Name: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Address: Village, Jl. Jatiluwih Kawan No.Desa, Jatiluwih, Kec. Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Telephone: 0856-9238-1416
Rating: 4.7

Scenic area with verdant, undulating rice terraces attracting hikers, cyclists & photographers.

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Jatiluwih is unique for having three annual rice harvests, a testament to its fertile land and skilled farmers.

Annual Rice Harvests

The name 'Jatiluwih' translates to 'real beauty' in the local language, reflecting the stunning scenery of the rice terraces.

Meaning of Jatiluwih

The drive to Jatiluwih is an experience in itself, with winding roads offering breathtaking panoramas of the rice terraces and surrounding villages.

Scenic Drive

Jatiluwih offers a glimpse into the authentic Balinese culture, showcasing traditional villages, temples, and the daily life of local farmers.

Beyond the Beaches

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, nestled in the Tabanan Regency of Bali, showcase a unique Subak irrigation system recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. Unlike other terraced landscapes, Jatiluwih's expanse is remarkably broad, covering over 600 hectares and offering panoramic vistas rarely found elsewhere. The rice cultivated here includes traditional varieties prized for their distinct flavors and textures, contributing to Bali's culinary heritage. Farmers in Jatiluwih adhere to ancient agricultural practices, deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs and community cooperation. The terraces are not merely agricultural land; they are a living testament to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. Interestingly, the specific layout of the terraces is dictated not only by topography but also by the intricate network of water temples that regulate water distribution, ensuring equitable access for all farmers. This system, passed down through generations, reflects a sophisticated understanding of resource management and social organization.

Introduction

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces exemplify Bali's deep-rooted tradition of rice cultivation, showcasing the Subak system, a UNESCO-recognized irrigation method developed since the 11th century. This system embodies the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and the divine, crucial for optimal harvesting. The Subak system integrates Bali's agrarian workers, community centers, temples, and priests, operating under the guidance of water temple priests who conduct rituals to enhance the system's functionality.

Spanning over 600 hectares in the highlands near Mount Batukaru, Jatiluwih benefits from fertile soils and a sophisticated water management system dating back to the 9th century. This network delivers water to the rice plants' roots across 20,000 hectares, intertwining sacred traditions with agriculture. Farmers in Jatiluwih engage in activities such as hoeing, Nampadin (cleaning rice fields), Ngelampit (plowing), Melasah (leveling soil), and Nandur (planting), offering visitors a chance to participate in these practices.

The terraces' beauty peaks between February and April when the rice stalks grow, displaying green-yellow hues, and during the Sasih Sada (June-July) when farmers harvest their crops. The frequency of rice harvests depends on the planting cycle and rice type, including wet and dry rice cultivation methods. Jatiluwih's landscape reflects the Balinese agricultural management of steep terrains through terracing, blending practical farming with cultural and spiritual values.

Balinese Rice Cultivation

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan exemplify the Balinese Subak system, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape demonstrating the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. As part of the "Cultural Landscape of Bali Province," Jatiluwih showcases the interconnectedness of natural, religious, and cultural elements inherent in the Subak system. The Subak Landscape of Catur Angga Batukaru, vastly expanded from the original Jatiluwih site, now encompasses 17 Subak Gede institutions, 12 customary villages, and the Batukaru natural reserves, all ecologically and culturally linked to the Jatiluwih terraces.

Visitors to Jatiluwih can explore the concept of agricultural tourism, witnessing firsthand the Subak system's operation and even participating in farming activities. The terraces, irrigated through a network of canals, tunnels, and weirs managed by local Subak associations, embody a cooperative approach to water distribution and resource management. Decisions regarding planting, irrigation, and harvesting are made collectively, reflecting the Subak's role as a democratic council where every farmer has a voice.

Visiting between February and April offers views of growing rice stalks, while June and July provide opportunities to witness the Sasih Sada harvest. The terraces' design allows for agriculture on steep slopes, a testament to Balinese ingenuity and understanding of their environment, reflecting a tradition that has shaped the landscape for over a thousand years.

Subak Irrigation System

For agricultural tourism enthusiasts, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan, Bali, offer an immersive experience into Bali's living agricultural heritage. Spanning over 53,000 hectares, these highlands showcase the traditional Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape reflecting the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between man, nature, and the Creator. Visitors can engage in hands-on farming activities, becoming a farmer for a day, participating in traditional practices such as hoeing, planting rice (Nandur), and plowing fields (Ngelampit).

The area's cool climate, owing to its location near Mount Batukaru, enhances the experience of exploring the terraces. The local community actively involves tourists in understanding rice cultivation, offering insights into the different rice planting cycles and the cultivation of both wet and dry rice. Visiting during February to April provides the opportunity to witness the vibrant green and yellow rice stalks, while June and July offer a chance to observe the harvesting process.

Beyond direct involvement in farming, Jatiluwih supports tourism with local cafes and restaurants serving signature dishes made from freshly grown produce, including the area's special red rice. Hiking and cycling routes wind through the terraces, providing scenic views and a deeper connection with the rural landscape. Jatiluwih offers a serene and authentic experience, distinct from more crowded tourist spots, making it ideal for those seeking a genuine glimpse into Bali's agricultural practices and traditions.

Agricultural Tourism

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace in Bali stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature, culture, and human ingenuity, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This designation acknowledges the profound significance of the Subak system, a Balinese social organization central to preserving nature and regulating the local community's social life. The Subak system, dating back to the 9th century, is an ancient water management system of canals and weirs that has sustained the terraced fields, showcasing the island’s agricultural ingenuity. UNESCO's recognition highlights the intertwining of cultural and natural elements within Jatiluwih, where the traditional Balinese farming practices have shaped the landscape.

Spanning over 600 hectares in Tabanan, Jatiluwih showcases the marvels of Bali’s Subak irrigation system. As a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, Jatiluwih embodies the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, emphasizing the balance between man, nature, and the Creator, which is fundamental to the Subak system's success. The terraced fields, managed through this cooperative water distribution network, reflect a deep-rooted connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable agriculture. Visitors can witness the living canvas where tradition, nature, and culture converge in timeless splendor, making Jatiluwih not only a scenic spot but also a cultural sanctuary in the heart of Bali.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Did You Know?

Annual Rice Harvests

Meaning of Jatiluwih

Scenic Drive

Beyond the Beaches

Highlights from Reviews

Location