Bayung Gede is one of Bali's ancient Bali Aga villages, communities that predate the arrival of Majapahit Hindu culture in the 14th century and maintain practices distinct from mainstream Balinese society. The village has preserved many pre-Hindu Balinese traditions, including distinctive burial customs, architectural styles, and social structures.
Bayung Gede’s village streets are part of a living highland community, not a museum set. Germartin1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Less visited than Penglipuran, Bayung Gede offers a more authentic glimpse into Bali's deepest cultural roots. The village is set in a cool highland landscape near Kintamani, at about 1,182 metres above sea level and is best appreciated with a guide who can explain the significance of the visible differences from typical Balinese villages.
Living heritage in Kintamani
Bayung Gede is a village in Kintamani, Bangli, that has been recognised by the Bangli tourism authority as a village with Bali Aga or Bali Mula cultural heritage. The village is a living community, not a museum set. Its streets, homes, farms, ceremonies, and burial traditions belong first to residents. Visitors should therefore observe with care and use local guidance rather than treating private spaces or ritual areas as photo props.
The highland setting and agricultural landscape are part of the experience. Local information mentions crops such as oranges, coffee, vegetables, maize, and dryland rice in the wider area. Farming activity changes by season, and a visit should not assume that a particular crop, colour, or harvest will be visible. Stay on public or designated routes and ask before entering fields, courtyards, or other community spaces.
A public-domain documentation image of the Ari-ari Megantung tradition associated with Bayung Gede. Source.
Tradition and interpretation
One cultural feature associated with Bayung Gede is Setra Ari-ari, a place connected with local practices around the placenta after birth. The meaning and rules of this tradition are best explained by community members or a local guide. Visitors should not touch, move, open, or photograph ritual objects without permission. Terminology and access can also be sensitive, so listen to the explanation given on the day.
The village’s Bali Aga identity should not be reduced to a claim that it is “more authentic” than another Balinese community. Bayung Gede has its own history, social organisation, architecture, and ceremonial life. A respectful visit focuses on learning how the community describes itself, not on comparing residents or staging an encounter. If a ceremony or restricted area is in progress, follow local instructions and accept that some places are not open to tourists.
Current cultural note: Bayung Gede’s village authority published an updated 2026 explanation of Pengutangan Kau, also known in tourism contexts as Setra Ari-Ari. The tradition of placing a newborn’s placenta in a coconut shell and hanging it from a kayu bukak tree is protected as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage and recorded as Communal Intellectual Property. This is sensitive living heritage, not a visitor performance.
A second public-domain documentation image; this is sensitive living heritage and must never be staged or handled by visitors. Source.
Planning a visit
Bayung Gede is inland in Bangli Regency, north of Bangli town and within the Kintamani area. Road conditions, weather, traffic, and the exact village entrance affect travel time. Confirm directions, parking, guide availability, and visitor arrangements locally. Do not assume that a fixed ticket price, opening hour, or daily tour programme exists unless the village authority has confirmed it.
Wear comfortable clothing and modest attire suitable for a rural cultural community. Bring water, sun protection, and secure shoes. Ask before taking portraits, entering a home, photographing ceremonies, or recording explanations. Keep noise low, do not touch offerings or ritual items, and do not leave rubbish. The Penglipuran Village guide can provide a separate Bangli cultural reference, while the Kintamani museum guide offers a different, formal interpretation setting.
Responsible village tourism
Local guides and community organisations are the most appropriate source for access rules and cultural explanation. Pay agreed fees directly through the stated arrangement, respect requests not to photograph, and avoid making promises about “untouched” customs or guaranteed demonstrations. A village visit is successful when it supports respectful exchange and does not disrupt daily work, worship, or family life.
Weather, road access, ceremonies, guide availability, and visitor rules can change. Check current information before travelling and allow a flexible schedule. This page describes the village as a living cultural destination; it does not guarantee access to a particular ritual, burial place, home, crop, or event.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bayung Gede Village?
Bayung Gede is in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, in the highland interior of Bali.
What is the village known for?
It is associated with Bali Aga or Bali Mula cultural heritage, traditional village life, and local burial traditions including Setra Ari-ari.
Can visitors enter every area?
No. Homes, ritual places, fields, and ceremonial areas may be private or restricted. Follow local guidance and signs.
Should visitors photograph local traditions?
Ask permission first, especially for people, ceremonies, ritual objects, and places connected with birth or death.
What should I wear?
Wear modest, comfortable clothing and secure shoes suitable for walking in a rural highland setting.
Can access and visitor fees change?
Yes. Roads, guides, ceremonies, access rules, and any fees can change, so confirm locally before visiting.
Reviews reflect our overall Bali tour service quality.
5.0
from 24 Google reviews
RussiaKudo90
Google Review
5
I’m happy to leave this review because I know Made personally, and I can honestly say he’s one of the best guides and kindest people you’ll meet in Bali.
What makes him special isn’t just his deep knowledge of the island – though that alone is impressive. He knows all the hidden gems, the best times to visit popular spots, and always has interesting stories behind every temple and rice terrace. But more than that, he genuinely cares about the people he’s with. He doesn't treat it like a job; he treats it like he's showing his own friends around his home.
I’ve seen how he goes out of his way to make sure everything runs smoothly, how he checks in on comfort and safety, and how he handles any little issue with a smile. He's reliable, patient, and incredibly warm-hearted. If you're looking for someone who will not only show you beautiful places but also make you feel welcome and looked after – Made is your guy.
I truly hope this comment helps him, because he absolutely deserves more recognition. Thank you, Made, for being the amazing person and guide that you are! 🙏🇮🇩
2 weeks ago
Leah Davidson
Google Review
5
The Best Tour Guide in Bali!
We honestly couldn’t recommend Made enough! From start to finish, he was absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to make our trip around Bali so special.
Before we even arrived, Made’s communication was amazing. He helped us plan our whole trip, gave us fantastic advice and recommendations, and really took the time to understand what we wanted to see and do. He made everything so easy and stress-free for us.
Throughout our trip, Made looked after us incredibly well. He picked us up, took us to all the different places we wanted to visit, and even showed us some amazing places we probably wouldn’t have found ourselves. His knowledge of Bali is incredible — he knew so much about every place we visited and was always happy to explain things and answer our questions.
What really stood out to us was how kind, caring and genuine Made was. He didn’t just feel like a tour guide; we genuinely felt like we were being looked after by a friend. He always made sure we were comfortable, safe and enjoying ourselves, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble.
Everyone in his team was also absolutely fantastic. They were friendly, professional and made us feel so welcome throughout our trip.
Made played such a huge part in making our Bali holiday so memorable. If you’re looking for someone who is reliable, knowledgeable, kind and genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience, we would 100% recommend him.
Thank you so much, Made, for looking after us and helping us have such an amazing time in Bali. We’ll definitely be recommending you to anyone visiting Bali — and hopefully we’ll see you again one day! ❤️🇮🇩
3 weeks ago
Max Maxvik
Google Review
5
Excellent, the driver is responsible, punctual, drives well, knows a lot of places to relax, the sights of Bali, speaks Russian, English and Chinese well.
A month ago
Софья Меркулова
Google Review
5
Очень советую Мади в качестве гида. Он организовывал нам тур на Нусу Пениду, у него много друзей, который организуют вам все что угодно за очень выгодную плату. Мади очень дружелюбный и улыбчивый человек, он знает русский язык, поэтому с ним можно разговаривать и узнавать многое про Бали. Я его всем советую в первую очередь, он может показать вам весь остров и организовать туры на другие соседние острова и вулканы. Спасибо ему большое, нам очень понравилось с ним проводить время. Советуем вам выбрать именно его за его труд, старания и доброжелательность
Мади, спасибо тебе ❤️
7 months ago
GEDE BMTHAMV
Google Review
5
Thanks a lot
7 months ago
Валерия Келейникова
Google Review
5
Thank you for a great day in Ubud, Madi 🙏🏻 We really enjoyed our cozy and interesting trip)
A year ago
Р М
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
Bakhtiyar Azagov
Google Review
5
Thank you for hospitality! We enjoy our travel in Bali with you
Excatly Mr Burteh! He is best tour guide and driver in Bali. Mr Murteh is local, thats why he has to much information about Bali
Perfect
A year ago
Elena Toroshniak
Google Review
5
Нам повезло, что знакомы с Маде. Это самый добрый и искренний человек на Бали
A year ago
Vit Mit
Google Review
5
Путешествие на Бали – это всегда погружение в мир красоты, духовности и уникальной культуры. Но по-настоящему раскрыть душу острова, прочувствовать его магию можно только с опытным и увлеченным проводником. Нам в этом невероятно повезло – мы встретили Маде!
Маде – не просто гид, он настоящий хранитель традиций и наследник балийской культуры. Он открыл нам не только знаменитые достопримечательности, но и тайные уголки острова, поделился своими знаниями о древних обычаях и верованиях. Благодаря Маде мы смогли:
* Почувствовать энергетику священных храмов: Маде рассказал нам об истории и значении каждого храма, помог правильно провести церемонии и почувствовать связь с духовным миром Бали.
* Погрузиться в атмосферу балийской деревни: мы побывали в гостях у местных жителей, познакомились с их бытом, попробовали традиционные блюда и даже приняли участие в мастер-классах по ремеслам.
* Насладиться природными красотами: Маде показал нам живописные рисовые террасы, вулканы, водопады и секретные пляжи, где можно было отдохнуть от шума и суеты.
Но самое главное – Маде подарил нам незабываемые эмоции, искреннее общение и теплоту. Он отвечал на все наши вопросы, учитывал наши пожелания и создавал атмосферу настоящего приключения.
Мы безгранично благодарны Маде за это удивительное путешествие! Он помог нам открыть для себя настоящий Бали – остров Богов, красоты и гармонии. Если вы планируете поездку на Бали, обязательно обратитесь к Маде – он сделает ваше путешествие незабываемым!
A year ago
Галина Бардымова
Google Review
5
Мадэ очень классный, дружелюбный и общительный, интересно рассказывает)
Ждет когда нужно, в общем, очень приятный) рекомендую
Можно обо всем договориться) если будет дождь, он сопровождает с зонтиком)
A year ago
Инна Звездина
Google Review
5
Спасибо большое, мы объехали за один день все прекрасные пляжи 😍
Остались очень довольны и будем рекомендовать друзьям 🙏🏻✨
A year ago
ЖАННА
Google Review
5
Хотим от всего сердца поблагодарить нашего гида Маде. Наше путешествие по Бали было незабываемо! Благодаря вам мы познакомились с этой чудесной страной! Нас не только возили по районам, но и рассказывали историю Бали❤️ мы чувствовали себя в полной безопасности и полную заботу о нас. Благодарим и до встречи вновь на Бали🫶🏻
A year ago
Карина Ревазян
Google Review
5
Veryyyy good
A year ago
Влад Хайбулин
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
細野佳代子
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
Alex Alex
Google Review
5
Очень рекомендую этого русскоговорящего балийца! 👍 Экскурсии с ним - это просто супер! 🤩 Он не только рассказывает интересные факты об острове и показывает самые красивые места, но и делится местными фишками, о которых не прочитаешь в путеводителях. 😉 Он очень внимательный и отзывчивый, с ним легко и приятно общаться.
A year ago
Евгений Ширшин
Google Review
5
Маде добряк!) очень внимательный, и профессиональный гид! Уже много лет дружим с ним! Провез по всем уголкам прекрасного Бали! Хорошо говорит на русском и английском языках! Аккуратно водит машину! Очень адекватные цены на экскурсии!! Знает все вкусные и красивые места! Поможет со всеми вопросами на Бали, такие как аренда скутера, или аренда жилья! Встретит и проводит в аэропорт, если вы с ребенком то у Маде прекрасные дочки которые с удовольствием побуду няней!))
Всем рекомендую это агенство!!
A year ago
Сергей Милых
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
Denise
Google Review
5
Made did an amazing job as a guide!
Comfortable pick-up & drop-off, safe driving, very friendly & helpful, explained a lot while driving & visiting the spots. He knows a lot and is happy to answer any questions! He also brought local fruits for testing! Amazing day, thank you so much! 🙏🏼🫶🏼🧡
A year ago
Stijn Heerze
Google Review
5
Really nice and kind guide. Knows a lot about Bali. Also a very good driver.
A year ago
Juliette Bos
Google Review
5
Very nice driver, good communication and good service. Perfect!
A year ago
Nengah Negare
Google Review
5
This company is the best, good driver and pofesional guide, i am very enjoy visiting Bali island 👍👍👍
A year ago
Ni Kadek Kardiasih
Google Review
5
Sakuraba give me best service treveling in bali. Thakyou very much for guide bali sakuraba
2 years ago
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