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A Guide to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud, Bali


The Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud is one of the most popular spots to visit in Bali. Instagrammers and vacationers from all over the world come to see these beautiful rice terraces in person. Calvin and I had seen photos of the famous attraction before, but we didn't expect it to be as big or as beautiful as it was in real life.

How to Get There

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace was about an hour drive from our hotel in Kuta. We rented a car for that day, but using a scooter would have probably been a lot faster. Calvin and I just have no experience driving scooters, so renting one probably would have ended up badly. But if you're an experienced driver who's accustomed to the driving habits in Indonesia, then a scooter would be the quickest method of transportation!

Another option that we strongly considered was hiring a driver instead of renting a car. Hiring a driver who knew the area well would be beneficial because some of the roads (even in Ubud!) are actually quite dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Some places were even difficult to find, like several beaches we went to.

Arrival

Parking Fee - 10,000 IDR

You definitely will know when you get there because you can see the terraces while driving in the car! But finding the parking is a different story. It took Calvin and I forever to find the parking lot, but maybe we're just blind. We finally found the sign nestled between two buildings.

After parking, you have to make your way over to the tourist booth to pay. The fee is only 10,000 IDR which doesn't even amount to a full US dollar.

The entrance to the rice terrace is right across the street from the parking lot, and the area surrounding the entrance is full of little shops with clothes, accessories, and other Bali souvenirs.

What to Expect

From the moment we entered the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, we were overwhelmed with the sheer size of the whole thing. You walk along these little dirt paths that weave around the terraces. It was like a maze! Once we went in, we had no clue where the exit was, but that was just part of the fun! We also weren't expecting it to be as high up as it was! Certain lookout points had amazing views looking down into the valley!

Also, just a tip, don't wear heels or white shoes! The paths are all dirt, and the steps are super steep. We started so high, and the steps just kept taking us farther down and down and down, deeper into the fields. I was wearing slip on sandals and almost slipped a few times, especially in areas that were uphill with no flat step to balance on. There was even a section where we had to cross a stream on bamboo logs, and I definitely would not want to attempt that in heels! Oh, and if you decide to step off of the path for whatever reason, there's a good chance your foot will be completely submerged in water.

Like other attractions around Bali, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace also had plenty of swings, signs, and nests that were perfect for photos. The swings cost around 100,000 IDR extra to use. The people in Bali charge for everything, so expect to be charged for something as simple as taking your picture.

While enjoying your trek through the fields, you might come across people asking for donations. We weren't quite sure how mandatory these donations were, but it seemed to be commonly accepted, if not a courtesy, to pay them. So, just be prepared for it.

When to Get There

The father we went into the terrace, the less people we saw and the easier it was to take photos. We recommend going as early in the morning as possible to beat the crowds and the heat. We ended up getting there at around 10, but the weather was already getting hot. We stayed for about three hours, and by the time we left, I was about to pass out from the direct sunlight in combination with the insane amount of stairs we had to climb. Remember to bring water and sunscreen! Lots and lots of water! And maybe a snack or two.

What to Eat

Yes, there are places to eat and grab refreshments! All throughout the terrace, you will come across little huts where you can buy drinks or even a whole coconut! If you're on a budget, we recommend bringing your own water and snacks because it's a lot cheaper than buying something there.

After our tiring trip around the rice fields, Calvin and I stopped at the restaurant near the entrance called Teras Pasi Cafe. We were exhausted and hungry, so why not enjoy a snack while looking out at the amazing views of the terrace? The restaurant had a bar right on the edge of a drop off that looked out over the entire field. It was beautiful! I could have stayed there all day!

We ordered chicken strips for 70,000 IDR. The food wasn't that amazing, but it was decent, and the view was absolutely worth it!

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