Tenganan Village

Exploring the Uniqueness of Bali’s Oldest Village with Beautiful Village Arts

Digging Deeper into Bali’s Oldest Village

Tenganan Village is one of Bali’s oldest traditional villages located in the eastern part of the island. The village is often referred to in cultural literature as Tenganan Pegringsingan Village. The local community has a very unique way of life, reflecting the Bali Aga (prehistoric Hindu) culture, which 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, as you can see how the traditions and culture that have been maintained from generation to generation 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, Tenganan is renowned 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.

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. This behavior was heard in heaven, so Bhatara Indra descended to oppose him. In battle, King Mayadenawa lost, and this victory was celebrated by the Peneges villagers 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

From the mythological story of Tenganan Village, there are megalithic relics that are believed to have come from pieces of Onceswara’s horse that were thrown in various directions. Some of these relics are considered sacred places by the local community, 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 in order to be blessed with 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: Located in the north, it is considered 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, there is a bathroom attached to the kitchen wall.

Interesting Things to Explore Tenganan Village

Here are some of the highlights of Tenganan Pegringsingan Village that have been summarized by Bali Touristic and 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 at Tenganan Village

• 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).