Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Tabanan
Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Tabanan
Being famous as Bali's rice barn, Tabanan regency offers
breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, like those in
Selemadeg Kaja village.
Located about 26 km from the province's capital Denpasar,
it is clear that Selemadeg Kaja has not been much affected by
modernization.
For instance, the houses are still traditionally true Balinese
in terms of architecture and function. Some houses still have
rice barns and outdoor water containers that are made out of a
single large stone.
The residents still adhere to traditional life, and children
are not addicted to modern entertainment like play station or
video games. Unlike in other villages in Bali where play station
stores and VCD rentals are found everywhere, there's not one
single such store in Selemadeg village.
According to the village head, I Putu Mahardika W., local
residents still adhere to customary law and follow cultural
wisdom.
The village's asphalted road is only 400 meters long, with
other streets being tracks paved with large stones.
One ecotourism operator has being eyeing the area as a
possible site for an off-road tour. There is a spot where a base
camp could be set up from where there is a complete view of
terraced rice fields. The spot is ideal. On a cloudless day, the
peak of Mt. Batukaru in the north can be seen in the distance
beyond the green rice fields. Once in a while, white egrets
feeding on the paddy can be seen.
The track covers 10 km and can be used for trekking, mountain
biking and off-road driving.
"Three weeks from now, the rice fields turn into a green
carpet," said Putu upon seeing the newly planted paddy. "As you
already know, terraced rice fields are made possible by subak,"
he explained. Subak is an irrigation system that dates back
generations, in which farmers share water.
However, artesian water is scarce in Selemadeg Kaja village.
"We dug 125 meters deep but still failed to find any artesian
water," Putu explained. "If you dig five meters you will only
find stone." This is the reason the town is called Selemadeg,
which means standing stone.
Farmers working in rice fields is a common sight in the
village.
Driving along the track can be difficult, especially in the
woods where it becomes rough and narrow. And it is a bit risky
passing the river because the track is steep and slippery. The
stone track is lined with shrubs, bushes and trees.
"This river depends on rain," said Putu pointing to the
protruding rocks in the turbid river, which indicates a long dry
season. The river is also a bathing site for villagers.
Still, trekking through the green, traditional village is a
refreshing trip.