Tegalalang is one of the most iconic rice terraces in Bali—known for its dramatic landscapes, palm-lined valleys, and layered fields that stretch into the distance.
We had seen countless photos of this place and couldn’t wait to experience it ourselves. When we finally made it there, it didn’t disappoint.
We arrived just after sunrise, and the light was incredible—soft, golden, and cutting through the morning mist. It created a magical mood we’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, entrance fees, the best time to go, what to expect, and a few personal tips from our experience—including hidden entrances you might not find elsewhere.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best time of day to visit: sunrise or sunset
⭐️ Best months to visit: March, April, September, October
⭐️ Opening hours: differ (more below)
⭐️Entrance Fee: around 25,000 IDR (may vary)
⭐️Accessability: stairs and narrow paths, not stroller-friendly
⭐️Best tour: Private Ubud Tour
Quick Overview
You can visit by scooter, private driver, tour, or Grab/Gojek. We rented scooters in Canggu for a month, which made exploring easy.
The entrance fee is 25,000 IDR, plus optional donations. There are multiple entrances, each with a small ticket booth. We used a quieter back entrance near Oneworld Ayurveda to avoid crowds.
The best time to visit is early morning, before 09:00, when it’s cooler, less crowded, and perfect for photos. After 17:00 is also a good time. The terraces are greenest just before harvest in March–April and September–October, but July still offered great views.
Expect many small cafes, shops, and toilets. Restaurants are along the main road.
Where is Tegalalang
Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located about 10 kilometers north of Ubud, in central Bali, Indonesia. It’s one of the most famous and photographed rice terrace areas on the island, thanks to its stunning layered design and easy access.
The drive from Ubud takes around 20–25 minutes by scooter or car. If you’re coming from Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta, expect a longer journey—about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
📍 Exact location: Tegalalang Rice Terrace on Google Maps
The area is easy to spot—there’s a line of shops and cafés right by the edge of the terraces, and you’ll likely see many other tourists stopping there too. There’s also parking nearby for scooters and cars.
Best hotels in Ubud
Check availability
How to get there
By scooter (+ renting tips)
Scooter is by far the most popular way how to get to Tegalalang Rice Terraces from Ubud. It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, stop for photos, and explore nearby cafes and viewpoints without any hassle.
We personally rented scooters in Canggu right after landing at the airport. The delivery was smooth, and we kept them for one month to explore every part of the island—north, east, and central Bali. It was super convenient and affordable.
You can also rent a scooter directly in Ubud, which is closer to Tegalalang. This is a great option if you’re staying in Ubud and want a short morning ride to the rice terraces (it’s only about 20 minutes).
There’s plenty of well-reviewed rentals (4.9 or 5 stars on Google) in Ubud. Expect to pay around 70-80k per day for the cheapest option.
With a private driver
If you prefer comfort or don’t ride a scooter, hiring a private driver for a day is a popular way to explore Bali’s sights—including Tegalalang Rice Terraces. We recommend the GetYourGuide option:
🚗 Bali: Private Car or Van Charter with Driver
Enjoy full-day transport with hotel pickup and an English-speaking local driver. Rated 4.8★ by thousands, it covers:
- Your choice of up to four destinations (think waterfalls, temples, rice terraces)
- Comfortable, air‑conditioned vehicle for up to 5 people (minibus options available)
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and no prepayment required
- All fuel and parking fees included
Gojek / Grab
You can also take a Gojek or Grab car (Asia’s version of Uber). It’s convenient and cheaper than hiring a private driver for solo travelers or couples.
Just note: return rides from remote areas like Tegalalang can be tricky, so plan ahead or negotiate with your driver to wait. Pick-ups are not permitted in the Tegalalang rice terrace area due to local transportation regulations.
Join a tour
If you’d like to sit back and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics, we highly recommend this private Ubud tour that includes Tegalalang Rice Terrace—along with waterfalls, a holy water temple, and a local coffee plantation.
- Stops include: Tirta Empul Temple (holy spring purification), Tibumana & Kanto Lampo waterfalls, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, plus a coffee tasting experience
- Duration: Around 9 hours with comfortable hotel pick-up and drop-off from Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta
- Why we like it: It’s one of the most highly booked and top‑rated tours in the area
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available
Entrance fee & Donations
There is a mandatory entrance fee of IDR 25,000 per person to visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces. You’ll find multiple entrances to the terraces, each usually marked by a small booth where you can buy your ticket.
As you walk through the area, you’ll also come across donation points (IDR 10,000–20,000), often set up by local farmers who maintain the trails.
Additionally, there are optional paid attractions, such as photo spots, Giant Bali swings, Bamboo bridges, and lookout platforms. The price ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 50,000, depending on the attraction.
Opening hours
Before our visit, we saw different opening hours listed online. It turns out the hours depend on which entrance you use.
We arrived before 7 AM, and there was already a guy collecting the entrance fee. You can still enter outside official hours, but ticket booths might be closed, so you may not be able to buy a ticket at that time.
When to visit Tegalalang
Best time of the day
We visited early in the morning for sunrise, and it was perfect! There were already a few tourists, but it wasn’t too crowded yet. The light was incredible for photos, with mist in the air creating beautiful sunrays across the fields.
We also had enough time to visit some of the best Ubud waterfalls in the afternoon.
In general, we recommend visiting before 9 AM. It’s cooler, quieter, and great for photography. By midday, it gets hot, busy, and less enjoyable—especially if you plan to walk deeper into the terraces or take pictures.
Best time of the year
The lushest time to visit is just before harvest, typically around March–April and September–October. That’s when the terraces are at their greenest and most photogenic.
We visited in July and while some fields had already been harvested, others were still vibrant green, so it wasn’t bad at all.
Dry season (May to October) has more reliable weather, while the rainy season (November to March) brings muddy paths and surprise showers, but also lush landscapes.
Visiting Tegalalang – What to expect
When we parked in the almost empty lot, we were full of excitement and couldn’t wait to enter.
We hoped to have the place mostly to ourselves, but that wasn’t the case. Soon, we met many other content creators and photographers walking the paths, hunting for the best photography spots in Tegalalang.
As we explored, we noticed many parts of the fields were fenced off. Please respect these barriers—people work hard on these terraces, and it’s important not to trespass.
The light was incredible during our visit, creating stunning views.
As time passed, more tourists started arriving, and groups with guides appeared. Since most visitors used the main entrance on the other side, we stayed in a quieter area for a while.
There’s no set route here—just wander, get lost, and explore. Every corner reveals a beautiful view. Along the way, we passed a few small cafes selling fresh drinks and coconuts.
It was dry season during our visit, but some parts of the trail were still muddy.
We also met this super cute cat that wanted to cuddle so much! She jumped on my backpack, lay down, and stayed there.
Swings and Photospots
We saw several swings scattered around the terraces. Each swing has a small fee to use, but we usually skip attractions like these.
TIP: Be careful when flying a drone. There will be many drones up there, as well as many palms and cables. We had a little accident, luckily our drone didn’t fall into one of the mud pools, but ended up on the trail.
Facilities at Tegalalang rice terrace
Tegalalang is quite tourist-friendly, with a range of basic facilities:
- Toilets – Available near the entrances and cafes (some may charge a small fee).
- Cafes & Restaurants – Many options with scenic views over the terraces. Great for a break or breakfast after your early visit.
- Parking – Pair or free parking is available for scooters and cars near the main entrances.
- Shops & Stalls – Small stalls sell souvenirs, snacks, water, and hats.
- Photo Spots & Swings – Several pay-to-enter photo platforms and Bali swings are scattered throughout the terraces.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early – We visited just after sunrise and it was perfect. Still peaceful, soft light for photos, and magical mist in the air.
- Use a back entrance – For fewer crowds, skip the main gate. We entered near OneWorld Ayurveda Health Center, and it was much quieter.
- Bring cash – You’ll need it for the entrance fee, small donations, parking, and optional photo spots or swings.
- Wear proper footwear – Trails can be steep, slippery, or muddy, especially in the rainy season.
- Be prepared for donations – Local farmers may ask for small tips along the paths. Keep small bills handy.
- Respect the locals – This is still a working rice field. Don’t step on crops or get in the way.
- Don’t expect total solitude – Even early, there are usually other tourists.
- Plan for heat – If visiting later in the day, wear sunscreen and a hat—it gets hot quickly.
Is Tegalalang worth visiting?
Yes — Tegalalang is one of the most iconic rice terraces in Bali, and it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if it’s your first time on the island. The views are beautiful, the landscape is unique, and the morning light makes it a great spot for photos.
That said, it’s also quite touristy. You’ll find swings, photo spots, and locals asking for donations. If you expect a peaceful walk through nature, you might prefer the Sidemen rice terrace.
Worth it? Yes — just go early, take the back entrance, and enjoy it before the crowds arrive.
Other places to visit nearby
If you have time, don’t miss these spots near Ubud:
- Nungnung Waterfall – A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a bit of a trek, but it’s definitely worth it for a peaceful nature escape.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk – An easy, scenic hike near Ubud center. Perfect for a relaxing walk with beautiful valley views and greenery.
- Tibumana Waterfall – A nice waterfall where you can swim. Great for cooling off after exploring the terraces.
FAQs
Can I visit Tegalalang with kids or strollers?
The paths have stairs and narrow trails, so it’s not stroller-friendly. It’s better suited for older kids or baby carriers.
Are there toilets and food options?
Yes, there are toilets located near the entrances, and many cafes and restaurants are nearby, offering great views.
Is it safe to walk through the terraces?
Yes, but stay on marked paths and respect fences and signs. The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially in the rainy season.
Is it possible to visit without a guide?
Definitely. Many visitors explore independently, but tours can help you get to other nearby sights easily and provide more local insights.
Final thoughts
Tegalalang might be touristy, but it’s popular for a reason. The layered rice fields, jungle surroundings, and morning light create an unforgettable view — especially if you visit early.
We personally enjoyed it a lot. Arriving around sunrise gave us a calm start to the day, beautiful photo conditions, and enough time to explore without the crowds.
If you’re staying in Ubud or exploring central Bali, it’s an easy and worthwhile stop. Just plan ahead and manage your expectations.
