go-explore
Car Rental

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius

 

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.

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius
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.

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius

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.

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius

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.

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius

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.

The Amazing JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES: Beauty and Bali’s Local Genius

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.

 

What They Say


SELECT * FROM [cq:Page] AS s WHERE ISDESCENDANTNODE(s,'/content/indtravelrevamp/my/en/trip-ideas') AND (s.[jcr:content/cq:tags] like '%indtravelrevamp:destination/province/bali%' ) order by [jcr:content/cq:lastModified] DESC

Suggested for You

Card image cap
27 Nov 2023

Bali's 15 Cool Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads

More

Card image cap
27 Nov 2023

Bali's 15 Cool Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads

More

Card image cap
23 Nov 2023

5 Ideas to Celebrate World Tourism Day

More

Card image cap
1 Nov 2023

3-Day Bali Vacation: Making the Most of Paradise

More

Card image cap
14 Sep 2023

12 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages from Indonesia

More

Card image cap
14 Sep 2023

How to Indulge on a Memorable Experience in Nusa Dua Bali

More

Card image cap
25 Jul 2023

Unveiling Indonesia's Backpacking Gems

More

Card image cap
24 Jul 2023

15 Thrilling Surfing in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
11 Jan 2023

15 Luxurious Hotels near to GWK Cultural Park Bali for You to Indulge

More

Card image cap
4 Jan 2023

12 Chinese New Year’s Inspiring Travel Destination to Match Your Chinese Zodiac

More

Card image cap
27 Dec 2022

3 Things You Need to Know About Indonesia Spice Up The World!

More

Card image cap
22 Dec 2022

Top 15 Ideas to Spend Your Year End in Bali

More

Card image cap
19 Dec 2022

Special Christmas Menu in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
13 Dec 2022

New Year Holiday in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
12 Dec 2022

5 Places to Meet the Monkeys in Bali

More

Card image cap
26 Nov 2022

Memorable Moments of G20 Bali

More

Card image cap
17 Nov 2022

Story of Bomba Batik Worn by Elon Musk in B20 Summit, Bali

More

Card image cap
17 Nov 2022

7 Kids Friendly Destinations in Bali

More

Card image cap
14 Nov 2022

Intangible Cultural Heritages from Bali

More

Card image cap
5 Oct 2022

17 Creative Economy Subsectors in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
4 Oct 2022

World Tourism Day 2022

More

Card image cap
22 Sep 2022

Events to Welcome World Tourism Day 2022

More

Card image cap
23 Aug 2022

5 Fun Destinations to Visit around Ubud, Bali

More

Card image cap
2 Aug 2022

3 Destinations for A Wellness Journey in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
27 Jul 2022

Indonesia's Tourism Achievements & Awards in 2022

More

Card image cap
19 Jul 2022

10 Inspiring Places in Indonesia for Exciting Summer Holiday

More

Card image cap
16 Jun 2022

Indonesia's Charging Station for G20 in Bali

More

Card image cap
16 Jun 2022

5 Important Things About the G20 Summit in Bali

More

Card image cap
16 Jun 2022

G20 2022 Side Events

More

Card image cap
24 May 2022

3 Essential Things to Do on Your Visit to Bali

More

Card image cap
17 May 2022

2 Million Balinese will Receive COVID-19 Vaccination by July 2021

More

Card image cap
13 May 2022

5 Places to Stay in Bali for a Productive Workcation

More

Card image cap
12 May 2022

A Guide to Bali’s Nusa Islands

More

Card image cap
26 Apr 2022

Latest News About Bali

More

Card image cap
21 Apr 2022

Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Try in Bali

More

Card image cap
16 Apr 2022

6 Hidden Gems You Can Explore in The Eastern Part of Bali

More

Card image cap
14 Apr 2022

5 Must-Visit Art Markets in Bali

More

Card image cap
13 Apr 2022

How to Use PeduliLindungi App

More

Card image cap
29 Mrc 2022

Fun Activities You Can Do as You Arrive in Bali

More

Card image cap
28 Mrc 2022

#ItstimeforBali 4 Days Road Trip Adventure Ideas!

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

5 Amazing Gastronomy Restaurants in Indonesia You Should Check Out

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

Romantic Honeymoon Guide in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

4 Ways of Luxury Travelling in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

Stunning Churches in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

Outdoor Adventures in and around Ubud | Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

9 Wonderful New Year Ideas for #ItstimeforBali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

5 Ideas to Do During Quarantine in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

7 Trip Ideas in North Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

6 Soothing Spa Destinations in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Mrc 2022

5 Incredible Wedding Chapels to Tie The Knot in Bali

More

Card image cap
24 Feb 2022

Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Bali

More

Card image cap
24 Feb 2022

5 Romantic Ideas for Adventurous Couple in Bali

More

Card image cap
11 Feb 2022

Celebrate A Colourful and Festive Lunar New Year in Indonesia: Where to Go and What to Do

More

Card image cap
28 Jan 2022

9 Inspiring Romantic Moments to Experience this Valentine in Bali

More

Card image cap
28 Jan 2022

Imagine Having Your Romantic Couple Trip in These 5 Destinations!

More

Card image cap
18 Jan 2022

Have a Blast at These 5 Getaway Destinations in Bali

More

Card image cap
18 Jan 2022

5 Getaway Destinations in Bali

More

Card image cap
17 Jan 2022

Christmas Traditions in Indonesia | Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
14 Jan 2022

8 Top Destinations in Bali From The Winners of #ItstimeforBaliTop3

More

Card image cap
11 Jan 2022

5 Fitcation Ideas in 5 Most Favorite Destinations in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
4 Jan 2022

10 Most Favorite Destinations in Wonderful Indonesia

More

Card image cap
3 Jan 2022

6 Best Family-Bonding Activities to Make Your Bali Trip Memorable

More

Card image cap
3 Jan 2022

9 Five-Star Hotels & Resorts Recommendation in Bali

More

Card image cap
3 Jan 2022

17 Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Nusa Dua

More

Card image cap
23 Dec 2021

5 Fun New Year’s Eve Idea

More

Card image cap
20 Dec 2021

Missing the Delicious Flavors of Indonesia? Check Out These Places

More

Card image cap
17 Dec 2021

5 Christmas Postcards from Indonesia

More

Card image cap
14 Dec 2021

Planning Your Year-End Holiday? Here Are Some Ideas!

More

Card image cap
3 Dec 2021

5 Indonesia’s De-Stressing White Sand Beaches

More

Card image cap
17 Nov 2021

15 Instagrammable Destinations You Must Visit in Bali

More

Card image cap
10 Nov 2021

The Best Backpacking Itinerary Guide for you to Explore Indonesia

More

Card image cap
9 Nov 2021

Indonesia’s Best Destinations for 2020

More

Card image cap
15 Oct 2021

Experience Unforgettable Cultural Tourism in Bali

More

Card image cap
12 Oct 2021

6 Luxury Travel Ideas You Can Experience in Bali

More

Card image cap
7 Oct 2021

4 Resorts with Infinity Pools in Uluwatu, Bali

More

Card image cap
5 Oct 2021

10 Iconic Cuisines That You Must Try on Your Next Visit to Bali

More

Card image cap
24 Sep 2021

15 Best Hotel for Staycation With Family in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
17 Sep 2021

10 Stylish Award Winning Hotels for Your Next Holiday in Bali

More

Card image cap
17 Sep 2021

5 Exciting Travel Ideas to Explore around Sanur, Bali

More

Card image cap
15 Sep 2021

4 Instagenic Waterfalls in Tabanan, Bali

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

Have A Plan to Spend Your Weekend in Bali? Make Sure You Visit These Places

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

Biggest 2019 Sports Event in Indonesia That You Have to Follow

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

Bali's Great Spa and Wellness Retreats You Must Visit Right Away!

More

Card image cap
26 Aug 2021

6 Highlighted Destinations in Asian Games 2018’s Billboard Series

More

Card image cap
18 Aug 2021

10 Unique Ways to Explore the Majestic GWK Cultural Park

More

Card image cap
18 Aug 2021

5 Eye-soothing Rice Fields You Should Visit in Bali

More

Card image cap
12 Aug 2021

A New-Normal Trip to Nusa Dua, Bali

More

Card image cap
4 Aug 2021

9 Iconic Traditional Houses to Explore in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
1 Aug 2021

Searching for Bali Souvenirs? Check Out These 5 Places!

More

Card image cap
30 Jul 2021

Rekindle Your Relationship with Nature at Pemuteran Village, Bali

More

Card image cap
28 Jul 2021

Experience a Traditional Living Atmosphere at Penglipuran Village, Bali

More

Card image cap
28 Jul 2021

6 Amazing Temples You Must Visit in Bali

More

Card image cap
21 Jul 2021

9 Trip Ideas for Your Future Trip to Bali

More

Card image cap
7 Jul 2021

9 Splendid Villages in Indonesia That You Should Put on Your Trip List

More

Card image cap
2 Jul 2021

Top 9 Most Favourite Places for Your 2021 Travel Bucket List in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
24 Jun 2021

8 Eco-Friendly Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday in Indonesia - Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
24 Jun 2021

11 Remarkable International-Class Airports in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
21 Jun 2021

5 Resorts to Do Yoga in Bali

More

Card image cap
18 Jun 2021

5 Traditional Indonesian Fabrics and the Stories behind Them

More

Card image cap
15 Jun 2021

Experience These Safari Adventures on Your Next Visit to Indonesia

More

Card image cap
15 Jun 2021

Get Your Summer Joy in These Indonesia’s Water Villas

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

18 Colorful Hangout Spots to Chill Out with Your Friends This Summer in Bali

More

Card image cap
9 Jun 2021

18 Favourite Places for Your Summer Afternoon and Evening Lingers in Bali

More

Card image cap
9 Jun 2021

13 Gorgeous Instagrammable Beaches in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
3 Jun 2021

16 Instagenic Spots around Bali for You to Wind Down this Summer!

More

Card image cap
3 Jun 2021

Find Your Perfect Destination in Bali According to Your Zodiac

More

Card image cap
2 Jun 2021

15 Beautiful Hotels for Your Private Getaway in Bali

More

Card image cap
1 Jun 2021

Fun Ways to Be Healthier in Ubud, Bali

More

Card image cap
28 May 2021

5 Backpacking Trip Ideas that You must Experience in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
10 May 2021

5 Awakening Spiritual Trip ideas to Discover in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
4 May 2021

5 Feel-Good Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Do in Bali

More

Card image cap
7 Apr 2021

5 Best Indonesia Travel Images

More

Card image cap
6 Apr 2021

Splurge at These 5 Luxurious Private Villas in Nusa Dua

More

Card image cap
6 Apr 2021

9 Things That Makes Nusa Dua Perfect for a Leisure & Business Trip

More

Card image cap
30 Mrc 2021

6 Indonesian Traditional Dances

More

Card image cap
30 Mrc 2021

8 Appealing Activities You Must Try in Nusa Dua

More

Card image cap
24 Mrc 2021

Spark Your Creativity with These 5 Traveling Ideas

More

Card image cap
12 Mrc 2021

5 Luxurious Travel Ideas in Indonesia You Deserve to Experience

More

Card image cap
4 Mrc 2021

Experience New Kind of Digital Detox with 6S

More

Card image cap
18 Feb 2021

Planning for Your First Solo Trip? Here’s 5 Destinations to Consider!

More

Card image cap
3 Feb 2021

6 Reasons for You to Explore Quality Tourism

More

Card image cap
3 Feb 2021

6 Beautiful Places to Celebrate Christmas in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
27 Jan 2021

Imagine Visiting Beautiful Beaches That Match Your Chinese Zodiac

More

Card image cap
22 Jan 2021

5 Enchanting Traditional Textiles from Bali

More

Card image cap
21 Jan 2021

5 Leisure Sports Activities You Must Try In Indonesia

More

Card image cap
20 Jan 2021

Learn How to Make Batik Directly from the Craftsmen in these 7 Batik Villages!

More

Card image cap
17 Jan 2021

Missing Bali’s Paradise? Plan a Magical Trip with These Backpacking Ideas!

More

Card image cap
7 Jan 2021

A Fantastic Guide For a First-Timers in Bali

More

Card image cap
4 Jan 2021

7 Workation Activities in Bali to Increase Your Productivity

More

Card image cap
16 Dec 2020

Tying the Knot with a View: Breathtaking Spots to Say I Do in Bali

More

Card image cap
8 Dec 2020

5 Places to Stay in Bali for a Productive Workcation

More

Card image cap
23 Nov 2020

Denpasar Listed as One of the World’s Top 10 Healthiest City

More

Card image cap
16 Nov 2020

Discover 6 Beautiful Botanical Gardens of Indonesia

More

Card image cap
13 Nov 2020

Enjoy the Magnificent View in Bali with These 10 Instagrammable Swings

More

Card image cap
11 Nov 2020

5 Award-Winning Tourist Villages You Should Visit In Your Lifetime

More

Card image cap
3 Nov 2020

7 Tea Garden Sceneries in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
2 Nov 2020

7 Top Places To Go Shopping In Bali

More

Card image cap
13 Oct 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Indonesian Food

More

Card image cap
12 Oct 2020

7 Top Green Hotels in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
9 Oct 2020

7 Handicraft Centers You Must Visit When Visiting Indonesia

More

Card image cap
8 Oct 2020

Discover the Art of Hand-Weaving At These Indonesian Villages

More

Card image cap
6 Oct 2020

5 Ways to Travel Responsibly and Support Green Tourism

More

Card image cap
6 Oct 2020

7 Enchanting Stories behind Indonesia’s Famous Batik

More

Card image cap
29 Sep 2020

Discover Indonesian Batik at These 5 Batik Museums

More

Card image cap
25 Sep 2020

Go Green: 5 Eco-Tourism Experiences in Indonesia That Will Reconnect You with Nature

More

Card image cap
24 Sep 2020

7 Top Sports Tourism Destinations in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
22 Sep 2020

7 Amazing National Parks in Java and Bali for Thrill-Seekers

More

Card image cap
18 Sep 2020

8 Heart-Pounding Adventure Sports in Bali

More

Card image cap
13 Sep 2020

Immersive Village Tourism Experiences For You to Enjoy In Indonesia

More

Card image cap
8 Sep 2020

5 Unique Ecotourism Experiences in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
3 Sep 2020

The Bliss of Ramadan Tradition in Bali

More

Card image cap
30 Aug 2020

Spending Too Much Time with Screens? Plan a Digital Detox Amongst Nature!

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2020

Majalah Bumbu: A Closer Look at the Indonesian Culinary

More

Card image cap
6 Jul 2020

Why Bali Would be The Best Start to Your 2020 Travel Trips

More

Card image cap
23 Dec 2018

Wonderful Indonesia through The Magic of Inspiring Illustrators

More