3/6/24 - This is the Jatiluwih area, known as one of the regions in Bali that produces great quality of rice. Located in the highlands (2,000 feet above sea level), and nearby the second tallest volcano in Bali, Mount Batukaru. Jatiluwih spans more than 53,000 hectares agriculture fields covered mostly with rice terraces. The area has hilly contours with fertile soils and offers an incredible scenery for photographs. Back in the day, the locals did not realize they have shaped nature into such a spectacular way that would be protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
There are stories of Jatiluwih that are both historical and mythological, some are still told and to some extend believed today among the local community. One said folklore explains that Jatiluwih is derived from the word “jaton” and “luwih”, jaton meaning charm and luwih meaning good, so it can be interpreted Jatiluwih is a village that is filled with goodness, like a lucky charm. Another explanation for its name is that Jatiluwih was once a burial area of Jatayu (a mythology creature/ demi-god in the form of a Garuda bird). At that time, Jatayu was often also pronounced as Jatonayu, which somewhat sounds similar to Jatiluwih.
Terracing is one of the methods in agriculture management, that is created to make agriculture possible on lands that have a steep contour, such as the highlands and mountain slopes. Bali’s known for the Subak irrigation system that is considered sacred and culturally important and has been developed all over the island since the 11th century.
The system is developed based on the Hindu religion’s beliefs of being in harmony with nature in order to yield optimal results upon harvesting. This is manifested due to the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, a philosophy of maintaining balance between man, nature, and the Creator. Since 2012, Subak has been listed as one of the UNESCO cultural world heritage sites.
Jatiluwih has a new paved walking path that winds its way through the rice fields. You can explore it on foot or by bicycle. Palm trees and endless waves of green stretch out in all directions, and this is still one place in Bali where farmers may outnumber tourists. Photographers and drone pilots will be in heaven here — you’ll get some great views of the Bali volcanoes in the distance, and the fields seem like they stretch out into infinity.