The Tegallalang rice fields are among the most beautiful rice terraces in Ubud and Bali, Indonesia. Along with the Subak system, they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will see how to prepare for this exceptional place and the best time to visit it. Another name for the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is Ceking: it is the same place.
- How to get there 🚖
- What to see on site 🤩
- Time to visit ⏱️
- Where to eat 😋
- Where to stay near the rice fields 💤
Unesco. The Tegallalang rice fields in Bali are an example of the Subak system, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Subak represents the equal sharing of nature’s resources among all inhabitants. It is mainly about water resources because the water of a rice field is used for the following rice fields and then for a temple. Nothing is wasted! This optimized use allows rice farmers in Bali to be the most productive in the country.
1. How to get to Tegallalang rice fields
From Ubud. Tegallalang is close to Ubud. It is about 10km northward and 20 min drive from the city center. It is straightforward and quick to get there by taxi or scooter. You can also do a group day tour, including Tirta Empul and Mount Batur. See here all day tours.
From the South of the island, Canguu, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur. Tegallalang is north of Ubud, so you have to cross the town. This takes the most time because there are often traffic jams. It takes about 1h30 to cover the 50km. You can do it by taxi or take a private driver. Some day tours include Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and waterfalls. See the price for a day visit.
Private driver, Gojek & Grab. Taxi booking apps like Grab and Gojek are prohibited in Tegallalang. They can drop you off there but cannot pick you up. You have to use local taxis with whom you have to negotiate in advance. These taxis offer a price often higher than that suggested by Grab or Gojek. If you book a private driver, there is no problem. See here the availability of a private driver.
2. What to see and what to do there
The particularity of the rice terraces of Tegallalang is that they are on very steep mountains. There are 2 main places: the first is further south and wider, and the second is slightly further north. You can see the 2 parts by walking 5 minutes on the main road.
Seasonality. Rice grows all year round in Bali. In the rice terraces of Tegallalang, rice is harvested 3 times a year. It also means you can find rice paddies in different stages of development. You can see them full of water with tiny shoots, growing bright green or freshly cut. It is impossible to know the state of the rice fields in advance. The safest way to know in advance is to watch recent Instagram stories to see them.
Admire the view. The rice fields of Tegallalang are among the most beautiful in Bali. The easiest way to enjoy it is to sit on the terrace of a café and admire the landscape. As time passes, you will notice every little detail, the water cascading through the terraces and the farmers working in their fields. It’s a magnificent sight. Further, down this page, find the best places to eat or drink in Tegallalang or Ceking Rice Terrace.
Walk in the rice fields. It is possible to walk in the rice fields, especially in the rice fields of the 1st part, further south. As you can expect, it is sporty because the rice fields are very steep. From the main road, you will start descending into the valley before going up on the other side. You can see the path crisscrossing through the rice fields from a cafe. You can thus identify if this walk interests you before you start. Going down to the valley, you will be asked to contribute to financing the maintenance of the rice fields. The contribution is mandatory.
Swing. There are several swings. It is ideal for taking beautiful photos. There are other specialized places around Tegallalang where it is also possible to rent dresses.
Zipline and sky bike. You can cross the valley and go from one side to the other with a zipline or on a sky bike for two. This is perfect for thrilling sensations and a unique view from the top of the rice terraces of Tegallalang. It is especially possible in the second part of the rice fields, the one slightly further north.
What to do around Tegallalang
Several exciting and/or Instagrammable places around the Tegallalang rice terraces exist. It is difficult, if not impossible, to reach these different places on foot. You have to take a scooter or a taxi. The most convenient is to book a driver for the day who drives you wherever you want.
Alas Harum. It’s a kind of beach club in the forest. You will find here rice terraces with very well-made paths in the middle, a river below, swings, nests, zip lines, swimming pools, and restaurants. You can easily spend the whole afternoon or even the entire day there. Around the large swimming pool, a DJ sets the mood. It’s a great place to visit, although it can get expensive. Entrance and parking are fee-based (see prices). Activities like swings or skybikes come at a cost. You can also book a bed near the swimming pool for a nominal, which can be redeemed for food and drinks. See it on Google Maps.
Aloha Ubud Swing. A place with lots of swings and nests to take the most beautiful Instagrammable photos. You can rent the dresses on-site. It’s perfect for taking photos. See Aloha Ubud Swing on Google Maps.
Pura Tirta Empul. One of the most beautiful temples in Bali, where you can purify yourself by diving into the pool. Water temples like Tirta Empul are rare in Bali, so this is an excellent opportunity to visit before or after the Tegallalang rice terraces. See it on Google Maps.
Tangkup and Manuaba waterfalls. There are waterfalls everywhere in Bali. Two are close to Tegallang. On Google Maps, see Manuaba Waterfall and Tangkup Waterfall.
Coffee Plantation. The other specialty of Bali is coffee. There are many coffee plantations you can visit. Close to Tegallalang, you can find Abian Kusuma Sari Agrowisata. It is a coffee plantation where you can taste several types of coffee. Luwak coffee – the most expensive in the world – is one of them. You will also see several Luwak on the plantation. See Abian Kusuma Sari Agrowisata on Google Maps.
3. How long to plan to visit the rice fields of Tegallalang
To admire the rice terraces without rushing, you must plan for at least 1 hour. If you plan to use the swings or stay by the pool, you can spend the whole afternoon there. It’s a magnificent view you never tire of, so time flies quickly in Tegallalang!
The rice fields are visible all the time. Cafes and restaurants with a view of the rice fields usually open at 7 am, 8 am, or 9 am and close between 7 pm and 9 pm.
The best time to visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is hard to tell: there are always many visitors. If you stay in Ubud or close to Tegallalang, the best time to visit is early morning or late evening. Beware: the sunset is between 6 and 7 pm, so don’t come too late. You can have breakfast in Tegallalang and enjoy the rice terrace before the day tours arrive, which is the best time to visit.
4. Where to eat or have a drink in Tegallalang
D Tudak Coffee Club. A bit like a beach club, but in the Tegallalang Rice Terrace. There is a swimming pool with beds to stay all afternoon. The food is not the best. See it on Google Maps.
Surya Terrace Cekingan. A lovely terrace with a magnificent view of the central part of the Tegallalang rice fields. Avoid Western food in this kind of restaurant so as not to be disappointed. Prefer a safe bet like Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng. See it on Google Maps.
TIS Cafe. This restaurant is located in the 2nd part of Tegallalang. The view is a little different but just as beautiful. Same-same but different. The rice terraces are also very steep. It is an ideal place to eat well and take beautiful photos. There is also a swimming pool and swing section to stay longer, with an additional fee. See it on Google Maps.
Huma Cafe. This restaurant is located away from the center of Tegallalang. You will be in the middle of rice fields, certainly less steep than in the heart of Tegallalang. It’s a great place to eat well. There is parking for scooters and cars. You can call a Grab or Gojek here. See it on Google Maps.
5. Where to stay near the rice fields
Several accommodations in Tegallalang offer a splendid view of the rice terrace. Some are directly on the most visited rice fields, others are a little further away, in lesser steep rice terraces and fewer visits, quieter.
K Club: a magnificent hotel with a view of a lush jungle valley or splendid rice fields. It is not directly located on the rice terraces in the city center. Convenient for visiting Ubud, Tegallalang, up to Mount Batur.
The Kayon Jungle Resort: a splendid place to stay in Tegallalang. It is not located directly on the main rice fields but on other smaller rice terraces surrounded by lush jungles.
Villa Wedang: very close to the rice fields of Tegallalang, accessible by foot. By staying here, you can visit the rice terraces of Tegallalang early in the morning, before the excursions arrive, therefore in peace.
The Papas Villas: Also very close and walkable.
You can also stay in Ubud or elsewhere on the island and visit the Tegallalang rice fields on a day trip. See here the best places to stay in Bali.
Many travelers consider the rice fields of Tegallalang to be the most beautiful and best rice terraces in Ubud and Bali, Indonesia! Also, discover other exceptional places in our TOP 25 things to do in Bali.
