Pemuteran Village in Bali Honored as United Nations Best Tourism Village 2025
Pemuteran, Buleleng Regency, Bali — October 23, 2025
Pemuteran Village, situated on Bali’s north-west coast, has achieved prestigious global recognition by being named one of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Best Tourism Villages for 2025. This accolade was officially announced on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Best Tourism Villages ceremony held in Huzhou, China.
A Global Achievement for a Local Gem
Out of over 300 candidate villages spanning 75 countries, Pemuteran emerged as one of only 52 villages to receive this distinguished honor. The award highlights Pemuteran’s successful dedication to sustainable and community-based tourism, emphasizing the combined efforts of local residents, business stakeholders, and government bodies.
Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, expressed pride in the collaborative work that led to this recognition. “This global recognition was the result of collaboration between the community, businesses, and the government,” he stated, as reported by Detiknews.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, also welcomed the award enthusiastically. “I am very proud and optimistic. This award will inspire other tourism villages throughout Indonesia to continue optimizing natural potential, cultural heritage, and community empowerment towards more inclusive and sustainable tourism,” she remarked in an official statement from the Ministry of Tourism.
The Unique Charm of Pemuteran Village
Pemuteran is renowned for its remarkable natural environment and strong community conservation efforts. The village is home to approximately 80% of Indonesia’s coral species. Since the late 1980s, locals have successfully revitalized its coral reefs through coordinated conservation programs, including the internationally recognized Biorock Pemuteran project, which serves as a model for sustainable marine tourism.
Beyond coral restoration, Pemuteran also prioritizes marine wildlife conservation, notably through its green turtle conservation program managed by the Pemuteran Green Turtle Conservation Group. Visitors to the village often participate in educational sessions and can witness the heartwarming release of turtle hatchlings, particularly organized at the Reef Seen Diver’s Resort. These initiatives provide an environmentally conscious tourism experience deeply integrated with local stewardship.
Ecotourism and Cultural Experiences
Pemuteran’s diverse landscape features stunning coastal views alongside rolling hills, offering a wide range of attractions on both land and sea. In addition to marine-based activities like snorkeling and diving, the village hosts cultural festivals and traditional Balinese performances, enriching visitors’ understanding of the island’s heritage.
Food lovers are welcomed by authentic Balinese culinary delights such as Ayam Betutu and Sate Lilit, often enjoyed with a breathtaking sunset backdrop over Pemuteran Bay, blending natural beauty with local gastronomy.
Future Growth and Development
The global recognition from UNWTO is expected to boost tourism arrival numbers in Pemuteran. Officials from the Bali Tourism Office anticipate growth similar to what has been seen in other Indonesian villages that received comparable awards, such as Penglipuran and Jatiluwih.
To accommodate this expected increase and ensure sustainable development, local government plans include upgrading infrastructure, expanding promotional efforts, and providing ongoing technical guidance to the community. Among the initiatives supporting these goals is the annual Pemuteran Bay Festival, a cultural event supported by government resources.
Joining a Prestigious Global Network
By becoming part of the UNWTO Global Network of Best Tourism Villages, Pemuteran gains access to international collaboration opportunities, expertise exchange, and enhanced global marketing platforms. This membership is set to further empower the village to develop its tourism sector responsibly while sharing its sustainable practices on the world stage.
Pemuteran Village’s achievement reflects a shining example of how local communities can harness cultural richness and environmental conservation to gain worldwide acclaim. This honor not only celebrates Pemuteran’s unique tourism model but also inspires similar efforts across Indonesia and beyond.
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