The Rice Terraces in Tegallalang and Jatiluwih are the best in Bali, Indonesia. When visiting Bali, you must visit at least one, if not both. Let’s see how to choose between visiting the Rice Terraces in Jatiluwih or Tegallalang, what to expect, and how to know which one is the best for you. We will see here all the differences and similarities between the rice fields.
You can also read our post on the Tegallalang Rice Terraces here and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces here.
The best rice terraces in Bali: Tegallalang vs. Jatiluwih
Tegallalang and Jatiluwih are among the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali. If you have time to see both, do not hesitate. They are very different, and you will be amazed as much by one as by the other.
The steepest: Tegallalang
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are very steep, much more so than those of Jatiluwih. At Tegallang, you can see the slopes, the valley, and the earthworks. The fields are small and narrow.
In Jatiluwih, the fields are broad with little earthworks. They look more like hills.
With a view of a volcano: Jatiluwih
The Jatiluwih rice fields are on the side of the Batukaru volcano, the second-highest mountain in Bali. The slopes are less pronounced than in Tegallalang, so you can see the mountain and the volcano from Jatiluwih.
At Tegallalang, the mountain is further away, and the slopes are steeper and surrounded by jungle, obstructing the view of the mountain.
The largest: Jatiluwih
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces extend over a large area. You can walk for hours in the middle of the rice fields. The view is unobstructed. You can see far, including the coast and the sea. You have a feeling of space.
Contrarily, Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer an obstructed landscape. Beyond the rice fields, we see the jungle and then the sky.
In the middle of the jungle: Tegallalang
Lush jungles surround Tegallalang rice paddies. Where the rice paddies end, the forest begins.
In Jatiluwih, there are some palm trees but no wild jungle.
The best stage of maturation: no winner
Rice grows in all seasons in Bali. The same parcel can have up to 3 harvests per year. It is not possible to give in advance the seasons during which the field will be planted or harvested. The most reliable way is to watch recent Instagram stories directly to visualize the maturation phase of the rice fields in Jatiluwih and Tegallalang. Often, the rice fields are at a different stage of development between Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, making it possible to choose one or the other.
Unesco listed Rice fields of Bali: no winner
Neither the Jatiluwih rice fields nor the Tegallalang rice fields in Bali are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Subak system is registered with Unesco. The Subak system is the cooperative water management system in Bali, which is egalitarian and democratic.
Jatiluwih and Tegallalang Rice Terraces demonstrate this Subak system.
The best activities to do on site
Several activities are available on-site in Jatiluwih and Tegallalang Rice Terraces. However, each place is more suitable for certain types of experience.
Hike in the rice terraces: Jatiluwih
The path for walking in Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is mainly paved, well-indicated, and maintained. It’s straightforward to walk around. In addition, thanks to the not-so-steep terrain, the hiking trail is very easy. It is possible to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces as a family with children.
The path in Tegallalang Rice Terraces is mostly dirt. It can be muddy at times. Because of the steep slopes, the trail goes up and down. Walking here demands considerable effort, especially when it’s hot.
Bike ride: Jatiluwih
The relatively flat path in the middle of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces also makes it possible to ride there by bike. Moreover, you can rent an electric bike on-site for a longer ride without difficulty. Again, it is ideal for a family trip. See the price of a bike here.
Contrarily, you will not find any bikes in Tegallang in the middle of the rice fields. The ground is not suitable.
Swings: Tegallalang
You will find many swings in Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which are ideal for photos. Specialized places also rent long dresses to get a gorgeous shot. Others have their photographers to make sure you get the best picture.
The Instagram photo of the swing, the long dress, and the rice terraces in the background is Tegallalang. (See entrance fee here)
There is no swing in Jatiluwih.
Zipline and sky bike: Tegallalang
In Tegallalang, you can go ziplining or ride a sky bike. Cables connect the two sides of the valleys, and you can have a thrilling experience and a magnificent view of the rice fields. The sky bike can be done by two, which is ideal for couples if you visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
There are no ziplines or sky bikes in Jatiluwih.
Restaurants and Beach Club: Tegallalang
The restaurant offer is much richer in Tegallalang than in Jatiluwih. The equivalent of beach clubs in the jungle does not exist in Jatiluwih, only in Tegallalang. That is the reason why Tegallalang is the winner here. There are fewer restaurants in Jatiluwih.
The food quality is similar in both locations. There is no need to favor one place over the other for this criteria.
The easiest to visit
The most peaceful: Jatiluwih
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are smaller than those of Jatiluwih. Therefore, it is easier to feel cramped in Tegallang than in Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
In addition, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a little less known. Instagrammable swings are only found in Tegallalang, so anyone who wants to get that shot goes to Tegallalang. Jatiluwih has received less attention from Instagram influencers, making the place less crowded and quieter.
Easiest to get to: no winner
If you are staying in Ubud and have a scooter, Tegallalang may be a winner here. Indeed, visiting the Tegallalang rice terraces by scooter from Ubud is straightforward. 20 minutes is enough to cover the 10km. Keep in mind there will be a charge for parking in Tegallalang.
In other cases, Tegallang or Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are far from the best places to stay in Bali. You will need to take a taxi or a private driver. The most practical is to make a one-day tour itinerary combining Jatiluwih or Tegallalang Rice Terraces with other places.
See here the availability of a private driver.
1-day itinerary with the Tegallalang or Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih. The visit to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is ideally combined with the visit to Tanah Lot and the Ulan Danu Beratan temple in the island’s center.
Tegallalang. From Ubud, it is easy to combine the visit to Tegallalang Rice Terraces with other places in the north of Ubud, such as the Tirta Empul temple or Mount Batur (see here for an example of a tour and the price). From the south of the island, the visit to Tegallalang fits very well with the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud and the elephant cave (see photos).
Conclusion: what are the most beautiful rice fields to visit in Bali, Jatiluwih or Tegallalang
These two rice fields are part of our TOP 25 places to visit in Bali.
Go to Tegallalang if you want to:
- make the swing Instagram photo
- see rice paddies on very steep terrain
- zip line or sky bike
Go to Jatiluwih if you want:
- take a walk with children in the rice fields in good conditions
- ride a bike in the middle of the rice fields
- see rice fields with a mountain on one side and the sea in the distance on the other
