The Lush Tegallalang Rice Terraces | Essential Tips

Bali offers so much incredible beauty, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular travel destination. On top of its spectacular beaches, fascinating temples, and majestic, volcanic mountains, another one of its must-see assets are its lush, emerald green, terraced rice fields. They’re not only beautiful, they’re also a cultural experience, as these centuries old terraces remain an important part of Balinese life today. The Tegallalang rice terraces are one of the top rice fields to visit in Bali, both because they are so picturesque and because they’re relatively easy access.

These stunning terraces are just a 30-minute drive north of Ubud. And although (unfortunately) they’ve become a bit over-commercialized, the Tegallalang rice terraces are still definitely worth a visit for their beauty. There are several incredible Rice Fields Walks in Ubud, but the terraces at Tegallalang are much higher, with more levels, offering more picturesque terraces.

This post covers a little bit of history on Balinese rice culture (as, sadly, there is none at the site), how to get to the Tegallalang rice terraces, and what to expect.

Balinese Rice Culture And History

Rice is a very integral part of Balinese culture. It’s viewed as a gift from God and a symbol of life. The elaborate rice terraces found in Bali are part of an ancient irrigation system called subak. A system that dates back to the 9th century when the Balinese mastered the art of diverting water from the mountain springs to communities living at the base of the mountain. A democratic process where everyone works together for the common good.

Rice has been cultivated here for centuries, with the Balinese being the most prolific rice growers in the archipelago. All due to this subak system, the warm, tropical environment, the rich mineral content in the water from the island’s volcanic mountains, and the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. A philosophy, which literally translates to ‘three reasons for prosperity’, consisting of harmony among people, harmony with nature, and harmony with God.

Today, this subak system is still in use, a living example of the ancient Balinese customs and practices. Making a visit to the rice terraces an important insight into local culture and history, as well as a beautiful one.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The lush terraced hillside of Tegallalang rice terraces is located on Jalan Raya road in Tegallalang, less than 5 miles (9.2 km) north of the center of Ubud.

Although the rice terraces are technically open 24/7, there are entrance fees. The entrance fee for the Uma Ceking Tegallalang Rice Terraces is 50,000 IDR. There is an additional fee for parking (5,000 IDR).

Also bring additional cash, in the form of several 5,000-10,000 IDR bills as farmers will request a small donation for crossing into their individual fields. Yes, it’s a donation, but honestly it’s a small price to pay for trampling in their fields.

Locals may also offer to pose for photographs, requesting money in return. It’s best to discuss this in advance so there are no surprises. And some will want to sell you coconuts or souvenirs. All good reasons to have extra small bills with you.

What To Expect At Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The balcony of the visitor site offers one of the best views of the terraces, so expect to spend a little time here. You’ll find you want a few minutes to admire the view and take in all the activities here.

Just below the visitor center, there are cafes, on balconies, and activities. Activities include several swings, nests, other photo opportunities, like the I love Bali sign, a sky bike, as well as a zip line. Unfortunately, as many of these are clustered near the entrance, it has a tendency to feel a bit like a bit ‘disney-esque. It’s a bit of a turn off next to the tranquil beauty of the rice fields. But I get it, they’re catering to Instagrammers here.

Each of the activities has a cost. A swing for 1 person runs about 150,000-200,000 IDR. A swing for two is about 300,000-400,000 IDR. They even offer long, colorful skirts if you want one of those photos with a long trail of fabric behind your swing. For a fee of course. You can always try to haggle if it all feels a bit steep.

From here, you can walk down into the terraces, and walk around to see the rice fields from different angles. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Also remember to have additional cash for the farmers as you proceed onto their property.

After your trek, come back up for a drink or a meal at one of the scenic cafe balconies.

Other Terrace Viewpoints

There are also several cafes with amazing views nearby, one famous one is Tis Cafe, just a bit north of Tegallalang. They have a swing and an infinity pool (for a fee). Reportedly a minimal spend is required between the cafe, and/or amenities to visit. Their cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Green Terrace warung is another (which also offers a photo point and swing). And if you’re on a budget, the website for Carik Terrace warung says they offer a free swing.

There are several cafes along the main road, so stop at a few to see which appeals to you the most.

Best Time To Visit Tegallalang

The rice planting is staggered, so the terraces are theoretically beautiful all year round. There are, however, some better times to visit than others.

Best Time Of Year to Visit Tegallalang

The wet season turns the rice fields into a lush emerald green oasis. This makes December to March the best time to visit. I visited in mid-February, which is still part of the rainy season, so everything was vividly green.

There were bursts of showers every day, but waiting just a few hours meant brilliant sun again. In fact I got rained on during my Grab scooter ride up to the terraces!

Best Time Of Day To Visit Tegallalang

Early morning offers the best light within the rice fields. Note that if you’re looking for Instagram shots on the many swings and nests on the west side of the street, the sun sets behind them (towards Jalan Raya road), so afternoon light will provide the best light.

The middle of the day can be blazing hot and sticky in Bali, so try to avoid that if possible. It’s also when most people visit, so it’s also crowded. Late afternoon is another good time to visit. Don’t arrive too close to closing time, however, as you may not be able to experience everything you want to see.

How To Get To The Tegallalang Rice Terraces

As Tegallalang is located about 30-minutes north of Ubud, it’s very easy to drive a rented scooter. Or, even easier, hire a Gojek or Grab scooter or taxi to bring you. My scooter taxi rides were about $2 each way.

To use Grab and Gojek, just download their app and enter your phone number (you’ll need a SIM card to get a local number).

It’s also easy to find drivers for the day if you want complete service to and from the rice terraces.

Want To See More Rice Fields In Bali?

I highly recommend doing some of the local Ubud rice fields walks. My post on the 4 Best Rice Fields Walks In Ubud details out where they are and what to expect. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the hustle and bustle of Ubud and get a quick dose of Balinese cultural heritage. Plus they’re so beautiful!

To see an even larger rice field, one that is less commercialized, visit Jatiluwih. These vast rice fields are located about an hour northwest of Ubud.

To read more about Ubud, and what to do here, see Best Things To Do In Ubud: Top Sites And Sacred Places. From treasured, ancient temples, to vibrant traditional dance performances, galleries and museums showcasing local artists, many yoga centers, spas, and amazing food, there’s tons to see and do in this vibrant city.

You can read about my Ubud homestay with an extended Balinese family here. The perfect way to get an extra dose of culture while staying in Ubud. Or, If you’re curious about a cooking class in Ubud, read about the Cooking Class I took here. The food in Bali is amazing!

I also was invited to a Cremation Ceremony when visiting Ubud. A fascinating experience which sounds morbid, but is actually a celebration of life, as well a sending-off of the soul for rebirth.

To see some of Bali’s more exotic beaches, visit Uluwatu on Bali’s southwestern coast. There are several amazing beaches here located at the base of tropical clifftops, many known for their surfing. But there are also many rooms with amazing views overlooking the Indian Ocean here, as well as great yoga and more delicious food choices.

To learn about some smaller, less touristy villages in Bali, see my post on The Small Villages Of Munduk And Lovina. Uber charming, you can find several hidden waterfalls and some cool old temples.

And for an overview of all highlights of Bali, as well as logistics like safety, scams, money matters, and more, see my Ultimate Bali Travel Guide. Safe Travels! Julie