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.
This field represent the Subak system as Bali’s Cultural Landscape which has been inscribed a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in June 2012.
So much so that 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.
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.
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.
(Video by : Tropical Family)
