Nusa Penida Island off the coast of Bali is like what Bali was forty years ago. Deserted beaches. Sleepy island villages. Only a handful of motorcycles. A deserted paradise, and not a crowded tourist trap where everyone is getting drunk. However, despite its close proximity to Bali, only a handful of tourists come out here.The island is a great destination to escape for a few days (or a week) and completely unwind. However the real gem here is Tanglad village, which is famous throughout Indonesia for the fabric it produces. Known as tenun, the colorful fabric is 100% handmade. Although the youth tend to use larger, more modern looms, the elderly folks in the village still use the smaller, older lap-top model.
Finding the village is a bit tricky. Rent a motorcycle and explore the quiet roads winding through hills and along deserted beaches. There are a few small villages scattered around the island; however, Tanglad is the topmost village, so just keep driving up until you find it. If you get lost, just ask anyone “dimana Tanglad?” (Indonesian for “where is Tangland?”).
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