Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
Highlights: Klungkung and Karangasem area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Bali's rich cultural heritage while enjoying some of the island's most stunning natural landscapes, the Penglipuran Village Tour is a perfect day trip. It takes you to traditional villages, hidden waterfalls, and historical landmarks, giving you a glimpse into Bali's way of life, both past and present.

Here’s a breakdown of the journey:

Wood Carving Village: Witnessing Balinese Craftsmanship
We started the day bright and early, our private driver will pickup you at 8:00 AM, heading first to a Wood Carving Village. Bali is known for its intricate wood carvings, and this village is where the magic happens. Watching these skilled artisans work is like seeing art come to life. Every piece, from small figurines to large statues, is carved by hand with immense attention to detail.

I remember being struck by how precise the carvings were, with some pieces taking months to complete. It’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate the amount of time and skill it takes to produce something so beautiful. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or just want to learn more about Balinese art, this is the perfect place to start your day.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Nature’s Hidden Gem
Next up was the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, one of Bali's lesser-known waterfalls but equally breathtaking. Unlike the more popular waterfalls in Bali, this one has a more intimate feel, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading rocks. As we arrived, the sound of water crashing over the rocks was incredibly soothing.

What I loved most about Kanto Lampo is that it’s not just a viewing spot—you can actually get into the water and enjoy a natural shower under the falls. If you're feeling adventurous, bring a change of clothes and take a dip. It’s also a fantastic place for photography, with the waterfall providing a dramatic backdrop for those “wow” shots. Just be prepared for slippery rocks!

Penglipuran Traditional Village: Stepping Back in Time
After the waterfall, we visited Penglipuran Village, a beautifully preserved traditional Balinese village that feels like stepping into the past. The village is known for its clean, orderly streets and traditional Balinese architecture. Walking through Penglipuran, you’ll notice that each house is designed similarly, with intricately carved gates and lush gardens. It’s as if time has stood still here.

What’s unique about Penglipuran is its strong sense of community. The villagers still uphold traditional values and practices, and they’re more than happy to share their culture with visitors. We were invited into one of the homes, where we learned about their daily lives, the history of the village, and even sampled some traditional Balinese snacks. It’s a peaceful, serene place, and visiting Penglipuran really gives you insight into Bali’s cultural roots.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Our next stop was Tukad Cepung Waterfall, another of Bali’s hidden gems. What makes this waterfall unique is its location—it’s tucked away in a cave, and sunlight filters through the opening, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The light shining on the water gives the whole area a surreal, golden glow.

The trek down to the waterfall is a bit of an adventure, as you need to walk down a set of stairs and through some narrow rock passages. But trust me, it’s worth it! When you finally reach the waterfall, you feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot, far away from the typical tourist crowds. It’s one of those moments where nature takes your breath away.

Lunch with Rice Fields and Mountain Views
By this point, we were more than ready for lunch, and what better way to enjoy a meal than with a view of Bali's beautiful rice fields and mountains? We stopped at a restaurant that offered panoramic views of the lush landscape, and it was the perfect way to relax and refuel.

The menu was filled with traditional Balinese dishes, and I opted for Nasi Goreng, which is fried rice with a variety of toppings like shrimp, egg, and chicken. There’s something about eating local food while surrounded by Bali’s natural beauty that makes the experience so much richer. The views were so stunning that I almost didn’t want to leave!

Kerta Gosa and Klungkung Museum: A Peek into Bali's History
After lunch, we continued our journey to Kerta Gosa, an ancient royal court located in Klungkung. This historical site dates back to the 18th century and was used as a place for the king to deliver justice. The main attraction here is the floating pavilion, which sits in the middle of a pond surrounded by blooming lotus flowers.

The ceiling of the pavilion is adorned with beautifully painted wayang (shadow puppet) scenes that depict stories from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata. The level of detail in these paintings is incredible, and they offer a glimpse into Bali’s traditional justice system and royal life.

We also visited the Museum Klungkung, which is right next to Kerta Gosa. The museum houses artifacts from Bali's royal era, including weapons, traditional clothing, and religious items. It’s a small museum but packed with history, making it a great stop for those interested in learning more about Bali’s past.

Tanah Lot Temple: Sunset Magic
As the day started to wind down, we made our final stop at Tanah Lot Temple to catch the sunset. This iconic sea temple is one of Bali's most photographed locations, and for good reason—it’s perched on a rock formation, surrounded by the ocean, and looks absolutely magical at sunset.

As the sun began to set, the sky turned shades of orange, pink, and purple, casting a soft glow over the temple. We found a good spot to sit and just watched as the waves crashed against the rocks and the sun slowly disappeared behind the horizon. There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching the sunset here, with the temple silhouetted against the sky. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Reflections on the Day
By the time we returned to the hotel, I felt like I had truly experienced the best of Bali—its culture, natural beauty, and deep sense of history. The Penglipuran Village Tour offers such a diverse mix of experiences, from exploring traditional villages to discovering hidden waterfalls and learning about Bali’s royal history.

If you're looking for a Bali tour package that combines both cultural and natural highlights, this one should definitely be on your list. It’s a perfect balance of adventure, learning, and relaxation, and it left me with a newfound appreciation for everything that makes Bali so special.