Tegalalang Rice Terrace is like something out of a dream: endless swathes of green palms trees, steep rice terraces and - if you go at sunrise - stunning golden light, that makes the whole area feel truly magical. It used to be really easy to get to the best of the terraces, but in recent years access has changed.
There are still plenty of ways to get to various different rice terraces, but if you’re looking to get to that Instagram spot, then it’s definitely a lot harder than it used to be! After a failed sunrise mission using the old route, and finding the bridge has been destroyed, we finally worked out how to get there and found several other great areas to explore along the way.
As well as the rice terraces there is now a stunning infinity pool cafe and huge swing complex to add to that famous photo spot.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
How to plan the perfect trip to Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Finding that Instagram photo spot
Lots of the dreamy photos you’ve seen on Instagram are taken in the area on the eastern side of the rice terraces (away from the road and cafes), and you can’t actually see it from the main road in Tegalalang.
You used to be able to walk down from the main road (using this entry point) along a well made path with stone steps, over a bridge and up the other side to reach this area, which is the most beautiful part of Tegalalang.
However, that bridge has been destroyed and unless it’s re-built you can no longer use this route.
Unfortunately, we didn’t figure this out until we got to where the bridge should be, so we missed sunrise on our most recent visit.
To be honest, this area had changed a lot, even before we realised access to the further terraces was no longer possible.
There are so many cafes, warungs and swing businesses that have set up their own entry points to the terraces, and it’s not so obvious where the official path is.
However, without that bridge it doesn’t really matter as you can’t get there anyway.
To reach that spot now you have two options, you can either walk from the huge new Tegalalang swing complex (Uma Ceking), which will cost 50k IDR (USD $3.25) - this price will now have increased, please see note below - or you can use the slightly quicker route which begins on the other side of the valley.
This option costs 50k IDR (USD $3.25) and cuts around 15 minutes off the walk time.
Update for 2024: the walking track we used has now gone up to 50k IDR, so the price of going via Uma Ceking must have also gone up quite a bit, as it used to cost five times more. We can’t find an accurate price online, so please let us know if you visit so we can update the guide!
We’d recommend using the latter option as you can go at any time of day and it’s nearer. The walk from here is 2.2km return and takes around 20 minutes each way. It’s a decent path for the most part, but can be muddy and narrow in places. We have full details on the trail in this guide.
If you do want to go from the swing complex, you take the walking trail that leads down into the valley and then up the hill to the other side, where you’ll arrive at a small drinks stand. From here you head left and you’re then following the same route as from the other side of the valley.
The rice terrace infinity pool
There’s nothing like catching a sunrise over the rice terraces, but the infinity pool at Tis Cafe comes a close second.
We could not believe how stunning the view was and the pools take full advantage of the dramatic scenery.
The upper pool
The upper pool is perfect for swimming or lounging, while the lower pool is more like a small plunge pool, but it’s hidden beneath the larger pool so feels completely secluded.
The lower pool
Even if you don’t fancy a dip, it’s well worth stopping by the cafe which has the same amazing views and lots of comfy seating, including some cute swinging chairs at the bar.
On our visit there was no minimum spend which is pretty unbelievable! I can’t imagine that will always be the case (update for July 2023, it’s not, the minimum spend is now 250,000 IDR or approx USD $16.50), but for now it’s like being able to use a 5 star swimming pool for the price of a coffee (although we did buy more than one coffee!).
If you’re planning to swim they have showers and changing rooms, and a towel is now included due to the minimum spend.
You’ll also find a gorgeous short walk into the terraces from here, which is really well maintained and our second favourite rice terrace area after the one mentioned above.
It’s a shorter, easier walk and still stunning if the idea of the longer walk is off putting in the Bali heat.
The cafe doesn’t open until 9am so if you’ve done a sunrise mission, you might have a short wait to get in, but it’s definitely worth it.
The Tegalalang Swing
The first time we visited Tegalalang, there were a few swings dotted around, and one main swing which is the one you commonly saw on Instagram.
As with the rest of Bali, swings have now popped up all over the place. Tis Cafe even has its own, which is the cheapest we saw at just 50k IDR (USD $3.50) - although it didn’t swing out that far.
Our favourite swing - which was located near the Instagram photo spot side of the terraces - is now closed, and a big new swing complex has set up called Uma Ceking. Whilst not quite on the scale of the official Bali swing, it’s not that far off.
For 200k (USD $13.70), you’ll find four swings and several nests, which you get unlimited use of. You can also use their walking trail over to the other side of the valley.
If you’re not going to swing and just want to take photos and do the walk, the cost is 50k IDR (USD $3.50).
As well as a couple of bigger swings there’s a family swing which doesn’t go out too far.
It’s super popular and staff will swing you out, so that someone else can take your photo. If you only want to do one swing though, it’s pretty expensive.
The family swing at Tegalalang
There’s another swing by the drinks stand on the other side of the valley, which is a lot cheaper (they’ll start at 100k IDR, but you can barter). However, I am not sure the view is as good.
Other viewpoints at Tegalalang
A quick drive along the Jalan Raya Tegalalang (the main road through the town of Tegalalang) will show you there are now many, many entry points and areas to check out the terraces and take photos.
Most have warungs attached, and you may be asked to pay a fee - although we can’t be sure, as we went at sunrise and there was no one around.
However, none of these offer the kind of views you’ll get by exploring the valley on the other side. If you have limited time and just want a couple of rice terraces pics and one of the Love Bali sign, then it’s perfect, but it’s not the most picturesque area.
A lovelier area if you don’t want to walk far, but want to see a prettier section, is to start the walk from Tis Cafe. It’s just 500m long (return) and both beautiful and well maintained.
There’s a hill to climb but it doesn’t take long.
Other things to know before visiting Tegalalang Rice Terrace
They aren’t always green! When the rice has been harvested you’ll have a period of time where the terraces are brown. Obviously this is not very pretty and it’s not really worth visiting at this time. Exact dates for harvesting vary so the best thing to do is ask around, drivers often know as they’re visiting often, or use Instagram - but beware of this as some posts are not made in real time.
Sunrise is the most beautiful time to visit but stick around for at least 30 minutes afterwards. We thought this was actually the prettiest light and most people who come to photograph sunrise had already left.
Bring some small change. You’ll have to pay a donation of 10k IDR if using our preferred route and you may also need to (or want to!) give a donation to farmers along the way if you see them. You used to be asked for 20k IDR in the main photo spot area, although we weren’t on our most recent visit.
Due to its popularity parking is now heavily restricted at Tegalalang. There is a car park at our favourite entry point, at Uma Ceking and an area to park at Tis Cafe (scooters only). There are many other additional car parks just off the main road, but they have longer walk times.
Getting to Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is located just under a 20 minute drive from Ubud. It’s a good road which isn’t steep or especially windy, so it’s fine on a scooter. If coming for sunrise watch out for activity along the roads because people will be heading off to the market. If you’re not feeling confident then you can hire a driver which is fairly inexpensive in Bali.
If you’d like to go with a driver instead of independently we’d recommend our friend Wayan (based in Ubud). We’ve done loads of trips with him over the years and he’s easy going, patient and always gives you a fair price.
Just to be clear we don’t get any kick backs from recommending him, but we’d love to send him some business as he’s always been brilliant for us.
You can contact him on Whatsapp: +62 812 3792 3151 or through instagram - @wayan_driverbali. Tell him you came from our blog and I am sure he will give you a good price : )
If coming from areas other than Ubud, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is just over an hour away from Kuta or Canggu.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace Entrance Fee
There are two different entry fees depending on where you choose to access the terraces. You may also be able to use certain entrances for free, but they aren’t in the best locations in our opinion.
On the eastern side of the valley - along Jalan Raya Cebok - the fee is 10k IDR (USD $0.70) and from Ume Ceking it’s 50k IDR (USD $3.50), or it’s included in the price of the ticket if you’re planning on using the swing.
Landowners may also ask for money if you want to walk across their rice terrace for photos (on the far side of the terraces). It's pretty small (20k, just over $1.40 USD), so see it as a friendly donation to the locals to witness this stunning area.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace vs Jatiluweh Rice Terrace
We've been to both Tegalalang and Jatiluweh and loved them both. Tegalalang has a more intimate feel with steeper terraces, like being in an amphitheatre.
The rice stems (not sure of the technical term) are much longer at Jatiluweh, so the overall effect is less like an actual terrace.
Jatiluweh is huge and impressive for its sheer scale. You walk along stone footpaths to see out onto the valley of rice terraces, whereas the walk in Tegalalang is along the rice terraces themselves.
We really like them both, but Jatiluweh is a lot further away, so may be harder to fit into your itinerary, it is a UNESCO world heritage site though so if you get the chance, then visit! It also makes a great break in the journey between Ubud and Munduk.
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