About Padangtegal
Desa Adat Padangtegal, located in Gianyar Regency of Bali, is a culturally rich village that sits adjacent to one of Ubud’s most iconic landmarks — the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Though relatively small in size, Padangtegal is deeply interwoven with Bali’s spiritual and artistic identity. Its community continues to preserve and live by age-old traditions, while engaging in environmental and cultural stewardship that welcomes both locals and visitors alike.
Our Heritage & History
- The history of Padangtegal is rooted in Bali’s Hindu-Balinese cultural evolution. Over the centuries, the region has developed through the influence of religious practices, traditional village life, and close ties to the natural surroundings.
- Central to its spiritual life is Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a temple believed to date back to the 14th century (though the spiritual significance of the place may be older).
- In modern times, the village embraced stewardship of the forest and the monkey population. In 1982, the community formally took responsibility for the Monkey Forest and designated it a conservation area.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Vision
To be a vibrant, living example of how tradition, nature, and community can thrive together in harmony.
Our Mission
- To preserve and protect our cultural heritage, temples, and traditional practices
- To maintain and care for our natural environment, especially within the Monkey Forest
- To foster sustainable relationships between tourism and community well-being
- To share our culture and spirituality as a bridge of understanding between visitors and local life
Core Values
- Respect & Devotion — Upholding spiritual and cultural practices with sincerity
- Harmony with Nature — Protecting the forest, wildlife, and ecological balance
- Community & Togetherness — Strengthening cooperation among all members of Padangtegal
- Sustainability — Ensuring our growth benefits both people and the environment
- Openness & Hospitality — Welcoming guests with warmth, while preserving local dignity
What We Do
Cultural Stewardship
We host and maintain traditional ceremonies, temple rituals, and local arts. The spiritual fabric of daily life is preserved through dance, offerings, and temple upkeep.
Environmental Conservation
Managing the Monkey Forest is one of our core responsibilities. Beyond being a habitat for over 700 macaques, it’s a sacred site and sanctuary, which we care for via forest restoration, species protection, and sustainable tourism practices.
Community & Economic Initiatives
Padangtegal supports local development through:
- Business units under Desa Adat (e.g. local enterprises)
- Banjar (sub-community) organization structure (Padangtegal Kaja, Mekarsari, Kelod, Padang Kencana)
- Programs involving PKK, youth, arts & culture, and community welfare
Cultural Tourism & Education
We welcome guests who wish to experience the living traditions of Bali—temple tours, ritual observations, cultural performances, and nature walks—all within respectful, deeply rooted contexts.
Our People & Governance
The Desa Adat is structured across several Banjar (sub-village units):
- Banjar Padangtegal Kaja
- Banjar Padangtegal Mekarsari
- Banjar Padangtegal Kelod
- Banjar Padang Kencana
We also coordinate with community groups such as PKK, youth organizations, and cultural/art programs to ensure inclusive participation in village life.
Looking Forward
As pressures of tourism and modernization grow, we aim to maintain balance. Our future goals include:
- Strengthening ecological resilience in the forest and surrounding areas
- Increasing community-led cultural education and workshops
- Deepening sustainable tourism models so visitors benefit local life without harming it
- Expanding partnerships (local, regional, international) that respect our identity