Tukad Citra

Breakfast on our balcony overlooking the rice terraces set us up nicely for what was to be a busy day. We rode 1.5 hours to Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, a UNESCO world heritage site in the Tabanan regency of central Bali. Jatiluwih is a vast expanse of terraced, bright green rice fields stepped along an entire mountain almost in the clouds. In total, the rice terraces are approximately 600 hectares, maintained by a traditional water management strategy that dates back to the 9th century. Most tourists don’t tend to visit Jatiluwih because it’s a good distance away from Ubud but the journey was definitely worth it and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We spent a good couple of hours wandering along the paths and terraces watching the farmers work and taking in the expansive views. It was so peaceful, with the sound of running water flowing through each terrace and into the one connected beneath it. The water network was quite impressive given the entire region is filled from one main supply at the top. Nearly back at our scooter and it began to rain heavily, so we took shelter in a cafe overlooking the rice terraces before grabbing some ponchos and setting off for Leke Leke waterfall about an hour away.

Just as we arrived at the car park of Leke Leke waterfall it started to drizzle again, then began to rain heavier so we took cover inside a restaurant overlooking the jungle below. A short 15 minute walk down through the jungle and we arrived at the waterfall. Minutes later the heavens really opened and the waterfall really began to flow. The waterfall was nice although overshadowed a little by the torrential rain. A few people decided they wanted ‘the photo’ so arrived in swimwear for a picture at the base although not for us today however. We took shelter under an undercut at the base for at least half an hour until the rain slowed and then decided to head back, passing such a variety of vegetation, bright flowers, huge leaves, countless palm trees, and of course banana trees.

It was back on the bike again to make the 1 hour 15 minute return journey to the hotel. To begin with we rode along very narrow ‘roads’, more like footpaths alongside acres of rice fields. The weather was certainly not on our side and it began to chuck it down again. We stayed on the bike pelted by raindrops for what felt like forever and somewhat painful! There was quite a bit of screaming and swearing from the both of us at this point. 15 minutes away from our hotel and we got stuck behind some kind of Balinese parade on the road. People were dressed up marching down the street reluctant to let traffic past, so we decided to ride up to the front of the queue and watch this parade from behind. We were unsure what it was although throughout the day we had spotted people in traditional clothing laying out offerings so suspect this was linked to that.Läs mer