TENGANAN PEGRINGSINGAN

A village that still lives in history, Tenganan Pegringsingan is located on the regency of Karangasem in Bali. Secluded from the modern culture and lifestyle of Bali, Tenganan Pegringsingan embraces the ancient way of living. The layout of the houses resembles the ancient Balinese period and they are arranged on both sides of the village.

The village of Tenganan Pegringsingan is located in the regency of Karangasem, and bears an interesting legacy of thousands of years. It is one of the most interesting attractions to explore with our well-crafted Bali holiday packages. Before coming to the knowledge of outer world it was known by anthropologists as one of the most important secluded societies on the archipelago. Since 1970s, the village has been going through some changes and variations and developments. From then on, tourism started imposing its clutches on the soil of this village.

What attracts people toward this village is its unique culture and preserved customs. Bali Aga is the predominant culture here which holds the original traditions and rules of the ancient people intact and the atypical architecture was also a talk of the town.

These houses have very narrow entrances that only allow one person to get in the house or come out. The impact of history and culture has been deep into the minds of the people of the village that they only allow villagers to marry among themselves and socialize along with fellow villagers. 

Prior to 1970, many anthropologists considered Tenganan Pegringsingan as one of the most isolated and secluded society. Post that, many changes have been developed in the village by the Government of Indonesia like local transportation, promoting tourism and its culture, etc. The supreme factor that attracts tourists to the village is the unique Bali Aga culture which is still prevalent in the village. Tourists visit the village in large numbers to learn about the historic importance of Bali Aga as the village houses the original and the first Balinese people in Bali.

Tenganan Pegrisingan is home to many rites and rituals which are celebrated from the old Bali Aga culture. Many of these rituals are similar to the Balinese culture but a few unique rituals are followed by the villagers. One such ritual is the use of geringsing (a traditional attire) to keep out the evil from the village. It is said that geringsing has magical powers which protect the villagers when they pass from one phase of life to another one. Tourists who are keen to know about Geringsing can visit the workshops and observe the weaving process of it

Highlights: The village’s specialties lie in its peculiar music that is Gamelan selunding music and geringsing double ikat textiles. The legends about the village say that the inhabitants of this village were selected by Indra, the god of war to administer a territory which to be a microcosm of the world and they were suggested to keep the territory pure and clean. Thus the concept of territorial, spiritual and bodily purity has a lot of significance in the village.

The Bali Aga people are believed to be originated or descended from the pre-Majapahit kingdom of Pegeng. The rules are very stringent for those who live in the village and only those who have born in the village are allowed to continue staying there. Anyone who marries outside the village should leave the territory and go out of the community. The houses in the village are arranged on both the sides of the north to the south concourse with the doors of them opening onto it.

The narrow entrances of each house allow only one person to enter or come out of the house at one time. There are two temples on both the entrances of the village.

Rituals: Almost all the rituals in the village are closely similar to the main ones Balinese culture follows but one of the unique features is the wide use of geringsing. People believe that geringsing is capable of keeping impurities and any kind of danger out of their village as well it protects humans from adverse influences during the transition from one phase of life to the next.

Location: Jalan Raya Nyuh Tebel, Tenganan, Manggis, Indonesia. It is located northwest of Candidasa about 5 km away from the main road.

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How To Reach

The way to reach Tenganan Pegringsingan from Ngurah Rai International Airport, one has to:

By car: One can hire a private cab or minibus from the airport to the village

By bus: Take a bus from Sarbagita Bus station near the airport to Batubulan Mini Bus station. Get down at Batubulan Bus station and take another bus to Amlapura. From Amlapura, take a bus to Candidsa and get down at the Candidasa Cafe. From Candidasa Cafe, you can hire a scooter or taxi to reach the village. 

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the village is in June as the popular ritual tradition of Mekaré-kare or Pandan War takes place in June and lasts for over a month. This tradition takes place 2-3 times a day. In this festival, the men of the village fight with each other using the leaves of the Panadanu plant. This festival is performed in order to worship Lord Indra. 

Also, the best time of the year to visit Bali is from April to October as the climate remains cool and mild. 

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Other Essential Information

Location: North-west of Candidiasis, Jalan Nyuh Tebel, Tenganan, Indonesia

Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM

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Places to Eat Near Tenganan Pegringsingan

Bali is very popular for its various cuisines ranging from seafood to traditional Indonesian food. Near the village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, one can find many restaurants, cafes and beach hotels to eat. Below are some of the places to eat near Tenganan Pegringsingan.

1. In the village

The locals of the village offer several dishes to the visitors. One can have the local Tipat (Meat and Rice wrapped in Coconut leaf) and some fine Fried Meat. 

2. Lezat Beach Restaurant

Lezat in Balinese means ‘Delicious’ and this the motto that this restaurant follows. 

Located near the Dasa Beach of Candidasa, Lezat Beach Restaurant serves the finest seafood in the locality. One can try out various fish dishes which are made with a blend of the Balinese taste and local essence. The restaurant offers a great view of the Dasa Beach. 

After the sunset, one can enjoy the mouth-watering food of the restaurant with some magical live performances by local bands. 

3. LaRouge Restaurant

Offering luxury amidst Dasa Beach, LaRouge Restaurant is very popular among tourists. The restaurant serves various International dishes from the cuisines of Italy, China and Mexico.  

LaRouge Restaurant is very popular for its Prawn dishes and fresh fruit juices. One can have a fine dinner facing the beautiful beach. 

4. Puri Amerta hotel and restaurant

Located in the town of Karangasem, Puri Amerta hotel and restaurant offers various food items. One can stay in the hotel and have the finest food in the locality. If you are looking for a place to eat in Karangasem, this is the perfect spot. 

Enjoy the view of the small cliffs whilst eating some finger-licking food. 

5. Warung Panti Garden

Situated very close to the village, Warung Panti Garden serves the finest noodles and rice in the region. The restaurant has a garden type ambience and offers the finest view of the village. 

6. Garpu Restaurant

A very popular restaurant, Garpu Restaurant offers the finest breakfast in the locality. The most famous item of the restaurant is the Royal Kingdom. The restaurant offers a very calm and magnificent view of the beach. 

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Tips for Visiting Tenganan Pegringsingan

1. It is advisable to opt for a guide as the villagers do not speak English. Many hotels offer guide services and at a very cheap rate. 

2. The mobile signal in the village is very poor. 

3. The village has a few public restrooms and bathrooms. It is advisable to carry tissues and hand sanitizers. 

4. Parking facility is available near the village and the parking charges are as follows:

-Scooter: IDR 2000

-Car: IDR 5000

-Minibus: IDR 10000

5. There are a few souvenir shops in the village where one can purchase the local food items, a few clothing items and local paintings.

6. It is advisable to not make noise and havoc in the village. 

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