Not In India: This Is World’s Cleanest Hindu Village, Has Seen No Crime For 700 Years | World News
The Cleanest Village in the World: When people think of the cleanest Hindu village in the world, they most instinctively look to India. But far from the Indian subcontinent, a small village in a lesser-known mountain region of Southeast Asia has changed that assumption. Penglipuran village, located in the green hills of Indonesia’s Bali province, was among the three cleanest villages in the world in global research.
This recognition is achieved not through government sanctions, but through habits passed down over centuries.
The story of Penglipuran seems almost unreal in today’s world. For nearly 700 years, not a single crime has been officially recorded in the village. Here, cleaning is not treated as a campaign or a seasonal journey; a way of life that is taught at an early age and followed without exception.
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A Hindu Village Outside India
There are approximately 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide, and approximately 94 percent of them live in India. Yet the cleanest Hindu village in the world is outside India, in the Bangli district of Bali. Penglipuran is five kilometers from Bangli city and approximately 45 kilometers from Denpasar. It is surrounded by forests and hills.
Although Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, Penglipuran remains deeply committed to Hindu traditions. Large temples are located in the heart of the village and almost every house has its own small temple. The spiritual rhythm of daily prayers and holidays continues as it did centuries ago.
No Crime for Seven Centuries
According to local beliefs and historical records, Penglipuran is approximately 700 years old. Residents say that in all this time there has never been a recorded case of crime.
The village is often cited as an example of how strong social values, shared responsibility and community discipline can create an environment of trust and security.
Why Is Penglipuran So Clean?
Strict rules form the backbone of Penglipuran’s cleanliness. Littering is completely prohibited and rules are enforced by social consensus rather than fear of punishment.
Alcohol is prohibited throughout the village and smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
Almost all the houses are built in traditional style using bamboo, giving Penglipuran its distinctive look while the construction is eco-friendly.
Motor vehicles are not allowed into the village, ensuring that the streets remain quiet, clean and pollution-free.
Women play a central role in maintaining hygiene. Village women come together every month to clean common areas. Organic waste is turned into compost, while plastic and other non-biodegradable materials are recycled.
This system ensures that waste never accumulates and the village remains spotless throughout the year.
How to Visit Penglipuran?
Penglipuran is open to visitors daily from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. The easiest way to reach the village is to use a private car, but ride-hailing applications such as Grab and Gojek also operate in the area.
The best time to visit is between April and October or during major festivals such as Galungan and Kuningan.
Homestay options are available for those who want to experience village life closely. Staying with local families offers home-cooked meals and the chance to participate in cultural activities, with prices varying depending on the season.
In a world struggling with waste, crime and urban chaos, Penglipuran stands calmly as proof that discipline, tradition and collective responsibility can endure for centuries.
