Tenganan Pegringsingan

29/06/2025 22:55

While much of Bali has embraced modern tourism, there are still places where time seems to stand still. One such place is Tenganan Pegringsingan, a traditional village located in the Karangasem Regency of East Bali. Known as one of the original Bali Aga (pre-Hindu) villages, Tenganan Pegringsingan offers visitors a rare chance to experience the island’s ancient culture, untouched architecture, and sacred rituals that have been preserved for centuries.

A Village Lost in Time

Tenganan Pegringsingan is not just another Balinese village. It is a living museum where residents continue to uphold their ancestors' strict cultural rules and traditional ways of life. Unlike most Balinese villages that adapted over time, Tenganan has maintained its original layout, stone-paved streets, and distinctive walled homes built from natural materials.

The people of Tenganan, known as Bali Aga, live by a unique set of customs that set them apart from the rest of Bali. Social rules, marriage arrangements, and even the size of their family homes are carefully regulated to preserve balance and harmony within the village.

The Art of Gringsing: A Sacred Weaving Tradition

One of the most remarkable aspects of Tenganan Pegringsingan is its famous Gringsing cloth, a sacred double ikat textile that is highly valued not only in Bali but also across Indonesia. The name "Gringsing" means "without sickness" and is believed to offer spiritual protection to the wearer.

What makes Gringsing so special is the rare double ikat weaving technique, where both the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving. It is an incredibly complex and time-consuming process, often taking several years to complete a single piece. Only a few places in the world, including Tenganan, Japan, and India, still practice this ancient technique.

The villagers use Gringsing cloth in various sacred ceremonies, and it is an essential part of their cultural identity. Visitors can observe the weaving process and even purchase authentic Gringsing textiles directly from the artisans.

Festivals and Rituals

Tenganan Pegringsingan is also famous for its unique festivals, particularly Perang Pandan, a traditional ritual where young men engage in friendly combat using thorny pandanus leaves as weapons and woven shields. This ceremony is not meant to harm but to honor the Hindu god of war, Indra. It’s a thrilling event filled with music, community spirit, and deep cultural significance.

The village regularly holds traditional ceremonies that are open to respectful visitors. During these events, the streets come alive with vibrant decorations, ritual performances, and the rhythmic sound of Gamelan Selonding—a rare sacred musical instrument played only in Bali Aga villages.

Practical Tips

How to Get There: Tenganan Pegringsingan is about a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud and located near the coastal town of Candidasa.
Best Time to Visit: The village is open year-round, but visiting during the Perang Pandan festival (usually in June or July) offers a deeper cultural experience.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing, and extra cash if you wish to buy Gringsing textiles or handcrafted souvenirs.