Bathed in tropical beauty and with several fun things to do, Bali is easily among the most-visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. It is nestled within the Indonesian Archipelago and boasts a picture-perfect landscape. Volcanoes touch the clouds while expansive rice fields cascade down into terraces. And, as if that’s not enough, a staggeringly impressive concentration of spas are available, providing all the rejuvenation and relaxation you need. Before you head off to try one of these, spend your time exploring the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace, located about 20 minutes’ drive north from the laidback but equally stunning town of Ubud. An expansive stretch of bright green lushness abound - the fields are every bit a sight to behold and a repository of tons of knowledge too. We’ve put together a guide to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali that covers the best of everything that you can spend your time doing here, so read on and bookmark for later!
Things to do / Highlights
Hike through the fields
The terraced fields allow fantastic access for hikers to enjoy the beauty of the area. Although you can hike for as long as you want, the minimum amount of time you’d spend here is at least an hour. During the tour, you can interact with the local farmers, learn about their **farming techniques, and even click pictures with them. Although, take note that they might ask for a small tip for the pictures.
Admire panoramic views
Several spots along the fields offer beautiful sights. The expansive skies serve as the backdrop to the dancing palms trees, and the whole place is fronted by the bright green fields - truly a sight to behold! Put down the camera and let your eyes (and senses) enjoy this paradise.
Take fabulous photos at one of the swings
Even if you haven’t been to Bali, you’ve probably seen at least one or two pictures taken at one of the swings. There are quite a few of these swings around Tegalalang Rice Terrace. While the ones located at the more scenic spots require you to pay a fee of about 20 USD per person, the other ones are free. One such iconic swing is adorned by a large, colourful “Love Bali” sign. You can get several frame-worthy snaps here.
Travellers tips
Carry essentials
This is an entirely outdoor activity, so remember to carry along some snacks, water, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, bug repellant, and a cap or hat. It would also be helpful to wear proper footwear and hiking-friendly clothes.
Maintain safety
These are essentially agricultural fields, so there are no paved hiking walkways. Remember to be careful while ascending and descending. Watch out for soft, wet mud, which increases the likelihood of slipping or losing balance.
Carry cash
The admission, as well as parking charges, are only accepted in cash, so head here with a wad of Indonesian rupiahs. Carrying small change will come in handy.
Small-time tips/donations
All through the tour, you’ll encounter locals and farmer families requesting small donations. Remember that this is not mandatory. You can choose to pay whatever amount you like or not at all. Although, these fields are their only means of livelihood, so shelling out a buck or two might not be a bad idea.
Choose the best time
March, April, September, and October are considered the most rewarding months to visit the fields - perfect weather, wealth of greenery, and tons of fun. As for the other months, the weather may get hot and humid, so head here only if you’re willing to rough it out a bit. Avoid heading to the fields if you’re visiting between December to February, as the rains might dampen your experience. In general, early morning or early evening visits to the fields are considered better, since the crowd is limited, weather is good, and lighting is perfect for photography.
How to get there
If you’re not hitching one of the guided tours, most of which take care of the conveyance, you can explore other options.
Two-wheeler
You’ll find plenty of bicycle, motorbike, or scooter rentals in Ubud’s town centre, starting at a base price of about 8 USD per day minus the fuel cost. Just rent one and head along. The route to Tegalalang Rice Terrace usually takes about half an hour from there. However, do note that the final stretch of the route can be pretty steep and challenging, so ride by yourself only if you’re totally confident or in the mood for a thrill.
Car
The fields are approximately a 20-minute drive from the town centre and you’ll find several car rental services as well as cabs there. If you opt for a cab, the local drivers are used to negotiating the challenging route, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Otherwise, you can also rent private vehicles along with a driver. For those of you opting for self-driven cars, the same advisory regarding the safety applies. Full-day cabs are typically available upwards of 35 USD. Remember to agree on the cab fare before starting the journey.
Parking information
There’s a huge parking lot near the rice fields. You can park your private car there for about 1 USD. For two-wheelers, you can leave your vehicle in the parking area behind the cafes and restaurants that are at a walking distance from the fields. If you’re parking your bicycle, do remember to put a lock on it.
Important information
It is mandatory for two-wheeler riders to wear helmets while riding. Also, remember to carry your international driving license if you’re planning to drive any vehicle around the town by yourself.
How to book tickets
Admission tickets can only be purchased on-site unless you opt for a third-party guided excursion. The ticket counter is located on the main street, just a short distance away from the viewpoint.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace information
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Address: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang village, Gianyar regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Cost: 2 USD (15,000 IDR)
Official website: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Department of tourism: Bali
Ubud: Electric Bike Tour to Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Duration: 3 hour
History
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