Explore Lombok’s Irrigation Systems Tour

Explore Lombok’s Tetebatu Irrigation Systems Tour: A Full-Day Journey into Sustainable Water Heritage

🌾 Walk the Ancient Waterways that Sustain a Culture

In the lush heart of Lombok, nestled between Mount Rinjani’s majestic slopes and the rolling rice terraces of Tetebatu, flows an ancient secret—an irrigation system as old as the community it feeds. These aren't just canals—they are the lifeblood of Sasak agriculture, and the silent witnesses to centuries of wisdom, unity, and survival.

Introducing the “Explore Tetebatu Irrigation Systems Tour”, a full-day cultural and eco-tour by Lombok Heritage, designed to take you deep into the veins of Lombok’s fertile soul. Far from the crowded beaches, you’ll discover how water is honored, shared, and used to nurture life. This is travel with meaning, guided by locals who live by the rhythm of water.

Whether you're a curious traveler, sustainability enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, this is one unforgettable day in the fields of Tetebatu.

✅ Why This Tour is One-of-a-Kind

• 🌿 Exclusive Access to centuries-old Subak-style water systems

• 🌾 Walk Among Rice Terraces nourished by community-managed irrigation

• 🧑‍🌾 Meet Real Farmers and help clear canals or plant rice

• 🛕 Visit Sacred Water Shrines used in traditional rituals

• 🍲 Enjoy Organic Lunch from irrigated village farms

• 📸 Capture Stunning Views of water flowing beneath Mount Rinjani

🌄 Full-Day Tour Itinerary: Explore Tetebatu Irrigation Systems

🕗 08:00 AM – Meet & Greet at Tetebatu Cultural Village

Your day begins in the tranquil village of Tetebatu, known for its timeless beauty and spiritual connection to nature. Upon arrival, enjoy traditional Lombok coffee and fried banana as your local guide introduces the ancient Subak-style water system—an interwoven network of canals, bamboo aqueducts, and earth-dug trenches.

Learn how the Sasak people balance water needs between farms, homes, and rituals in a practice rooted in “Gotong Royong”—communal cooperation.

🚶‍♂️ 09:00 AM – Irrigation Canal Trek through Rice Fields

Begin a guided soft trek along the irrigation network, following the path where spring water flows from Rinjani’s slopes down to the terraced rice paddies. Your guide will show you:

• Primary and secondary irrigation canals

• Earth-based channel engineering

• Manual water gate systems

• Balinese-influenced Subak adaptations

The walk meanders through picturesque sawah (rice fields), where you’ll hear the symphony of flowing water, croaking frogs, and chirping birds.

📸 Photo Opportunity: The “Triple Fork Junction” where one stream feeds three fields—symbolizing harmony, equality, and balance.

💧 10:30 AM – Visit the Sacred Water Rock “Mata Air Sarang Wallet”

Tucked into a bamboo grove is Sarang Wallet waterfall—a sacred spring waterfall where water distribution begins. Here, villagers perform rituals during planting season to bless the water and ask for fertility and protection.

Your guide will explain how spiritual belief merges with engineering, ensuring that water isn’t just a utility—it’s a shared, sacred trust. You may witness a local priest preparing offerings, or participate in a simple water blessing if you wish.

🧑‍🌾 11:30 AM – Meet the “Water Master” & Farmer Workshop

Continue your walk to meet Tetebatu’s Juru Air—the local water master, a community-appointed elder who controls the schedule of water flow between farms. He’ll show you how the rotation works and share stories of:

• Conflict resolution through water diplomacy

• Seasonal planting calendars

• Respecting nature through ancient wisdom

Then, join a farmer family who will demonstrate how they clean canals, build temporary barriers, and test water clarity using natural methods.

🛠️ Hands-On Experience: Help remove leaves or debris from a real canal using bamboo tools—simple, satisfying, and vital.

🍽️ 12:30 PM – Organic Lunch on the Farm

Take a break at a scenic rest stop overlooking emerald terraces. Enjoy a fresh farm-to-table lunch, lovingly prepared with ingredients grown using the same irrigation system you’ve been exploring.

Sample Menu:

• Organic red rice from Tetebatu

• Steamed cassava leaves in coconut sauce

• Eggplant sambal

• Tofu & Tempeh curry

• Seasonal tropical fruits

• Herbal lemongrass tea

The meal is vegetarian-friendly and can be customized on request.

🌿 02:00 PM – Community Roundtable: Challenges & Hope

After lunch, gather for a shaded community roundtable where you’ll hear from:

• Local youth who are reviving irrigation education

• Elders concerned with water pollution and tourism impact

• Women farmers leading permaculture movements

This is your chance to ask real questions and understand how a centuries-old system faces modern challenges—from climate change to resort expansion.

💬 “We don’t need high-tech machines—we just need respect for what already works,” – Ibu Suarti, 64, canal caretaker.

🧑‍🌾 03:00 PM – Optional Activity: Rice Planting or Canal Clearing

If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll get to join a mini farm session, choosing between:

• Planting rice seedlings knee-deep in wet paddy

• Clearing irrigation trench alongside farmers

This is one of the most memorable moments for guests—muddy, meaningful, and camera-worthy. Don’t worry, we’ll provide sarongs, gloves, and water shoes!

📸 Instagram Tip: A drone shot of you planting rice with Mount Rinjani in the background is pure gold.

🌅 04:30 PM – Sunset View at “Puncak Air” (Water Peak Lookout)

Close your journey with a scenic walk to Puncak Air, a hidden lookout point offering panoramic views of the irrigation-fed valleys and Mount Rinjani’s misty crown. As the golden hour sets in, sip fresh coconut juice and reflect on a day of connection—to the earth, to people, to water.

This is more than a tour—it’s a story. One you’ve walked, lived, and become part of.

🚐 05:30 PM – Return to Hotel or Homestay

After a full day of learning and nature, we’ll drive you back to your accommodation with memories (and muddy feet) that will last a lifetime.

📍 Tour Summary: At a Glance

FeatureDetail Tour Name Explore Tetebatu Irrigation Systems Tour Location Tetebatu Cultural Village, Lombok Duration Full Day (~9.5 hours) Start Time 08:00 AM End Time 05:30 PM Included Local guide, organic lunch, farmer donation, water, snacks Exclusions Travel insurance, personal expenses Suitable For Cultural travelers, families, students, eco-tourists Physical Level Moderate walking (rice fields, uneven terrain) Group Size Max 8 guests for personalized experience

📲 How to Book Your Tetebatu Irrigation Tour

Booking is simple, secure, and community-supported:

👉 Reserve Your Spot: tetebatutour.com

📞 WhatsApp: Mr. Ibrahim

📞 WhatsApp: Mr. Ukenk

💚 100% of profits go to local farmers, guides, and irrigation caretakers.

All tour concepts, text, and itinerary descriptions are © Lombok Heritage – tetebatutour.com. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited. We honor indigenous knowledge and work closely with Tetebatu’s farming families. Please travel responsibly and respectfully.