Bali To Promote Cultural Homestay Experiences To Tourists

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The Denpasar City Tourism Office has announced that it wants to introduce more homestay experiences in the region.

As part of a collective effort to promote more culturally respectful and sustainable tourism all around Bali, leaders are seeking simple yet impactful ways to ensure local communities benefit from tourism and tourists have access to unique and memorable travel adventures.

Speaking to reporters the Head of the City Tourism Office, Ni Putu Riyastiti explained that the Denpasar City Tourism Service has 81 registered homestays that together offer 1,049 rooms for tourists in the area. Denpasar City is the administrative region that oversees top Bali tourism resort areas like Sanur and Serangan Island. 

Riyastiti and the Denpasar City Tourism Office define a homestay as a type of accommodation that is based on community-owned houses that have been renovated or adapted into tourist lodgings.

She confirmed that the transformation of a residence into a homestay does not only involve renting out or providing bedrooms. 

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She explained, “Developing a homestay means giving guests the opportunity to know more about the culture and traditions of the local community.’

Riyastiti shared that in a homestay, the length of stay can be anything from one night to one month. Homestay businesses are one of the main sources of income for community-based tourism initiatives.

Speaking separately, the Head of the Tourism Resources Development and Creative Economy Division of the Denpasar City Tourism Department, I Gusti Ngurah Gede Suyasa, added that in order for homestays to be a choice of stay for tourists, it is important for homestay managers to understand the level of service, service standards and homestay management that is required to ensure that tourists from around the world feel comfortable, safe and welcome.

Suyasa said, “For this reason, homestay management training was held with resource persons who are qualified in their fields.”

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Though there are an incredible number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Bali, many tourists choose to book a homestay experience for at least part of their vacations in Bali to experience the Balinese way of life in a more authentic environment.

There are already dozens of popular homestay experiences in Bali, with established tourism villages like Penglipuran Village, Taro Village, and Bakas Village, all offering super popular cultural immersions to both domestic and international tourists. 

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In an interview with reporters earlier this month, Wayan Gede Ardika, manager of the Taro Village Tourism and Fire Flies Garden, explained that the homestay offering in his community is proving a hit with tourists.

Afrika shared, “We manage two village homestays here. There are two rooms of the same type. What’s unique is that the location of this homestay is in the Lembu Putih conservation area, so visitors can enjoy the beauty of this sacred animal.” 

The homestays are equipped with everything guests need for a safe and comfortable stay, including A/C, ensure bathrooms, a private terrace area, work space, kingsize bed and stunning views of the farmland and gardens that surround the village.

Homestay accommodation packages at Taro Village start at IDR 500,000 per night, include breakfast and some guided activities too. 

Over in Penglipuran Village, the homestay experience is certainly not to be missed.

Since the community was named amongst the best tourism villages in Indonesia, the attraction welcomes thousands of tourists every day.

The homestay experience gives true culture-curious tourists a chance to experience the village without the crowds and dive even deeper into the lives and legends of this magical community. 

Tourists planning their upcoming trips to Bali are highly recommended to take part in a homestay experience.

Not only does the experience allow tourists to connect meaningfully to the island and its communities, but it’s also a wonderful way to support communities in persevering with their culture, natural landscapes, and small, family-run businesses.