The Iconic Village in Indonesia

The Iconic Village in Indonesia

The existence of Penglipuran Village began a long time ago, it is said that during the Bangli Kingdom era. The ancestors of the residents of this village came from Bayung Gede Village and have remained until now, while the name "Penglipuran" itself comes from the word Pengeling Pura which means a holy place to remember the ancestors.

Penglipuran Traditional Village is a rural area that has a specific arrangement of traditional village structures, so that it is able to display a beautiful rural face. The physical arrangement of the village structure cannot be separated from the culture of the people which has been in effect for generations. So, Penglipuran Traditional Village is a cultural tourism attraction. The beauty of the Penglipuran Traditional Village can be felt from entering the pre-village area with green grass on the edge of the road and hedges along the road, adding coolness to the village procession area.

You may have heard the name Penglipuran Village often when talking about Bali. Yes, this village is one of the cleanest villages in the world so it is often used as a tourist destination by local and foreign travelers.

History of Penglipuran Tourism Village

Research shows that the Penglipuran Traditional Village has existed since the time of the Bangli Kingdom around 700 years ago. Quoting Feliksdinata Pangasih and Ayu Asvitasari in ojs.uajy.ac.id, the name Penglipuran comes from the words pengling and pura. Pengeling means reminder, starting from the root word eling or remember, while temple is a place or ancestral land.

The elders or penglingsir stated that the ancestors or predecessors of Penglipuran Village came from Bayung Gede Village, Kintamani. They often travel long distances and rest in an area called Kubu. The distance between the two locations is quite far by ancient standards, 25 kilometers. That's why Penglipuran Village was previously known as Kubu Bayung Village (Bayung people who live in the Kubu area).

There were more and more Bayung people living in the Kubu area and eventually they formed their own village free from their obligations as Bayung Gede residents. They built their own holy place called Pura Kahyangan Tiga. However, the village layout and the concept of their ancestral village still follow the concept in Bayung Gede Village.

Reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy website, Penglipuran Tourism Village is located in Bangli District, Bangli Regency, Bali Province. The distance is around 60 kilometers from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and can be reached in 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Attraction of Penglipuran Tourist Village

Penglipuran Village is known as the cleanest village in the world. Cleanliness is one of the main attractions of this tourist village. Let's review its various attractions below.

1. Cleanest Village

Based on detikNews records, Penglipuran Village received the nickname as the cleanest village in the world. This nickname is supported by various environmental and tourism awards received by this village. Starting from Kalpataru, the Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Award (ISTA), to being included in the Sustainable Destinations Top 100 according to the Green Destinations Foundation.

2. Tri Mandala Spatial Planning

As we know, villages in Bali are characterized by village layouts that uphold ancestral values. This was also found in Penglipuran Village. This village created a spatial layout that follows a concept called Tri Mandala, where the village is divided into three areas. Namely Main Mandala, Madya Mandala, and Nista Mandala.

Utama Mandala is a sacred area for the gods and worship. Then Madya Mandala was used as a residence for the residents. Meanwhile, Nista Mandala is a special burial area for residents.

3. Large Forest Area

Quoting the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy website, Penglipuran Village stands on 112 hectares of land. The area is divided into 50 hectares of agricultural land, 45 hectares of bamboo forest, 4 hectares of wood forest, 9 hectares of residential areas, and 4 hectares of holy places and public facilities. From above, it can be seen that the green area (forest and land) in this village is wider than the residential areas.

4. Cultural Customs

One of the religious rituals that often attracts the attention of tourists is Ngusaba. This ritual is carried out to welcome Nyepi Day. This village also regularly holds a cultural festival entitled Penglipuran Village Festival which is usually held at the end of the year. The activities vary, from traditional Balinese clothing parades, arts and culture parades, various competitions, to Barong Ngelawang.

5. Loloh Cemcem and Tipat Cantok

These two names are typical culinary delights from Penglipuran Village that you must try if you visit there. Loloh cemcem is a typical drink made from cemcem or Kloncing leaves. Then tipat cantok is a food consisting of ketupat and boiled vegetables, complete with savory and delicious peanut sauce.

Exciting Activities to Do in Penglipuran Tourism Village

As one of the leading tourist attractions in Bali, we can do many exciting activities at Penglipuran Tourist Village. The following is a review citing Indonesia Travel.

1. Visit a temple and learn about culture

As the name suggests, Penglipuran, tourists can find several temples in this village area. There are Pura Penataran, Pura Dalem, and Pura Puseh. We can visit the temple and learn about the culture and customs of Penglipuran Village. If the timing is right, we can also witness interesting traditional celebrations such as the Ngusaba and Galungan rituals.

2. Feel like a local resident

How to? By staying at someone's house. As a tourist village, several residents of Penglipuran Village provide their houses as accommodation for tourists. You can mingle with local residents and feel like a resident of Penglipuran Village for a few days. Exciting, right?

3. Taste typical culinary delights

No trip is complete without tasting typical culinary delights. As mentioned previously, there is tipat cantok food that you must try when visiting Penglipuran Village. There is also the loloh cemcem drink which is good for health because it is made from spices.

4. Make handicrafts from bamboo

Many works of art are available in Penglipuran Village that tourists can buy. But is just buying enough? You might try making one! Many local craftsmen can be found in this village and are willing to teach you how to make bamboo trinkets for souvenirs. Doesn't it feel proud to be able to bring home your own handmade souvenirs?

5. Explore the Bamboo Forest

Tired of making handicrafts from bamboo, you can relieve your tiredness by enjoying the atmosphere in the place where your handicrafts originate, namely the Penglipuran Village Bamboo Forest. There are many beautiful spots there that are suitable for taking photos.

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Mount Agung is a Balinese Symbol of Wisdom

Mount Agung is a Balinese Symbol of Wisdom

Tahbrontak - Mount Agung, a stratovolcano volcano, boasts a large summit and frequently erupts with smoke (asap) and steam (uap). Beyond its location and height, there are several notable facts about Mount Agung.

With a height of 3,142 meters, Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali. It is located in the Rendang district of the Karangasem province of Bali and is revered as a sacred site among Balinese residents. Specifically, Pura Besakih, considered the most important temple for Hindus in Bali, is situated on its slopes.

When the weather is clear from the summit of Mount Agung, one can see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the nearby island of Lombok. As the highest peak in Bali, Mount Agung has become one of the top attractions for tourists.

For those unable to climb Mount Agung, it is essential to understand the difficulty level of the desired climb. Novice hikers or those embarking on their first trip up Mount Agung are highly recommended to use a guided trail (pemandu) to avoid undesirable areas such as getting lost (tersesat) or injured (cedera).

In ancient Bali, Mount Agung was called Gunung Thorankil and was considered the palace of Mahadewa and Hyang Putra Jaya. In the Ramayana tale of Kisikindha Palwa, the mountain is referred to as Agung Udaya Palwata.

According to the Chronicle of Mount Agung, the mountain first erupted in 89 AD, with subsequent eruptions in 92 AD, 148 AD, and 189 AD. The Kanginan Karangasem area of Mount Agung reportedly erupted in 1543, 1615-1616, 1665, 1683-1684, and 1710-1711.

The First Recorded Eruption

Mount Agung is believed to have erupted between October 1710 and February 1711. This eruption is the first recorded in history, as documented in the Babad Gumi Lontar (version Pusdok Lontar and Geddon Kircha 719/3.Va), Babad Tusan, and Thatwa Batur Karawasan chronicles. During this period, hot water impacted villages such as Desa Bukit, Kyauchuk, Bantas, Kayu Aya, Kayu Petak, Tanjung, Rijasa, Mandala, Pagametan (Gerogak, Buleleng), and other areas like Tamblingan. Mount Agung also erupted in the early 18th century.

The Latest Eruption

The most recent eruption occurred in July 2018, emitting lava within a 2 km radius. This eruption displayed Strombolian activity, accompanied by loud explosive sounds (gedebuk).

Pura Besakih on the Slopes of Mount Agung
One of the most important temples in Bali, Pura Besakih, is located on the slopes of Mount Agung. When viewed from Pura Besakih, the mountain appears as a perfectly pointed cone. However, the peak is actually long and narrow, ending in a wide, circular crater.

Balinese Hindus believe that Mount Agung is the dwelling place of the gods, and their palace is located there. Consequently, the Balinese people consider this place sacred. Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung was miraculously spared from the lava flows during the 1963 eruption. Locals believe that the 1963 eruption was a divine warning. According to historical records, Pura Besakih and Mount Agung form the foundation of Balinese society.

Mount Agung stands as a potent symbol of wisdom, spirituality, and natural power in Bali. Its historical eruptions, sacred significance, and challenging yet rewarding climbs continue to attract both devout worshippers and adventurous tourists, making it a central figure in Bali's cultural and natural landscape.

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The Problems of Waste and Homelessness in Paris

The Big Problems of Waste and Homelessness in Paris

Tahbrontak - Imagine a bright morning in Paris. The sun begins to rise, its rays beautifully reflecting off the Seine River. You decide to take a walk along the charming cobblestone streets, hoping to enjoy the city’s magic that never seems to fade. However, your steps are disrupted by an unexpected sight: piles of trash littering the streets and several people sleeping on the sidewalks.

In another part of the city, a different scene unfolds. Along the usually glamorous Champs-Élysées, there are heaps of garbage that haven't been collected yet. On the sidewalks, some people in shabby clothes try to keep warm in the chilly morning air. They are part of the growing homeless community in the city.

Paris is a city with a population of about 2 million people, but every year, more than 30 million tourists visit. Imagine the amount of trash generated by so many people! Trash cans on street corners are often full, and sometimes the garbage overflows before sanitation workers can collect it.

Behind the scenes, waste management in Paris is actually very complex. The city has a strict waste separation system where garbage must be sorted into organic waste, plastic, paper, and glass. However, not everyone follows these rules, especially tourists who stay for a short time and may not be familiar with the system. As a result, a lot of mixed and unsorted waste ends up piling up on the streets.

Additionally, sanitation workers sometimes go on strike to protest their working conditions. When this happens, trash accumulates more quickly than usual, making the typically beautiful city look a bit less clean.

Behind the grand buildings and elegant cafes, there is another side of Paris that not many people know about. The cost of living in Paris is very high. Renting a small apartment can be very expensive. For some people, especially those with low incomes or who have lost their jobs, living on the streets becomes the only option.

Not only local residents, but many of the homeless in Paris are also migrants and refugees who come with hopes of a better life. They come from various parts of the world, leaving behind homes plagued by conflict or economic hardship. However, upon arriving in Paris, they face harsh realities: finding work is not easy, and shelters are often full.

Additionally, some of the homeless struggle with mental health issues or addiction. Without adequate support and services, they find it difficult to break out of this vicious cycle. On cold nights, they seek refuge under bridges or in hidden corners of the city.

Under the Pont Neuf, one of the oldest bridges in Paris, some people build temporary shelters from cardboard and blankets. Many of them are migrants who came with hopes for a better life, but reality has turned out far from their dreams. The high cost of living and lack of job opportunities have trapped them on the streets.

Near Gare du Nord, the busiest train station in Paris, many homeless people gather. They come from various backgrounds: some are war veterans, migrants, or even former office workers burdened by debt. This station becomes a temporary refuge for those who have nowhere else to go.

The Paris city government, along with various non-governmental organizations, continues to seek solutions. They are building more shelters, providing mental health services, and introducing job training programs to help the homeless achieve a better life. On the other hand, they are also striving to improve the waste management system and educate residents and tourists about the importance of waste separation.

Although the challenges are significant, these efforts show that there is hope and commitment to make Paris a city that is not only beautiful but also clean and inclusive for everyone.

Large-scale campaigns to educate the public about the importance of waste separation and recycling are being intensified. In some areas, such as along the banks of the Seine, you can see different colored trash bins for each type of waste. These are small steps but very meaningful for the city's cleanliness.

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The Most Beautiful Village in Indonesia

Waerebo: The Most Beautiful Village in Indonesia

Tahbrontak - Indonesia, with its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty, is home to many villages that offer unique charms. One of the most captivating is Waerebo, a traditional village located in Manggarai Regency, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. Waerebo is renowned for its unique traditional houses and its stunning natural beauty. This article will delve into the attractions and uniqueness of Waerebo.

Traditional Architecture of Mbaru Niang One of Waerebo's main attractions is its traditional houses known as "Mbaru Niang." These houses have a conical shape with tall, thatched roofs. Mbaru Niang consists of seven levels, each serving different purposes:

First floor: used as the main living area.

Second floor: for storing food.

Third to seventh floors: used for storing various necessities and keeping valuables away from rodents.

The structure and design of Mbaru Niang are not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to withstand local climatic conditions, protecting against strong winds and heavy rains. This architecture reflects the harmonious philosophy of Waerebo's inhabitants in living with nature and their surroundings.

Remote Location and Natural Beauty

Waerebo is located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and dense tropical forests. To reach this village, visitors must undertake a hike of about 4-5 hours from the nearest village, Denge. This challenging hike offers spectacular natural scenery, from lush rainforests to breathtaking valley views.

The remote location gives an exclusive and impressive feel, as if detached from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The pristine environment and fresh air add to Waerebo's appeal as a calming tourist destination.

Rich Culture and Traditions

The inhabitants of Waerebo are indigenous people who still uphold their ancestral customs and traditions. Key aspects of Waerebo's culture include.

Traditional ceremonies: The people of Waerebo regularly hold various ceremonies related to the life cycle and nature, such as harvest thanksgiving and religious rituals.

Social system: Social life in Waerebo is governed by a strong traditional system, where each community member has clear roles and responsibilities, creating a harmonious and orderly society.

The natural scenery around Waerebo is very beautiful, especially during sunrise and sunset. The village offers views of green mountains and dense tropical forests. Some natural attractions in Waerebo include:

Mountain panoramas: Waerebo is surrounded by mountains that provide spectacular views, especially in the morning when a thin mist envelops the village.

Wildlife: The forests around Waerebo are still pristine, home to various types of flora and fauna. Visitors can hear the sounds of birds and other animals, adding to the sense of peace and naturalness.

Waerebo is one of the most beautiful and unique villages in Indonesia. The combination of traditional Mbaru Niang architecture, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty makes this village a must-visit destination. Visiting Wae Rebo provides a profound impression of the authentic life of traditional communities in harmony with nature. 

Waerebo is not just a tourist destination but also a reflection of Indonesia's rich and beautiful cultural heritage. Preserving Waerebo means protecting a valuable cultural legacy and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same beauty.

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