Jatiluwih Rice Fields, Bali Overview

Sprawled across the district of Penebel of Tabanan in West Bali, the picturesque Jatiluwih rice fields are widely renowned for their exotic landscapes. Over six hundred hectares of undulating rice terraces make up the breathtaking scenery of the cool highlands and offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling southern portion of the island. Rice field trekking is a must-try activity here.

‘Jatiluwih’ comes from two distinct words – ‘Jati’, which translates to ‘real’ or ‘original’, and ‘luwih’, which means ‘beautiful.’ Adeptly maintained by the traditional water management system – popularly referred to as ‘Subak’ – which dates back to as early as the ninth century, the lush Jatiluwih rice fields were once an acknowledged candidate of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. The Subak cooperation gained widespread recognition as the prime factor for the site's entry as a ‘cultural landscape’ of Bali on the heritage list. The mesmerizing beauty of this place makes it one of the most significant stopovers for tourists and locals, especially for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Things to Do

While in the Jatiluwih rice terraces, one gets to witness the largest expanse of lush paddy fields in Indonesia. While the breathtaking views of the fields are visible as soon as one approaches the highlands, the main vantage point is located in the main village. As soon as one reaches halfway up the fascinating terraces, they get to witness the panoramic views of the gentle slopes that drape the highlands for as far as one can see. Apart from farming communities and a few resorts nearby, the village is sparsely populated.

In addition to sightseeing, rice field trekking is an activity that one should definitely try out here. The presence of signposts along the five different hiking routes distinguishes the level of difficulty of each path and allows one to choose which route to take. People also book cycling tours and go for an enjoyable ride across the terraces by following the routes that are marked specifically for this purpose.

Food and Restaurants

The small road that overlooks the captivating Jatiluwih rice fields is lined with a number of food joints as well as restaurants that serve both local as well as international cuisine. A few restaurants that are located near this region are Billy’s Terrace Café, Warung Jatiluwih 259, Casa Luna Restaurant, Tiffin Bali, and Gong Jatiluwih.