Bali might be famous for having numerous beautiful beaches. Indeed, who can resist the temptation of swimming in clear blue water and sunbathing on pearly white sand? Do you think Bali only has those beautiful beaches to visit? You are wrong. This small island has other things to offer to tourists. Bali is also famous for its cultural richness. Balinese art is popular, whether it’s on painting, sculpture, or dance. Other than Balinese art, the cultural system in Bali is quite unique. The traditional system that binds the lifestyle of Balinese people is different from other countries’ and it includes the farming system.
Subak system makes the most famous system in Balinese traditional farming. It binds the farmers in a banjar to obey this management system. Basically, subak is water management or water irrigation system. It’s used in the rice fields and it only exists in Bali. This traditional water management system has survived over 1000 years. Although subak is mostly managed water used for rice fields, but this system does not only control water used in the fields. This system also controls water used to construct the village complex that will give artificial ecosystem in the village. UNESCO has stated subak as one of World Heritage Site. Subak System Jatiluwih becomes one of the largest subak areas in Bali. Subak does not only become water management in the rice fiels, but it also demonstrates Balinese philosophical principal the close relationship of human, nature, and God. The water on the irrigation system comes from natural spring water. Water temples are built around the spring with Balinese priest purifying and controling water management for the entire village.
It shows that this irrigation system is also a part of religious life in Bali. The water comes out from the spring and flows into the temples first before falling down to the rice fields through the small channels. Although subak is one of World Heritage Site, the tourism that grows rapidly in Bali has put a threat to this traditional irrigation system. Jatiluwih Village in Tabanan becomes the largest area for rice field terrace. The rice field stretches from the foot of mountain all the way down to the coastal side. It’s a popular tourist destination in Bali as it unfolds one of cultural richness in this island. Other than its beautiful landscape, Jatiluwih is also known for its organis agriculture system that produce high quality organic rice in Bali.
Kuta is an awesome place to see in Bali. It is a famous thriving tourist resort that is very famous among the younger. I visited this resort few months ago after my new york to toronto tour. It is a best destination for surfing and swimming. It also offers beautiful views of sunsets and sunrises to its visitors. This region abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities.