Discover the rice fields of Jatiluwih

Some of Bali's rice paddies have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the beauty of their landscapes, but also for the cultural aspect they symbolise, with the "subak", the irrigation system that has been used throughout Bali since the 9th century.subak allows water to be used in an ecological and sustainable way, thanks to systems of irrigation canals and dams.

This process has its origins in a philosophical concept known as "Tri Hita Karana". The aim is to establish a balance between spirit, man and nature. In Bali, rice fields are always associated with religion: water is under the authority of priests. You'll find temples in every subak, designed to create a bridge between the world of the gods and that of nature.

Jatiluwih is commonly translated as "marvellous", which gives you an idea of the beauty of the site. There are two explanations for the origin of this term. Some say that Jatiluwih comes from "Jaton Luwih", "Jaton" meaning amulet and "Luwih" meaning good.

Originally, this was the village where amulets (good luck charms) were made. According to a second, more literal interpretation, the name comes from the bird cemetery called "Jatayu" in the centre of the village. This word is said to have been transformed over time to become "Jaton Ayu", then "Jaton Luwih" and finally "Jatiluwih". You'll find the rice fields in central Bali, just south of Mount Bratan, around twenty kilometres south of the small town of Bedugul.

The Jatiluwih rice fields are fairly large, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll without the constant stream of tourists. If you choose to venture into the heart of the paddy fields, we advise you to bring good shoes, as the ground is quite muddy. The locals who cross your path tend to be barefoot, so it's up to you!

Just avoid sandals, which turn into real soapsuds. As you wander along the winding paths of the terraces, you're sure to meet Balinese farmers, who are sometimes happy to chat with you. You'll also see plenty of ducks in the rice paddies, which serve a very specific purpose. In fact, duck farming is often associated with rice growing in order to clean and fertilise the crops. We recommend visiting the rice fields in the morning or late afternoon, as there are potentially fewer people.