Small Bali Fishing Village Named One of the Best Tourism Destinations by UN World Tourism Organization
In a significant achievement for Bali, the humble coastal village of Pemuteran in Buleleng Regency, North Bali, has been recognized as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This prestigious award highlights Pemuteran’s dedication to marine conservation and sustainable community-based tourism.
The UNWTO Best Tourism Village Awards, a highly anticipated annual event, celebrate rural communities worldwide that showcase cultural authenticity, environmental conservation, and enriching tourism experiences. In 2025, the awards featured a preliminary list of approximately 300 communities from 75 countries, which was narrowed down to 52 winners during the ceremony held in Huzhou, China.
Pemuteran Village stood out among these finalists due to its exemplary efforts in preserving marine ecosystems, notably its coral restoration projects. Over the past decade, significant work has been undertaken to rehabilitate coral reefs in and around Pemuteran’s waters—efforts that have produced positive impacts on marine biodiversity and attracted eco-conscious travelers. This model of sustainable tourism has helped position Pemuteran as one of Bali’s premier diving destinations.
Representing the village’s achievement at the ceremony, Hariyanto, the Indonesian Deputy for Destination Development and Infrastructure from the Ministry of Tourism, accepted the award on behalf of the community. The Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, praised the collaborative spirit between local residents, businesses, and government agencies, underscoring that the award was the result of rigorous profiling detailing Pemuteran’s tourism model.
"Underwater conservation, coral reef maintenance, and collaboration between the community, businesses, and the government are the hallmarks of Pemuteran Village compared to other tourist villages," said Askara. He also highlighted the award’s potential to boost tourism visits while enhancing the local economy, preserving culture, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Bali has a strong track record in the UNWTO Best Tourism Village Awards, with previous winners like Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency and Jatiluwih Village in Tabanan Regency gaining international recognition and benefiting from strategic tourism development support. Pemuteran’s success continues this trend and is expected to draw further attention to North Bali, a region increasingly prioritized by tourism authorities.
Tourists seeking unique experiences are encouraged to explore Pemuteran for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, coupled with an authentic Balinese cultural experience. Nearby areas such as Lovina Beach offer a relaxed atmosphere, while Munduk is gaining popularity as a serene natural retreat away from Bali’s busier southern tourist hubs.
With the spotlight now on Pemuteran and North Bali, visitors can look forward to expanded promotional efforts and enhanced infrastructure supporting sustainable tourism growth in the region.
About Pemuteran Village
Nestled along Bali’s northern coast, Pemuteran is a fishing village renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and conservation initiatives. Its commitment to sustainable tourism provides a model for other communities aiming to balance visitor engagement with environmental protection.
What to Expect When Visiting North Bali
- Pemuteran Village: A top location for diving enthusiasts and eco-tourists interested in marine conservation efforts.
- Lovina Beach: A laid-back beach area famous for dolphin watching and tranquil surroundings.
- Munduk: A mountainous area offering natural beauty, waterfalls, and a peaceful retreat experience away from crowded tourist spots.
As Bali continues to foster community-based and environmentally conscious tourism, places like Pemuteran exemplify how small communities can earn global acclaim through dedicated stewardship and cultural preservation.
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