When you think of Asia, one of the images that comes to mind is… rice.As a consequence of Bali’s high population density and tourism infrastructure, water supply is very important. And rice needs water. A lot of it. One of the most important societies in Bali are caleed “subaks”, or irrigation associations. Rice is so important that water management is crucial and highly organized so that every plot of land gets water.

I have been spending quite a bit of time in Bali recently, a mix of research and guiding and this has allowed me to see the island in a more in-depth point of view. I must admit I was discouraged after my initial visit. So much traffic, so much garbage, the beaches and clubs packed with party goers, the shopping scene in Seminyak... I felt the place was gone compared to my fading memories of 2000 when I first went to research. But after the initial shock, and working with awesome local guides who reminded me what Bali was all about…