Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich culture heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves; some come for meeting and convention; others for pure relaxation. But if you are a nature lover don’t miss Jatiluwih, is a breathtaking panorama of genuine and fertile rice fields stretch from the foothills of Batukaru volcano to the south coast.
It is located at the western district of Tabanan. This
western uplands of Batukaru are famed for magnificent landscapes. The view from
the mountain village, Jatiluwih, takes in the whole of South Bali. Perched on a
high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly
Marvelous”. A wonder of the world. It’s worth a venture.
You can initiate your trip in the morning leaving the hotel
at 09.00. A.M. There are many ways to see Bali and each serves its own purpose
well. Motorcycles are a pleasant (but extremely risky) way to see the
countryside and cooler than ride in a car. Jeep and minivans are also available
for hire – with or without a driver. It is advisable to settle the price with
the driver before starting on a journey.
After passing the town of Tabanan the road takes you to the
north through the villages of Wanasari, Jegu, Buruan and Wangaya Gede. On the
route you will be amazed by the wonderful rural ambience; farmhouses,
characteristically, a little shrine to place offerings dedicated to Dewi Sri
the Goddess of rice, plowing, flocks of ducks that are brought to bathe and
feed all day in the flooded paddies, and harvesting, that one pictures when
remembering Bali. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking
features of the landscape.
If you see farmers are working the rice, planting or
harvesting, and if you are interested in experience it, you can stop and join
them, you will be welcomed gladly. “Alo turis, alo turis!” followed by giggles
is the standard greeting from children everywhere on Bali. Older people will be
more sedate but their curious eyes will follow you, as will their more modest
greeting of “mau kemana” (where are you going). Traveling in Bali can be
exhilarating and getting off the beaten track can take you right to the heart
of Balinese life, although you don’t have to stray far to feel it.
On the route at the village of Wanasari there is a
butterflies park, you can stop and watch various kinds of colorful tropical
butterflies. And then nearby the temple Pura Luhur is the holy spring of Air
Panas, where hot water surges from the river bank. All strange, natural
phenomena are believed to be frequented by spirits. Thus, Air Panas is graced
by a small temple where people make their prayers with offerings.
The journey continues up the road until it dead ends at Pura
Luhur Batukaru (2,278 m / 7,474 ft). Being one of Bali’s most venerated
temples, every West Balinese temple has a shrine dedicated to it; it is
isolated within its solitary clearing far above the populated farmlands. The
dense rainforest of this upland would invite every adventurer to explore it.
Wild orchids, healing herbs, fragrant spices and exotic trees could be
discovered in this mystical heart and soul of this amazing island.
Then, the last destination (the goal of the journey) is the
mountain village Jatiluwih, a breathtaking panorama of genuine and the most
fertile terraces rice fields on the island. It is said as the granary of the
whole Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name,
which means “Truly Marvelous”. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the
most striking features of the landscape. Stretch from the foothill of Batukaru
volcano to the south coast. The cool western uplands, overlooking half the
island, offer magnificent views.
Waka Land Cruise a reputable company has been organizing a
sacred adventure to the secret soul of Bali. Travel by legendary luxury Land
Rover, on tiny country roads and tracks, through terraced rice fields and
untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali.
So keep in mind the beautiful Bali for your holiday, because it would be worth to venture there.