Into a Green Sanctuary
Ancient village of Tenganan is surely fortified by nature to form a green sanctuary, flanked on both sides by hills and the majestic mount Agung on the back, surrounded by one of Bali’s most intact remaining rainforests. Once you set a foot on the soil of Tenganan rice fields or forest area, the phrase “green sanctuary” is just a modest string of words to describe the beauty of Tenganan environment.
To get the best view on Tenganan surrounding environment, a trekking from the neighboring village of Kastala is definitely the best choice. The journey to this green sanctuary is begun with green carpets welcome. Walking among rows of rice fields that descend into the valley with Mount Agung looms majestically on the background are the first part of your journey. Other areas of Bali may boast of their terraced rice fields but the Tenganan terraced rice fields with misty Mount Agung on the distant and divided with crystal clear river on the center are surely primus inter pares.
After crossing the river that divides the rice field areas the journey is resumed by walking on a steep path among the rice fields on the slope of a hill. At the end of the rice field areas, a winding road will lead you into the forest of Tenganan. Hundreds years old stone path will accommodate your journey through this forest. Sound of chirping birds and rushing winds among the leaves will soothe your ears. The path will take you past many small hidden temples to honor the spirit of the nature.
The Tenganan’s residents put a great emphasis on the preservation of their environment. They have their own environmental management laws based on sustainability and interconnectivity between the invironment and Tenganan’s residents and for example certain fruits (such as durian) which can only be collected after they fall from the tree naturally, a tree must not be cut before it die naturally, a violation to these rule will be punished with a heavy fine. The locals explain that they actively conserve biodiversity partly because such wide varieties of plants are needed for Tenganan’s regular rituals and ceremonies.
Along the path, you will likely encounter a small hut of Tenganan’s resident in which they make tuak (palm beer), taste the rich flavor of fresh tuak directly from the palm trees. When you reach the top of the hill, you will get a bird-eye view of Tenganan village and its surrounding areas. From here a descending stone path will lead you to the Tenganan village. The journey will end on the gate of Tenganan village, but do not worry; the Tenganan village’s gate will take you to another journey, a journey into the Tenganan culture.
Editor’s Note
Book Tenganan Pegeringsingan Village Day Trips.
Bookmark this at
- No Related Posts
Loading ...
December 20th, 2007 09:08
[…] Such respect for nature is rooted in the Hinduism that this community follows, as do the majority of the Balinese people. As a result, four types of fruits, including durian, cannot be plucked until they ripen and fall; nor can trees in the forest that cover the hills to the north of Tenganan be felled. […]