Away from Bali’s crowded tourist hotspots, a coastal village in the island’s northern region offers a very different experience. In Les Village, visitors can explore crystal-clear waters, discover centuries-old traditions, enjoy authentic cultural heritage, and witness how tourism can grow hand in hand with environmental preservation and community empowerment.
Located along the northern coast of Bali in Buleleng Regency, Les Village has steadily developed into a tourism destination that places local residents at the center of its growth. Through the Kampung Berseri Astra program, community members have been directly involved in various development initiatives, including entrepreneurship training, MSME product branding, and improvements to tourism infrastructure and travel routes.
What makes Les Village particularly unique is its deep historical roots. The village is recognized as one of Bali’s Bali Mula villages, referring to the island’s ancient indigenous communities that existed long before outside influences arrived.
“Les Village is an old village, a Bali Mula village. Our community has existed here since the 9th century. Long before the Majapahit era arrived, Les Village was already here,” said Nyoman Nadiana, a driving force behind Kampung Berseri Astra Les, as quoted by Instagram account @satu_indonesia on May 21, 2026.
According to Nyoman, the village’s long history is reflected in traditions that have been preserved for generations and continue to be practiced today.
“This village is an ancient village. Bali Mula villages are widely recognized for their very unique traditions,” he added.
Nature remains one of the village’s strongest attractions. Visitors can embark on a trekking journey to Yeh Mampeh Waterfall, a destination frequently visited by people seeking to perform melukat, a traditional Balinese spiritual cleansing ritual. For those who prefer marine activities, Les Village also offers snorkeling and diving opportunities featuring the distinctive underwater landscapes of North Bali.
The village is equally known for its traditional palungan salt production. Unlike modern industrial methods, the salt is produced naturally using pure seawater and sunlight. During a single harvest in the dry season, production can reach approximately three tons, making it one of the village’s most important local products.
Recognizing the economic potential of these traditional products, Astra has supported efforts to strengthen the village economy through local product development, including the promotion of palungan salt.
“One of Astra’s roles in entrepreneurship is helping create pathways for local products, such as this salt, so they can reach industries and wider markets,” Nyoman explained.
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He hopes the support will continue to expand market opportunities and create stronger partnerships with businesses in the future.
“We hope that in the future even more industries will be able to absorb these products, perhaps including Astra’s own partners,” he concluded.
Tourism development in Les Village extends beyond attracting visitors. The community is also working to build an environmentally friendly village model. Several initiatives have been introduced to support this vision, including an integrated farm, an Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST), and organic composting activities carried out with active community participation.
The village’s cultural heritage also offers another reason for travelers to visit. Les Village is home to cultural relics said to resemble Besakih Temple, as well as a collection of ancient statues preserved within Pura Puseh. These historical assets provide visitors with a chance to experience a more authentic side of North Bali that is often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Local products further enrich the visitor experience. Travelers can purchase a variety of village specialties as souvenirs, including palungan salt, arak, traditional palm syrup sugar, virgin coconut oil (VCO), and authentic tandusan oil.
Since joining the Kampung Berseri Astra program in 2018, Les Village has continued to expand and develop its many strengths for the benefit of local residents. Through ongoing support, Astra aims to help the village become a model for community-based tourism that preserves cultural heritage, protects the environment, and strengthens the local economy of North Bali.
The result is a destination that offers more than beautiful scenery. Les Village presents a blend of history, tradition, nature, sustainability, and community empowerment, creating a tourism experience that reflects the authentic character of North Bali.
