Cultural immersion remains a key draw for visitors to Bali, renowned for its unique traditions and the welcoming nature of its people. In 2026, the island is poised to expand its offerings with the development of five new tourism villages in the Badung Regency.
Expanding Cultural Tourism in Badung Regency
The Badung Regency Government has announced plans to establish five new tourism villages – Kapal, Petang, Munggu, Bongkasa Pertiwi, and Pangsan – by 2026. This initiative builds upon the existing eighteen tourism villages within the region, which includes popular destinations like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu.
I Gede Made Sukayasa, Head of the Tourism Destination Division of the Badung Tourism Office, stated that the development focuses on improving infrastructure based on prior needs and the leadership’s vision. A key project is the completion of the Siat Tipat Statue in Kapal Tourism Village, a decision stemming from the 2023 Village Development Planning Meeting.
The Siat Tipat statue is intended to serve as a symbol of Kapal Village and its cultural identity, representing the Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon ceremony held annually on the full moon of Sasih Kapat. This tradition is already featured on the official Badung Regency tourism calendar.
Munggu Village as a Model for Development
Munggu Village is highlighted as a more established tourism village, with plans for additional facilities like a park and a creative economy space, pending sufficient funding. Notably, Munggu Village is being developed as a “Cultural Park,” aiming to combine the intimate feel of a tourism village with the scale and quality of larger attractions like the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park.
Further improvements are planned for the Petang Tourism Village, specifically to enhance access and safety to its twin waterfalls. Collaboration between Wayan Adi Arnawa’s team and Munggu Tourism Village is underway to create the new Mekotek Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of developing these new tourism villages?
The Badung Regency Government is developing these villages to improve tourism infrastructure and preserve local traditions, arts, and culture, aligning with the leadership’s vision for quality tourism.
Which villages are included in this development plan?
The five villages included in the development plan are Kapal, Petang, Munggu, Bongkasa Pertiwi, and Pangsan.
What is the significance of the Siat Tipat statue?
The Siat Tipat statue is intended to be a symbol of Kapal Village’s cultural identity and is connected to the annual Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon ceremony.
As these villages develop, it will be interesting to see how they balance the needs of tourism with the preservation of their unique cultural identities and the well-being of local communities.
