Ethan woke to the soft sound of roosters crowing and birds chirping outside his window. The morning air in Ubud carried a light chill, crisp and refreshing. His body felt rejuvenated after a peaceful night's sleep, but his mind buzzed with excitement for the day ahead. Today, he planned to venture off the beaten path to Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese village known for its carefully preserved culture and stunning architecture.
The village had been recommended by Kadek, the woman from the warung he had visited the day before. She had described it as a place where time seemed to stand still, a quiet retreat from the busier parts of Bali. Ethan was intrigued by the idea of stepping into a living piece of history.
The Scenic Drive to Penglipuran
After a hearty breakfast of pisang goreng (fried bananas) and another strong cup of kopi Bali, Ethan rented his scooter and set off. The journey to Penglipuran was a visual treat, the road winding through lush forests, sprawling rice fields, and tiny villages.
The higher he climbed into the hills, the cooler the air became. Bamboo forests flanked parts of the road, their towering stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Ethan couldn't resist stopping at a roadside stall selling fresh coconut water. The vendor, an elderly man with a kind smile, hacked open a coconut with a machete and handed it to Ethan with a straw.
"Terima kasih," Ethan said, practicing the little Bahasa Indonesia he had picked up. The man chuckled and nodded, seemingly pleased by Ethan's effort.
Arriving in Penglipuran
As Ethan approached Penglipuran, he noticed how different it felt from other villages he had passed through. The entrance to the village was marked by a carved stone gate, its intricate patterns echoing the designs he had seen at temples. He parked his scooter in the designated area outside the gate and walked into the village.
The first thing that struck him was the symmetry and cleanliness. The narrow stone pathway that cut through the village was lined with traditional Balinese homes, each featuring a similar layout and adorned with intricately carved gates and small gardens. It was like stepping into a living postcard.
Ethan learned from a nearby sign that the village had been recognized as one of the cleanest in the world. The locals took great pride in maintaining their homes and the communal areas, a reflection of the Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana—harmony among people, nature, and the divine.
Meeting the Locals
As Ethan wandered through the village, he encountered a group of women sitting on the ground weaving baskets from bamboo. They smiled warmly at him, gesturing for him to come closer.
"Selamat pagi," Ethan greeted them, and they giggled, responding with the same phrase.
One of the women, who introduced herself as Nyoman, spoke a little English and explained that they were preparing for a local ceremony. She showed Ethan how they wove the bamboo strips, her hands moving with practiced precision. Ethan tried his hand at it, fumbling with the strips as the women laughed and offered him tips.
Nyoman also invited Ethan into her family compound, where she showed him the layout of their home. It was a small cluster of buildings, each with a specific purpose—one for cooking, one for sleeping, and one as a shrine for daily prayers. The family temple, adorned with offerings of flowers and rice, stood proudly in the center.
Exploring the Village
Ethan spent hours exploring Penglipuran, taking in its unique charm. He noticed how life here seemed slower, simpler. Children played with makeshift toys in the streets, while elders sat in shaded corners, chatting and sipping tea.
A local guide approached Ethan and offered to explain more about the village's history. He learned that Penglipuran's layout had been carefully designed to promote equality, with all homes having the same size and structure regardless of the family's wealth or status. It was a reflection of the villagers' belief in togetherness and humility.
Ethan also discovered the bamboo forest just outside the village. The guide explained that the forest played a vital role in the community, providing materials for construction, crafts, and ceremonies. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks, Ethan felt a deep sense of tranquility. The air was cool and fresh, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds.
Lunch with a View
For lunch, Ethan stopped at a small warung on the edge of the village, offering views of the surrounding hills. He ordered a plate of lawar, a traditional Balinese dish made of minced meat, vegetables, and grated coconut, paired with a glass of tamarillo juice.
As he ate, Ethan struck up a conversation with the warung owner, a cheerful man named Wayan. Wayan explained that the village frequently hosted festivals and ceremonies, inviting people from nearby areas to join in the celebrations. Ethan made a mental note to check if there were any upcoming events he could witness during his stay.
Afternoon Reflections
Before leaving Penglipuran, Ethan sat on a stone bench near the entrance, watching the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the village. The golden light highlighted the intricate carvings on the gates and the vibrant greenery surrounding the homes. It was a moment of pure serenity, and Ethan felt grateful to have experienced a slice of Bali that many travelers overlooked.
He pulled out his journal and began jotting down notes about the day—the conversations, the sights, the quiet moments that had left an impression on him. Penglipuran wasn't just a place; it was a way of life, a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and community.
Evening Return to Ubud
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Ethan rode back to Ubud, the cool evening breeze brushing against his face. The roads were quieter now, with only the occasional scooter zipping past. He replayed the day in his mind—the warm smiles of Nyoman and her friends, the sense of timelessness in Penglipuran, and the tranquil bamboo forest that felt like something out of a dream.
When he arrived back at his homestay, twilight had begun to settle over Ubud. The streets were glowing with soft, warm lights from shops and restaurants, and the aroma of grilled satay filled the air. Ethan's stomach growled, reminding him that it had been hours since lunch.
Dinner in Ubud
He decided to end his day with a meal at a bustling warung near the Ubud Market. The spot had come highly recommended by his host, and the sight of locals gathered around steaming plates of food reassured him that it was the right choice.
Ethan ordered nasi campur, a traditional Indonesian mixed rice dish served with an assortment of sides, including spiced chicken, tempeh, sambal, and sautéed vegetables. The sambal packed quite a punch, leaving his mouth tingling in the best way possible. He washed it all down with a glass of es cendol, a sweet drink made with coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour jelly.
As he ate, he listened to the hum of conversations around him. Some were in Bahasa Indonesia, others in Balinese, and even the occasional exchange in English between travelers. It was a comforting reminder of how Ubud, despite being steeped in tradition, had become a crossroads for people from all walks of life.
A Quiet Night
Back at his homestay, Ethan sat on the small balcony of his room, a cup of kopi tubruk in hand. The sounds of crickets and distant gamelan music created a soothing backdrop as he reflected on his journey so far. Bali had already offered him so much, from its breathtaking landscapes to its deep sense of spirituality and community.
He thought about how different this trip was from his usual travels. There was something about Bali that encouraged him to slow down, to truly take in each moment rather than rushing to check places off a list. The day in Penglipuran had been a perfect example of that—a glimpse into a simpler, more intentional way of living.
Ethan opened his journal again, adding more details to his notes. He wanted to capture not just the sights and sounds but the feelings—the warmth of Nyoman's hospitality, the peace of the bamboo forest, and the vibrant energy of the Ubud night market. He knew these memories would stay with him long after he left Bali.