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Home » Destination and Resort, Environment & Nature

Kiadan- Pelaga – Petang: Experience the Life of a Balinese Village  

by on Wednesday, 25 April 2007No Comment | 3,740 views

Perched on the slope of Mount Mangu, 1100 meter above the sea level, the village Kiadan, naturally offers a cool climate and a foggy morning in the rainy season. With the majestic mount Mangu on the background and surrounded by the combination of dense forest, lush coffee plantation, and mesmerizing rice field, in short, the village of Kiadan offers stunningly beautiful views to behold.

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This village now develops its ecotourism project known as JED or Village Ecotourism Project supported by Wisnu Foundation and Starling Kencana Tours. This is not a so-called “ecotourism” project, with has neither respect to the surrounding environment nor involvement of the community and all its profit goes to the travel agent pocket. The ecotourism project (JED) in Kiadan village is a grass root movement; it is designed and managed by the local Subak community with local guides, local foods and local accommodation.

The principles of this ecotourism (JED) are

• Minimize impact of the mass tourism
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental,
and social climate

All the profits of this ecotourism project (JED) are contributed to community development and conservation activities in the village. This ecotourism project (JED) offers a rare opportunity to experience and involve in true daily life of a Balinese village.

But what the Kiadan village has to offer? 2 hours drive from the airport to the Kiadan village is an attraction by itself. A stunning terraced rice fields and lush green vegetation of the valley on the both sides of the road are candy of the eyes you can enjoy along the way to Kiadan village.
Not to mention the cool climate and fresh air you can enjoy as soon as you step down from the air-conditioned vehicle, here you are invited to blend with nature, with the daily rhythm of traditional Balinese life. A walk around the village will give you a unique opportunity to learn about the village life and history and participate in the daily activities of the village.

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Most of the Kiadan residents (70 %) are farmers, the activities of the village is centered on the plantation and rice field, especially the coffee plantation, you can join the coffee farmers in each stage of the coffee farming, from seeding, managing the plants, picking the coffee beans, to drying, roasting and grinding the coffee beans. The local coffee farmers are more than happy to share their experiences and knowledge in the coffee business with you.

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The rice growing is also an important farming activity in this village. The green carpet of terraced rice field on the slope of the hill will turn into golden rug with the passing of the time. You are welcomed to join the rice farming activities. All the farming activities in this village are based traditional method no chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides is used. Almost everything is organic.

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You can also explore the village vicinity; this exploration will gives you an opportunity to enjoy the cool and soothing atmosphere of the forest. The local guide will provide you with the information about local conservation issues and the plants of the forest – which one is poisonous, and which one is edible. Hear also the chirping of the birds and sound of the rushing cool crystal-clear water in the nearby river.

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This walk will gives you a chance to enjoy the cool and fresh spring water, there are many natural springs burst here and there along the way. Visit also the Penataran Kiadan temple that situated on the slope of a hill overlooking to the green valley and rice field, a perfect place for meditation. You can also find small shrines covered with moss scattered here and there.
Kiadan also has a unique history; the local will gladly take you to the “saka roras house”, a Kiadan traditional house with 12 pillars indicating 12 families that formed the Kiadan village. The house can be considered as a complete house compound with kitchen, storeroom and bedroom compactly amalgamate in it. This is a rare house, only one survives in the present time.

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In short, this village offers you nothing but the real experiences of the real Balinese village life.

Editor’s Note:
Tour booking and more information please visit ecotourism.baliwww.com

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