Bali’s Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Set a Global Standard in Sustainable Tourism
Bali’s famed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces have once again captured international attention, reaffirming their status not only as a cultural treasure of Indonesia but also as a pioneering model for sustainable and regenerative tourism. Recognized globally for their blend of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, the terraces continue to inspire travelers, tourism professionals, and environmental advocates around the world.
UNESCO and UNWTO Recognition Elevates Jatiluwih’s Profile
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces hold the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage protected status and have been acknowledged by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Their recognition highlights these terraces as exemplars of environmentally responsible travel that successfully merges Bali’s traditional cultural heritage with modern tourism practices.
In 2024, the terraces were named among the World’s Best Tourism Villages, following the recognition of Penglipuran Village in Bali for its community-driven tourism initiatives. Further cementing its status, in September 2025, Jatiluwih was honored at the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories event in Montpellier, France, standing out as Indonesia’s only destination among over 600 entries from 60 countries. The award celebrated Jatiluwih as a “Green Miracle in a Cultural Heritage Living Museum,” spotlighting how the centuries-old Subak irrigation system harmoniously integrates ecological stewardship with visitor engagement.
Experiencing the Terraces: Sunrise and Immersive Cultural Tours
Experts advise that the best time to experience Jatiluwih is at sunrise, when the terraces bathe in gentle morning light and offer a peaceful atmosphere. Far from being mere scenic vistas, these terraces remain fully operational agricultural landscapes that play a vital role in Bali’s local economy.
Guided tours provide an immersive experience, offering visitors detailed insights into the rice cultivation process and the rich heritage of the local community. Learning about the Subak irrigation system — a traditional and sustainable water management technique — fosters environmental awareness and respect for Balinese agriculture. Such educational encounters transform tourism into an engaging activity that supports cultural preservation and community well-being.
Protecting Heritage Through Responsible Tourism Management
The Jatiluwih community has been proactive in safeguarding its cultural and ecological heritage by implementing regulations like the Jatiluwih Village Regulation (Perdes), which restricts intrusive developments within the rice fields. This legal framework protects the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, ensuring that tourism development does not compromise the area’s authenticity and environmental integrity.
Tourism management in Jatiluwih is aligned with the traditional Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasizes the balance between human well-being, harmony with nature, and spiritual equilibrium. This approach enables visitors to enjoy authentic cultural experiences while supporting the protection of the local ecosystem and community values.
Pioneering Regenerative Tourism on a Global Scale
Jatiluwih’s approach goes beyond conventional sustainability by embracing regenerative tourism—an innovative concept that focuses on restoring ecosystems, enhancing community well-being, and deepening cultural identity. Through deliberate efforts to intertwine heritage preservation with economic growth, Jatiluwih demonstrates that tourism can be a force for positive environmental and social impact.
This model offers practical lessons globally, showcasing principles such as the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, ecosystem restoration, and active community engagement. It encourages other destinations worldwide to adopt similar practices that balance tourism growth with sustainability objectives.
Community Involvement and Sustainable Development
Local communities play a central role in tourism operations around the terraces. They engage visitors through workshops, guided tours, and cultural demonstrations that highlight traditional rice cultivation, ecological practices, and their rich heritage. This active participation not only educates travelers but also economically empowers residents, allowing them to maintain control over their cultural and environmental resources.
The integration of the ancient Subak irrigation system within tourism management exemplifies how agriculture, culture, and tourism can coexist authentically without compromise. The Jatiluwih Village Regulation further safeguards these values by preventing unsuitable development, preserving the terraces for future generations.
Encouraging Active Visitor Participation and Experiential Tourism
Tourists visiting Jatiluwih are encouraged to be active participants rather than passive observers. Beyond scenic appreciation, visitors gain firsthand experience in farming activities, local customs, and sustainable tourism practices that reinforce community resilience and environmental care.
This experiential tourism fosters respect for traditional methods, promotes eco-conscious behavior, and motivates ongoing support for sustainable tourism worldwide. Sunrise visits, in particular, offer unique opportunities to connect deeply with the landscape’s agricultural and ecological significance.
Shaping the Future of Global Travel
Jatiluwih’s rising international recognition is influencing global travel trends by encouraging more responsible and experiential tourism. Modern travelers increasingly seek destinations that prioritize environmental conservation, cultural integrity, and community involvement—values that Jatiluwih exemplifies.
Indonesia’s enhanced profile as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism benefits not only from these accolades but also from the terraces’ role as a blueprint for tourism that is economically beneficial, culturally respectful, and ecologically sound. As such, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces stand poised to attract more international visitors who are eager to engage responsibly with one of the world’s most remarkable cultural landscapes.
Visiting Bali’s Jatiluwih Rice Terraces offers more than breathtaking scenery; it presents a transformative opportunity to witness and contribute to a living legacy where nature, culture, and tourism flourish together sustainably.
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