Tegalalang Rice Terrace Bali
If you’re heading to Ubud, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a must-see. In this guide, I’ll share why it’s worth a visit, how to get there, what to do once you arrive, and which nearby attractions you can easily combine it with.
Hey guys,
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is probably one of the most well-known rice terraces in Bali, and there’s a good reason for that! Stick with me through this guide and by the end, you’ll know whether this iconic spot is worth adding to your itinerary. And it probably is.
No trip to Bali feels complete without visiting at least one of its famous rice terraces. I can personally say it’s absolutely worth it, not just for the beauty, but for the nature and culture you’ll experience.
What is Tegalalang Rice Terrace Bali?
Tegalalang is a lush, scenic rice terrace located just north of Ubud. The terraces are part of a traditional Balinese irrigation system called Subak, which is rooted in the local philosophy of Tri Hita Karana – the belief in harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual realm.
Moreover, what makes this terrace unique is not just the way it’s shaped but how it represents the deep connection between Balinese people and the land they cultivate.
Why You Should Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace
This place is not just beautiful , it’s full of life, energy, and agriculture. You’ll see the magic of Balinese rice farming up close and enjoy that postcard-perfect landscape everyone dreams of when thinking about Bali.
On top of that, I learned that Bali grows four different types of rice! You’ll find rice dishes absolutely everywhere, and they’re not just delicious, they’re a cultural staple. Try the different variations when you get the chance.
While there are quieter rice fields around Ubud that are more focused on farming, Tegalalang is where those iconic Instagram shots are taken. It’s the perfect balance of culture, photo ops, and tourism.
To avoid the crowds, I visited in the late afternoon (around 4–5 PM in early June), and as you’ll see from my photos, it was almost empty.
How to Get to Tegalalang Rice Terrace Bali
Tegalalang is only about 10 km from Ubud, making it a super convenient stop if you’re staying nearby, or even if you’re not.
Transportation Options
- Grab or Gojek – I used Grab a lot in Bali and totally recommend it! If you’re in a group, order a car. If you’re solo or with one other person, a scooter is faster, especially with Bali’s infamous traffic. Gojek is another great option. Many drivers actually work on both platforms to get more requests.
- Private Driver – I had an amazing experience with my private tour driver. He was professional and super flexible with my schedule. You can contact him via WhatsApp at +62 812-3837-4968 (Bali Driver & Tour Guide). His name is Tut, and he usually replies quickly.
- Renting a Vehicle – Personally, I don’t recommend driving yourself. Traffic in Bali is intense. We actually witnessed a scooter accident involving a young couple, so be cautious. If you decide to go this route, check out Bali Car Finder for options.
Entry & Fees
To enter Tegalalang Rice Terrace, there’s a small fee:
- Entrance: 25,700 IDR (~$1.58 USD). You can pay by card or cash.
- Swing + Dress Rental: 309,000 IDR (~$19 USD). Again you can pay by card or cash.
Keep in mind that prices may vary over time, so always carry a bit of extra cash just in case. The opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. And in my opinion if you are only there for the swings and the view 2 h to 3h is more than enough.
Things to Do at Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Let me tell you, when you first lay eyes on this place, it’s breathtaking. You’ll want to hang around for a few hours, trust me. Like most places in Bali, there are lots of fun things to do and plenty of photo-worthy spots.
Explore the Terraces
Once you arrive, you’ll notice little paths crisscrossing the terraces. Wander around, cross to the other side, and just get lost in the beauty. It usually takes about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to explore it all. Bring water and sunscreen if you visit during peak sun hours.
Tegalalang Swing Experience
Yes, this is the spot for the famous swing-over-the-rice-fields shot, usually with a flowy dress and wind in your hair. While you can find similar swings elsewhere in Bali, the view here is unmatched.
I went around 4 PM and didn’t have to wait at all. Like everything else in Bali timing is key, check online or ask locals when is the best time to visit.
There are usually two swing packages: swing only, or swing with a dress rental. Of course, I went all in with the dress! You can choose between several colors – red, green, purple, yellow, etc. and two types of dress – something like a long sleeve and no sleeves.
The swing itself lasts around 3 – 4 minutes, with front and back swings. You can trust the locals to take your pictures as they know exactly how to get the perfect angle. They are basically doing this everyday all day 😀 so trust them. You can of course ask your friends to do it , but I do recommend leaving it to the locals. They were super friendly and I had a lot of fun with them.
Besides the swing, you can also try:
- Sky Bike
- Zipline
Luwak Coffee Experience
Before or after your terrace visit, make a stop at one of the nearby Luwak coffee farms, it’s really close!
We had an assigned guide to show us around the plantation, the animals, and taught us how the famous coffee is made. After the tour, they will take you to sit down at this amazing coffee spot with an incredible jungle view. Plus they will give you free samples of coffee and tea selections.
If you do like anything, which I’m sure you will, you can also buy it from their local mini shop. My favorite tea was Rosella, and my favorite coffee was the chocolate blend. But all the rest were absolutely great.
Fun fact: Luwak coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and, well… pooped out by the luwak (civet cat). Sounds weird, but it’s actually really good!
Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Nearby Attractions
Tegalalang is in a great location, close to other must-see spots:
- Tibumana Waterfall – A peaceful, less touristy spot not far from here. You will also go through the Adilla’s spot. Check out my post for a full guide.
- Taman Sari Waterfall – Only 2–3 minutes away. Quiet, beautiful, and often overlooked.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall – this is the popular cascading waterfall. Be ready to wait, I waited 30–40 mins even early in the morning.
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall – A waterfall hidden in a cave with sunlight streaming through. Magical and a dream for photos.
- Monkey Forest (Ubud) – A sacred sanctuary with free-roaming monkeys. However you need to be mindful of their rules so they won’t ruin your vacation with a rush to the hospital.
- Taman Dedari – A gorgeous cultural garden filled with giant Balinese sculptures. Very peaceful with good food and photo worthy.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace Bali is one of those places that just makes you stop and go wow. Whether you’re chasing the perfect swing photo, curious about Balinese culture, or just want to be surrounded by something peaceful and green, this spot is totally worth it.
It’s touristy, sure. But it’s also beautiful, iconic, and genuinely enjoyable if you time your visit right.
Let me know in the comments if you’re still wondering whether it’s worth squeezing it into your Bali itinerary, I definitely do not regret it. If you have more recommendations on visiting time slots , also lease them in the comments.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 💚
– Tsveti 🌸
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