In many regions of Bali, the landscape is characterized by lush green rice terraces. The stepped fields provide plenty of space for growing rice, the staple food. A great side effect: the rice terraces create a particularly beautiful atmosphere and are therefore popular excursion destinations. Some rice terraces in Bali are associated with UNESCO World Heritage and are among the most popular attractions on the island.
Bali’s rice terraces appear to be very artfully designed and therefore attract many travelers who want to discover these special attractions. At many rice terraces, there are viewpoints from which you have a magnificent view of the landscape. In some cases, walks or even longer hikes between the rice fields are possible. However, you should be aware that the most famous rice terraces are often visited by large numbers of tourists. So if you prefer to be on your own, you might want to head for the lesser-known rice-growing areas.
The most beautiful rice terraces in Bali
Tegalalang
Jatuliwuh
Sidemen
Tips for visiting the rice terraces
If you are planning a hike through the rice terraces, you should definitely take enough water with you. There are no opportunities to buy drinking water along the long paths between the rice fields. You should also wear sturdy shoes, as it can always be a bit muddy between the rice fields.
Generally, it is recommended to visit the rice terraces in Bali early in the morning. On the one hand, these attractions are usually not as crowded then. On the other hand, the atmosphere early in the day is a very special one. The light of the still low sun creates a very special atmosphere.
A small entrance fee is charged at some rice terraces. Therefore, you should always have some cash with you. Even at the rice terraces that are officially accessible without an entrance fee, a small donation is often expected. You should always take this into account and not start the excursion without money.
History of the rice terraces in Bali
The cultivation of rice has a long tradition in Bali. The grain has been grown in Bali for thousands of years. Today, wet rice is often grown in Bali. This is the name given to rice that is grown in flooded fields, i.e. where it is in the water for long periods. However, the water itself does not stand still, but flows through the fields. The flow rate is extremely important: if the water flows too slowly, algae can form. However, if the water flows too fast, nutrients and possibly some of the soil will be washed away.
In Bali, rice terraces have been built in many hilly areas to be able to control the water in terms of both flow rate and the area to be irrigated. These terraces are usually watered by natural watercourses. The water flows through the different levels of the stepped rice fields. This allows a large area to be irrigated in a targeted manner, providing optimal conditions for rice cultivation.
Subak
The rice farmers whose fields are fed by the same irrigation system are organized into so-called subaks. A subak is an irrigation community to which all farmers whose rice fields are supplied by a particular water source belong. It is therefore quite possible that the fields of a rice terrace in Bali belong to different rice farmers, but they are organized jointly through a subak. Important and binding decisions are made at the regular subak meetings. All rice farmers who belong to the respective subak must abide by the resolutions. These may, for example, concern the timing of the harvest or the maintenance of the irrigation systems.
Conclusion: A visit to the rice terraces in Bali is always worthwhile
When traveling in Bali, you should not miss out on visiting one of the artistically designed rice terraces. The terraces, some of which are very large, exude a very special atmosphere and invite you to take relaxing walks. There is a lot to learn and exciting things to discover in the rice fields. The irrigation systems, which have been developed over centuries, are very impressive. It is equally fascinating to watch the rice farmers at work, most of whom manage without technical support. The evergreen landscapes create spectacular scenery and never fail to inspire travelers.
