Jatiluwih Rice Terrces in Bali

Scenic area with verdant, undulating rice terraces attracting hikers, cyclists & photographers.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the bigest rice terraces in Bali, comprises over 600Ha of rice fields that follow the flowing hillside topography of the Batukaru mountain range.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Among the many fields that stretch almost all across the island, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in the central coastal regency of Tabanan regency is the best example of Bali's outstanding picturesque rice fields.

And represent the Subak system as Bali's Cultural Landscape which has been inscribed a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in June 2012.

Situated majestically in the hills 850 meters above sea level, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces offers a beautiful view of contoured rice terraces irrigated using an impressive communal water system developed by Balinese farmers.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Keep reading to find out how to get there along with everything else you need to know! But feel free to jump to any section that interests you:

About Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih has gain acknowledgement from UNESCO as part of the worlds cultural heritage, and would not allow the development of star-rated and city hotels,

Unless tourism facilities with a commitment to environmental conservation would be 70 percent had to be left naturally as paddy field or plantation.

jatiluwih rice terraces

The village covers area of 22.3 square kilometers, hosts of 7 subak (The traditional irrigation organization in Bali) each subak coordinated by one master water controller (Pekaseh).

The village covers area of 22.3 square kilometers, hosts of 7 subak (The traditional irrigation organization in Bali) each subak coordinated by one master water controller (Pekaseh).

jatiluwih rice terraces

The topography of Jatiluwih are : 70% Hilly, 20% Rolling , 10% Sloping, Soil type (yellow latosol), man made and natural irrigation type, tropical climate, 70-85% air humidity.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Address & Map

Jatiluwih Rice Terrces located at about 700m above sea level in the village of Jatiluwih, Penebel district of the Tabanan regency, Bali, Indonesia.

The journey up to these highlands from the main southern areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar takes an approximate two-hour drive.

See the Google Maps below for the Pin location of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

How to Get to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

As mentioned above the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are located at the foot of Mount Batukaru in the village of Jatiluwih, of Tabanan Regency.

To get to Jatiluwih from Kuta, Seminyak, Denpasar and Canggu, it is approximately a 2-hour ride on a car drive or a scooter, and from Ubud to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces it takes around 1.5-hours.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Along the drive, you will pass cafes with tables overlooking the terraces, which make the perfect place to enjoy magnificent sceneries.

The best way to get to Jatiluwih is on a scooter. You can rent scooters in the main tourist hubs throughout Bali including Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Denpasar, and Ubud. Scooter rental is 75,000 IDR per day.

However the safer way is to book the Car Rental with Driver from Bali Cheapest Tours which is the most reputable local tour company in Bali, which is has huge excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.

Usually the price of that tour around 35 to 45 USD per car per day, and which included of fuel, parking fees, and English speaking driver as a guide.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is 40,000 IDR per person (about $3 USD) and an extra 5,000 IDR (35c USD) for the car park.

And the payment should be cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), so please prepare small cash before you come here.

Best Time To Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The best times to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces between are February and April. You will see the tall green and yellow rice plants in full swing.

However at around the month of June - July the rice crop will be ready to harvest and harvest activities by farmers will be encountered.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Jatiluwih is pretty exposed so it can get incredibly hot in the middle of the day. We would recommend the early morning or late afternoon to avoid suffering from the heat.

What To Expect Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih covers over 600 hectares of incredibly well-maintained rice terraces that date back as early as the 9th century.

Jatiluwih, in the Balinese language translated means Beautiful Teak. Here, one can marvel at the vast expanses of terraced, green rice paddies stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where its foot meets the sea.

jatiluwih rice terraces

You will get to experience the local farmers at work in the fields which makes for great photo opportunities when wandering around the Jatiluwih Unesco Cultural Site.

And from atop the hill, visitors can take in the fresh air, appreciate the scenic views, and embrace its peaceful atmosphere.

Each of Jatiluwih's carefully carved terraces can be seen from here together with the intricate system of irrigation paths that run in between them.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Last June, 2017 former US President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Natasha made Jatiluwih Rice Terraces their particular destination in Bali to trek through, enjoy and admire its beauty and significance.

Jatiluwih lookout

The best place to start is at the lookout just before the entrance to the rice terrace. This offers one of the best views of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and gives a great idea of the scale of the place.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces or Tegalalang

Jatiluwih and Tegalalang Rice Terraces are quite different and which one to see depends on how much time you have.

tegalalang rice terraces

It makes sense to do Tegalalang if you are short on time as it is so close to Ubud, however if you have the time a day trip including Jatiluwih, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Handara Gate, Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and Tanah Lot Temple would be a day well spent!.

We would recommend doing both as Jatiluwih is a huge open landscape, whereas Tegalalang is a smaller, more intimate but steeper set of rice terraces.

The rice stems are much longer at Jatiluwih so at ground level they look less obviously terraced than at Tegalalang. 

Bali's Outstanding Subak Rice Irrigation System

The fields that make up this area are inseparable from the traditional Subak irrigation system – a traditional method preserved for centuries and passed down through generations.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Here is local wisdom at its best. Indeed, Bali is blessed with 150 rivers and streams that provide water year round to irrigate this most important staple.

Nonetheless, irrigation rice fields would not be successful unless man also has a hand in it.

Uniquely, Bali's complex irrigation system has its roots not by order of kings, but its management is very much in the hands of the villagers through village cooperatives.

Since farmers depend on the successful irrigation of the fields, the different Subaks form an inseparable bond that unites into a single system.

bali farmers

At the lowest level, each farmer is a member of a subak, whose rice fields are fed from a single dam.

The head of the Subak, called the Klian Subak is elected by its members. In the larger Subak that are fed by a canal, the lowest level is called the tempek.

The Subaks, in turn are linked to mountain temples or Pura Masceti, which come under the sway of one of two lake temples, these are the Pura Batu Karu which coordinates irrigation in West Bali.

batukaru temple

And Pura Ulun Danu on Lake Beratan, which coordinates the north, east and south of Bali.

Water temples hold festivals every 105 days, corresponding with the 105 days rice-growing season in Bali.

his cycle also determines the time of opening and closing of canal sluices, ensuring that plantings are staggered and that water is allocated in the most efficient and equitable manner.

The goddess of Rice is known as Bhatari or Dewi Sri, the mother of Rice. As the Indonesian archipelago's staple food, Dewi Sri is not only venerated in Bali, but also on Java and other rice-producing islands.

By combining sacred traditional values with a highly organized system, therefore, the Subak, the unique Balinese rice farming culture isa manifestation of the Balinese Tri Hita Karana cosmological doctrine.

It is the tangible reflection of the original Balinese ideas and beliefs that are essentially rooted in this concept,.

Namely the awareness that human beings need to always maintain harmonious relationship between Man and God, Man and fellow humans, and between Man and Nature in one's daily life.

bali religion

(Hindu religion in Bali, Indonesia)

Such particular concept is in fact evident in the Balinese creative genius and unique cultural traditions resulting from the long human interaction, especially between the Balinese and the Hindu culture.

Whether for agriculture, nature or heritage, Jatiluwih and other rice fields in Bali remain important sites that should be preserved and must remain sustainable for future generations.

Best Things To Do in Jatiluwih

Have you had enough of overcrowded touristy places and need some peaceful time in the green?

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the perfect spot to enjoy relaxing moments but also to be active and have exciting days in nature.

Find out below amazing things to do in Jatiluwih:

Rice Field Trekking

One of the things to do in Jatiluwih you shouldn’t miss is Rice Field Trekking. Hiking through the rice fields is really good to clear your mind while breathing the fresh Jatiluwih air.

jatiluwih rice terraces

There are signposted hiking routes along the rice paddies. You can choose between 5 different routes:

Red: This is the shortest route which takes about one hour. Yellow: This track takes about 1h 10mins.

White: The white path takes you deeper down into the rice fields and gives you more perspectives. It takes about 2 hours.

Green: The green track leads you over a length of 6 kilometres along the lush rice paddies. The walk takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Blue: With 7 kilometres this is longest trekking path route and adaptable for advanced trekkers. It’s a walk about 4 hours in the untouched nature.

Jatiluwih Cycling Tour

Riding a bike in Jatiluwih is an excellent way of enjoying the beautiful scenery in the UNESCO heritage.

You can book a cycling tour at numerous providers or simply rent a bike and explore the Rice Terraces by your own.

The green and blue trekking path (see above) are also perfect routes for basic cycling.

If you prefer a guided tour, you can choose between easier routes or more challenging tracks that essentially pass the same landmarks. They are adapted to different abilities and ages.

Yeh Ho Waterfall Jatiluwih

Yeh Ho Waterfall is a quiet secluded little waterfall. It’s only a short walk by foot and an easy hike down the stairs.

When you reached the waterfall, you will find two different areas: the main waterfall and a separated area for people who would like to take a bath.

The water is cool and refreshing, therefore this is perfect after a long hiking day! Simply enjoy the peaceful moments and the untouched nature.

Experience farm life – Explore the outback

Another favourite thing to do in Jatiluwih is exploring the outback. Simply rent a scooter and drive along little side streets and enjoy real untouched Bali.

jatiluwih rice terraces

You will discover little villages and see how the locals actually live. Farmers in the villages use traditional ways to harvesting their crops and many are still living a very traditional life.

Probably, you can have a little insight into ceremonies and family life. Say Hi to the wonderful locals and get a huge smile back. Meet the real treasures of Indonesia.

Watching a sunrise in Jatiluwih – watch out early birds

Get up around 5:30 AM and brace yourself for watching a stunning sunrise. While enjoying this peaceful moment, you will only listen to the sounds of nature such as birds and crickets.

jatiluwih rice terraces

Maybe, you can see the first farmers harvesting their crops. Usually fog and clouds will already appear around noon.

Therefore, you have the most beautiful view in the morning. Observe how the rice terraces slowly get their lush green colours from the sun.

Watching the sunrise is a wonderful thing to do in Jatiluwih and will bring the happiness to your mind.

Restaurants in Jatiluwih

There are a few restaurants serving international and local cuisine line the small road overlooking the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces; most tour itineraries stop here for lunch.

Below are the list of best restaurants offering the best vantage point:

1. Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge

This is a beautiful restaurant in the middle of the most amazing rice fields view in Bali.

Address: Jl. Jatiluwih Kawan No.88, Jatiluwih, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Open: 09.00 AM - 07.00 PM
Phone: +62 858 5860 2674
Get direction through Google Map: CLICK HERE!

2. Billy’s Terrace Cafe

This is located at the Jatiluwih rice terraces is one of the restaurants offering the best vantage point, which serves local selections and buffets.

Address: Jatiluwih, Penebel, Jatiluwih, Tabanan, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Open: 09.00 AM - 04.00 PM
Phone: -
Get direction through Google Map: CLICK HERE!

3. J Terrace Restaurant

Located in the centre of the finest imaginable view of jatiluwih rice terrace Bali. Featuring Balinese crispy duck served with organic red rice and more.

Address: Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Open: 09.00 AM - 06.00 PM
Phone: +62 857 3753 0557
Get direction through Google Map: CLICK HERE!

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Tour

This is the best chance to discover the eternal beauty of the rice terraces of Jatiluwih! The name Jatiluwih means really marvelous and the landscape of the terraced rice fields here is the most beautiful in Bali.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Tour

The village really deserves the name! The rice paddy’s plots carved from the slopes of Mount Batukaru are extended until the seaside.

The views are pretty amazing and the terraces themselves are very photogenic. The 10-hour tour to Bali's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Including the iconic temple of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Tanah Lot Temple, and visit the photogenic sites of Handara Gate and Wanagiri Hill. TOUR DETAILS

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KETUT ASTAWA
Founder of Bali Cheapest Tours

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