If you are planning to visit Jatiluwih, it is recommended to arrive in the morning around 8:00 am until 10:00 am. Usually, this area will become very busy during lunch hours. During the afternoon, the rice terraces would often turn misty with low hanging clouds that hinder the spectacular view, but it has its own charm. Due to the high level of altitude, it can indeed rain in this area often. Visitors are advised to bring raincoats or umbrellas when visiting Jatiluwih.
Visit between February to April, as in these months the rice stalks are starting to grow and you will be able to witness the green-yellow carpets of rice terraces. During June – July (called Sasih Sada), you will be able to see farmers harvesting their crops on site.
In Bali, the frequency of rice harvests depends on the rice planting cycle and the type of rice being cultivated. The two main types of rice grown in Bali are “wet rice” and “dry rice,” each with its own planting and harvesting seasons.
Wet Rice Cultivation:
- Wet rice, also known as “sawah,” is the most common type of rice cultivation in Bali. It requires irrigation and is grown in flooded fields.
- Planting Season: Wet rice is typically planted during the rainy season, which begins around November and lasts until March or April.
- Harvesting Season: The harvest season for wet rice usually takes place about three to four months after planting, during the dry season. Therefore, wet rice is typically harvested from February to June.
Dry Rice Cultivation:
- Dry rice, also known as “tegalan,” is a type of rice cultivation that relies on rainwater and does not require flooding the fields.
- Planting Season: Dry rice is usually planted during the dry season, from May to October, when there is no need for extensive irrigation.
- Harvesting Season: Dry rice is typically harvested about three to four months after planting, during the rainy season. Therefore, the harvest season for dry rice falls between October and January.
It’s important to note that these time frames are approximate and may vary slightly depending on factors like weather conditions and local agricultural practices. Additionally, some regions in Bali might have different planting and harvesting schedules based on microclimates and local customs. Rice harvesting is a significant event in Bali’s agricultural calendar and often involves communal efforts where neighbors come together to help each other with the labor-intensive process.
Source : Jatiluwih – Rice Terraces & Subak Irrigation System (UNESCO) (bali.com)