General
Alang-alang
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.
For the general English concept, see thatched roof.
The tradeoff is maintenance: expect refresh every roughly 5–7 years in hard service, sooner after storms if bundles slip. Budget like a roof replacement line item, not a surprise.
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.