I started my experience of living in Bali with a visit to Tegalalang, the most famous rice fields on the island. The rice terraces are the very first images you usually see when you search anything about Bali. I had first enjoyed the gorgeousness of the island several years ago when I’ve been here for the first time. Being back here, it was just as remember it.. absolutely stunning.
Just imagine yourself standing on the edge of rolling hills adorned with meticulously carved terraces, where vibrant green rice paddies cascade down the slopes like nature’s staircase. The beauty of this place will leave you speachless and the tranquillity of the surroundings will soothe your soul.
Keep reading this blog post if you want to learn more about my extraordinary journey discovering the awe inspiring beauty of two of the most famous Rice Terraces of Bali, where I will share my experience and some advice to help you navigate your way through this captivating landscapes.
TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES
The terraces are absolutely enchanting, with bewitching forests on all sides, giving particularly dramatic views is captivating the hearts of all who venture here. You can enjoy a nice meal, a fresh juice or a delicious coffee at the several small cafes, some with Instagrammable swings out over the fields.
how to get here
The terraces are approximately 25-30 minutes by car from Canggu. There is no public transportation but there are several transportation options available. You can choose to take a taxi or scooter taxi, using the Grab app, or you can hire a driver. It is a good idea to rent a scooter and drive yourself too.
a little bit about the rice fields
Bali has a deep rooted connection with rice farming, so the exact timeline of when rice farming began in Tegalalang it can not be determined with precision yet. However, rice cultivation has been a fundamental part of the Balinese agricultural heritage for over a thousand years, so it is safe to say that rice farming in many regions of Bali, has been practiced for centuries. The Balinese people have meticulously cultivated rice fields and developed complex irrigation and farming co-operative systems. The Rice Terraces have evolved over time, shaped by both natural and human hand.
If you want to venture a little bit around the terraces, you’ll encounter hidden gems along the way, from many breathtaking viewpoints, to charming traditional huts nestled amidst the terraces. The more you walk around the more perfect opportunities you get to enjoy this natural wonderland, capturing amazing photos and just enjoy the stunning nature.
This place is truly an unforgettable experience filled with natural and man made wonders. The colour of the terraces are unmatched, you won’t even realise when the time goes by and you spent there a whole afternoon.
JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES
WOW! That was my first thought when I saw this place, I was surrounded by volcanoes and a fairytale mixture of rice terraces and palm trees greenery, the blue sky full of fluffy white clouds adding to the view, it felt like I was in a paining. This amazing rice fields will give you a unique and peaceful experience and a slice of authentic rural Bali. This fields have some of the most stunning rice terraces in Bali that it is totally worth the visit.
Getting there is a beautiful journey, cause the more you approach to the terraces the greener becomes the surroundings, the road first passes through a small cute village, every now and then I can see a typical Balinese straw hat above the rice plants which means work is still being done here. Once you arrive, there is a parking lot at the top of the rice terraces and a nice restaurant. It was so peaceful and quiet, I knew I was living one of my most memorable experiences ever.
how to get here
You can either hire a driver, or you can take a Grab but the problem will be to get back. The place is a bit isolated from other areas of Bali and there is not much around here, or you can rent a scooter and come here by yourself. Even though we had a deal for our entire stay in Bali with a driver, we still visited many places by ourselves by scooter and this was one of those places. If you ask me, I do recommend the scooter experience, it feels much more authentic, it is a real adventure.
entrance fee
You will need to pay an entrance fee to visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. There are ticket offices on both sides of the rice terraces where you can purchase a ticket (and where they check).
Tourists: 40,000 IDR per person
Indonesian citizen: 15,000 IDR per person
Parking for scooter: 5,000 IDR
With the Mount Agung and Batur in the background and it doesn’t get much better, then the beautiful walk around the rice fields taking photos and soaking up the views, it´s just the prefect way to spend your day. There are signs with directions for certain routes you can take. I didn’t follow anything in particular because once you are there, everything is amazing.
lunch at the rustic restaurant
Taking pictures and walking around the beautiful rice fields will make you hungry, so it’s time to relax and eat some delicious local Indonesian food. We ate at Gong Jatiluwih restaurant, located on the main street. The restaurant is located in front of the rice terraces and while you eat you will enjoy the prefect view of the fields and volcanoes.
thoughts about the rice terraces
Hopefully I helped you to organise better your visit to the rice terraces. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let me know in the comments below.
To ensure the longevity of the Rice Terraces and minimise our ecological footprint, it is essential to embrace sustainable travel practices. Stay on designated paths, don’t litter and avoid damaging the rice paddies. Be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and the importance of preserving the natural beauty and the livelihood of the farmers.
Madeleine 𓇼 
wonderful!
⬻𓂀✧ ✬ღ☆ ∞ ♡ ∞ ☆ღ✬ ✧𓂀⤖