Penestanan Village

Penestanan Village

About Penestanan Village

Written by the Bali Saku Raba local team · Last verified September 2026

Penestanan Village is a residential and agricultural area west of central Ubud in Gianyar, Bali. It is known for rice-field paths, local compounds, small creative businesses, and a slower walking experience close to the Ubud centre. The area is best understood as a living neighbourhood, not a closed tourist attraction, so visitors should explore quietly and respect residents, farms, temples, and private property.

The landscape around Penestanan combines narrow lanes, working fields, gardens, and the valleys associated with the Campuhan and Sayan area. The character of a walk changes with the season, weather, and route. Some paths are public, while others pass through privately managed land or lead to homes. Ask locally when a route is unclear rather than crossing a gate or entering a compound without permission.

Research update: Penestanan’s artists and rice-field paths

Penestanan is a village west of Ubud, above the Campuhan River, known for its rice-field paths, residential compounds, cafés, galleries, and artist community. Its modern artistic identity is strongly associated with the Young Artist movement and the influence of painter Arie Smit, whose engagement with local children helped shape a distinctive bright, direct style in Penestanan painting.

The village is best explored on foot, but it is a lived-in neighbourhood rather than a staged attraction. Public paths can be narrow, steep, wet, and shared with residents, farmers, scooters, and irrigation activity. Ask before entering a studio or private field, do not walk through planted rice, and confirm whether a path or gallery is open. Late afternoon light can be attractive, while early morning is cooler for longer walks.

Artist associated with Penestanan Ubud
Artist associated with Penestanan; Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What to do

Walking is the main reason to visit. A short stroll can reveal rice-field views, village shrines, small galleries, cafés, and traditional architecture. Longer routes may connect toward Sayan or other parts of the Ubud countryside, but surfaces can be uneven, muddy, narrow, or poorly signposted. Use daylight, carry water, and consider a local guide if you want to walk beyond familiar roads.

Penestanan also has a creative identity, with artists, studios, wellness businesses, and independent places to eat. Availability changes, so do not promise that a particular studio, class, or market will be open. Ask before photographing people, artworks, or private spaces. Support businesses respectfully and avoid turning residential lanes into a loud photo queue.

Respecting the village

Wear appropriate clothing near temples and follow local guidance about sarongs, footwear, and access. Do not enter courtyards, shrines, or ceremonial areas without permission. If a procession or ritual is taking place, keep clear and wait until it has passed. Offerings and small shrines should not be moved, touched, or used as props.

Rice fields and irrigation channels are working landscapes. Stay on paths, do not pick crops, avoid stepping on narrow bunds when they are wet, and keep rubbish away from waterways. Motorbikes should be parked without blocking lanes. Be especially careful with children near open channels, slopes, and traffic on narrow roads.

Weather and route planning

Ubud's tropical weather can shift quickly. Bring water, sun protection, and a light rain layer, and wear shoes that can handle wet ground. Late afternoon light can be attractive, but do not continue into unfamiliar fields after dark. Check with your accommodation or a local guide about current path conditions, especially after heavy rain.

Penestanan can be combined with other Ubud-area experiences, but distances on foot and by road are not interchangeable. Munduk Village and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are separate rural landscapes requiring additional travel. Pura Tanah Lot is a much farther Tabanan destination. Build a route around realistic traffic, walking time, and rest.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Penestanan Village?

Penestanan is west of central Ubud in Gianyar Regency, Bali, around the Campuhan and Sayan countryside.

What is Penestanan known for?

It is known for rice-field walks, residential village lanes, creative businesses, gardens, and a quieter atmosphere near Ubud.

Can I walk through the rice fields?

Use public or permitted paths only. Ask locally before crossing private land, entering fields, or walking on narrow irrigation bunds.

Is Penestanan a tourist attraction?

It is a living neighbourhood and agricultural area with visitor-friendly businesses, not a single enclosed attraction with one route.

What should I bring?

Bring water, sun protection, a light rain layer, and comfortable shoes for uneven or muddy paths. Use daylight for unfamiliar walks.

Can I take photographs?

Landscape photography is generally less intrusive, but ask before photographing residents, ceremonies, homes, artists, or private property.

Penestanan rewards visitors who slow down and observe. Walk lightly, support local businesses, respect the village's privacy, and leave its fields and waterways clean.

What to See & Do at Penestanan Village

Working rice paddies surrounding the village — one of Ubud's last true rural edges
Network of field paths connecting to Sayan, Kedewatan, and the Ayung gorge
Active artists' community with open studios and galleries
Just across Campuhan Bridge from central Ubud — 10 minutes on foot
Late afternoon light over the paddies is among the finest in the Ubud area

What to Know Before You Go

Walk Cross Campuhan Bridge and climb the steep lane to the left — you'll be in rice paddies within 5 minutes
Timing Late afternoon (4–6pm) when the light turns golden and the paddies glow
Get Lost The best walks in Penestanan are ones without a map — follow the paths and ask locals
Café Café des Artistes in Penestanan serves excellent food in a garden with rice field views

What Our Guests Say

Real Guest Reviews

Reviews reflect our overall Bali tour service quality.

5.0
from 24 Google reviews
RussiaKudo90

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! 🙏🇮🇩

A month ago
Leah Davidson

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! ❤️🇮🇩

A month ago
Max Maxvik

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

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

GEDE BMTHAMV

Google Review

5

Thanks a lot

8 months ago
Валерия Келейникова

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

Р М

Google Review

5

No written review.

A year ago
Bakhtiyar Azagov

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

Elena Toroshniak

Google Review

5

Нам повезло, что знакомы с Маде. Это самый добрый и искренний человек на Бали

A year ago
Vit Mit

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

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

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

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

Карина Ревазян

Google Review

5

Veryyyy good

A year ago
Влад Хайбулин

Влад Хайбулин

Google Review

5

No written review.

A year ago
細野佳代子

細野佳代子

Google Review

5

No written review.

A year ago
Alex Alex

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.

2 years ago
Евгений Ширшин

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!!

2 years ago
Сергей Милых

Сергей Милых

Google Review

5

No written review.

2 years ago
Denise

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! 🙏🏼🫶🏼🧡

2 years ago
Stijn Heerze

Stijn Heerze

Google Review

5

Really nice and kind guide. Knows a lot about Bali. Also a very good driver.

2 years ago
Juliette Bos

Juliette Bos

Google Review

5

Very nice driver, good communication and good service. Perfect!

2 years ago
Nengah Negare

Nengah Negare

Google Review

5

This company is the best, good driver and pofesional guide, i am very enjoy visiting Bali island 👍👍👍

2 years ago
Ni Kadek Kardiasih

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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