The extensive Jatiluwih rice terraces are among the most beautiful attractions in Bali. Nevertheless, the number of tourists who make their way to the spectacularly laid out rice fields is still manageable. This makes them an exciting destination for travelers who are looking for peace and quiet and lots of lush greenery.
Where are the Jatiluwih rice terraces?
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are located in central Bali in the island’s hinterland. They are close to the main road between Denpasar and Singaraja, the former capital in the north of the island.
Jatiluwih is about 55 kilometers from Kuta. You should plan on a travel time of about an hour and 45 minutes by car from there. The distance between Jatiluwih and Ubud is about 40 kilometers. The rice terraces are not the only attractions in the area around Jatiluwih that are worth visiting. Also recommended, for example, are the twin lakes Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan in the north of the Batukaru volcano and the temple Pura Luhur Batukaru.
There are various options for getting to Jatiluwih. If you take a scooter, the journey there alone is a real experience. The rice terraces are located at the foot of the Batukaru volcano, so you will be rewarded with impressive views as you drive along the winding roads. However, you should allow a little more time if you travel there by scooter. It takes about two hours from Ubud.
The impressive landscape of the Jatiluwih rice terraces
Translated from Balinese, Jatiluwih means “beautiful” – and that’s exactly how you would describe the rice terraces. They have been artfully carved into the slope of the Gunung Batukaru volcano. The rice fields are located at an altitude of about 700 meters. For the construction, it was necessary to break up the ground and integrate the locks and canals for the complex irrigation system into the impressive landscape characterized by hills.
Hiking through the rice terraces
A leisurely hike is a great way to immerse yourself in the magic of the lush green rice fields. The Jatiluwih rice terraces have a number of different hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty.
For those who have limited time to visit the rice terraces, the “Tourist Walk”, for example, is the perfect choice. This short hike takes only 15 minutes. However, if you have more stamina and time, a longer discovery tour through the rice terraces is definitely recommended. The longest hiking trails are around eight kilometers long.
Jatiluwih rice terraces with impressive views
Incidentally, not only rice plants can be found in the rice terraces. Lemongrass, chili bushes, beans and cocoa trees also grow along the sides of the paths. If you look at the horizon, a breathtaking panorama opens up. This is characterized by alternating harvested, yellow-brown and lush green rice fields.
You can often see rice farmers working in the fields. The farmers are, for example, moving the plants or repairing the water channels. If you look to the south, you can even see the sea on a clear day. The view is usually best in the morning, after which the slopes of the volcano are often shrouded in fog.
For a visit to the Jatiluwih rice terraces, you pay a small entrance fee of about 1.30 euros. After the hike through the rice terraces, we recommend a refreshment in one of the available warungs.
The special flair of the Jatiluwih rice terraces
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are characterized by the fact that they are much less overrun by crowds of tourists than other rice fields. The rice terraces of Tegalalang, which are closer to Ubud, are much busier, for example. In addition, Jatiluwih does without countless souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels by the rice terraces, which makes them look very original. Besides, the rice fields of Jatiluwih are the largest in Bali. Their area is around 600 hectares.
Part of the world cultural heritage
Together with four other rice-growing areas on Bali, the Jatiluwih rice terraces have been indirectly part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Indirectly because UNESCO did not include the rice fields themselves, but the five significant Subak landscapes on Bali in the World Heritage List.
Subaks are understood to be irrigation cooperatives that have existed in Bali since the 9th century. These cooperatives have been responsible for the management of the rice terraces ever since. Every farmer whose rice field borders one of the irrigation systems is obliged to become a member of the subak.
To irrigate the extensive rice terraces, they use sluices, dams and canals. The water is channelled from the mountains down their slopes into the valley, from where it is then transported to the fields. This ensures that the rice fields are irrigated even during the dry season and that rice can be harvested up to three times a year.
There is a close connection between rice cultivation on the island and religious ceremonies and rites. The goddess of rice, Dewi Sri, is honored both in small shrines in the fields and in large temples. The timing of the harvest and the sowing of the grain is also determined by religious criteria.
Conclusion: Is it worth visiting the Jatiluwih rice terraces?
Rice terraces are popular attractions and great photo opportunities in Bali. The Jatiluwih rice terraces are no exception. They are often even considered the most beautiful rice terraces on the island. If you are in the area anyway, you should not miss out on the beauty of these rice fields. Many travelers just take the opportunity to take a few photos. This is the advantage for visitors who want to delve deeper into the Jatiluwih rice terraces by hiking. Here you can enjoy a relaxing hike with great views between rice fields and exotic plants.
