Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are an extensive area of irrigated terraced paddy fields in western Bali, Indonesia, shaped by the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system. The terraces stretch across mountain slopes and provide large-scale, panoramic rice landscapes that are publicly accessible by a network of paths and viewpoints.

Broad, layered terraces visible over several kilometers and a visible network of canals, weirs and stone-lined terraces managed by local subak cooperatives. Designated vantage points and small pavilions allow visitors to view and photograph the terraces and the backdrop of forested ridges.

The terraces have been managed under the Balinese subak system for centuries and were recognized by UNESCO in 2012 as part of the Cultural Landscape of Bali’s Subak system. Traditional planting cycles and cooperative water management continue to define how the land is farmed and maintained.

Jatiluwih sits in Tabanan regency on Bali’s central-western slopes, at higher elevation than the coastal plain, with access by road from other parts of Bali. The area is agricultural and rural, with small villages and farm tracks serving visitors and farmers alike.

• UNESCO listing: Inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Cultural Landscape of Bali's Subak system in 2012, reflecting its functioning communal irrigation and landscape design.
• Timing and conditions: Mornings and late afternoon offer the best light for photography; heavy rain can make paths slippery and is most likely in the wet season (November-March).

What to See #

• Terraced fields: Extensive terraced rice fields laid out on the slopes of western-central Bali, irrigated through the traditional Balinese subak cooperative system that channels water along canals and terraces.
• Viewpoints and pavilions: Designated viewpoints and small roadside pavilions provide panoramic views across the terraces and toward the forested slope of Mount Batukaru.