Busungbiu Rice Terrace: Guide to North Bali’s Hidden Green Gem

Busungbiu Rice Terrace, also known as Kekeran Rice Terrace, is one of North Bali’s most rewarding natural stops. Tucked into a deep valley in Kekeran Village, Buleleng Regency, the terraces offer wide views of layered green fields, forested hills, and a river that runs through the paddies year-round. Unlike Tegalalang or Jatiluwih in the south, this spot sees very few tourists — and best of all, it is completely free to visit.

What Makes Busungbiu Rice Terrace Special?

Set along the main highway between Denpasar and Singaraja via Pupuan, the terrace is easy to access and hard to miss. The viewing area along the roadside looks down into a wide valley where rice fields cascade in layers toward a river below. From the higher points, the panorama stretches all the way to the distant sea on clear days.

What sets Busungbiu apart from Bali’s more famous terraces is the complete absence of a commercial setup. There are no ticket booths, no staged photo swings, and no vendors competing for your attention. The terrace is managed by the local Kekeran Village customary community, and the environment remains largely natural and undisturbed.

The area is also home to an active Subak irrigation system — the traditional water-sharing practice that has sustained Bali’s rice fields for centuries and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape.

Things to Do at Busungbiu Rice Terrace

Go rice paddy trekking

You can follow paths that wind down from the roadside into the valley floor, walking between the paddies with the river running alongside. The trails are gentle rather than strenuous, though the soil can get loose and slippery after rain. Sandals with grip or light hiking shoes work best here.

As you walk, you will see the Subak irrigation channels directing water from the river through the different terrace levels — a visible example of how traditional engineering has kept this landscape productive for generations.

Watch local farmers at work

If you visit during planting or harvest season, you will likely see farmers working in the fields. There is generally some farming activity visible throughout the year. Many locals are welcoming to curious visitors and are happy to share what they know about the crops and the Subak system.

Relax in the gazebo

Gazebos are set up along the viewing area for visitors who want to sit and take in the scenery without trekking down. There are small food stalls nearby where you can grab snacks and drinks. For families or travelers who have driven a few hours from South Bali, this is a great spot to rest and recharge.

Take photos with a valley backdrop

The elevated roadside provides natural framing for photos of the full terrace spread. In the early morning, mist often rises from the valley floor, creating a layered effect between the paddies, the river, and the hills behind. The deep valley setting gives photos a sense of scale that flatter terraces simply cannot match.

Location and How to Get to Busungbiu Rice Terrace

The terrace is located in Kekeran Village, Busungbiu District, Buleleng Regency, along Jl. Kiskinda. It sits directly on the main road connecting Denpasar to Singaraja via Pupuan, roughly 30 km south of Singaraja City. Because the viewpoint is roadside, it is easy to spot if you are driving this route.

From South Bali:

• Route: Denpasar → Tabanan → Pupuan → Busungbiu
• Drive time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from the Kuta/Seminyak area
• The terrace appears on the right side of the road heading north from Denpasar (after Pupuan)
• Roadside parking is available directly at the viewpoint

There is no public transport that goes directly to Busungbiu. The most practical way to visit is by private car or motorbike. If you prefer not to drive yourself on mountain roads, a Bali car rental with driver is a comfortable option that also lets you combine the stop with Lovina, Munduk, or other North Bali destinations on the same day.

Entrance Fee, Tickets, and Opening Hours

Busungbiu Rice Terrace is completely free to enter. There is no ticket booth, no gate, and no admission fee of any kind. This makes it one of the rare natural attractions in Bali where you can simply park and explore without spending anything.

There are no official opening hours since the terrace is located along a public road. Morning visits are strongly recommended for both comfort and photography — the light is best and the air is cooler before around 10 AM.

Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips

The best time to visit Busungbiu Rice Terrace is during Bali’s dry season, from around May to October. The weather is more predictable, the roads between Denpasar and Singaraja are easier to drive, and air visibility is clearer for valley views.

That said, Kekeran Village has higher rainfall than many parts of Bali, so even in the dry season a brief afternoon shower is possible. A few things worth bringing:

• An umbrella or light raincoat
• Sandals or shoes that can handle loose, damp soil
• Enough drinking water for the trek (food stalls are available, but bringing your own is safer)
• Sun protection for midday visits

For photography, aim for the 7–9 AM window. The sun is low, mist sits in the valley, and the rice fields glow a deeper green in the soft morning light. Midday visits are fine for a quick stop, but the overhead light tends to flatten out the terrace texture.

Nearby Attractions in North Bali

Busungbiu sits along one of the most scenic routes in Bali. If you are making the trip from the south, it is easy to turn it into a full-day loop with several stops along the way.

• Sekumpul Waterfall — about 45 minutes from Busungbiu, widely considered one of Bali’s most impressive multi-tiered waterfalls
• Munduk Waterfall — a shorter, quieter hike through jungle, around 30 minutes away
• Gitgit Waterfall — popular with families, about 40 minutes north along the main road
• Lovina Beach — Bali’s best spot for dolphin watching at sunrise, around 30 minutes north of Busungbiu
• Banjar Hot Springs — natural thermal pools in a lush garden setting, easy to combine with a Lovina visit

Plan Your North Bali Adventure

Busungbiu is one of several under-visited highlights in North Bali that reward travelers willing to make the drive from the south. If you want to see it as part of a longer itinerary, the Bali Touristic team offers private Bali tour packages that can include North Bali highlights like Busungbiu, Sekumpul Waterfall, Lovina Beach, and more. Everything is private, flexible, and handled by experienced local drivers who know the mountain roads well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee at Busungbiu Rice Terrace?

No. Busungbiu Rice Terrace is completely free to enter. There is no ticket booth, no admission fee, and no charge of any kind. You can park and walk in at no cost.

What is Busungbiu Rice Terrace also called?

The terrace is often called Kekeran Rice Terrace, after the village where it is located — Kekeran Village, Busungbiu District. Both names refer to the same place.

How far is Busungbiu Rice Terrace from Denpasar?

From Denpasar or the Kuta/Seminyak area, the drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The route goes north through Tabanan, up through Pupuan District, and into Buleleng Regency. The terrace is roughly 30 km south of Singaraja City.

What activities can I do at Busungbiu?

The main activities are rice paddy trekking, photography, relaxing in the gazebo, watching local farmers at work, and learning about the traditional Subak irrigation system. There are also small food stalls where you can get snacks and drinks.

Is Busungbiu Rice Terrace suitable for families with children?

Yes. The terrace has roadside viewing areas and gazebos that require no trekking. If you choose to walk into the valley, the paths are gentle and manageable for older children. Bring enough water, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful near the terrace edges.

What should I bring to Busungbiu?

Bring drinking water, an umbrella or light raincoat (rainfall is common in this area), sandals or shoes that can handle loose soil, sunscreen, and a camera. No advance booking is needed — the terrace is free and open to all visitors.