From Rice Paddies to Ancient Crafts: 5 Indonesian Villages You Absolutely Must Visit!

If an Indonesian holiday is on the horizon, chances are you’re seeking more than just postcard-perfect beaches; you’re looking for an infusion of spirituality and genuine cultural discovery. And what better way to truly immerse oneself than by stepping into the heart of a rural Indonesian village? These aren’t just quaint stops; they’re living, breathing capsules of tradition, art, and community, where time often seems to slow down, inviting a deeper connection with the land and its people.

However, with so many captivating villages dotting this sprawling tropical nation, the sheer choice can leave visitors pondering which authentic experience calls to them most profoundly. To help simplify that delightful dilemma, we’ve picked out five distinguished tourist villages that first-time travellers should start off with.

1. Pemuteran Village

Pemuteran takes visitors near West Bali National Park and the Menjangan Island. Once a coral wasteland courtesy of climate change, it has witnessed a bounceback in fortunes with community participation, tourist support and government policies. Today, Pemuteran is widely known for its underwater bounty — the multi-hued coral gardens and their equally-colourful denizens. Clear and calm waters make it a joy to snorkel and dive in, and it’s best kept secret — a sunken underwater temple whose garden is now home to gorgonian fans! 

Sparkling waters, a plethora of marine life, clean beaches, hilltop views and charming views have all contributed towards it being a part of 10 best destinations in Asia (as per Lonely Planet). 

2. Pentingsari Village

Located 700 metres above the sea level on the slopes of Mt. Merapi in Central Java, the Pentingsari village is a textbook example of an idyllic countryside tourist village. It swaps malls and amusement parks for scenic mountainside views, sun-kissed paddy fields… and 4×4 adventures! Visitors can go camping, sample unique local Indonesian snacks, browsing handcrafted knickknacks and soak in refreshing island vibes. 

3. Nglanggeran Village

The Nglanggeran Village is a winner in more ways than one. It was crowned the best tourism village by the UN in 2021, but its best win to date is the inclusion of a bottom-up and top-down approach that has led to an uptick in community fortunes. 

While visitors routinely come for the scenic view from Gunung Api Purba – an ancient volcano, what often catches them by surprise is the batik and chocolate-processing industry in this tourism village. Batik workshops provide a degree of cultural involvement that help tourists appreciate the craft. Though, it is the cacao processing that steals the show. Visitors get to sample a range of signature chocolate products — from drinks to assorted delights! 

Our other three villages take us to the island of Java — a lush tropical beauty in its own right.  

4. Penglipuran Village

This critically-acclaimed tourism village takes us to the Balinese countryside, where time appears to stand still. The architecture hasn’t changed much over the centuries with roofs still sporting bamboo shingles — a feature native to the region. In fact, most of the architecture is made from plants, from furniture and doorways to house arches and gates. While this might surprise visitors, to the locals this is staying true to their roots of living in an eco-friendly and eco-conscious manner — Tri Hita Karana.

The village is located in the district of Kintamani, with hills and undulating topography in the background. Also noteworthy is Penglipuran’s cleanliness which has earned it multiple accolades domestically and internationally. 

5. Tamansari Village

The Tamansari tourist village is located at the foothills of Mt. Ijen – one of the most peculiars craters in the world. And what makes it unique? The eternal blue fire in the crater! But there’s more. With a trip to Sendang Seruni, visitors discover tranquil natural springs and verdant surroundings. The spot is popular with locals and tourists alike, with most visiting for moments of peace and quiet reflection. Then, there’s the Gandrung terracotta park that houses a thousand statues of gandrung dancers. Tourists visit to see these statues and their micro-expressions – but stay behind for the live gandrung performances that follow. 

The beauty and tranquillity of these acclaimed tourist villages have to be seen to be believed. From hillside views to bamboo forests and clear waters, an Indonesian holiday spent exploring these villages is a novel way to explore the region and experience the land, its culture and people. 

You can also check out our other Bali travel blogs for more travel ideas. And if you are wondering how best to accommodate these tourism villages in your Indonesia holiday itinerary, our travel experts can help — call 1800 991 751!