Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The United Nations has named 52 destinations around the world as the Best Tourism Villages 2025, with Pemuteran Village in Buleleng, Bali, earning a spot on the prestigious list.
The 52 villages were selected from more than 270 applications submitted by 65 UN member states. Several countries, including Argentina, China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Türkiye, managed to secure multiple entries on this year’s list.
According to the UN’s tourism agency, UN Tourism, an additional 20 villages were included in its Upgrade Program, bringing the total to 72 destinations now part of the Best Tourism Villages Network (BTV).
With the new additions, the BTV network has grown to 319 members, making it the world’s largest rural tourism community.
UN Tourism said the recognition highlights villages that excel in preserving cultural heritage, protecting natural resources, and promoting local economic development through sustainable tourism.
“Tourism can be a powerful tool for fostering shared prosperity, inclusive growth, and territorial cohesion in rural areas,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili in a statement released on October 17, 2025.
“These villages show that by embracing tourism, communities can promote social inclusion and build a future where no one is left behind.”
From Indonesia, only one village made the list, the Pemuteran Village in Buleleng, located on the island’s northwestern coast. Known for its pristine diving and snorkeling sites, Pemuteran also serves as a gateway to Menjangan Island and Bali Barat National Park.
With its calm, crystal-clear waters, much gentler than those in southern Bali, Pemuteran’s beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The village has earned praise for blending tourism with marine conservation, showcasing how rural destinations can thrive while protecting their natural beauty.
(Raidi/Agung)
