Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

This morning we rode 1.5 hours to Jatiluwih rice terraces in the Tabanan regency of central Bali. A UNESCO world heritage site, Jatiluwih is a vast expanse of terraced, bright green rice fields stepped along an entire mountain almost in the clouds. We parked up and began a nice walk through the fields taking in the views whilst watching local farmers. Each rice paddy is connected to another via a continuous flow of water that slowly flows flooding each field. The water network is quite impressive given the entire region is filled from one main supply at the top. As it’s a fair way from central Ubud, there were very few tourists around which was also nice.

We enjoyed a lunch snack overlooking the fields before grabbing some ponchos and setting off for Leke Leke waterfall about an hour away. Just as we arrived it started to drizzle then began to rain heavier so we took cover inside a restaurant overlooking the jungle below. A short 15 minute walk through the jungle and we arrived at the waterfall. Minutes later the heavens opened and the water flow really began to pickup. We took shelter under an undercut at the base for at least half an hour until the rain slowed a little and then we decided to go back. The waterfall was really nice although overshadowed a little by the torrential rain. A few decided they wanted the photo so arrived in swimwear for a picture at the base although not for us today however. At last the rain slowed so we walked back passing such verity of vegetation, bright flowers, huge leaves, countless palm trees, and of course banana trees. Back to the bar for drinks whilst watching the misty clouds pass over the jungle tree line.

We finally left only to be met with even more rain on the way back, actually painful on the face this time! 15 minutes out we got stuck behind a Balinese parade on the road of some kind. People were dressed up marching down the street reluctant to let traffic past so we decided to ride up to the front and watch from the back. Not sure what was happening but interesting to watch. Finally they let us past.Read more