Visit Bali’s rice fields: tickets, prices, opening hours

Rizières Bali

Planning a dream vacation to Indonesia this year? Then don’t miss a visit to Bali’s rice paddies, the island’s true splendor!

Let’s head for the island of the gods: Bali! At the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the island of Bali is a delightful blend of dreamy landscapes, white and black sand beaches, lush forests and majestic volcanoes! Add to this a mystical, authentic culture and incredibly friendly locals, and there’s no doubt you’ll be won over by this magical island.

But if there’s one thing you’ll remember from your trip to Bali, it’s the rice terraces. Walking through them is like immersing yourself in the heart of a local tradition. Some of them are listed as Unesco World Heritage sites, so Bali’s rice terraces will make your trip unique and memorable.

So to help you visit Bali’s rice fields, we’ve put together a mini-guide with all the important information you need to know.

History of Bali’s rice fields

Rizières Bali

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Bali’s famous rice paddies feature an ingenious irrigation system known as  » subak « . This system was created in the 9th century, based on a philosophical concept known as  » Tri Hita Karana « : that of establishing a stable relationship between spirit, man and nature. The idea was to create canals and dams to manage the water in rice fields equitably and according to need, to avoid wastage.

This hyper-complete ecological system cannot be separated from collective work. In fact, in rice-growing, other activities are carried out in addition to rice cultivation. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see a lot of ducks wading through the rice paddies when you’re out and about. Why should you? Duck breeding is important in the rice fields, as they clean and fertilize them.

In June 2012, the Jatiluwih rice paddies were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see and do in Bali’s rice paddies?

Rizières Bali

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During your stay in Bali, you’ll find many rice fields, some larger than others, some less famous than others, but all just as enchanting, with their incredible shades of green and rounded terraces. Whichever season you choose, you’ll be amazed by this masterpiece that man has managed to create and preserve.

If you choose to venture into their heartlands, following the winding paths of the terraces (which we definitely recommend), you’re likely to come across a Balinese farmer with his back bent, planting or harvesting rice. You’re sure to get a big smile from him, and that’s priceless!

The special feature of Bali’s rice paddies, which also gives them their incredible charm, is the palm trees that line the entire length, making them a veritable « paradise ».

We’ve put together a short (but not exhaustive) list of Bali’s most beautiful rice fields:

The rice fields of Jatiluwih

Jatiluwih

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If you want to visit Bali’s most famous rice fields, then head for the Tabanan rice terraces, or Jatiluwih rice fields. Located at the foot of the Batukaru volcano, it’s this particular site that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk around it freely and easily, despite the fact that it’s a major tourist hotspot.

Because of the sheer size of the site, you won’t be on top of each other and can enjoy the serenity. « Jatiluwih » in French means « really wonderful ». That’s enough to make you understand!

The rice fields of Belimbing

Belimbing

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Not far from Jatiluwih, but a little less well-known (so perhaps even more authentic?), discover the Belimbing rice terraces. Here again, you’ll be taken breathless by these multi-storey shades of green.

And discover the other plantations that surround it: mangosteen, durian (that famous fruit that puts!) and coffee.

The rice fields of Tegallalang

Tegallalang

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Located not far fromUbud, the Tegallalang rice fields promise a postcard panorama! From the roadside alone, you won’t be able to miss them!

Here, too, you can hike through the plantations, and at the same time get away from all the souvenir vendors lining the road.

The little extra? Stop in the shade of a small hut to drink a fresh coconut with the rice paddies in the background.

The rice fields of Sidemen

Sidemen

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If you’re wandering around East Bali and decide to stop off at the village of Sidemen to recharge your batteries away from mass tourism, then here too you’ll discover rice terraces as far as the eye can see!

A short stroll promises a moment of absolute tranquility. A little extra: spend a night in the village and watch the sun set over the rice paddies… A magical moment guaranteed!

Rice fields on the road to Pupuan

Pupuan

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If you’re heading for the village of Pupuan, stop off at the special viewpoint to take THE photo!

The panorama from here is just incredible, with the valley, rivers and rice paddies in the background as far as the eye can see!

How do I get to Bali’s rice paddies?

Rizières Bali

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Visiting Bali’s rice paddies couldn’t be easier. Almost anywhere you go on the island, you’re bound to come across one of these sublime expanses of 50 shades of green! The most beautiful (such as Jatiluwih) are to be found around Ubud.

There are a number of options available to you, including travel agencies, organized tours and group or private chauffeur-driven tours. But if we have one piece of advice to give you, to make the most of your trip and experience your visits at your own pace, it’s to hire a scooter to take you to the magical rice paddies of Bali.

Ask the hotel for directions, or simply ask the locals, who will be happy to show you the way.

The Jatiluwih rice fields are located 20km north of Tabanan in west-central Bali, and the Tegalalang rice fields are about 20 minutes from Ubud.

Schedules & Rates for Bali Rice Fields

Rizières Bali

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RATES

In general, if you want to venture into the heart of the rice fields, you’ll be asked to pay a right of way. Sometimes, it’s simply a donation to the farmers who work there.

As Jatiluwih is the most famous, it’s also the most expensive. Expect to pay around 40,000 rupiah (€2.50). For those at Tegalalang, the crossing fee is around 2,000 rupiah(0.10 euro cents).

However, you can also admire them from above, to get a panoramic view of the site, and this is of course free.

Very often, if the site is free, the surrounding parking lots are not. But sometimes, all you have to do is park a little further away, walk a bit, and you’ll avoid the parking fees!

SCHEDULES

Most of the time, the rice fields are open to tourists from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m... Once again, we’re talking about natural expanses here… So there really aren’t any hours to take photos and marvel at them!

GOOD TO KNOW

To help you make the most of your visit to Bali’s rice paddies, we’ve provided some practical information and advice:

  • We recommend that you visit Bali’s rice fields in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • The rice fields are often steep, muddy and full of pitfalls… So don’t forget good, closed-toe walking shoes (forget the flip-flops!).
  • Sunscreen, hat and mosquito repellent are recommended for your walks!