Electric Bus Service For Tourists On Offer At Popular Bali Rice Terraces

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Tourism managers at the UNESCO-protected Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan Regency in Bali have confirmed that tourists will now be able to make use of new electric shuttle buses to explore the area. 

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are one of the most well-preserved and famous landscapes in Bali. Aside from the Tegallalang Rice Terraces outside of Ubud, Jatiluwih is the most popular rice paddie experience in Bali.

Speaking to reporters Jhon Purna, the manager of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Tours, said that the electric shuttle buses have been designed specifically for the site. 

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The vehicles can currently hold up to fourteen tourists who will be able to travel from the car parking area through to the rice paddies in a quiet vehicle that does not cause any pollution to the area.

Purna reiterated how the use of electric vehicles is in alignment with the Bali Provincial government’s mission to develop more sustainable tourism across the island. 

Purna explained reporters that provided the the trial is successful, Jatiluwih management teams will consider using electric buses permanently. This will be a big step in realizing sustainable tourism in Jatiluwih, as well as being an inspiration for other tourist destinations.

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The use of electric vehicles at Jatiluwih comes just as the SMART @Ubud shuttle bus trail has come to a close. The service was on offer for just over six months in the heart of Ubud.

Both the Bali Provincial Government, tourism leaders in Ubud, and the Toyota Mobility Fund will now assess the success of the program and decide whether the free electric bus shuttle service should be a permanent offering to tourists in the arts and culture capital of the island.

While progress feels slow, there are initiatives happening across the island to help boost the reach of sustainable tourism and ensure that culturally respectful tourism in Bali is on offer as standard. 

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The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces hit the headlines in the last few weeks as the terraces were visited by delegates and leaders as part of the World Water Forum.

Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site spark a dialogue about how best to protect the vital agricultural landscape on the island.

While the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a top tourism attraction, fundamentally, the area is vital agricultural land that helps provide food and employment for hundreds of local communities. 

It has been confirmed this week that the Tabanan Regency Government is working on speeding up the development of new regulations regarding development, especially the arrangement in the Jatiluwih area, Penebel District.

This new plan came after UNESCO warned that a number of buildings had been designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The local legislation now needs to be updated to reflect this protected status.

Speaking to reporters, Tabanan’s Regional Secretary, Gede Susila, explained that conversions are underway regarding the development of new legislation to protect the rice terraces and supporting infrastructure.

He shared, “I have held an internal meeting with relevant stakeholders to determine the regulations that can be applied in the area, including the underlying rules and guidelines. After the regulations have been determined, we will again invite villages, subaks, and local communities for further discussions.”

Arranging a visit to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is easy and affordable. Entry tickets for foreigners and KITAS holders are IDR 50,000, and for children, IDR 40,000.

Entry fees for domestic tourists are IDR 15,000, and for local children, IDR 5,000. Tickets can be bought online at the Jatiluwih website or upon arrival at the rice paddies; the price is the same.

The best time to arrive at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is around 8 am – 10 am in the morning to really avoid the crowds visiting. Late afternoon is just as lovely, and you can glimpse the first glows of sunset.