Bali: The Rice Terraces near Ubud

A typical image that comes to mind when thinking of Bali is probably the lush green rice terraces that can be found all over the island.

The most famous of these is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. They are among the most beautiful sights in Bali. This place, just north of Ubud, is a magnet for many tourists and can be reached after a 20-minute drive.

Already from the main street, you can marvel at the rice terraces in Tegalalang. It’s best to come here early in the morning to avoid the crowds that gather at the viewpoints from mid-morning.

The rice terraces are cultivated by hand by the Balinese on the slopes of the hilly country. Sometimes livestock cannot even be used to plow the fields because the individual steps of the rice terraces are too narrow and too steep. In larger fields on level ground, on the other hand, tractors are also used, which make the work easier.

Walls and dams support the fields. These are flooded via a sophisticated irrigation system that draws its water from springs and streams. The fields are planted by placing small rice plants individually by hand in the flooded rice basins. Planting is done in rank and file and is very interesting to watch. The rice can be harvested by hand after about three months. Then it is dried in the sun.

Once the rice is dry enough, the ears are threshed to loosen the rice grains.

Due to the different growth phases, the rice terraces always look different. If a field is currently unplanted, you can see great reflections of the sky in the smooth water surfaces. When the fields are planted and the rice has already grown a bit, the landscape appears in a lush green color – both are very nice photo motifs!

The nutrient-rich volcanic soils of Bali offer optimal conditions for rice growth, so that around three rice harvests are possible each year. Therefore, rice is one of the staple foods in Bali and secures the livelihood of many families.

To honor the Balinese goddess of fertility, Dewi Sri, shrines are set up at the edges of the rice fields, where small offerings can be found. This should ensure a safe and good harvest for the Balinese. Dewi Sri is therefore also known as the rice goddess.

You can enter the slope near the main road for free. You can take beautiful photos from here.

However, it is very worth going down the mountain and back up the other side. Then you can walk around between the rice fields and see everything up close. And often enjoy the peace and quiet, because many tour groups only stop briefly at the top of the road. However, the owners of the plots have set up two or more checkpoints along the way. They expect you to donate a little because they maintain the trails, which I think is fine.

If you photograph the rice farmers working in the rice terraces at work, you should also thank them with a small tip afterward.

The Monkey Forest and a typical village in the region as part of my day trip.

I can only recommend that you take some time to visit the rice terraces. It is worth walking up the mountain on the other side as well. On every step, behind every curve, new, fantastic views are presented to you.

However, you already have a very good view from the street. All you have to do is walk between the restaurants and enjoy the view.

After your tour I would go to one of the restaurants for a drink. It’s definitely a good way to relax after a sweaty climb. And you can let the overall picture work on you again.

I especially liked the ambience and the view in the Lumbung Sari Warung. Coming from Ubud, this is one of the last restaurants on the main road overlooking the rice fields.

Here is a nice video taken with a drone showing the stunning landscape from the air

Finally, a few quick tips for your stay in Bali.

Our tour tips for Bali