In partnership with Potato Head

Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yeh Hoo

BY Darcie Imbert

Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yeh Hoo

Share

Bali reveals its magic to those willing to explore beyond the surface. The only way to truly access the soul and spirit of the land is through the people that know it best: the locals.

The lush landscapes and bountiful rice fields are more than scenic landmarks for snapping pictures of, but living proof of indigenous agricultural systems thought-up by farmers centuries ago. These methods have stood the test of time, nurturing the land and people for thousands of years.

Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo

This journey takes travellers away from well-trodden paths, and deeper into the labyrinth of Jatiluwih in search of the Yeh Hoo waterfall, known locally as Air Terjun Yeh Hoo. Led by our guide Suweden guide born and raised in the area, our crew learnt about the ancient agricultural practices that hold the key to the future. Moving from UNESCO-protected rice fields into the wild, the path winds through thick undergrowth, trees and twisted vines, before arriving at the majestic Yeh Hoo.  Being alone with the elements allows you to enjoy the waterfall for what it is: a natural wonder, not a landmark.  

Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
ReGen AGR Bag
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo

After recharging with the solitude and silence of Yeh Hoo, Suweden leads the way back through the forest, along moss-covered paths to his home. Awaiting the group is a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, grown and harvested using the same ancient methods that have sustained the community for generations.

The journey to Yeh Hoo runs much deeper than seeking out a hidden spot that only locals know; it’s about looking deeper than the narrative we’re fed about a destination, which is often peddled by the wrong people. It’s zooming out, and experiencing Bali through the eyes of the people who live it everyday. ReGen is about immersing yourself in the rhythms of a place, entering into a deeper dialogue with a destination and allowing the local people (and their customs) to guide you towards a more rooted understanding of the world.

Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo
Learning Ancient Systems & Following The Trail To Yee Hoo

Photography by Odit Ariadi