5 Best Rice Terraces in Bali
Paddy field is a property that makes Bali a beautiful Bali. This full greenish panorama is formed by rice plants, coconut trees, banana trees, and any other crop. When excessive exposure to air pollution is harmful, the hectares-long rice fields are a natural air purifier. Rice itself is inseparable from Balinese people’s daily ritual, both on the eating table and offer to gods. It is sacred that society believes in the greater force that favors in an abundant harvest and prosperity, Dewi Sri, a motherly-figured goddess to which they worship and give flower offerings to.
Uniquely and brilliantly shaped, the layout of rice fields in Bali are like stepped terraces, or large stairs made out of grass. The subak irrigation system is the key to the fields’ prosperity. This centuries-old system lets only the higher parts that need the water. The irrigation will follow the gravity to flow to the lower level, all the way to encompass everything. It is a super efficient and effective way to deal with the vastness of the fields. Balinese plant paddies 3 times a year and there are more than enough chances for you not to miss their fineness.
Jatiluwih Jatiluwih paddy field unfolds within a 600 hectares area. Yes, 600 hectares! It is fair to say that this fabricates a fraction of Bali’s green landscape. The extensive width gives everyone more space to wander, so people feel equally blessed with the entire land. This unbelivable wealth is there around 1.5 hours from Ubud, and proudly acknowledged by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. In order to enshroud more miles within hundreds of hectares, try out wandering with bicycle instead.
Tegalalang This is the main face of Ubud that makes the most appearances in Instagram feed. Due to its popularity, this probably rank first in top mentioned rice field recommendation. It contains big number of tourists everyday, even though not at the size of Jatiluwih. The field is smaller but neat and just as spectacular, do not worry about getting lost here. Also, the swing here is of high demand, and it is free to borrow a long swaying dress to spice up the aesthetic photo. Needless to say, this needs to make its way to your Bali itinerary especially when being in Ubud (it takes only 25 mins!).
Sidemen If you visit Tukad Cepung waterfall or Besakih temple, this is the neighbouring rice terrace to stop by. Wear shoes with good grip and expect an average level of trekking caused by raggy land contour, all together hemmed in unwindy sight of trees and sky. From the start to the end of the trail, all the flush vegetation plantations make the land leafy and breathakingly beautiful. Not only dotted with banana, papaya, or coconut trees, you will come across the calm canals, small wooden huts, and small man-made waterfall. One last thing, Mount Agung is there as a majestic background.
Pererenan Southern area is usually overlooked in terms of rice terraces since there aren’t many of it. However, this one in Badung Regency is a large green patch that worth your while. A relaxing walk or a ride with a bike, make sure that you go your way to luxuriate the atmosphere. If you reckon that this less popular slopping terrace is not as majestic as Tegalalang or Jatiwulih, bear in mind that this one is more authentic and real. It is a big loss not to savour composure within a silent hill in the midst of busy town.
Gunung Kawi Gunung Kawi rice terraces and Gunung Kawi temple is an indivisible package of your must-see in the central region of Bali. First, you need to pass through the entrance from the temple to get to the rice field. Take your time in the temple and continue your ramble, descending some staircases down to meet shallow river crossing. Right on your right side lays the well maintained paddy fields where you ease down the mind, and walk a bit further to see a tiny waterfall and shrines sculpted into the rocks. What a perfect duo.
Amidst the rampant construction building, less and less land is left for the growth of vegetation. Not only paddy fields are crucial to life but it is also a work of art in nature. Its magnificence has been an inspiration in the world of both local and international painting artists. In this agrarian Bali, there is basically no such thing as “best season to visit paddy fields” because they are amazingly beautiful all year long. Respect its existence by not littering in the area, not stepping on the growing paddies, and not wasting your rice.