subject: The Role Of Rice To The Balinese People From Then And Now [print this page] Bali rice terraces are not only a source of scenic attraction for Bali travel tourists but it is also cultural. To the Balinese, Bali rice is not just a staple food but it is an integral part of the Balinese culture as well.
For the Balinese, rice is considered as a gift from the gods created by the Hindu deity Vishnu, offering it then to man as his divine legacy or heritage.
In this respect, rice and its cultivation is considered as sacred, entailing the careful implementation of a set of rituals of the cycle of planting, maintaining, irrigating, and harvesting rice first laid down by the god Indra.
A central part to the Balinese way of life, there are 2 sets of crops of rice grown by Balinese farmers each year in irrigated, terraced rice field Bali, which for many are considered the definitive feature of the Balinese landscape.
The Balinese people hold sacred ceremonies before planting, throughout growing time and at harvesting, where offerings are presented to Dewi Sri the goddess of rice as well as the wife of Vishnu and is considered as one of the most popular deities in the Balinese pantheon, being regarded as the paragon of everything that is good and beautiful.
Ngusaba Nini festival is the most important subak (the local cooperative organizations who govern the maintenance and regulation of the water sources in the mountains that are directed to each individual rice field) ceremony in the agricultural cycle.
Held either just before or immediately after the rice harvest at the subak association temple, Ngusaba Nini festival takes form of a thanksgiving ceremony where mouth-watering selection of offerings are prepared by subak association members. and are then dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri.
Here are some villas with ricefields where you can indulge in the beauty of the rice terraces and plantations of Bali Island:
Villa Bukit Naga
A dream getaway, Villa Bukit Naga is situated on the outskirts of Banjar Selat a quiet, traditional Balinese village approximately 20 minutes east of Ubud, the cultural and artistic capital of Bali.
Overlooking a lush tropical valley view of ricefields and the converging Sang Sang and Ayuverda rivers, Villa Bukit Naga is a contemporary haven that seamlessly blends the majestically Balinese form and function.
Nestled amid two acres of brightly colored local flora, shady palms and frangipani trees, Bali villa Bukit Naga is a villa complex that features five buildings tailored to provide exceptional accommodations.
Sleeping a total of twelve guests in six spacious suites, Villa Bukit Naga is made up of a one-bedroom guest villa, a huge two-bedroom guesthouse, and the three-bedroom main house.
Fully air-conditioned, all suites feature private dressing rooms and large marble bathrooms. A fully equipped kitchen, with a resident chef ensuring that guests tastes and dietary requirements can be catered to, as well as a private terrace and infinity plunge pool set in beautiful gardens, completes the villa facilities.
Villa Alamanda
An Ubud villa in Bali, Villa Alamanda is a four-bedroom villa that is located 10 minutes east of the cultural town of Ubud and is approached through the traditional Balinese woodcarvers village of Tengkulak.
Perched high on a ridge above the Petanu River, with valley views of ricefields, Villa Alamanda boasts of a graceful architecture that blends contemporary elegance with ethnic charm.
This thatched hideaway is an ideal choice for those looking for modern luxury in peaceful surroundings; an enchanting retreat where guests can enjoy a relaxing experience with personalized service.
Designed to harmonize with the environment and utilize local materials, Villa Alamanda showcases 4 fully stylish and spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, comfortably sleeping up to eight people.
The villa also boasts of a sizeable, open-air lounge incorporating dining & lounge areas and dining terrace that overhang the jungle, creating a true feeling of space and interaction with the stunning scenery.
A large freeform swimming pool, gazebo and satellite TV, DVD Player, and stereo system complete the villa facilities and amenities.
