Learning about Subak Paddy Field on Sidemen, Bali

Learning about Subak Paddy Field on Sidemen, Bali - Have you ever heard about beautiful paddy field on Sidemen, Bali? Well, Sidemen are a division of Karangasem Regency. It’s located on the East part of Bali Island. They have terraced paddy setting, namely Subak. It’s a qualified irrigation system applied by local farmers for centuries. Subak’s applied since in the 9th century. For local farmers, irrigation is more than watering the plants. It must be complex and constructed by simulated ecosystem. This system includes fice terraced rice fields. There are also water temples that might cover about 20k ha. Any tourist can enjoy its beauty and learn about this irrigation system while visiting Sidemen. 

The Role of Religion towards Subak Irrigation

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Subak is a local and cost-effectively irrigation system that unites Balinese farmers together. They create community center, namely Bale Banjar. Moreover, they also form Balinese temples as the part of this community. This water management is under the control of the priests. They work in water temples actually. They practice Tri Hita Karana Philosophy, which is a description about humans, the gods, and the earths. This philosophy unites the realms of nature, human world, and spirit. Subak irrigation system represents principle of this philosophy. There are rituals at the water temple. It promotes a relationship between the people and the environment. 

Other Things to Do at Subak

There are many components of Subak. They are paddy landscape, water supply, rice fields, temples, villages, and tunnels. The water comes from canals and springs through the temples. It will out onto the rice fields. For any visitors, you can enjoy the other beauties located in Karangasem Regency. Basically, tourists might enjoy the astonishing scenery and the simple life of Balinese farmers. There’s also a sacred volcane, namle Mount Agung. In fact, it’s the highest mountain you can find in Bali. It takes 2 hours to climb up to the summit of this mountain. We can enjoy the sunrise and find the serenity of Pura Besakih. It’s location on the slopes of this mountain.

Another place to visit will be Pura Ulun Danau Batur. It’s quite worthy to visit. There are many other activities you can enjoy around Karangasem such as snorkeling, rafting, cycling, fishing, canoeing, and many more. You can soak up on remote black sand beaches around the area. Moreover, you can also explore the coastal life and waterfront villages from this location. If you are interested with traditional irrigation system, you can learn about Subak. At the end of the day, you can join yoga and meditation class to relax.