On the route between Bali’s popular Ubud and Kintamani road, lies slopes of rice paddies with a dramatic view. Known as Tegalalang Rice Terrace, it is considered one of the best rice terraces in The Island of Gods. It lies in a valley in Ceking Village, Tegalalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
These 61 square kilometers of rice paddies also called Ceking Rice Terrace. In ancient times, the valley was originally an uninhabited area consisted mainly of wild grass. Since several centuries ago, it has been transformed into a collection of well-maintained rice fields. Arrange neatly across the valley on a terrace formation.
Layers of green rice paddies, irrigated with the traditional Subak System, will remind visitors of a big wedding cake. The place provides a spectacular view one should not miss when visiting Bali.
Lunch with an intense view in Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Img: bs nihong
Tegalalang Rice Terrace Attraction
The scenery of Tegalalang is simply splendid. The green emerald rice plants as far as eyes can see, with coconut trees in-between. The golden sun rays shine through the valley, touching gently the leaves on these seemingly endless slopes. It feels like being transported to another world. It’s easy to get lost with nature here.
Visitors may also enjoy little details while walking through the little muddy path between each field. Tourists may also touch and examine the rice plants. On some spots, tourists will encounter small temples with offerings. There are also “saung”, little wooden gazebos built as a place for farmers to rest between work.
Tourists may sit there while enjoying the sound of birds and cicadas, while also feeling the cool breeze. Take time and immerse the nature before moving on to other activities like taking pictures.
Swing facing the magnificent view, price start from Rp150.000. Img: Iffat Ara
Locals’ Farming Activities
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is an active and working farm. It means visitors will come across usual rice-farming activities happening every day here. It can be farmers plowing the wet field, prepare them for the new seedlings. Or the farmers harvesting and transporting the recently harvested crops.
Whatever it is, indulge and observe these processes. It’s a meaningful experience, a valuable lesson about hard work, a relationship with nature, and Bali’s humble lifestyle. It is also an opportunity to learn on-site about the Subak system. As an irrigation system, it’s incorporated into Bali’s way of life beyond just technical cooperation of watering the fields.
It is a system created to harmonize this agrarian society together. Tourists might not learn about Subak in detail during their visit here. But interacting with local farmers would at least give some insight into how this system applied to their lives daily.
Experience and get a closer look at traditional farming in Tegalalang Ubud. Img: Flickr/Aussie Assault
Pre-Wedding Spot
For Indonesian locals, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of those perfect places to take pre-wedding photos. It is understandable since the heavenly atmosphere in this place is fit as a backdrop for such a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
It has also been becoming trends among the tourist. To capture beautiful self-portraits among the green rice fields and then post them to social media. Why not participate? The locals seem to understand this trend as well. Several spots are now marked to help tourists to take pictures comfortably.
These spots have made choosing the best view or the perfect angle much easier. But don’t be limited on these spots only, be creative and explore every possibility. Every corner of the rice terrace can provide a perfect vantage point to capture one’s experience on Tegalalang.
Every spot in Tegalalang is magnificent, the locals keep it that way in a traditional way. Img: István File
Endless Arrays Of Art Shops
Tegalalang district has a designated area for growing businesses in the field of arts and crafts. It has arrays of art shops extending up to 10 kilometers for tourists to explore. This area is the longest collection of art shops in the world. It is a perfect place for both art collectors and souvenir hunters.
Skilled craftsmen produce fine wooden carvings and sculptures resembling various animals or mythical figures related to Bali culture. Glass is also another popular material to produce these sculptures. There are a variety of paintings from local artists and also bags, hats, and clothes. Do not forget, bargaining skill is a must when buying for souvenirs here.
Dining Surrounded By Rice Fields
After hiking up and down exploring the rice terrace, nothing better than having lunch in some cozy restaurants and take a rest. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes for visitors to dine surrounded by the exceptional green scenery.
Plenty of cafes and restaurants serving both local and western cuisine. Img: Mary Ayumi
Sit and take a nice look over the green terrace while enjoying the various Bali cuisine these restaurants offer. Visitors also recommended trying delicious cold young coconut drink, it is perfect to quench the thirst and replenish the energy.
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Tegalalang Rice Terrace Opening Hours
The best time to visit, temperature-wise would be early in the morning to avoid scorching heat and humidity at midday. It is also the best time to catch a glimpse of early sunshine. Visitors also recommended visiting when the rice field at its most green.
The scenery will also be no less beautiful in any other phase of rice-farming. Whether it is during the soil-plowing, the seedling planting, or the harvest season. Each delivers its own interesting spectacle to observe.
| Tegalalang Rice Terrace Opening Hours | |
| Every day | 06:00 – 18:00 WITA |
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Tegalalang Rice Terrace Entrance Fee
For tourists intend to go to the rice terrace. Be aware that Tegalalang Rice Terrace does not belong to just one person. So prepare some small notes Rp5.000 – Rp10.000 for the entrance fee get through certain parts. There will be people asking for a donation on several spots. And sometimes it will get too annoying, as some visitors reported.
| Tegalalang Rice Terrace Entrance Fee | |
| Foreign | Rp10.000 |
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Facilities
Hotels and accommodations are plenty nearby. It’s perfect for tourists who don’t want to be late catching the sunrise early in the morning. Parking space is available by the side of the road, regulated by locals. And restaurants are scattered around Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
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How To Get To Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang rice terrace is easy to reach from Ubud. It’s located just beside the road of Ubud-Kintamani. And it will take only 20 minutes. Like everywhere else in Bali, the transportation mode that dominates the tourism of that island is rental vehicles. Whether it’s a car, scooter, or even bicycle.
Although the options are pretty much limited to that, tourists do not need to worry since there are a lot of options from many rental services and the price is quite affordable. There are also taxis and motorcycle taxis for tourists who don’t want to drive.
To get to Tegalalang Rice terrace, tourists could also use ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or GoCar. It cost around Rp20.000 for a motorbike to Rp40.000 for a car with a passenger capacity of up to 4 people.
Address & Location
Tegalalang rice terrace location is 9 km away from Ubud Art Market. It’s located in Jl. Raya Tegalalang, Tegalalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80561.
