Desa Tigawasa, Buleleng: A Bali Aga Village of Bamboo Weavers

About 24 km west of Singaraja the road narrows and climbs into the hills of Banjar district. At roughly 500–700 m above sea level, among bamboo groves, clove gardens and robusta coffee, sits Desa Tigawasa — a Bali Aga (Bali Mula) village in Buleleng that still follows its own customary law and barely appears on standard tourist routes.

A Village of Bamboo Weavers

Bamboo weaving here is a household skill passed down through generations and the main source of income for most families.

• Sokasi and keben — lidded containers for offerings or rice, the products Tigawasa is best known for.
• Bedeg — woven bamboo panels used for walls and ceilings in traditional buildings.
• Baskets, bags, canang holders and patterned tissue boxes.
• Some artisans and the village office welcome guests who want to try weaving themselves.

Customs of Its Own

Do not lump Tigawasa together with Tenganan or Trunyan; every Bali Aga village has its own rules. In Tigawasa the dead are not cremated but buried. Before Sipeng (the village's own day of silence) comes meboros kidang: villagers catch a barking deer without harming it for the ceremony, then keep it in the grounds of Pura Desa. From the ridge, the north Bali sea is visible on clear days.

Practical Info & Visiting

• Location: Desa Tigawasa, Banjar district, Buleleng regency — about 24 km (40–50 minutes) from Singaraja, or roughly 2–2.5 hours from south Bali. View on Google Maps
• Hours & cost: this is a working village with no ticket gate; come at reasonable hours, roughly 08.00–17.00. Entry is free. Bring cash to buy weaving (a small sokasi usually costs tens of thousands of rupiah, larger pieces can run into the hundreds of thousands) and for a weaving session, arranged directly with artisans or the village office.
• Access: easiest by scooter or private car; the paved road climbs and winds, with no regular public transport. Park in an artisan's yard or at the village hall, then walk a few minutes between workshops.
• Etiquette: dress modestly, wear a sarong and sash if you enter temple grounds, do not walk into a family compound before being invited, and always ask permission before photographing people, the weaving process and especially any ceremony. During Sipeng and certain rituals the village may restrict visitors — ask ahead.
• More info: recent photos and village activity are easiest to follow through visitor posts — search on Instagram.

Since Tigawasa is far closer to north Bali, an overnight around Singaraja or Lovina makes the route relaxed — check AccessiaPass hotel vouchers before you book.