Heri Sisworo
If you ask any tourist in Bali what they think about any rice terraces, chances are they will direct you to Tegalalang in Ubud. They wouldn’t be wrong as the rice terraces there are spectacular. However, it’s not the only picturesque rice field in Bali, you can also visit Jatiluwih for a rice terrace in a slightly different landscape.
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Jatiluwih is even located near a sacred monkey forest just like in Ubud. You can also find a sacred temple in the second highest mountain in Bali; Mount Batukaru. Here are why Jatiluwih rice terraces is a great destination to visit.
Location
Jatiluwih is the name of the region located in Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. This is a highland, situated 700 meters above sea level with refreshing air, definitely cooler than the touristy south beaches like Kuta and Nusa Dua. This highland is indeed dominated by rice fields, most of them are terraced although they are generally not as dramatic as in Ubud. However, the sheer size of the whole filed makes a great panorama.
Batukaru Mountain Range
Jatiluwih is located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, located right in the middle of Bali Island. The mountain range provide a great background for pictures, making this area a heaven to take pictures.
The area is also a great place to escape from the very crowded area in other area of Bali. The general scenery here is comparable to Mount Batur and its majestic caldera of Kintamani.
Traditional irrigational system
Jatiluwih was once a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site candidate, confirming the uniqueness of the tradition here. The rice terraces here are using the millennium-old irrigational system called Subak. The cooperative nature of subak enable everyone to get the water in a fair way. This system is one of the biggest factor as to why Jatiluwih is included in the heritage list.
Culinary delight
Almost all tour itineraries to Jatiluwih include lunch at the restaurant located among the field. Most restaurants here serves local and international cuisine. Most tourists pick the restaurant based on their location instead of their menus.
For example, those who enjoy looking at the rice terrace from a vantage point will lunch at Billy’s terrace Café while those who want to experience walking on the rice field will eat at Warung Jatiluwih 259 that is located down the slope.
Other nearby tourist destinations
Many itineraries to explore Jatiluwih usually also include a visit to Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest and Batukaru Temple. Alas Kedaton is a small sacred monkey forest located in Marga District, Tabanan. This forest is often referred as Bali’s other monkey forest after Ubud. The Batukaru Temple is a mountain temple complex, considered as one of the key temples in Bali.
Jatiluwih is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the crowded beachy area of South Bali. You will find not only lovely rice terraces but also refreshing air and wonderful mountainous landscape. Next
