Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces: The Most Beautiful Bali Rice Fields 

Again, the expansive rice fields here are known as both the Tegalalang and Ceking Rice Terraces.

If you look at the map, Ubud, a cultural hub of Bali, is spread out in the central part of the island.  From the Ubud Art Market in the “downtown” area, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are about 6 miles north.  On the area’s heavily-congested roads, that 6-mile drive could take 25 minutes or more.  

Keeping in mind the area’s unpredictable traffic, here are some general travel distances and times:

• DPS Airport:  30 miles / 2 hours
• Seminyak: 25 miles / 1.75 hour
• Kuta: 25 miles / 2 hours
• Canggu: 25 miles / 1.75 hour

For smaller crowds and better lighting for photos, I suggest visiting the rice fields at dawn.  The light traffic will cut down on your drive time, too.

The Entry to Tegalalang

You can access the fields easily from a few entrances right along the street.

Just follow the signs that say “trekking.”

You’ll follow stone paths down the terrace, which later become muddy walkways through the rice fields.

The Cost to Visit Bali’s Rice Fields  

Depending on the day and time you arrive to visit the rice fields, you might find the gates open with no one around selling entrance tickets.

Other times, the entrance will cost 25,000 IRD to 50,000 IRD.  That’s the equivalent of $1.50 to $3.00 (USD).

Even after spending a couple hours there, on our exit there was still no one at any of the entrances charging the visitors who were just arriving.

The Tagagalang Rice Terraces, once home to just a single swing, is now home to a variety of options, all just down the hill from the road.

Listed on the map as “Uma Ceking,” you’ll find different nests and swings to test out.  The cost is 200,000 IDR (or about $12 USD).

Tip the Farmers

You’re likely to encounter farmers working in the rice fields, if you spend time hiking around.  If they give you information or take photos, they always appreciate a tip.

The paved steps and walkways at the entrance to the rice fields will quickly turn into dirt paths, which are used by farmers and tourists alike.

You’ll see some areas are gated off, but for the most part you’re free to walk up and down the different levels of rice fields, following their curves around the natural landscape of the valley.

In addition to seeing the farmers in the fields, you’re bound to be reminded several times that this is still a working farm.  You’ll hear roosters crowing and run across farm dogs roaming the property as you hike around.

The layered terrace structure maximizes the land that can be used for rice cultivation.  It’s interesting to see the traditional Subak irrigation system used in Bali’s rice fields.

In 2012, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in part to recognize the traditional Balinese cooperative water irrigation system used in the fields.

The system is a feat of ancient engineering, efficiently distributing water from higher elevations to lower terraces, ensuring that every level gets an adequate supply.   

Walking around, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls and follow the streams through the fields, which they’ve turned lush with crops for centuries.

While Tegalalang is especially beautiful, you’ll end up driving by multiple rice fields on Bali.

In fact, just down the street you can also hike through the rice fields at the Alas Harum property, and its day club called Cretya Ubud.

Cretya bills itself as a luxury experience. While it’s beautiful and expansive, with several floors of pools, restaurants, and lounge areas, the cost is relatively low.   I was stunned when they only charged us the equivalent of $3 USD to enter.

We weaved in and out of the pathways, so I don’t have an exact length of the full hike.  It should be around 2 miles or so.

Photography opportunities are endless at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, so it’s worth making the loop around the entire property, even if the path is muddy.

I really think all of the people you’ll see taking photos from the street or the main entrance are missing out!

If you’re looking for the famous sign, you can’t miss it.  It’s one of many Insta-famous props built for social media.

You’ll see bridal parties here, and the landowners seized on the opportunity to cash-in. They built nests and swings above the terraces, typical of the photography platforms you’ll see at these sites around Bali.

Drones at the Rice Terraces

Drones are fine to fly over the fields, but you’re likely to encounter a few others zipping around.  There’s no extra fee to fly a drone here.

The Fields Turn Brown

While Bali’s rice fields are green during the growing season, they turn golden as the rice ripens.  Then, as the plants are harvested, the remaining stubble in the fields can be brown.

I couldn’t get a straight answer, but people I spoke with at Tagagalang said different parts of the rice terraces mature in waves, so the entire property should never be solid brown.  Rice plants grow fairly quickly, and can be harvested a couple times a year in the climate in this part of Asia.

The Best Time to Visit Bali’s Rice Fields (and more)

I think the best time to visit Bali’s rice fields, waterfalls, and other outdoor attractions is during the dry season. It runs from late April through early October.

With that said, I’d avoid the large tourist crowds that descend on Bali in July and August.

That would make the ideal months for a visit (late) April, May, September, or (early) October.  Temperatures usually range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).

Let’s tackle a few more frequently-asked-questions about visiting the Tegalalang / Ceking Rice Terraces in Ubud.  A few of these were already answered above.

How much does it cost to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

We found the entrances to be inconsistently staffed, so some days the gates will be open and you can walk in for free.

Other times, depending on the entrance you choose, it’ll cost $1.50 to $5 USD to enter the rice fields.  Some entry fees also include photos on the giant swings.

Yes, along the main road you’ll find a number of spots to eat at. Our favorite, which is much quieter, is the Santana Terrace cafe. You’ll have to hike in a ways onto the property, but it’s quaint with amazing views.

What is the most famous rice field in Bali?

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces, also known as Ceking, are the most widely known on the island. They’re conveniently located in Ubud, are beautiful to photograph, and are also a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Do you need a guide for Bali rice fields like the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

No, while guides are readily available, you’re free to roam around the expansive terraces on your own all day.  

What are some other rice fields to see on Bali?

In addition to the fields which are part of Cretya Ubud, near Tegalalang, look up:

• Jatiluwih, in Tabanan
• Sidemen, in Karangasem
• Belimbing, in Tabanan
• Pejeng, in Tampaksiring
• Munduk, in Bululeng
• Canggu, in Pererenan

While you’ll pass rice fields all over as you drive around, this is where you want to spend your time!

While the rice terraces have been crucial to Balinese communities for centuries, these days the Tegalalang Rice Terraces draw visitors from around the world, and for good reason.

Whether you’re here for the photos, the hiking and exercise, some peace and quiet, or to learn more about the importance of rice in rituals and ceremonies, the terraces at Tegalalang are without a doubt worth a stop on your visit to Bali.