Best rice terraces in Bali are among the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes in all of Southeast Asia, sculpted by hand over centuries and sustained by the ancient Subak irrigation system that flows through every paddy on the island. Whether you are chasing the perfect shot at the legendary Tegallalang rice terraces, checking the Tegallalang rice terrace price before heading out, searching for a rice terrace near me for a spontaneous afternoon visit, or planning to soar above the emerald valley on the famous Tegallalang rice terrace swing, you will find everything you need right here.
This guide covers all the top spots, from the sweeping UNESCO listed fields of Jatiluwih to hidden gems like the family-run Mupu rice terrace tucked alongside the Tegallalang valley in Ubud and the peaceful Bali rice fields Ubud scenery of Abian Desa and Manuaba. Here are 20 of the best rice terraces in Bali you should add to your itinerary.
What Makes Bali’s Rice Terraces So Special?
Bali’s rice terraces are unlike anything else in Asia, and the secret lies in the Subak system, a traditional cooperative irrigation network that has been in continuous operation for over 1,000 years. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed the Subak system as a World Cultural Heritage site, recognising its agricultural brilliance and profound spiritual significance.
What truly sets Bali’s terraces apart is how deeply they are tied to Balinese Hinduism. Water temples at every level of the irrigation system coordinate planting schedules, water sharing, and pest management across thousands of rice farmers, creating a landscape that functions as a farm, a place of worship, and a work of collective art all at once.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from April through October, when skies are clearer and paths are less muddy. Arriving before 8 AM gives you the best light and the fewest crowds. Wear sturdy footwear, bring small cash for entrance donations, and always respect the farmers and their fields.
The Best Rice Terraces in Bali
The list below covers the best rice terraces in Bali organised by region so you can plan your visits efficiently. Whether you are spending a week in Ubud or squeezing in a single day trip, there is a rice terrace here to match your schedule and style. You can also book a rice terrace day tour in Bali to explore multiple terraces in one go with a knowledgeable local guide.
1. Ubud & Surroundings
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
For most visitors, the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is where their love for the best rice terraces in Bali begins. Located about 20 minutes north of Ubud, the terraces cascade dramatically down a deep jungle valley in layers of brilliant green, framed by swaying coconut palms and dense tropical foliage. This is the quintessential Bali rice fields Ubud experience, the kind of landscape you have seen on every travel poster, and seeing it in person is genuinely awe-inspiring. Visitors come from all over the world specifically to take Tegallalang rice terraces photos at golden hour when the paddies glow amber and soft mist drifts through the valley.
The Tegallalang rice terrace price is a modest Subak donation of around IDR 10,000 to 20,000 at the entrance, which is excellent value for the experience you get. The area is also home to the famous Tegallalang rice terrace swing, where you can soar above the jungle canopy for an unforgettable aerial view of the terraces below. Arrive before 8 AM to enjoy the valley in relative peace before the crowds arrive. Tegallalang is easily reached by scooter or private car from central Ubud.
- Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, District of Tegallalang, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Alas Harum Bali
Alas Harum Bali is one of the most popular and most-searched rice terrace destinations on the island, combining sweeping views of the Tegallalang valley with a full slate of adventure activities and photo experiences that no other terrace comes close to offering. Set across 8 hectares of lush tropical landscape right on Jalan Raya Tegallalang, the property is best known for its iconic jungle swings, including a 25-metre super extreme swing that launches riders over the emerald rice terrace valley far below, making it the go-to destination for the best rice terraces in Bali with a serious adrenaline rush. Beyond the swings, visitors can try sky biking, flying fox, and explore a series of Instagram-worthy photo spots including a glass-floor viewing deck, a dancing bamboo bridge, and a towering Soekarno statue carved by a local artist.
Entry starts from around IDR 50,000 and activity packages are available at various price points. The adjacent Cretya Ubud day club offers a three-tiered infinity pool with panoramic rice terrace views, ideal for unwinding after a morning of activities. Alas Harum is located about 20 minutes north of central Ubud and is easily reached by scooter or private car. Visit early, ideally by 8 AM, to beat the queues at the swing stations.
- Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, District of Tegallalang, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Ceking Rice Terrace
Ceking Rice Terrace runs alongside Tegallalang and is consistently overlooked by visitors who stop at the first viewpoint without exploring further. Ceking offers equally lush valley panoramas and stepped green paddies, but with a noticeably quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. For those seeking a more peaceful version of the classic best rice terraces in Bali experience near Ubud, Ceking is a genuinely excellent choice.
Entry is free and Ceking is easily accessible on foot or by scooter from the main Tegallalang road. Several local warungs line the ridge offering cold drinks and simple food. Afternoon light here is particularly golden and beautiful. Pair Ceking with a Tegallalang visit for a complete morning exploring two of the best terraces in the Ubud area.
- Address: Ceking, District of Tegallalang, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Sidemen Rice Terrace
The Sidemen Rice Terrace in East Bali is one of the most serene and unspoiled destinations on this list of best rice terraces in Bali. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Agung, the Sidemen valley is a wide patchwork of emerald paddies, coconut groves, and traditional Balinese villages. On clear mornings the volcano peak appears as a dramatic backdrop above the fields, creating a scene of exceptional natural beauty. Unlike the busier spots around Ubud, Sidemen remains genuinely quiet and deeply local in character.
The best way to explore Sidemen is on foot or by bicycle along the narrow village lanes winding between the rice fields. Entry is free. Several eco-lodges and boutique resorts in the valley offer rice terrace views from their pools and terraces. Sidemen is approximately 1.5 hours from Ubud and pairs beautifully with a visit to Besakih Temple on the same day.
- Address: Sidemen, District of Sidemen, Regency of Karangasem, Bali
Pupuan Rice Terrace
The Pupuan Rice Terrace, is one of the most remote and rewarding destinations among all the best rice terraces in Bali. Located in the highlands of Tabanan regency, the landscape here is completely unlike Ubud. Vast terraces tumble down steep hillsides interspersed with clove, vanilla, and coffee plantations that fill the air with a rich earthy fragrance. The sense of isolation is palpable and the scenery is extraordinary.
Getting to Pupuan involves a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, and the journey itself is genuinely enjoyable. The area is best visited between June and September when skies are clear. No formal entrance fee applies. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Pupuan waterfall for a full highland day trip from Ubud or Denpasar.
- Address: Pupuan, District of Pupuan, Regency of Tabanan, Bali
Bukit Jambul Rice Terrace
The Bukit Jambul Rice Terrace is a hilltop panoramic viewpoint in Karangasem that delivers sweeping views across tiered rice paddies and distant volcanic peaks. Positioned along the road between Klungkung and Besakih, Bukit Jambul is often encountered as a scenic stop on an East Bali road trip, but it absolutely earns its place among the best rice terraces in Bali for the sheer drama of its landscape. The terraces drop away steeply on all sides, creating a vertiginous and stunning scene.
Entry is free, though a small parking fee may apply. The site includes a traditional Balinese temple, ornamental gardens, and a small restaurant with panoramic valley views. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the most beautiful light. Bukit Jambul combines easily with Besakih Temple or the Sidemen valley on the same day.
- Address: Bukit Jambul, District of Bebandem, Regency of Karangasem, Bali
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are the crown jewel of all the best rice terraces in Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape spanning more than 600 hectares of undulating green terraces in the highlands of Tabanan. The sheer scale here is staggering. Unlike the compact stepped valleys of Tegallalang, Jatiluwih’s terraces layer endlessly across the hillsides in every direction, with Mount Batukaru rising behind them. There is no more magnificent rice terrace view in all of Bali.
Jatiluwih charges a modest entrance fee of around IDR 40,000 per person and offers well-maintained walking and cycling trails through the terraces. Visit between July and September for the clearest skies and most vibrant green paddies. Renting a bicycle or joining a guided rice terrace day tour in Bali is the ideal way to explore the full scale of the landscape at a relaxed pace.
- Address: Jatiluwih, District of Penebel, Regency of Tabanan, Bali
Busungbiu Rice Terrace
The Busungbiu Rice Terrace in North Bali is one of the island’s best-kept secrets and one of the most genuinely undiscovered spots on this list of best rice terraces in Bali. Centred around the traditional village of Kekeran, the terraces cascade down towards a river valley framed by dense tropical jungle and clove plantations. The atmosphere is raw, peaceful, and completely untouched by tourism. Almost no foreign visitors find their way here, which is precisely what makes it so special.
Busungbiu is best reached by private car or scooter along the back roads of Buleleng regency. No entrance fee applies. Go early in the morning when mist hangs in the valley for the most atmospheric shots. Busungbiu is roughly 1.5 hours from Lovina and combines well with Munduk village or the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls for a full North Bali day trip.
- Address: Busungbiu, Kekeran Village, District of Busungbiu, Regency of Buleleng, Bali
Munduk Rice Terrace
The Munduk Rice Terrace area is one of the most atmospheric rice terrace landscapes among the best rice terraces in Bali. This cool highland village in North Bali is where rice terraces, clove groves, coffee plantations, and misty jungle trails all weave together into a single breathtaking setting. The rice fields are scattered across the hillsides between waterfalls and plantation paths, and the whole area has a peaceful, old-world character that is increasingly rare to find in Bali.
Munduk is about 2 hours from Ubud and 1.5 hours from Lovina. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to boutique villas with rice field views. Trekking trails lead to several waterfalls nearby. No formal rice terrace entrance fee. Munduk makes an excellent overnight base for exploring the northern Bali terrace landscapes.
- Address: Munduk, District of Banjar, Regency of Buleleng, Bali
Abian Desa Rice Terrace
Abian Desa Rice Terrace is a quiet and largely undiscovered gem in the greater Ubud area, offering sweeping views across sculpted paddies without the tourist crowds that fill Tegallalang by mid-morning. This is the peaceful Bali rice fields Ubud experience that most visitors are actually searching for: narrow bunds winding between flooded paddies, the gentle sound of flowing irrigation water, and the feeling of having a beautiful corner of Bali entirely to yourself. The terraces are particularly vivid and green just after the rainy season.
Abian Desa is approximately 15 to 20 minutes south of central Ubud by scooter. Entry is free and the area is walkable from the roadside. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most beautiful light. The surrounding village lanes are perfect for a slow stroll between rice fields and traditional family compounds.
- Address: Abian Desa, District of Blahbatuh, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Manuaba Rice Terrace
Manuaba Rice Terrace sits just a short scooter ride northeast of central Ubud and feels worlds away from the tourist bustle of the town centre. Narrow walking paths wind between flooded paddies while frogs and the soft sound of irrigation water provide a natural soundtrack. It is one of the most meditative and undiscovered spots among the best rice terraces in Bali, the kind of local secret that independent travellers treasure and rarely share.
Access is free and the terraces are easily walkable from the roadside. Visit early morning when the light is soft and the air is fresh. Manuaba is about 10 minutes by scooter from central Ubud and pairs well with a cycling tour through the countryside or a visit to the nearby Kehen Temple in Bangli.
- Address: Manuaba, District of Tegallalang, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
2. Tabanan, North & East Bali
Subak Sembung
A visit to Subak Sembung offers a fascinating and rarely considered entry among the best rice terraces in Bali. Located on the outskirts of Denpasar city, this formally designated ecotourism site preserves a working Subak landscape right within Bali’s expanding capital. It provides a direct and educational window into how the traditional cooperative irrigation system functions in real life, making it one of the most informative rice terrace experiences on the island. The contrast between the lush green paddies and the surrounding urban environment is striking.
Visitors can walk through the rice fields on dedicated pathways and interact with local farmers managing the paddies. Entry is nominal and the site is managed by the community for conservation and educational purposes. Subak Sembung is located near the Taman Pancing area in North Denpasar and is easily reached by car or taxi from the city centre.
- Address: Subak Sembung, District of Denpasar Utara, City of Denpasar, Bali
Wanagiri Rice Fields
Wanagiri sits on a high ridge in North Bali between Munduk and Singaraja, famous for its twin floating lake temples and wild highland scenery. The surrounding rice fields rank among the most dramatically situated of all the best rice terraces in Bali, set at altitude with cool air, misty cloud formations, and dense tropical forest on all sides. The aesthetic here is completely different from the terraces of Ubud and feels raw, windswept, and extraordinarily photogenic in the early morning.
The rice fields are freely accessible from the main ridge road and easily spotted while driving between Munduk and Singaraja. No entrance fee. Wanagiri is about 2 hours from Ubud. Combine the visit with the iconic Wanagiri swing viewpoints and a walk around Lake Tamblingan for a full highland experience.
- Address: Wanagiri, District of Sukasada, Regency of Buleleng, Bali
Antosari Rice Terrace
Antosari Rice Terrace lines the scenic mountain road connecting Tabanan to Pupuan in the highlands of West Bali. The terraces step down steep hillsides into wide valley panoramas, with coffee estates and traditional Balinese villages woven between the paddies. Antosari is a compelling stop on any best rice terraces in Bali itinerary for travellers making the mountain crossing between South Bali and the northern or western highlands.
The terraces are freely accessible from roadside viewpoints along the Antosari to Pupuan route. No entrance fee. The mountain drive through this corridor is one of Bali’s most scenic and least-touristed highland routes. Visit in the morning when light is clear and mist has lifted from the valley floor.
- Address: Antosari, District of Selemadeg Barat, Regency of Tabanan, Bali
Belimbing Rice Terrace
Belimbing Village Rice Terrace is one of the most underrated and breathtaking landscapes on this entire list of best rice terraces in Bali. Sitting within the same highland area as Pupuan in Tabanan, the terraces cascade in wide sweeping steps down steep hillsides flanked by clove, coffee, and durian orchards. The scale and beauty here rivals Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, yet Belimbing draws only a tiny fraction of the visitors. This is Bali’s rice terrace landscape at its most unspoiled and authentic.
Belimbing is approximately 1.5 hours from Ubud and best reached by private car or scooter along the mountain road through Pupuan. Entry is free. The dry season months from June through September offer the clearest skies and most vibrant paddies. The village itself is a joy to explore on foot, with friendly locals and a traditional community temple at its centre.
- Address: Belimbing, District of Pupuan, Regency of Tabanan, Bali
Plaga Rice Terrace
Plaga Rice Terrace sits in the cool highlands straddling the border of Badung and Buleleng regencies, at an altitude where the air is crisp, volcanic peaks are visible in the distance, and dense jungle frames the terraced paddies on all sides. The atmosphere here is distinctly different from the lush tropical warmth of the Ubud terraces, giving Plaga a unique and compelling character among the best rice terraces in Bali. The area is particularly popular with cyclists and trekkers who come for the scenic mountain roads as much as the views.
Plaga is approximately 1.5 hours from Seminyak or Canggu, making it a viable day trip from South Bali. Access is by private vehicle along winding mountain roads. No entrance fee applies. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May through October when road conditions are good and skies are at their clearest.
- Address: Plaga, District of Petang, Regency of Badung, Bali
Kintamani Rice Fields
The Kintamani Rice Fields, easily explored as part of an Ubud and Kintamani tour, are unlike any other entry on this list of best rice terraces in Bali. The lower slopes of Mount Batur are terraced in paddies that descend towards the glittering surface of Lake Batur below, creating a scene of extraordinary geological and agricultural beauty. Nowhere else in Bali can you photograph lush green rice fields with a smouldering active volcano rising dramatically behind them.
The rice fields are best seen along the road between Kintamani town and the lakeside villages of Kedisan and Trunyan. Access is free. Most visitors combine the rice fields with the iconic Kintamani volcano viewpoint and lunch at one of the caldera-view restaurants overlooking the lake. The area fits naturally into a full-day Ubud to Kintamani itinerary.
- Address: Kintamani, District of Kintamani, Regency of Bangli, Bali
Pejeng Rice Fields
Pejeng Rice Fields stretch through the ancient valley just a few kilometres east of Ubud, woven between some of the oldest temples and archaeological sites in all of Bali. What makes Pejeng stand out among the best rice terraces in Bali is its remarkable cultural density. The rice fields are punctuated by centuries-old shrines, moss-covered walls, and traditional village compounds, making a walk here feel like a journey through living Balinese history that stretches back over a thousand years.
The Pejeng area is ideal for a quiet morning walk or bicycle ride from central Ubud. Entry to the rice fields is free and the local Subak continues to manage the paddies using traditional methods. Visit during planting or harvest season for the most photogenic conditions. The nearby Museum Arkeologi Gedong Arca offers excellent context on the valley’s ancient cultural past.
- Address: Pejeng, District of Tampaksiring, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Kedewatan Rice Terrace
Kedewatan Rice Terrace lines the western edge of Ubud along the deep Ayung River gorge and is perhaps best known internationally as the backdrop for some of Bali’s most luxurious resort properties. The terraces cascade steeply down to the river far below, creating a cinematic valley landscape that ranks among the most beautiful of all the best rice terraces in Bali. What many visitors do not realise is that the rice fields are freely accessible to everyone, not just guests of the upscale resorts perched above them.
Kedewatan is about 15 minutes by scooter west of central Ubud. Walking tracks lead from the main road down into the valley, where you can stroll along the bunds between paddies with the Ayung River rushing far below. No entrance fee. Visit early morning when mist fills the gorge and golden light filters through the jungle canopy.
- Address: Kedewatan, District of Ubud, Regency of Gianyar, Bali
Jembrana Rice Fields
Jembrana Rice Fields in the far west of Bali are among the most overlooked landscapes on the island, and that is precisely what makes them worth seeking out. Few tourists venture this far west, but those who do discover a region of intact and traditional rice farming culture where paddies stretch across wide coastal plains and inland valleys with the Bali Strait glittering in the distance on clear days. They are a fitting final entry in any serious list of best rice terraces in Bali.
The rice fields are scattered across Jembrana regency and best explored by scooter along the coastal and inland roads. No entrance fees apply. Jembrana is approximately 2.5 hours from Kuta and is often visited en route to West Bali National Park. Early morning light over the paddies here is especially beautiful, with fishing boats dotting the strait in the distance.
- Address: Jembrana, Regency of Jembrana, Bali
Explore Bali’s Rice Terraces with Bali Touristic
Ready to experience the best rice terraces in Bali for yourself? From the iconic terraced valleys of Tegallalang and Jatiluwih to hidden highland gems like Pupuan, Busungbiu, and Belimbing, the island’s rice terrace landscapes are endlessly varied and endlessly rewarding. The best way to experience them is with a local who knows exactly where to go, when to arrive, and which viewpoints the tourist maps never show.
Bali Touristic offers fully private Bali tour package options with experienced local drivers who can take you to multiple rice terraces in a single tailored day.
All tours are flexible, private, and available for advance booking, making them ideal for couples, families, and solo travellers who want a seamless and stress-free Bali experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Terraces in Bali
What is the best rice terrace in Bali?
The best rice terrace in Bali for sheer scale and serenity is Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape spans over 600 hectares of cascading green paddies against the backdrop of Mount Batukaru, and it is widely regarded as the most magnificent rice terrace scenery anywhere on the island. Unlike busier spots, Jatiluwih offers a peaceful, immersive experience with well-maintained trekking trails and a genuine sense of agricultural grandeur.
Where is the most visited rice terrace in Bali?
The most visited rice terrace in Bali is Tegallalang Rice Terrace, located about 20 minutes north of central Ubud in Gianyar Regency. Famous for its dramatic stepped valley, jungle swings, and easy accessibility from Ubud, Tegallalang draws visitors from all over the world and is the defining image of Bali rice field scenery. It is the first stop on almost every Ubud itinerary and remains the most photographed rice terrace on the island.
Why is Bali’s rice terrace worth visiting?
Bali’s rice terraces are not just scenic viewpoints. They are living cultural landscapes sustained by the ancient Subak irrigation system, recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Each terrace tells a story of over a thousand years of agricultural ingenuity, communal cooperation, and deep spiritual connection to the land. Whether you spend an hour at Tegallalang or a full morning trekking through Jatiluwih, visiting a rice terrace in Bali is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences the island has to offer.
What is the Subak Irrigation System in Bali?
The Subak system is Bali’s traditional cooperative water management network, used to irrigate rice paddies across the island for over 1,000 years. It is rooted in the Balinese Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the harmony between humans, nature, and the divine, and is coordinated through a network of water temples at every level of the irrigation hierarchy. Farmers within a Subak community collectively manage water flow, planting schedules, and pest control, creating a system that is both agriculturally effective and culturally profound. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed the Subak system as a World Cultural Heritage site, recognising it as one of the most remarkable examples of cooperative land and water management anywhere in the world.
Where is the prettiest place in Bali?
Bali has no shortage of stunning scenery, but many travellers consider the rice terraces among the prettiest places on the island. Jatiluwih offers unmatched scale and serenity, Sidemen valley frames Mount Agung as a backdrop behind the paddies, and Kedewatan sits above the dramatic Ayung River gorge. Beyond the rice terraces, places like Munduk in the northern highlands and the sea temple of Tanah Lot are consistently ranked among Bali’s most beautiful spots.
Do you offer transport to the rice terraces in Bali?
Yes! Our airport transfer service provides comfortable, reliable transport from Ngurah Rai Airport to your hotel and onward to popular rice terrace destinations like Tegallalang, Jatiluwih, and Sidemen — so you can start exploring the island’s most beautiful landscapes from the moment you land.
