I always wanted to go to another region in Bali, not only Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta. One of my friends, Yudhi, suggested me to have a staycation in Tabanan, which is one of the regions in Bali. He was originally from there so he knows a bit more about where we can go and what to do there better than I do. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace was the main spot we visited. We also spent the night fairly close to there.

If you only know about Tegalalang rice terraces in Ubud, Jatiluwih rice terraces are larger and in my opinion have a better scenery. Located just 10 minutes away from Tanah Lot, or about 1-1/2 hours from Canggu area, Jatiluwih rice terraces comprise over 600 hectares of rice fields following the flowing hillside topography of the Batukaru mountain range. Pointed as one of UNESCO World Heritages since the site has been able to maintain the local culture heritage in form of water irrigation system managed traditionally called by SUBAK. These are well-maintained since the 9th century.

You could do many things in the Jatiluwih rice terrace areas. From cycling, to jogging or just taking pictures like us! If you wanted to go here by motorbike or cars, parks are available but not many. Jatiluwih rice terraces are completed with the hygiene standard (wastafel and hand soap) and you still need to wear a face mask when you are around a crowd of people. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella if you come during a rainy season and watch your step, it could be slippery.

There are several cafes, restaurant and local warungs to visit if you feel hungry. The range of prices depends on the type of place, starting from IDR 30,000/pax for local warungs to IDR 150,000/pax for a fancier one. Choose your budget wisely or check tripadvisor before you come to have lunch. That is what I usually do 🙂

We spent the night in a Two Bedroom Pool Villa that I found in airbnb, called The Saren. It has an industrial minimalist concept that makes the bedroom look clean and comfortable. It’s basically a Two Unit of One Bedrooms in the first and second floors, which are separated by stairs outside. It’s more of a fit for a group of friends like us, a family with grown up kids or 2 couples who are traveling together. I don’t think it’s fit for a family with little kids since it doesn’t have direct access to each other’s room. It also sells as a separated room if you only book for One Bedroom instead of two. The rate was really affordable. $51/night and we got a private pool! You can book your stay from airbnb and if you are a first timer, you get a free $17 credit for your account 😀

We wanted to go to Pantai Nyanyi (Nyanyi Beach) which is located just 5 minutes of walking from our Hotel but due to the fact that we woke up late, lol, instead of going to the beach, we went to the sleeping buddha statue in Pupuan region. It’s a 1 hour of driving from our staycation place. That driving experience to reach it was insane! You are not only driving straight in a big street, but it was a winding road. We went left, right, left-right and I was about to throw up until finally we arrived! Yeah!

The statue located inside the Vihara Dharma Giri, a Buddhist temple in Pupuan, Tabanan. This temple is open to the public for free, however, visitors are expected to give donations to be used for the maintenance of the monastery. This applies to local and foreign tourists. Please keep in mind to wear something proper to the temple, no shorts and you must remove your footwear when you are in the temple grounds. In addition, you also have to use closed clothing from the waist down. However, for visitors who do not carry appropriate clothing, a cover cloth will be provided by the temple administrator. There are doggos around the temple too, they are sooo adorable. The temple was so quiet and so peaceful so try to come and visit 😊

I hope you like this post and I will try to be more productive and write more this month 😉. I wish the world will heal faster so everyone can travel again freely soon 😊

With love,

Ayu, xoxo