Pesalakan Cultural Village
PESALAKAN VILLAGE CULTURAL TOUR
Full day experience | 6.30 AM - 1.30 PM
Pesalakan is a small village with a population of 769 people.
The village is located in the area called Pejeng Kangin and is just 15 minutes by car from central Ubud. Pejeng was part of a very significant kingdom called Bedulu which existed for almost 500 years, between 883 and 1343 AD. Pejeng, which means umbrella, is named after the ancient Balinese king who ruled wisely and covered the people.
Bedulu was eventually overtaken by the powerful Majapahit Kingdom and its famous warrior Gajah Mada.
You will learn more about this story from Made the village leader.
Pesalakan is located in a very beautiful part of Bali, surrounded by rice fields, the holy Pakerisan river flows through the community and the mighty Volcano Gunung Agung towers over the landscape in the distance.
It is quiet and peaceful and a very relaxing place to spend a day.
Life seems to stand still here and little has changed since the days of the Bedulu kingdom.
Your day begins with a pleasant easy walk through the rice fields, starting at 6.30 am just as the sun rises over the rice fields and Gunung Agung and finishes at 1.30 pm after lunch.
Please note, that you will be picked up at your Hotel ( in the Ubud area ) at approx 6 am and be dropped back at 2 pm depending on traffic.
Please see the program below:
06:30 AM - Meet Made, introductions, and a sunrise walk through the rice fields
8:00 AM - Arrive at Made house for coffee, snack, and an explanation of the history of the area and what life is like living in a traditional Balinese village .
9:00 AM - 10.30 AM - Walk around the village, meet the farmers in the rice fields, learn about offerings, visit some homes of the Balinese, learn about Balinese architecture, visit the local temple, meet a Mangku,( priest ) and learn about the Hindu religion, and Balinese spirituality. The connection with nature and Tri Hita Kirana principles, and the organic farming revival program.
10.30 AM - 11.30 AM - Visit the weavers and learn about this ancient craft that was revived during Covid in 2020. There will be a large selection of Ikat for sale for those interested. Much of this is made from natural dyes and takes many days to produce. Sometimes weeks, and is a very special aspect of Bali and Indonesian culture.
11.30 AM - 12.30 pm - Traditional dancing from dancers from the Banjar. There will be an explanation of Balinese dance, its origins and meanings, and Balinese music. Make sure you have your cameras!
12.30 PM- 1.30 PM Delicious Balinese lunch
Return to your hotel
YOUR HOSTS
MADE ASTAWA
Made has been the head of the Pesalakan Banjar for two years.
He studied tourism in the United States for 5 years, returned to Bali, and has been a tour guide for 8 years.
Made speaks very good English, is a visionary and respected leader in the community and is much admired for the work he has done during Covid for the community and the many initiatives that have been implemented.
PUTU
Putu is the leader of the weaving community in Pesalakan, a rice farmer, host of Village Plate, and a great cook.
She was a big influence in reigniting the Ikat, hand-crafted weaving in the community two years ago, and remembers weaving many years ago when she was very young, before tourism.
Putu is a very smart and capable woman and a proud member of the Togetherness team
COST: $95 USD per person
If Two or more $ 80 USD per person
Three or more $ 65 USD per person
Children 14 years and under 50% off
Larger groups please contact for a special price.
Price includes:
Pick up from Villa/ Hotel and return within 10km of Ubud Central we can arrange to pick up outside Ubud for an extra cost)
Delicious Balinese lunch made with local ingredients (we cater for special dietary requirements)
Local Guide Fees
Tour of the village
Contribution to The Togetherness Project to support the communities
PLEASE NOTE:
If you bring your own group or you want a private experience we can adjust the program to suit your interests. For example, if you are a family with children we can arrange for a swim in the river with the Balinese children and arrange more child-focused activities.
If you are interested in Balinese spirituality and you want a more in-depth understanding of the culture and religion we can arrange this.
If weaving is your interest we can arrange a workshop with the ladies as part of the experience.
