The spectacular rice terraces of Jatiluwih are an absolute must-see!
Set in front of the majestic Mount Batukaru, the rice terraces of Jatiluwih are a feast for the eyes. These magnificent masterpieces have earned their place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, a tribute to their exceptional beauty and cultural significance.
Lush green rice fields characterise the landscape in Bali just as much as the majestic volcanoes – one of the postcard images of the island of gods.
Rice is at the heart of everyday life in Bali: It starts with the hard work of Balinese farmers in the rice fields, through the busy vendors selling all kinds of rice at the local markets, and ends with tasty dishes such as nasi campur, which are served in small warungs and first-class restaurants alike.
Rice is more than just a food source for the Balinese, rice means ‘life’ in Bali and so the Balinese perfected its cultivation centuries ago with an ingenious irrigation System, called Subak. This allows the farmers to harvest the same rice field multiple times a year and the reason why the impressive Jatiluwih rice terraces were created. You can discove similar rice terracces around Tegalalang near Ubud or at Sidemen with a view of the mighty Mount Agung. The amazing rice terraces of Jatiluwih are among the most beautiful in Bali, and, depending on your vantage point, you can see artfully laid out rice fields as far as the eye can see.
Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular rice terraces of Jatiluwih, located in the heart of Bali’s stunning highlands. About a two to three hours drive from the vibrant beachfront sides of Bali’s south, you’ll be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the region.
As you drive through the enchanting mountain villages and along winding roads – always with the majestic mountain ranges between Mount Batukaru to the west and Mount Agung to the east in view – you will be treated to unrivalled views that will leave you speechless.
It’s worth spending a whole day in Jatiluwih and the surrounding area, because in addition to the ornate rice terraces, you can also visit the Yeh Ho waterfall or combine the day with a fascinating trekking tour around Mount Batukaru.
For those of you who would like to book this including a guide, we highly recommend the Balikaru Jungle Trekking on Mt Batukaru. This incredible Bali tour will take you to both the picturesque waterfall and the unique rice terraces of Jatiluwih.
The magnificent rice terraces at an altitude of around 700 metres at the foot of Mount Batukaru were created centuries ago and are – it is hard to believe – still lovingly cultivated by hand today.
Tools such as machines or ploughs pulled by cattle can only be used to a limited extent here in the mountains of Bali due to the difficult terrain. The individual terraces were created piece by piece and are held together by small dams with canals running between them. These are fed by springs and rivers from the mountains around Mount Batukaru, and the amount of water is skilfully regulated by sluices – a very complex irrigation system called Subak. But that’s a story for another time!
Let’s leave all the technical details aside for now… just enjoy the beauty and a unique symbiosis between man and nature on your trip to the Jatiluwih rice terraces.
To keep it simple: masters were at work here! It is incredible how these beautiful rice terraces in Jatiluwih were created with the most basic means.
The farmers have perfected rice cultivation in Bali with the Jatiluwih rice terraces. With this ingenious, well-thought-out system, the farmers in Bali have secured their livelihoods, because despite the limited land, they have the opportunity to harvest rice in Bali up to three times a year. This rice is used for the families’ own needs, sold on the local markets in Bali and even exported to other countries.
The view of the seemingly endless rice terraces of Jatiluwih with the volcanic massif of Mount Batukaru in the background is simply stunning. But that’s not all – the impressive rice terraces are also perfect for relaxing hikes. Immerse yourself in this picturesque world between lush green Rice terracces, coconut palms and tropical trees.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a trained mountaineer to enjoy it. Most of the hiking trails lead through flat land and are a leisurely walk, so you can just relax and take in the views. The different routes vary in length, so you can decide for yourself which one you’d like to hike. They range from one kilometre to a good five kilometres, depending on your time or your mood on the day.
You can also take a wonderful walk through the rice fields on your own to get an insight, or you can take a guided tour through the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, which not only offers unforgettable views, but also provides interesting facts about rice cultivation and the mountain area of Batukaru.
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Jl. Batukaru | Belulang Village | Mengesta | Tabanan Region | Bali
+62 81 33 7055 030
team@balikaru.com
