Where Are the Best Rice Terraces in Bali? Tegalalang VS Jatiluwih

Last Updated on August 16, 2019 by Jon Algie

Where are the best rice terraces in Bali? That’s a question I asked myself recently when I was planning my honeymoon to Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Central Bali has a lot to offer, from volcano hikes to monkey forests, but one of the highlights of a trip to the interior is seeing a set of exotic rice terraces. The two main ones are Tegalalang and Jatiluwih — I visited them both recently and am now ready to answer that often asked question.

I partnered with Expedia.com.au to bring you this post about the best rice terraces in Bali — you’ll definitely want to visit at least one of these places when you venture into Bali’s emerald green interior. This post also contains affiliate links — if you click one and buy something I’ll get a small cut but it won’t cost you any extra. Think of it as helping out your favourite (or maybe 10th favourite) travel blogger!

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Located a short distance from Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are definitely the easiest of the two to visit. They are also far smaller than Jatiluwih, meaning they won’t take long to walk around. It’s a pretty touristy place in parts — there are lots of swings for people looking for that perfect Instagram shot and there are heaps of restaurants (joined by a large collection of shops) overlooking the rice terraces. It’s easy to get away from all that though — just walk down and then up the other side. There’s a cool little side valley to explore and I love some of the views in this area.

All up it took us around 45 minutes to explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. We really enjoyed the experience and I like how “enclosed” the whole place is. You’re in a valley surrounded by lush green rice terraces — the outside world seems very far away!

Entrance Ticket: It costs IDR 10,000 to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, although several enterprising locals have set up “donation stations” where money is definitely expected. Make sure you have some small notes to give!

Getting there: Being 10 km from Ubud, you’ll need some kind of transport to get there. A lot of people rent scooters but you can also rent a car and driver (around IDR 150,000 return — IDR 450,000 – 500,000 for a whole day including other sights).

Where to Stay: We stayed at Solo Villas, an awesome hotel in Ubud with stunning rice field views. Check it out!

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are further afield and much larger in scale than Tegalalang. From the road above you descend into the terraces and join up with a network of tracks. The longest track apparently takes 2.5 hours to complete, but who has the energy for that on a scorching afternoon! I walked around quite a lot (on a couple of different tracks) and then circled back to the road (it took me around 45 minutes).  There are a few restaurants above the rice terraces (and some small ones among the terraces) but the scene is a lot less commercialised than Tegalalang.

READ MORE: 32 Fun Things to Do in Bali

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are far more open and you can see several volcanoes including Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano. The views are pretty amazing and the terraces themselves are very photogenic. Jatiluwih is also a lot quieter. You’ll feel like the only tourist for miles on some areas, but then you’ll round a corner and see some. You won’t find any swings either, so if your main motivation for visiting rice terraces is to get a “swing photo” for Instagram you’d better head to Tegalalang.

Entrance Ticket: I didn’t pay to enter but my driver did pay a small fee to park. There are also no locals asking for donations. After a bit of online research it looks like the entrance ticket is IDR 20,000.

Getting there: Jatiluwih is a bit more off the beaten path and you’ll need to organise transport (or rent a scooter) to get there. I organised a car and driver in Munduk (IDR 500,000) and he was great. Leave me a comment if you want to get in touch and I’ll give you his info. I visited some awesome waterfalls (Gitgit, Sekumpul), the rice terraces and Beratan Temple (which was disappointing).

Where to Stay: There aren’t that many places to stay nearby and a lot of people visit from other areas. I stayed in Munduk — check out these hotels if you’re thinking of doing the same: Munduk Moding Plantation Resort and Spa | Geriya Siena | Melanting Cottages

Other Rice Terraces in Bali

The two I mentioned above certainly aren’t the only rice terraces in Bali. There are heaps of them scattered around the island but apparently Tegalalang and Jatiluwih are the best. I saw some rice terraces Munduk and also on the walk down to Sekumpul Falls. You’ll see heaps of rice terraces while driving around Bali so keep a lookout (but focus on the road if you’re driving a scooter – I don’t want you to crash!).

So, where are the Best Rice Terraces in Bali?

For ease of access and a really enclosed, intimate feel (if you can escape the other tourists), Tegalalang is a great option. Jatiluwih takes the cake for scope and mountain views. I enjoyed them both, so try and visit the two of them if you can. Oh, you wanted an answer? I’d say Tegalalang just edges it for me, although that’s probably an unpopular opinion. It might have something to do with the fact I visited Tegalalang with my wife and I was all alone at Jatiluwih – adorable I know but these things do make a difference!

READ MORE: Check out my two-week Bali itinerary!

Are you planning on visiting Bali’s rice terraces? Did this article help with your choice? Let me know in the comments below!

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Jon Algie

A travel blogger from New Zealand who hates talking about himself in the third person and has no imagination when it comes to naming websites.

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