General
Alang-alang (thatched roof)
A traditional Balinese thatched roof made from dried cogon grass, prized for ventilation and tropical character but needing periodic replacement.
Alang-alang is a traditional thatched roof made from dried cogon grass. It is one of the most recognizable “tropical Bali” design signatures because it breathes well and softens sound compared with hard roofing.
The tradeoff is maintenance: alang-alang typically needs replacement or serious refurbishment on a multi-year cycle, often discussed in the 5–10 year range depending on climate exposure, slope detail, and quality of installation.
When a listing highlights alang-alang, ask whether it is decorative only or the primary weatherproof roof, and what the owner’s maintenance plan looks like in practice.