Bici, Japan
- Baños, Ecuador
- Burford, England
- Bled, Slovenia
- Colonia de Sacramento, Uruguay
- Göreme, Turkey
- Naples, Florida
- Ilulissat, Greenland
- Itchan Kala, Uzbekistan
- Mandewa, India
- Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
- Lunenburg, Canada
- Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia
- Siwa, Egypt
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
- Tepoztlán, Mexico
- Sai Kung, Hong Kong
- Cadaqués, Spain
Related Links
Conde Nast Traveler: The 20 Most Beautiful Towns in World
Wikipedia Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village – Championing North Bali Tourism
Penglipuran Village Introduces E-Ticketing
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