Tabanan Regency in Bali is famous for it’s beautiful rice fields. It’s definitely one of the amazing things this island has to offer. Search for ‘Bali’s most beautiful rice fields’ on Google and you will find the most populair areas like Jati Luwih and Ubud. The rice fields are spectacular to experience in the island of Gods, because of the Balinese Subak (water irrigation) system. It’s not just a irrigation system, it’s a way of life for the Balinese farmers. The Balinese Subak is a manifestation of the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana:

More then just a irrigation system: Subak

The Balinese Subak (irrigation) system is based on spiritual practices, community life, sustainability, water management and productivity. This system consists of 5 terraced rice fields and water temples water temples covering nearly 20,000 hectares. The main focus of these temples is the management of the water. Farmers come together and set up a meeting in these temples to talk about their work on the rice fields. The forests around the Subak protects the water supply for the terraced rice fields.

I’ve noticed that the Balinese woman works just as hard on the rice fields as the man does. It’s tough and very physical work.

Tri Hita Karana

The Subak system dates back to the 9th century and has shaped the landscape of Bali over the last 2,000 years. It reflects the concept of Tri Hita Karana. This concept holds the golden trinity of the realm of spirit, the human world, and nature. The meaning of Tri, three. ‘Hita’ means happiness/well-being and ‘Karana’ means the cause. Tri Hita Karana means: “Three things cause the creation of happiness and well-being.”

Parahyangan: The harmonious relationship between a person and God.
Pawongan: The harmonious relationship between a person and his neighbor.
Palemahan: The harmonious relationship between people and his environment, nature.

Subak is not just an irrigation system for the Balinese people, it’s a way of life.

This irrigation system is the manifestation of Tri Hita Karana.

This Balinese lady was happy to give us a smile for the shot.

This little temple is called Sanggah and is made from bamboo. The Balinese give a special offering for the God of the rice fields, also known as Dewi Sri.

A young girl helping her dad on the Sawah.

It’s beautiful to walk around in Jatiluwih area. My grandparents had a old Indonesian painting of the ricefields and the funny thing about it is that I feel like I’m walking in that painting right now.

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