Stunning scenery is to be found in Bali’s west: rice terraces, temples, lakes, mountains and cloud forests. Our theme today is water, as we discover Bali’s amazing irrigation network that finds its way from the mountain lakes to the thousands of rice paddies. The carefully organized system is called subak, and is so unique it has been recently preserved and protected by UNESCO.
Our first stop is Taman Ayun water temple, a large, well-kept royal temple surrounded by a moat. From here we ascend into the mountains to the tranquil lake Bratan with its picturesque lakeside temple, often with misty mountain backdrop. The temperature here is cool and many locals come here for weekend picnics. Local markets sell strawberries and flowers.
Jatiluwih has spectacular rice terraces, now grown entirely organically. Farmers have also made a lengthy walkway between the paddies for visitors to enjoy. This will be our scenic lunch stop. We then drive on windy roads up to Mount Batukaru temple, Bali’s oldest, founded almost 2000 years ago. The temple has a powerful meditative atmosphere and is surrounded by jungle, often shrouded in clouds.
Finally we descend to the coast to the world famous sea temple Tanah Lot, which is perched on a small rocky island but able to be reached at low tide.