The Best Bali Rice Fields to Visit

Tegalalang is a staggering canyon of bright emerald and lime hues, thanks to its terraced steps. It’s easily one of the best paddies in Ubud but expect crowds, especially in the middle of the day. Walk around the terraces, then climb back up to the roadside and admire the view from By Cafe, where you can enjoy refreshingly cold juices and smoothies.

Way up in the mountainous region of Munduk, you’ll find its eponymous rice fields. The altitude — just over 1,000 metres above sea level — means they are often blanketed with low-hanging clouds. Temperatures are typically much cooler than elsewhere, so dress accordingly and stop into a local warung for some piping hot bakso — a popular Indonesian meatball soup. On the way back, stop by the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan.

The Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is the largest of its kind in Bali, spanning over 1480 acres (600ha). Take a narrow, winding road — just over an hour’s drive north from Denpasar — to find this wonderland of undulating rice fields. Local restaurants are dotted around the surrounding area, many of which overlook the soft rolling hills and Mount Batukaru. Stick around for a day, or even stay the night — there are plenty of nearby guesthouses and hotels.

The rice fields of Canggu intertwine with local life, emigrant communities and motorbikes buzzing in all directions. They’re not as quiet as others on this list, but offer a unique look into Balinese farming traditions. Walk down a paved path, just off the intersection of Jalan Raya Canggu and Jalan Raya Babakan, and take a stroll away from the streets’ noise. On a clear day, you’ll even see the volcanoes in the distance.

This wide-stepped rice terrace is among the most visited in Bali. The Pacung Rice Terrace (pronounced pa-chung) is located in the village of Baturiti, about an hour’s drive north of Denpasar. It’s a great stop-off en route to the twin lakes or nearby Leke Leke Waterfall. Take a seat at Warung Gemitir afterwards for a coffee with a view of Mount Batukaru.

Immediately north of Ubud lies Payangan, a district that takes you further from the nearby tourist buzz, allowing for a more local experience. Here, you’ll find the Ayung River flowing through pockets of rice fields, shrouded by jungle. The surrounding villages of Penestanan and Pengosekan both have their own rice fields, so spend the day and take time to explore.

Backed by iconic views of Mount Agung, the Sidemen Rice Terrace is a true representation of Bali’s divine landscapes. Be sure to visit nearby Pura Besakih, a massive temple complex referred to as Bali’s mother temple. With rice fields surrounding it in all directions, the setting is utterly magical. Reach Sidemen in 90 minutes by car from Canggu and Seminyak, along plenty of winding roads through small villages.

Belimbing Rice Terrace is relatively off the beaten path in Tabanan, just northwest of Canggu and Seminyak. Bring your camera — the towering volcano backdrop and palm trees lining the scene make for a top photo opportunity. It’s far less touristy than other rice fields on the island, but while you’re here, you can check out some of the beaches, including Pasut and Pig Stone.