Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The rice terraces at Tegallalang are the image many people have in mind before they arrive in Ubud: steep green steps of paddy curving around a river valley, with coconut palms along the ridges and farmers working the slopes. They lie on Jalan Raya Tegallalang, the main road north from Ubud, in the district of the same name, which the Ceking area of the valley is part of. The district sits about 10 km north of the town centre, and the drive usually takes around 20 minutes.

The terraces are watered by subak, the cooperative irrigation system that Balinese farmers have used for centuries to share water between fields through channels, weirs and water temples. Indonesia's official tourism site notes the local tradition that the system was handed down by the sage Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century, the same holy man credited with founding the temple of Pura Gunung Lebah at Campuhan in Ubud. The fields here are still farmed, so what you see changes through the year as paddies are flooded, planted, ripen and are harvested.

Most visitors start from the road at the top of the valley, where an entrance sign marks the way in and the view opens out across the terraces. For a closer look, paths lead down into the valley, across a small stream and up the far side. The official tourism site suggests allowing between 30 minutes and an hour and a half to explore, and recommends carrying water and sunscreen because there is little shade on the terraces. The official guidance is to carry cash, as local children look after the photo spot at the entrance and small payments are expected along the way.

The area has developed a number of commercial swing and photo attractions on the valley sides, including large swings hanging out over the fields. These are separate businesses with their own charges, and you do not need to use them to enjoy the view. The terraces are also a working landscape, so stay on the paths and avoid walking on the edges of the paddies.

Tegallalang combines well with the temples around Tampaksiring, where Gunung Kawi lies a short distance away and Tirta Empul about half a mile beyond it, making an easy half-day or full-day loop from Ubud. Metered taxis and ride-hailing pickups are not permitted within Ubud itself, so most visitors arrange a driver through their hotel or agree a fare with the local taxi cooperative.