Undiksha develops digital transformation of Penglipuran Village

Buleleng, Bali (National Archipelagic Wire) - Ganesha Education University (Undiksha) Singaraja is developing digital transformation of the Penglipuran Tourism Village in Bangli Regency in the form of a Smart Sustainable Edutourism concept based on Augmented Reality (AR).

Cultural Background & Living Tradition

"The innovation that is being finalized is designed to provide a more interactive educational tourism experience while strengthening efforts to preserve local culture," said Head of the Undiksha Research Team, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Lasmawan, Monday.

According to him, the development of digital transformation is part of the Bestari Saintek Program which is funded by the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP).

Currently, he said, the research team at the largest educational institution on the Island of the Gods has entered the system refinement stage before implementation and field trials.

Ceremonial Observance & Village Protocols

Lasmawan added that AR technology is used to enrich the tourist experience by presenting digital information that is integrated with real objects.

Tourists will then simply scan the QR Code or access certain location points via smartphone to obtain information in the form of three-dimensional (3D) models, animations, historical narratives, audio, video, and explanations about the culture and local wisdom attached to each tourist attraction.

"Through this technology, tourists not only visit, but also gain a more interactive learning experience regarding history, traditional architecture, philosophy and cultural values ​​that live in Penglipuran Village. We want to present a destination management model that is able to integrate digital innovation with sustainable cultural preservation," he said.

Community Harmony & Heritage Preservation

Research team member, I Wayan Pardi, explained that the platform includes QR Markers on cultural objects, tourist density monitoring dashboards, interactive tourist maps, digital catalogs of MSMEs based on cultural narratives, and digital educational media that support destination interpretation.

"All features are designed to support more effective destination management while improving the quality of information services to tourists," he explained.

Meanwhile, General Manager of Penglipuran Tourism Village Management I Wayan Sumiarsa welcomed the innovation developed by Undiksha positively.

Respectful Visitor Etiquette

Balinese cultural traditions and customary rituals offer profound insights into the island's ancestral heritage. Visitors fortunate enough to witness ceremonies should dress respectfully in traditional waist sash and sarong, observe quietly from a courteous distance, and follow guidance from local village elders. Learn more about upcoming island ceremonies, sacred guidelines, and festival dates in our seasonal Bali Cultural Calendar.