Indonesia’s tourism villages offer a chance to learn directly from rural communities, local guides and artisans. The word ‘award-winning’ needs context: not every village has won the same international award. This updated 2026 guide keeps the original five communities but distinguishes UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages recognition from Indonesian national tourism awards and community programmes. Look for authentic hosting, appropriate permissions and a fair contribution to village livelihoods.
For context on destinations and responsible travel, read 5 Captivating Tourism Villages You Need To Visit In Bali and Experience A Traditional Living Atmosphere At Penglipuran Village.
5 Tourism Villages with Their Own Stories
1. Pemuteran, Bali
On Bali’s north-western coast, Pemuteran has built a reputation around marine stewardship, responsible diving and coral restoration. Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed it received the UN Tourism Best Tourism Village 2025 recognition on 17 October 2025, rather than the older dates found in historic roundups.
Practical visitor advice
Marine conservation is the main reason to stay longer than a photo stop. Ask operators about coral protection, snorkelling supervision and local benefits. Do not step on reefs or approach turtles.
The long road journey from southern Bali often makes an overnight stay more sensible than a day trip.
For a complementary perspective, explore 9 Alluring Villages In Indonesia For A Trip To Back To Nature.
2. Penglipuran, Bali
Penglipuran lies in Bangli Regency and is known for its carefully maintained traditional village layout and bamboo forest. It was named among UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages for 2023. The award recognises community development and preservation, not a promise that every house is open to tourists.
Practical visitor advice
Follow the designated public route, dress considerately and ask before entering compounds or photographing residents. Tour tickets and cultural programme schedules change.
Combine with authorised Bangli experiences and allocate time to listen to a resident guide.
For a complementary perspective, explore 4 Things To Do In Banyuwangi That Will Make Your Trip Unforgettab.
3. Nglanggeran, Yogyakarta
Nglanggeran in Gunungkidul was selected as a UN Tourism Best Tourism Village in 2021. Community-run tourism connects the ancient volcanic rock landscape with agriculture and local homestays. Routes may be steep and weather-dependent.
Practical visitor advice
Choose a guide and accommodation operated through recognised community channels. Check whether trails are open, and take water for warm days.
It works better as a focused rural experience than a rushed detour before an international flight.
For a complementary perspective, explore 5 Unique Ecotourism Experiences In Indonesia.
4. Pentingsari, Yogyakarta
Situated on the southern flanks of Mount Merapi, Pentingsari is known for community-guided village stays, rural activities and learning about local agriculture. The original roundup refers to tourism honours, but these should not be confused with winning UN Tourism’s specific Best Tourism Villages programme.
Practical visitor advice
Ask what the hosted experience actually includes and who receives the income. Avoid entering streams or restricted volcanic areas during severe weather or activity alerts.
A structured half-day programme or overnight homestay allows more meaningful interaction than a drive-through.
For a complementary perspective, explore 7 Handicraft Center S You Must Visit When Visiting Indonesia.
5. Tamansari, Banyuwangi
Tamansari is a tourism village on the way towards the Ijen highlands, associated with agriculture, community hospitality and locally managed experiences. A national tourism-village award, where documented, should be described with its exact programme and year rather than called an unspecified global prize.
Practical visitor advice
Climbing Ijen and village touring are separate activities. Respect protected-area rules, potential toxic gases and current access restrictions.
Consider an organised community visit that supports residents even when mountain trails are restricted.
For a complementary perspective, explore 5 Fun Destinations To Visit Around Ubud Bali.
Planning an Informed, Responsible Visit
How to tell different village awards apart
UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages programme, Indonesia’s ADWI honours and other ASEAN tourism standards use different selection criteria and award years. Pemuteran (2025), Penglipuran (2023) and Nglanggeran (2021) have independently documented UN Tourism recognition. Do not apply those exact award titles automatically to Pentingsari or Tamansari.
For practical comparisons, see 7 Echanting Stories Behind Indonesia S Famous Batik and 10 Unique Things To Do In East Java.
How to book community-hosted activities
Contact an identifiable village tourism group rather than an anonymous payment collector. Ask for the programme, guide language, meeting location, guest capacity, dietary options, fees and cancellation terms. If you want an authentic workshop, confirm whether it is hands-on rather than only a sales stop.
For practical comparisons, see Find Wellness In These 7 Indonesian Tea Garden Location S and Culture.
Respectful behaviour in living villages
Dress appropriately where requested, ask before photographing people and ceremonies, buy crafts directly from makers when possible and do not enter private kitchens or gardens without permission. Children should have supervision on paths, around farm animals and near waterways.
For practical comparisons, see Wonderful Indonesia and About Indonesia.
How much time should you allow?
These villages span Bali, Yogyakarta and East Java; they are not stops on one convenient daily route. Build separate regional itineraries and check road, weather and temple or community holidays.
For practical comparisons, see Staying Safe In Indonesia and Currency.
Another useful guide is Business Hours And Holiday, especially when planning transport, cultural visits and local conditions.
Another useful guide is 9 Iconic Traditional Houses To Explore In Indonesia, especially when planning transport, cultural visits and local conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rely on an old price or itinerary?
No. Access rules, operator names, accommodation facilities and opening dates can change. Confirm current information from the managing authority.
How do I choose a responsible local experience?
Use reputable community hosts, follow site permits and weather advice, respect privacy and pay fairly for guiding and artisan work.
Authoritative References
- Indonesia Ministry of Tourism — Pemuteran’s 2025 award
- UN Tourism — Nglanggeran 2021
- UN Tourism — Penglipuran 2023
- Indonesia’s official tourism-village directory