Tenganan Village is one of Bali’s oldest traditional villages located in the eastern part of the island. Cultural literature often refers to the village as Tenganan Pegringsingan Village. The local community has a very unique way of life. It reflects the Bali Aga (prehistoric Hindu) culture. This culture is very different from other villages in Bali. Tenganan Village became one of Karangasem Interesting Places to Visit, because it presents a variety of cultural uniqueness that is interesting to explore. Visiting this village provides an extraordinary experience. You can see how the traditions and culture continue from generation to generation. They are still alive today.
Tenganan Pegringsingan Tourism Village is a cultural gem that preserves the rich traditions of pre-Majapahit Balinese heritage. Often referred to as Bali Aga Village, it offers a glimpse into ancient Balinese life. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including lush hills, thriving customary forests, and expansive rice fields along a crystal-clear river, the village is also home to fascinating cultural experiences. One of its most unique traditions is the Pandan War Ceremony, a traditional event exclusive to this village. Additionally, people recognize Tenganan for its Gringsing weaving craft, a rare art form found in only three places worldwide.
Location to Tenganan Village
If you want to travel to Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, this village is located at the eastern end of Bali Island, precisely in Karangasem Regency, Manggis District. The village is only about 17 km from Amlapura City center, about 5 km from Candidasa Beach, and about 65 km from Denpasar City center.
The road access to the village is well maintained, making it easy for visitors to reach by car or motorbike. Along the way, you will also enjoy scenic views of East Bali’s hills and traditional rural landscapes.
Mythology in Tenganan Village
The mythological story of Tenganan Village comes from the story associated with Tenganan Pegringsingan Village. In ancient times, in the era of the Belalu Kingdom, the arrogant King Mayadenawa forbade Peneges villagers from performing religious ceremonies and praying at Besakih Temple. Heaven heard this behavior, so Bhatara Indra descended to oppose him. In battle, King Mayadenawa lost, and the Peneges villagers celebrated this victory with the Asua Medayad ceremony using the white-haired horse, Onceswara.
As the ceremony was about to begin, Onceswara’s horse mysteriously vanished. In response, Bhatara Indra commanded a search, splitting the effort into two groups: one heading northwest and the other northeast. While the northwest group found no trace and settled in Beratan, the northeast group eventually discovered the horse’s lifeless body. Upon hearing this, Bhatara Indra declared, “Peneges people, despite your horse’s death, I will reward your loyalty by granting you this land.” The villagers then dismembered the horse and scattered its parts in all directions, marking their claim to the area.
Sacred Relics in Tenganan Village
The mythological story of Tenganan Village tells of megalithic relics that came from pieces of Onceswara’s horse thrown in various directions. The local community considers some of these relics as sacred places, including:
- Kakidukun: Located in the northern part of the village, shaped like a horse phallus in an upright position. Local people believe that couples who have not been blessed with children can propose here and receive blessings for offspring.
- Batu Taikik: Perched on the northern hill of Tenganan village, Batu Taikik stands as the largest monolith in the area. Local legend holds that it symbolizes the entrails or dung of Onceswara’s horse. This sacred stone serves as a revered site for ceremonies where villagers gather to offer prayers for prosperity and divine blessings.
- Penimbalan: Located in the western part of the village, a monolith that is considered the thigh of the horse Onceswara. This place is used for the Teruna Nyoman traditional ceremony.
- Batu Jaran: The area in the north is the place where Onceswara’s horse died. This place is sanctified by the community as part of the history of the early formation of Tenganan Village.
Tenganan Traditional House
Traditional houses in Tenganan Village have a meulu to center concept that reflects the functional division of space, with four main building units:
- Bale Uga: A place to perform religious ceremonies. It is located close to the main road, adjacent to the village entrance.
- Bale Tengah: Consists of two rooms, one for death rituals and another for placing newborn babies.
- Bale Meten: Used as a room or guest room for guests who come.
- Paon/Kitchen: Used for cooking activities. On the south side, a bathroom is attached to the kitchen wall.
Interesting Things to Explore
Bali Touristic has summarized some of the highlights of Tenganan Pegringsingan Village that will complete your trip to this Bali Aga village:
- Customary Rules: The village applies the awig-awig customary law, which requires residents to marry native villagers. If they violate it, they will be expelled.
- Natural Beauty: Tenganan Village is still very beautiful, with residents who maintain nature and customary rules in their daily lives. This preserved village atmosphere gives a strong sense of the past.
- Life Patterns: The villagers are mostly farmers, bamboo craftsmen and weavers. You can take part in their typical activities.
- Mekare-Kare Tradition: The pandan war tradition takes place in June or July, where village youths fight using spiked pandan leaves. The highlight of the ceremony is the Usaba Sambah held every year.
- Weaving Crafts: The village is famous for Gringsing weaving, a fabric woven with the double ikat technique. The quality of this weaving is internationally recognized.
- Fun Activities: Apart from pandan wars, there is a tradition of big swings where village girls sit on swings with golden-colored traditional cloths, symbolizing the continuous revolving of life.
- Photo Spots: The village has many photo spots with a typical rural atmosphere of the past. You can take pictures with traditional houses, crafts, and palm fiber roofs that add to the aesthetic impression.
Facilities and Ticket Prices
- Facilities: In Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, you can enjoy facilities such as parking areas, meeting halls, jungle tracking trails, public bathrooms, souvenir stalls, and culinary attractions.
- Ticket Price:
- Entrance ticket: IDR 20,000.
- Village tour package: IDR 250,000 (including information explanation, participation in weaving cloth making, and lunch).
- Trekking in the rice field area: IDR 250,000 (including a look at land cultivation).
Plan Your Journet with Bali Touristic
Tenganan Village is one of the oldest traditional villages in Bali, offering a unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else. From its preserved customs to the famous double ikat weaving tradition, this village is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore authentic Balinese heritage.
To make your journey easier and more well-organized, you can start planning your trip with Bali Touristic through a carefully curated bali tour package that allows you to explore Tenganan Village and other cultural destinations comfortably.
For a more flexible and personalized experience, using a rent a car with driver service from Bali Touristic is the perfect choice, giving you the freedom to discover East Bali at your own pace without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenganan Village
Where is Tenganan Village located?
Tenganan Village is located in Karangasem Regency, East Bali, near Candidasa. It is about 65 km from Denpasar and easily accessible by car.
What is Tenganan Village famous for?
The village is famous for its ancient Bali Aga culture and the unique double ikat weaving called geringsing, which is only made in this village.
Do I need to pay an entrance fee to visit this village?
Yes, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which is usually around IDR 20,000 per person.
What activities can visitors do in this village?
Visitors can explore the traditional village layout, watch the process of making geringsing cloth, join cultural tours, and interact with local residents.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is during the morning or early afternoon when the weather is pleasant and village activities are still ongoing.
