Unearth the Secret Behind Bali’s Famous Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

KOMPAS.com – The Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali is part of a village in Tabanan Regency that attracts tourists in search of a wondrous natural scene and we’re here to serve as your travel guide.

“There are excellent views of nature and visitors get the chance to see local farmers doing their daily activities such as cultivating rice as well as a waterfall scene,” said I Nyoman Nuarta, Chairman of the Indonesian Tour Guide Association.

When we say that this nature destination in Bali is famous, we mean it.

Former US President Barack Obama and his family visited the village and the scenery of the Jatiluwih rice terraces have landed on Google Doodle on June 29, 2020.

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To preserve the breathtaking magic of the area, locals are meticulous about maintaining the traditional irrigation system of Balinese rice paddy fields which incorporates Hindu values such as striking a balance between God, man, and nature.

In fact, the Subak Desa Jatiluwih is a cultural world heritage site awarded by UNESCO in 2012.

‘Subak’ is the island’s tradition of continuing its rice field irrigation system from one generation to the next.

The meaning is reflected in the rice terraces that have made it onto the Instagram feeds of travelers who have visited the site.

You would be wrong to assume that all there is to do at this famous Balinese nature destination is to see rows of green and our Jatiluwih rice terraces travel guide will show you the many activities to do here.

Learn how to farm

For travelers who are keen to find out the hard work or secrets behind this award-winning Bali tourist destination, get ready to get your hands dirty.

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The area of Tabanan is part of an agrotourism concept, thus visitors have the opportunity to learn about farming, Subak, and other activities including rice cultivation.

Explore the village

Travelers can rent a bike from one of the locals and ride off into the winding roads of the village as you take in the fresh clean air and epic views.

There are some trekking locations that you also explore, and when you get hungry, you can buy a snack from one of the available food stalls.

SHUTTERSTOCK/WILLIAM VACCARO

Buy red rice

Our travel guide to the Jatiluwih rice terraces encompasses buying red rice that is not only distinct to the area but was part of the reason UNESCO awarded Subak Jatiluwih with the accolade.

This Tabanan village is one of the main producers of red rice, where farmers veer away from the use of pesticides hence giving a unique color, smell, and taste of the healthy grain.

Visit an ancient temple

Indonesia’s Island of Gods is all too famous for its ancient temples and Tabanan Regency is no exception with its Luhur Sri Rambut Sedana Temple.

This historic monument on the slopes of Mount Batukaru is believed to bless visitors with fortune, wealth, and fertility. It is unknown when this longstanding temple was built because it is that ancient.

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Situated 700 meters above the surface, you will be greeted by a nice gentle breeze when visiting this ancient Balinese temple that is also surrounded by farms owned by the locals.

Discover a hidden waterfall

Part of our Jatiluwih rice terraces travel guide includes uncovering the hidden waterfall in Bali, namely the Yeh Hoo Waterfall.

Reaching the destination is not difficult although you are required to climb up a staircase which already offers you gorgeous views of Mother Nature.

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As soon as your foot lands on the last stair, you can already see the strong current of this natural wonder.

This hidden waterfall in Bali is 8 meters tall and features a serene landscape that will make you want to stick around.

The final tip on our Jatiluwih rice terraces travel guide is that you be prepared to adhere to existing health protocols such as wearing a face mask and regularly disinfecting your hands during the ongoing pandemic.

(Writer: Nabilla Ramadhian | Editor: Kahfi Dirga Cahya)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/09/11/181000327/wisata-desa-jatiluwih-bali-air-terjun-tersembunyi-hingga-warisan-budaya-dunia?page=all#page2