BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – The Badung Regency Government is strengthening its village-based tourism strategy by positioning 18 designated tourism villages in the northern region as key drivers for visitor growth and local economic development.
The designation is formalized under Badung Regent Regulation No. 22 of 2021, an amendment to a previous regulation, marking a concrete step toward developing sustainable, community-based tourism beyond the island’s southern hotspots.
Acting Head of the Badung Tourism Office, Ni Kadek Ari Armaeni, said the initiative aims to create a more balanced tourism distribution while empowering local communities.
“This designation is a strategic step to strengthen village-based tourism while encouraging more equitable economic growth in North Badung,” she said on Monday (April 27).
The 18 tourism villages are spread across three districts: Abiansemal, Petang, and Mengwi. In Abiansemal, the designated villages include Bongkasa Pertiwi, Bongkasa, Sangeh, and Abiansemal Dauh Yeh Cani.
Petang district includes Pangsan, Petang, Pelaga, Belok, Sulangai, and Carangsari, while Mengwi hosts the largest number with Baha, Kapal, Mengwi, Munggu, Sobangan, Cemagi, Penarungan, and Kuwum.
According to officials, each village offers distinct attractions, ranging from natural landscapes and traditional culture to locally produced creative goods. The development approach focuses on community-based tourism, where residents are directly involved as active participants rather than passive observers.
To support this initiative, the local government is implementing assistance programs aimed at improving village tourism capacity. These include training for human resources, promotional support, and institutional strengthening.
“We will continue to provide assistance, from improving human resource capacity to promotion and institutional development, so these villages can compete in the evolving tourism industry,” Ari Armaeni added.
The long-term goal is to position these villages not only as alternative destinations but as primary attractions for visitors exploring Bali. The strategy also seeks to reduce the long-standing concentration of tourism activities in South Badung.
“Tourism has been largely concentrated in South Badung. With these tourism villages, we aim to stimulate growth in the northern region as well,” she said.
For international visitors, the initiative highlights emerging travel options beyond Bali’s main resort areas, offering more localized cultural experiences while supporting sustainable tourism practices.