Indonesia’s Village Tourism Awards Celebrate Emerging Destinations in Bali

Bali, Indonesia – May 18, 2025 – This week, two villages in Bali garnered significant accolades at the prestigious Trisakti Tourism Awards 2025, marking a noteworthy recognition of emerging tourism destinations in the region. Cemagi Tourism Village, situated near Seseh Beach, and the broader Tabanan Regency were highlighted for their contributions to sustainable tourism practices.

Established in 2019, the Trisakti Tourism Awards serve as a national benchmarking platform aimed at promoting and developing tourism villages, known in Indonesia as Desa Wisata. These villages stand at the forefront of sustainable tourism efforts and are crucial for enhancing the economic landscape of rural communities by fostering micro, small, and medium enterprises. The awards recognize tourism villages not only as economic drivers but also as vibrant centers for authentic cultural exchange with visitors.

Award Highlights

The ceremony took place in Jakarta, where a total of 23 winners were honored across various tourism categories, including eco-tourism, culinary tourism, historical heritage, and adventure tourism. The accolades for Cemagi Village, closely associated with the popular Canggu area within Badung Regency, placed it as the First Runner-up in the Ecotourism Category.

Bagus Alit Sucipta, the Deputy Regent of Badung, shared his pride in the village’s achievement, stating, "Congratulations to Cemagi Tourism Village for winning an award in the Ecotourism Category. This award is our motivation to improve in strengthening tourism in Badung Regency which we love together." He emphasized the village’s determination to cultivate a tourism model that is politically sovereign, economically independent, and culturally rich.

In addition to Cemagi, other noteworthy recognitions from Bali included Munggu Tourism Village, which competed in the Historical Heritage Category; Carangsari Tourism Village in the Digital Creative Village category; and Bongkasa Pertiwi Tourism Village in the Adventure Category.

Tabanan Regency’s Cultural Richness

The Tabanan Regency also celebrated its victory, taking home the award for Best Religious Tourism for their submission, which showcased the traditional Balinese cultural performance of the Legong Andir dance. The local government expressed excitement over the win, indicating plans to engage more tourists through live performances of this culturally significant dance.

Komang Gede Sanjaya, Regent of Tabanan, remarked on the achievement, stating, "The achievement enriches the name of Tabanan in the preservation of the field of art and culture." He expressed hope that this recognition would inspire local youth to take up the responsibility of maintaining their rich artistic heritage.

Tabanan is renowned for hosting some of Bali’s most iconic cultural and religious attractions, including the famous Tanah Lot Temple and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. These destinations not only attract tourists but also serve as vital elements of Bali’s cultural identity.

A Call to Experience Authentic Balinese Culture

As Bali continues to be an essential tourism hotspot in Indonesia, the recognition of its tourism villages highlights the importance of fostering authentic cultural experiences for visitors. Tourists are encouraged to explore each village’s unique offerings, helping to sustain both the local economy and the rich cultural heritage of the island.

With the recent awards highlighting the outstanding contributions of Cemagi and Tabanan, there are even more opportunities for travelers to connect with the vibrant traditions of Bali, ensuring that the essence of Balinese culture thrives for future generations.

For more information on exploring Bali’s tourism villages, visitors can find resources on tours, cultural performances, and local attractions through various travel platforms.