Visit the beautiful island of Bali, travel to its highlands, and you cannot but be amazed by the beauty of the thousands of hectares of lush green paddy fields that cascade in terraces from the upper reaches of volcanoes down to the deep valleys below as if sculpted from the mountain side. Among the many fields that stretch almost all across the island, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in the heart of Tabanan Regency is the best example of Bali's outstanding picturesque rice fields and represent the Subak system as Bali's Cultural Landscape which has been inscribed a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in June 2012.
Photo source : www.thejakartapost.com
Last June, former US President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Natasha made Jatiluwih their particular destination in Bali to trek through, enjoy and admire its beauty and significance.
Jatiluwih, in the Balinese language translated means Beautiful Teak. Here, one can marvel at the vast expanses of terraced, green rice paddies stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where its foot meets the sea. Aside from its agricultural development, this panoramic landscape has also established itself as a tourist destination and is among the top 10 visited places on the island.
At the nearby Gunungsari Orchard, located near the coast at an altitude of 640 meters above sea level, the cool mountain air merges with the warm sea breeze. From atop the hill, visitors can take in the fresh air, appreciate the scenic views, and embrace its peaceful atmosphere. Each of Jatiluwih's carefully carved terraces can be seen from here together with the intricate system of irrigation paths that run in between them.
Bali's Outstanding Subak Rice Irrigation System
The fields that make up this area are inseparable from the traditional Subak irrigation system – a traditional method preserved for centuries and passed down through generations. Here is local wisdom at its best. Indeed, Bali is blessed with 150 rivers and streams that provide water year round to irrigate this most important staple. Nonetheless, irrigation rice fields would not be successful unless man also has a hand in it.Uniquely, Bali's complex irrigation system has its roots not by order of kings, but its management is very much in the hands of the villagers through village cooperatives. Since farmers depend on the successful irrigation of the fields, the different Subaks form an inseparable bond that unites into a single system.
At the lowest level, each farmer is a member of a subak, whose rice fields are fed from a single dam. The head of the Subak, called the Klian Subak is elected by its members. In the larger Subak that are fed by a canal, the lowest level is called the tempek. The Subaks, in turn are linked to mountain temples or Pura Masceti, which come under the sway of one of two lake temples, these are the Pura Batu Kau which coordinates irrigation in West Bali, and Pura Ulun Danu on Lake Beratan, which coordinates the north, east and south of Bali.
Water temples hold festivals every 105 days, corresponding with the 105 days rice-growing season in Bali. This cycle also determines the time of opening and closing of canal sluices, ensuring that plantings are staggered and that water is allocated in the most efficient and equitable manner.The goddess of Rice is known as Bhatari or Dewi Sri, the mother of Rice. As the Indonesian archipelago's staple food, Dewi Sri is not only venerated in Bali, but also on Java and other rice-producing islands.
By combining sacred traditional values with a highly organized system, therefore, the Subak, the unique Balinese rice farming culture isa manifestation of the Balinese Tri Hita Karana cosmological doctrine. It is the tangible reflection of the original Balinese ideas and beliefs that are essentially rooted in this concept, namely the awareness that human beings need to always maintain harmonious relationship between Man and God, Man and fellow humans, and between Man and Nature in one's daily life. Such particular concept is in fact evident in the Balinese creative genius and unique cultural traditions resulting from the long human interaction, especially between the Balinese and the Hindu culture.
Whether for agriculture, nature or heritage, Jatiluwih and other rice fields in Bali remain important sites that should be preserved and must remain sustainable for future generations.
How to get there:
This stunning stretch of rice fields is located in the Tabanan Regency, that lies about 40 kilometers from the island-province capital city of Denpasar, or about 2 hours' drive away. Along the drive, you will pass cafes with tables overlooking the terraces, which make the perfect place to enjoy magnificent sceneries.
Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.
Amazing Indonesia Destinations: Inspiring Trip Ideas
More
❯
Indulge in 5 Luxurious Travel Experiences in Indonesia
More
❯
8 Sustainable Initiatives: Start Your Journey in Indonesia
More
❯
Bali Workcation Guide: Top 5 Stay Options
More
❯
Bali's 15 Cool Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads
More
❯
5 Ideas to Celebrate World Tourism Day
More
❯
3-Day Bali Vacation: Making the Most of Paradise
More
❯
12 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages from Indonesia
More
❯
How to Indulge on a Memorable Experience in Nusa Dua Bali
More
❯
Unveiling Indonesia's Backpacking Gems
More
❯
15 Thrilling Surfing in Indonesia
More
❯
15 Luxurious Hotels near to GWK Cultural Park Bali for You to Indulge
More
❯
12 Chinese New Year’s Inspiring Travel Destination to Match Your Chinese Zodiac
More
❯
3 Things You Need to Know About Indonesia Spice Up The World!
More
❯
Top 15 Ideas to Spend Your Year End in Bali
More
❯
Special Christmas Menu in Indonesia
More
❯
New Year Holiday in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Places to Meet the Monkeys in Bali
More
❯
Memorable Moments of G20 Bali
More
❯
Story of Bomba Batik Worn by Elon Musk in B20 Summit, Bali
More
❯
7 Kids Friendly Destinations in Bali
More
❯
Intangible Cultural Heritages from Bali
More
❯
17 Creative Economy Subsectors in Indonesia
More
❯
World Tourism Day 2022
More
❯
Events to Welcome World Tourism Day 2022
More
❯
5 Fun Destinations to Visit around Ubud, Bali
More
❯
3 Destinations for A Wellness Journey in Indonesia
More
❯
Indonesia's Tourism Achievements & Awards in 2022
More
❯
10 Inspiring Places in Indonesia for Exciting Summer Holiday
More
❯
Indonesia's Charging Station for G20 in Bali
More
❯
5 Important Things About the G20 Summit in Bali
More
❯
G20 2022 Side Events
More
❯
3 Essential Things to Do on Your Visit to Bali
More
❯
A Guide to Bali’s Nusa Islands
More
❯
Latest News About Bali
More
❯
Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Try in Bali
More
❯
6 Hidden Gems You Can Explore in The Eastern Part of Bali
More
❯
5 Must-Visit Art Markets in Bali
More
❯
How to Use PeduliLindungi App
More
❯
Fun Activities You Can Do as You Arrive in Bali
More
❯
#ItstimeforBali 4 Days Road Trip Adventure Ideas!
More
❯
9 Wonderful New Year Ideas for #ItstimeforBali
More
❯
Stunning Churches in Bali
More
❯
5 Ideas to Do During Quarantine in Bali
More
❯
6 Soothing Spa Destinations in Bali
More
❯
Outdoor Adventures in and around Ubud | Indonesia.Travel
More
❯
7 Trip Ideas in North Bali
More
❯
4 Ways of Luxury Travelling in Bali
More
❯
5 Amazing Gastronomy Restaurants in Indonesia You Should Check Out
More
❯
5 Incredible Wedding Chapels to Tie The Knot in Bali
More
❯
Romantic Honeymoon Guide in Bali
More
❯
Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Bali
More
❯
5 Romantic Ideas for Adventurous Couple in Bali
More
❯
Celebrate A Colourful and Festive Lunar New Year in Indonesia: Where to Go and What to Do
More
❯
9 Inspiring Romantic Moments to Experience this Valentine in Bali
More
❯
Imagine Having Your Romantic Couple Trip in These 5 Destinations!
More
❯
Have a Blast at These 5 Getaway Destinations in Bali
More
❯
5 Getaway Destinations in Bali
More
❯
Christmas Traditions in Indonesia | Indonesia.Travel
More
❯
8 Top Destinations in Bali From The Winners of #ItstimeforBaliTop3
More
❯
5 Fitcation Ideas in 5 Most Favorite Destinations in Indonesia
More
❯
10 Most Favorite Destinations in Wonderful Indonesia
More
❯
6 Best Family-Bonding Activities to Make Your Bali Trip Memorable
More
❯
9 Five-Star Hotels & Resorts Recommendation in Bali
More
❯
17 Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Nusa Dua
More
❯
5 Fun New Year’s Eve Idea
More
❯
Missing the Delicious Flavors of Indonesia? Check Out These Places
More
❯
5 Christmas Postcards from Indonesia
More
❯
Planning Your Year-End Holiday? Here Are Some Ideas!
More
❯
5 Indonesia’s De-Stressing White Sand Beaches
More
❯
15 Instagrammable Destinations You Must Visit in Bali
More
❯
The Best Backpacking Itinerary Guide for you to Explore Indonesia
More
❯
Experience Unforgettable Cultural Tourism in Bali
More
❯
6 Luxury Travel Ideas You Can Experience in Bali
More
❯
4 Resorts with Infinity Pools in Uluwatu, Bali
More
❯
10 Iconic Cuisines That You Must Try on Your Next Visit to Bali
More
❯
15 Best Hotel for Staycation With Family in Indonesia
More
❯
10 Stylish Award Winning Hotels for Your Next Holiday in Bali
More
❯
5 Exciting Travel Ideas to Explore around Sanur, Bali
More
❯
4 Instagenic Waterfalls in Tabanan, Bali
More
❯
Have A Plan to Spend Your Weekend in Bali? Make Sure You Visit These Places
More
❯
Biggest 2019 Sports Event in Indonesia That You Have to Follow
More
❯
Bali's Great Spa and Wellness Retreats You Must Visit Right Away!
More
❯
6 Highlighted Destinations in Asian Games 2018’s Billboard Series
More
❯
10 Unique Ways to Explore the Majestic GWK Cultural Park
More
❯
5 Eye-soothing Rice Fields You Should Visit in Bali
More
❯
A New-Normal Trip to Nusa Dua, Bali
More
❯
9 Iconic Traditional Houses to Explore in Indonesia
More
❯
Searching for Bali Souvenirs? Check Out These 5 Places!
More
❯
Rekindle Your Relationship with Nature at Pemuteran Village, Bali
More
❯
Experience a Traditional Living Atmosphere at Penglipuran Village, Bali
More
❯
6 Amazing Temples You Must Visit in Bali
More
❯
9 Trip Ideas for Your Future Trip to Bali
More
❯
9 Splendid Villages in Indonesia That You Should Put on Your Trip List
More
❯
Top 9 Most Favourite Places for Your 2021 Travel Bucket List in Indonesia
More
❯
11 Remarkable International-Class Airports in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Resorts to Do Yoga in Bali
More
❯
5 Traditional Indonesian Fabrics and the Stories behind Them
More
❯
Experience These Safari Adventures on Your Next Visit to Indonesia
More
❯
Get Your Summer Joy in These Indonesia’s Water Villas
More
❯
18 Colorful Hangout Spots to Chill Out with Your Friends This Summer in Bali
More
❯
18 Favourite Places for Your Summer Afternoon and Evening Lingers in Bali
More
❯
13 Gorgeous Instagrammable Beaches in Indonesia
More
❯
16 Instagenic Spots around Bali for You to Wind Down this Summer!
More
❯
Find Your Perfect Destination in Bali According to Your Zodiac
More
❯
15 Beautiful Hotels for Your Private Getaway in Bali
More
❯
Fun Ways to Be Healthier in Ubud, Bali
More
❯
5 Backpacking Trip Ideas that You must Experience in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Awakening Spiritual Trip ideas to Discover in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Feel-Good Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Do in Bali
More
❯
5 Best Indonesia Travel Images
More
❯
Splurge at These 5 Luxurious Private Villas in Nusa Dua
More
❯
9 Things That Makes Nusa Dua Perfect for a Leisure & Business Trip
More
❯
6 Indonesian Traditional Dances
More
❯
8 Appealing Activities You Must Try in Nusa Dua
More
❯
Spark Your Creativity with These 5 Traveling Ideas
More
❯
Experience New Kind of Digital Detox with 6S
More
❯
Planning for Your First Solo Trip? Here’s 5 Destinations to Consider!
More
❯
6 Beautiful Places to Celebrate Christmas in Indonesia
More
❯
6 Reasons for You to Explore Quality Tourism
More
❯
Imagine Visiting Beautiful Beaches That Match Your Chinese Zodiac
More
❯
5 Enchanting Traditional Textiles from Bali
More
❯
5 Leisure Sports Activities You Must Try In Indonesia
More
❯
Learn How to Make Batik Directly from the Craftsmen in these 7 Batik Villages!
More
❯
Missing Bali’s Paradise? Plan a Magical Trip with These Backpacking Ideas!
More
❯
A Fantastic Guide For a First-Timers in Bali
More
❯
7 Workation Activities in Bali to Increase Your Productivity
More
❯
Tying the Knot with a View: Breathtaking Spots to Say I Do in Bali
More
❯
Denpasar Listed as One of the World’s Top 10 Healthiest City
More
❯
Discover 6 Beautiful Botanical Gardens of Indonesia
More
❯
Enjoy the Magnificent View in Bali with These 10 Instagrammable Swings
More
❯
5 Award-Winning Tourist Villages You Should Visit In Your Lifetime
More
❯
7 Tea Garden Sceneries in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Top Places To Go Shopping In Bali
More
❯
The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Indonesian Food
More
❯
7 Top Green Hotels in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Handicraft Centers You Must Visit When Visiting Indonesia
More
❯
Discover the Art of Hand-Weaving At These Indonesian Villages
More
❯
5 Ways to Travel Responsibly and Support Green Tourism
More
❯
7 Enchanting Stories behind Indonesia’s Famous Batik
More
❯
Discover Indonesian Batik at These 5 Batik Museums
More
❯
Go Green: 5 Eco-Tourism Experiences in Indonesia That Will Reconnect You with Nature
More
❯
7 Top Sports Tourism Destinations in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Amazing National Parks in Java and Bali for Thrill-Seekers
More
❯
8 Heart-Pounding Adventure Sports in Bali
More
❯
Immersive Village Tourism Experiences For You to Enjoy In Indonesia
More
❯
5 Unique Ecotourism Experiences in Indonesia
More
❯
The Bliss of Ramadan Tradition in Bali
More
❯
Spending Too Much Time with Screens? Plan a Digital Detox Amongst Nature!
More
❯
Majalah Bumbu: A Closer Look at the Indonesian Culinary
More
❯
Why Bali Would be The Best Start to Your 2020 Travel Trips
More
❯
Wonderful Indonesia through The Magic of Inspiring Illustrators
More
❯
