Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the crowded beach clubs of Seminyak or the heavily trafficked tourist trails of Central Bali?

Recently, the secret was let out on Singapore’s national radio network, CNA938. In a special Destination Anywhere feature, Gabriella Yan, founder of the global travel platform TRAppe, took listeners on an audio journey to a place rarely touched by commercial tourism, Pegubugan Village, nestled along the quiet, dramatic east coast of Bali.

At AWay Wanderlust, this segment felt incredibly close to our hearts. Why? Because Pegubugan Village isn’t just a destination on a map to us it is our home base. It’s where our roots are and it’s the heart and soul behind our signature AWay From Home Village Tour.

What Makes Pegubugan Village Unique?

Pegubugan isn’t a place where tourist buses just roll through. To protect the local heritage, traditions and community way of life, travelers actually need a local host to visit and immerse themselves here.

This intentional, protective boundary is exactly why the village has retained its pure Balinese charm. When you step into this corner of Karangasem, you are stepping back in time. You are surrounded by:

• Pristine green valleys, nearby hidden waterfalls and panoramic views of Mount Agung away from the crowds.
• Daily life governed by ancient community councils, traditional farming rhythms and sacred rituals that aren’t staged for a stage show, but lived authentically every single day.

Behind the Scenes: The “AWay From Home” Experience

We designed the AWay From Home Village Tour for the traveler who are culturally curious, conscious adventurer who wants a profound understanding of local life rather than just a checklist of photos. Because our team lives and works directly within this community, our guests don’t just “observe” Pegubugan, they are welcomed into it as extended family.

What a Day on the AWay From Home Tour Feels Like:

A Feast of Local Storytelling: Share an authentic, home-cooked lunch prepared by Gede’s wife using fresh ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding land. Listen to firsthand stories of the village’s history, folklore and heritage.

The Morning Rhythms: Walk through green rice terraces and fruit orchards with a local guide, learning how the ancient Subak irrigation system connects nature, humanity and the spirit world.

Deep Cultural Immersion: Step inside a traditional Balinese family compound. You’ll learn the art of creating Canang Sari (daily offerings), discover the architectural secrets of complex family structures and more.

Tourism That Pours Directly Back Into the Community

When a destination gets featured on a major network like Channel News Asia, the immediate worry is often over-tourism. But at AWay Wanderlust, our foundational pillar is socially conscious, sustainable travel.

We operate strictly on a limited, low-impact basis. Our guides, hosts and drivers are 100% native to the area. So what does that mean for you? It means your travel dollars don’t disappear into a massive corporate aggregator. Instead, a direct percentage of your booking funds local village development, supports fair-wage employment for our neighbors and helps preserve the exact natural wonders highlighted on the radio.