Bali — Warung Dhea Jatiluwih, Bali, Indonesia
Visiting the terraced rice fields of Warung Dhea Jatiluwih
August 2015
Warung Dhea Jatiluwih is a UNESCO site, and the local UNESCO board, dated 6th July 2012, states:
"The Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: The Subak System as a manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy, consists of Supreme Water Temple Pura Ulun Dana Bature and Lake Batur, Subak Landscape of Pakerisan Watershed, Subak Landscape of Catur Angga Batukaru, and Royal Temple of Tamain Ayun has been inscribed upon the World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the Work Cultural and Natural Heritage. Inscription on this List confirms the outstanding universal value of a cultural or natural property which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity"
The plaque, which is in pretty poor condition, is copied below:
Now, I am not too sure what the above plaque means. Yes, I know it means it is a protected UNESCO site, but what was being protected? I assume it is the landscape, i.e. the rice terraces and the surrounding environment, but from the description, that was unclear.
To enter the area cost 25,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£1.30 GBP; $1.80 US), and we spent about 90 minutes visiting the fields and the village.
I must admit that I wasn’t sure who was collecting the money, why, or what was being done with it. The collection point was a shack by the side of the road.
The road to rice terraces was in poor condition (clearly, the entrance fee was not being spent on the roads), and single lane in many places.
The rice terraces were interesting, but some looked abandoned (were they resting?), detracting from the view. The rice terraces I saw on the drive to Warung Dhea Jatiluwih looked better, as they were in use and well-maintained.
However, some rice fields were still being worked.
Overall, my visit to the Warung Dhea Jatiluwih rice fields was disappointing as the area looked and felt abandoned. I got the impression that the primary source of income for the farmers was the tourists and not the rice in the fields, as the more tricky fields on the terraces had an unused look and feel.
FourSquare: Warung Dhea Jatiluwih
