Rice Terraces of Bali

Bali, a place known for its hot tropical weather, white sand beaches, and tree covered volcanic mountains. At the base of these mountains is a beautiful yet productive man-made attraction that has been practiced for centuries. On this episode, we bring you the history of the Bali rice terraces.

For over 2000 years, rice has been a staple food on the island of Bali. It requires unique conditions to grow which the Balinese people have mastered and are still one of the most efficient producers of rice on the planet. This is partially in thanks to a line of volcanoes on the island of bali producing nutrient rich volcanic soil and in part to their ingenious water system.

The subak or traditional cooperative irrigation system made possible by 1200 water collectives that are managed by up to 400 farmers. These sources of water pass through villages, temples and into the rice fields through vast network for irrigation canals. History states the knowledge of this system came from a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya. Originally built around temples , priests were in charge of the water for the fields. The rice fields required the combined efforts of the priests and farmers working together to be successful. This unified effort is what keeps the rice fields looking so pristine, picturesque and so well maintained. Rice fields of Bali were added as a unesco world heritage site in 2012 along with the subak irrigation system.

Rice is viewed as a gift from the God's in bali, villages around the fields have shires dedicated to this grain of the gods. Inspired by an ancient Hindu philosophy, rice has been grown with this method since the 11th century in Bali. All rice grown on the island, still to this day, is done without the need for pesticides or fertilizers.

Scattered across the island are amazing terraces that are best viewed during sunrise or sunset. Starting on the west side of the island the Soka rice fields can’t be missed as they are along the main road going through the area. Looking up towards the center of the island will give you a mountain backdrop of Mount Batukaru or the ocean and beach the other direction. On the north part of Bali is the Munduk mountainside rice field located near Bali’s most scenic of waterfalls the Munduk and Melanting Waterfalls. Roadside vendors sell local durian, if that’s your fruit of choice among other tasty treats.

In the middle of the island more to the west is Belimbing rice terrace, a maze of fields that wraps around the town of Belimbing. Going up the mountain more centrally located is Jatiluwih rice fields. This place has quickly become known as the most picturesque rice field that has vast spanning views across the forest and mountains. Being the largest rice terrace in Bali Jatiluwih span across almost 1500 acres or 600 hectares.

Located to the east are the sidemen rice fields which is a much more rural area surrounded by organic farmers. Traditional bright hand-loomed cotton and silk weavings called songket and edek can also be found here for those looking for an authentic keepsake from Bali.
The most popular rice terraces for tourists are the Pererenan rice fields just west of the capital of Denpasar and the Tegallalang rice terraces. Pererenan a farming village in Canggu is close to black sand beaches and Tanah Lot, a popular temple to visit for tourists. These rice fields are quite flat, in contrast the Tegallalang rice terraces north of Ubud is a tourist hotspot. Terraced steep down into the valley these rice fields are accessible to the public. As you make your way down to the bottom and back up there are small stations with a worker who will ask for a donation of a specific amount to be able to pass. As you go further up the backside there will be station after station collecting more tolls. At the very back is an old workshop with tools. These rices terraces are lined with tourist shops at the top where fresh coconuts are highly welcomed, and a handful of restaurants that overlook the amazing view. The food, while overpriced, is excellent especially if you order local cuisine.

Check out some of our other videos:

Top 10 Fruits You’ve Never Heard Of Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRdgPyZF45g&feature=youtu.be
Top 10 Fruits You’ve Never Heard Of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKTej1u-7-0&feature=youtu.be

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Intro music thanks to Machinmasound:
Rallying the Defense:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruPk4RD19Nw