The UNESCO World Heritage Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali has announced that it has developed a new Helipad within the landscape to serve VIP visitors to the attraction.
The helipad, which has finished construction, will formally open to tourists in March 2025.
General Manager of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Jhon Ketut Purna, confirmed to reporters that the testing and trial landing period has been completed. He told reporters “It will be launched in March 2025. It is currently still a trial and has gone well.”
When questioned whether the development of the new helipad would impact the protected landscape and working rice terraces, Purna explained “The helipad location is in Banjar Kesambi, a bit far so it will not affect it.”
Talk of developing a helipad in the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces has been on the cards since 2019. The development was firmly rejected, however by the Director of Heritage and Cultural Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture Nadjamuddin Ramly. At the time. During that iteration of the plan, the helipad was set to be built within the Subak Jatiluwih area, in Tempek Besi Kalung, specifically.
The plan was rejected by the central government because of fears that both the construction of a helipad and the presence of low-flying helicopters in the area would damage the authenticity of the heritage subak system of the area. The subak system is an ancient irrigation system unique to Bali, that helps manage the flow of water across the island’s iconic rice terraces.
Purna did not give details about how and when the helipad will be used. He noted that the landing pad will be used by VIP guests who wish to visit the site but did not confirm whether commercial tourism helicopter tour operators will be using the helipad too.
Helicopter tours are increasing in popularity in Bali. Many tour operators now offer short helicopter flights around the central south of the island and around the Ubud area. Most tours last just 20 minutes and include aerial explorations of areas such as the Bukit Peninsula, Mount Batur, and Kintamani, and the rice terraces of Gianyar Regency, around Ubud.
Popular helicopter tour providers in Bali include companies like Fly Bali Heli, whose most budget-friendly helicopter adventure offers passengers a 12-minute flyby of the Bukit Peninsula’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kenyan statue, Uluwatu Temple, Nyang Nyang Beach, and Melasti Beach. Fly Bali Heli also operates a flight that passes over the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and the fertile heartlands of the island.
Jatiluwih Village has been named one of the best tourism villages in the world in 2025 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and is set to see a surge in the number of visitors this year. Previously Bali’s Pengliupuran Village was listed in the prestigious tourism awards and saw an astronomical increase in the number of both domestic and international tourist visits.
Purna spoke to reporters in light of the big win and pledged his commitment to persevering in the heritage landscape for generations to come. He noted that the win was an opportunity to promote Balinese culture and the importance of promoting the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the balance between people, the land, and the spirit world.
Purna explained, “One of the [priorities] is the preservation of cultural heritage, preserving the environment, and the development of tourism with full responsibility.”
Adding “Of course, this is not only because of us but also because of the people in Jatiluwih Village who are both committed and have put forward the Tri Hita Karana philosophy to receive this award.”
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are open to the public seven days a week. The attraction operates on a cashless system and entry tickets can be purchased on arrival. International adult entry tickets are charged at IDR 75,000 and children at IDR 50,000.
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