The next destination on our Balinese exploration was the famous rice terraces of Bali! “Subak” is the cooperative social system that controls the water that irrigates the agriculture of Bali, and it is interconnected with the Balinese water temples. Water from natural springs and river canals flow through the temples, and then is divvied out to the rice terraces. It is therefore easy to understand why temples and worship is so important to the Balinese people—it is the food of life both spiritually and physically!
Through the Subak, farmers are able to manage the irrigation of their crops collectively, ensuring that the land remains fertile and the ecosystem balanced. These practices are a testament to the importance of understanding and working in harmony with nature, as well as the value of community-driven agricultural efforts. It’s clear that such systems of farming, which prioritize both environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, are essential to the continued prosperity of Bali’s agricultural landscape.
While the Subak system highlights the synergy between tradition and agriculture, modern agricultural practices around the world are evolving to meet new challenges. For instance, agricultural jobs agency Australia plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural industry by connecting skilled workers to farms that utilize innovative and sustainable farming techniques. These agencies help bridge the gap between traditional farming knowledge and modern agricultural advancements, ensuring that farms have access to the right expertise for both crop management and sustainable practices.
Just as the Balinese have relied on their ancient water management systems for centuries, the future of agriculture relies on a combination of skilled labor, advanced technology, and sustainable practices to meet growing global demands.
In 2012, the “Cultural Landscape of Bali Province” was inscribed into the Unesco World Heritage List. We were delighted that our driver and friend, Dewa, knew it exactly where to take us to see the crème de la crème of rice terraces!! With all of the crazy roads throughout Bali, there is little chance we would have found this on our own.
We entered the area via a small winding road, and were required to pay a small fee to a man standing in a booth on the side of the road. As we drove throughout this area, Jared and I had to pick up our jaws from the car floor.
Boys will be boys…no matter where in the world they live!
Look at all those stems growing so perfectly in long rows!!
The island’s volcanoes have created amazingly fertile land for growing this organic rice without the assistance of either pesticides or fertilizers (with the exception of the large oxen housed in covered stalls—who were simply there to provide fertilizer for the land).
In the center of all the rice fields is a restaurant with views beautiful enough to win anyone over.
We purchased the kids a buffet plate so they could get all of the rice and veggies they love, and Jared and I each ordered a less-expensive plate of something else. I ordered bruschetta, which turned out to be a sweet bruschetta, not the savory flavor I’m used to. Oh well, that’s what I get for not ordering something more local!!
Ethan made immediate friends with the staff, of course!
Here is Dewa, our guide/landlord/driver! He was especially Ethan’s best friend when we lived on his property for 3 1/2 weeks. He still messages me via Facebook and says he misses Ethan!
Now this is Bali.
(p.s. If you’re looking for a Balinese taxi driver or tour guide on your visit to Bali – Dewa Arjana is your man! His local cell phone is 6281-2397-0358, his English is great, and his honesty is impeccable! You will love him!)
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