Green School | Jatiluwih

Green School

When heads of state and business people are too foolish to agree on anti-global warming protocols, environmental activities shift their campaign target towards children. Through environmentally conscious educational institutions, students now learn about the importance of saving energy. So that these potential future leaders may be wiser in managing the earth.

One educational institutions in Bali carrying out this mission is the Green School (www.greenschool.org), founded by John and Cynhtia Hardy in 2008, this institutions combines a general interntional curriculum with green studies and creative arts for its Pre-K to Grade 10 students. The aim is to give students appropriate, relevant and inspirational knowledge so that in the future, they will develop into individuals who are both critical and creative in their constributions to Mother Earth.

Teaching and learning activities in the school are implemented through a "Learning by doing" approach. Studies include research on insects and river animals, rice planting projects, paper recycling, batik painting, and ethnic musical instrument lessons.

The Green School also burnishes its environmental credentials through its eco-friendly architecture. The classroom in the 10.3 hectare school are all built using natural materials, such as bamboo, palm fibres, and grass. Moreover, during every full moon, the school also organises an art show in its mudpond. The Green School offers regular tours for curious member of the general public on Mondays, and Wednesdays at 3pm. After the tour, visitors, are encouraged to make a voluntary donations towards scholarships for disadvantaged local children. World famous figures who have visited the school include David Copperfield, Thomas L.Friedman and Sir RIchard Branson.

How To Get There

Green School is located in Jalan Raya Sibangkaja (Abiansemal Badung). Drive along Jalan Raya A.Yani in North Denpasar, and after passing the Sibang Gede Bridge, head straight up Jalan Raya Sibangkaja. Turn left into the small road decorated with tall, colourful banners and a sign for Green School, and then head down the gravel road, which will take you to the school gate.

Jatiluwih

Bali is justly for its beautiful terraced paddy fields, which are similar to the UNESCO Heritage Site Fields found in Ifugao in Philipines. Indeed, someof Bali's paddies have also been earmarked for inclusion on this prestigious list. The paddy fields in question are located in the village of Jatiluwih, in the district of Tabanan. They lie 700 metres above sea level and Mount Batukaru the second highest mountain on the island of the Gods, provides a stunning backdrop.
The beauty of nature, combined with human creativity and local wisdom, which manifest themselves through a system of traditional irrigation known as subak, make for an amazing combination and Jatiluwih is surely worthy of World Heritage Site Status. A Sacred atmosphere is fostered by the farmers here, who habitually offer prayers at the pura (temple) before going to work. The locals here practise Hindu teachings, which instruct devotees to maintain good relationships with God, other people and nature.
Cultivation patterns here are organised  according to tradition and the cycle of the seasons. In cultivating their paddy field, the farmers use organic fertiliser made of cow and water buffalo dung. This system brings in relatively higher yields in comparison with chemically fertilised fields.
And Jatiluwih is not only suitable for visitors who love nature tourism, because the village also regulary present cultural performances known as Upacara Petoyan at Pura Petali. These performances can be experienced every Kliwon Ugu Wednesday, and this ceremony affirms people's devotion to God for all the blessing He bestows.
Historically, Jatiluwih has been a tourist destination since the Dutch colonial era. Access at the time was still limited, but at the beginning at the 1970's, the government began to develop infrastructure in the region. Nowadays, the access road has been given an asphalt surface and there are also public facilities such as rest houses, toilets, and parking area here.

How to get there

From Denpasar, the recommended route is to head towards Kediri and Tabanan, and then to proceed north to the sub-district of Penebel. Then head towards Gunung Batukaru, and head down the twisting road that leads to the village of Jatiluwih.