10 Cleanest Villages in the World, Must-Visit Destinations!

By Tim Indonesia Asri

Villages generally have cleaner air and a fresher environment than big cities. It is no wonder that the concept of a tourist village is increasingly in demand, as it indicates a commitment to clean environments and natural preservation. 

Among the many villages in the world, some are recognized for high standards of cleanliness, driven by environmental management and community involvement. 

Interestingly, one of the cleanest villages in the world is located in Indonesia. Do you wonder what the cleanest villages are in the world? Check out this article until the end.

List of the Cleanest Villages in the World

Concern for cleanliness has put several villages in various countries in the spotlight. A clean, tidy, and comfortable village environment is an attraction in itself. Obviously, this can be realized through the active participation of its citizens. This awareness is also seen in Indonesia. 

According to the February 2023 Ipsos research, 92% of respondents in Indonesia are aware that without changes in daily habits that impact the environment, such as waste management and environmentally friendly lifestyles, large-scale natural disasters will occur in the future.

This concern is reflected in villages that consistently protect their environment, including one village in Indonesia. The order of the cleanest village in the world is as follows:

Mawlynnong, India

Mawlynnong, India
Source: Pinterest.com/Divya Neelaiah

Mawlynnong is a small village in India that is often referred to as one of the cleanest villages in the world. The village is located in the East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya and has held this title since 2003.

Mawlynnong’s environment appears very well-maintained, with lush greenery and waterfalls, adding to its appeal. The villagers of Mawlynnong, who are mostly from the Khasi tribe, are known for their clean living habits and care for the nature around them.

Idukki, India

Idukki, India
Source: Pinterest.com/Dindigul Renghaholidaysandtourism

The name Idukki may not be familiar to many people. In fact, this district in southwestern India is among the world’s cleanest villages. The district is in the Kottayam District area and is known for its pristine environment.

The surroundings of the Idukki district are vast protected forests, and the area is mountainous, so the atmosphere feels cool and green. Despite being one of the larger districts, the population is not too dense, keeping the environment calm and protected.

Idukki also offers many interesting places to visit, such as Thekkady, Vagamon, Marayur, and Munnar. The district is famous for its spice production, so its natural riches attract tourists.

Read also: Types of Waste Disposal Sites & What Makes Them Different

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn, Belanda
Source: Pinterest.com/Joalyz

Giethoorn is a village in the Netherlands known as one of the world’s cleanest. The atmosphere feels so calm, with a green, well-organized environment, making many people call it a fairy-tale village.

The uniqueness of Giethoorn lies in the lack of roads for vehicles. To get around the village, visitors can walk or take boats along the canals, which are the main attraction. The water canals that divide the village, combined with small bridges, create a soothing view.

The houses with thatched roofs give a strong traditional touch. When visiting, sitting at a canal-side café and soaking up the atmosphere is the best way to experience the beauty of Giethoorn.

Ziro, India

Ziro, India
Source: Pinterest.com/Sailaja Gopisetty

The village of Ziro in India ranks among the cleanest villages in the world due to its pristine environment. The natural surroundings are so distinctive and charming that the area has been recognized by UNESCO. When the rainy season arrives, the village atmosphere feels cooler and more comfortable.

In the village area is Tarin Fish Farm, a unique tourist attraction. Visitors can experience the thrill of catching fish by hand from the pond, without any tools. This simple experience is actually one of the most memorable things when visiting Ziro.

Bibury, England

Bibury, Inggris
Source: Pinterest.com/Finlay Dark

Bibury, England, is on the list of the cleanest villages in the world. The neighborhood looks neat and well-maintained, with the River Coln flowing through the area, creating a serene atmosphere.

The village’s cleanliness matches its beauty. The old stone buildings, dating back to the 17th century, are well-preserved and part of everyday life. The combination of nature, orderly village management, and environmental care makes Bibury worthy of the title.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, Austria
Source: Pinterest.com/scott loosle

Hallstatt is the most beautiful and cleanest village in the world, located in Austria. Between Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein Mountains, you will find this village with a serene, cool atmosphere. Situated right on the lake’s shores, the village has a natural landscape that is peaceful and mesmerizing.

Interestingly, Hallstatt restricts motorized vehicles, keeping the environment tidy and comfortable. This aspect makes the village one of the most photographed places in Austria.

Not only offers natural beauty, but Hallstatt also has a strong historical value. The village was once known as one of the world’s oldest salt mines. There is also a museum here with buildings that are thousands of years old.

Saksun, Faroe Islands

Saksun, Faroe Islands
Source: Pinterest.com/Pink Dragon Getaways

Saksun is a small village in the Faroe Islands known for being a clean, very beautiful place. It is located on the northwest coast of Streymoy Island, with a natural and calm atmosphere.

The village stands in the autonomous region of Denmark, making the scenery unique and a feast for the eyes. The houses in Saksun have thatched roofs, giving them a traditional appearance. Interestingly, the residents here are only a few, not even dozens.

Although small, Saksun has several interesting destinations to enjoy, including a simple church in the middle of the village and Heljardalsa Waterfall, which enhances the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Read also: Open Dumping: Definitions, Characteristics, and Impacts for the Environment

Popeye Village, Malta

Popeye Village, Malta
Source: Pinterest.com/dajaniz

Popeye Village is a village in Malta known for its cleanliness and unique appearance. This area was built specifically as a setting for the movie Popeye, so the atmosphere feels like a trip back in time.

Today, rows of brightly colored wooden buildings still stand neatly and are the main feature of this village. The buildings have a unique shape, and various attractions are often held to attract visitors.

At Popeye Village, you can enjoy many light activities, from cruising the waters by boat, looking at collections in the museum, to walking around the village while enjoying the atmosphere.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello, Italia
Source: Pinterest.com/Photo positive through lens

Alberobello is an Italian village known for its cleanliness and recognizable features. The houses in this village are round with conical roofs, resembling honeycombs, and are made from locally sourced limestone.

Within the village, there are several small museums to explore. Additionally, local restaurants offer Italian dishes that give a sense of the area’s flavors and culinary traditions.

Penglipuran, Indonesia

Penglipuran, Indonesia
Source: Pinterest.com/Finns Beach Club

Penglipuran Village in Bangli, Bali, is one of the cleanest villages in the world from Indonesia. The village’s environment looks very neat, with a green, natural atmosphere, and the air feels cool.

To maintain cleanliness and air quality, visitors are not allowed to use motorized vehicles while in the village area. Interestingly, most of the Penglipuran area is a bamboo forest, which helps maintain the temperature and air quality.

That is the list of the world’s cleanest villages, from Mawlynnong in India to Penglipuran in Indonesia. Each village shows that environmental cleanliness can be maintained well through community awareness and proper management, without losing its natural beauty or cultural values.

This spirit of cleanliness and nature preservation is also in line with the Earth conservation efforts carried out by Indonesia Asri, an environmental care movement from Chandra Asri Group.

If you want to contribute to a healthier Earth, you can join Indonesia Asri. Various simple programs are packaged in a fun way, such as #AksiAsri.

So, what are you waiting for? Show your concern for the environment by signing up to be Warga Asri.

Read also: Greenwashing: Definition, Impact, and How to Tackle It

By Tim Indonesia Asri
A campaign initiated by Chandra Asri to jointly create a more beautiful Indonesia; An Indonesia with a sustainable environmental perspective can become a legacy for future generations.
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