5 Things They Don't Tell You About the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Your Guide to Traveling in Bali

The TEGALALANG rice terrace secrets, unlocked

the view at Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Gianyar, Bali 

girls at Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Gianyar, Bali 

Frolicking in the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is up there on a lot of people’s bucket lists, and I can see why. The luscious green grass acts as the perfect backdrop for a sunrise or sunset that’s sure to wow every time. As someone who has experienced these famous rice terraces on one sunny January afternoon, I can both confirm and deny the common myths you’ve probably heard thus far. To learn about five things people DON’T tell you about the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, take a look at the guide I’ve composed below.

1. Visitors Must Make a Mandatory Donation

Even though the rice terraces are a natural attraction, they are a major tourist landmark bringing in millions of people per year. In my opinion, the Balinese people deserve to make a little money from this- and they do! They charge approximately 15,000 IDR per person, which equates to $1 per person. It is also 5,000 IDR for parking, which is less than $1. Regardless, if you are just coming to visit and not doing any guided tours, you can expect to pay less than $4 a person. If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, you can book a guided tour in advance and learn more about the rice terraces than you would just visiting yourself. In addition, there is a swing visitors can pay to swing on, making the place even more Instagrammable than it already is. 

2. The Best Time to Visit is Sunrise or Sunset

Per usual, the best time to visit any popular spot like this is right before sunrise or sunset. This way you can beat the crowds and take more dreamy photos and videos. The crowds tend to show up after about 9:00am and leave around 6:00pm so if you can get yourself to these rice terraces outside of those hours, you’ll be golden (literally- you will be there for golden hour…eeeek!!) 

3. It's Very Muddy

Have you ever noticed that you NEVER see people’s shoes in their pictures when they visit this spot? Okay, yes, it’s partially because the tall grass covers it, but it’s also because of the mud! While you might think you want to plan your cutest outfit for this stop, I advise you plan carefully. I wore open toed sandals with overalls that had pretty long pants and it all got muddy.


This spot is perfect to wear cute printed shorts and vibrant hued dresses with sandals that are either easy to clean or that you don’t care about getting muddy. Don’t wear any white shoes unless you’re ready to tiptoe through the rice or come home caked in mud! 

4. You Will Be Walking Uphill

When I think back to the rice terraces, I picture multiple levels of grass ascending up into the horizon. Unfortunately, there is no magic elevator to take you up. You have to walk, which means walking uphill for about 25 minutes to get the best views. All I can tell you is to wear comfortable shoes, try to arrive when it isn’t the hottest part of the day, and that the more you walk, the better the view is! 

5. Wear Mosquito Repellent (Duh!)

Where there is tall grass, there are mosquitos. It’s a well-known fact, but something we often forget about when traveling. As long as you give yourself a good spritz with a high quality repellent like this one, especially on the areas where your skin is showing, you should be good! It can be hard to enjoy a sightseeing spot when you’re getting eaten alive by mosquitos so repellent can go a long way! 

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Final Thoughts

No matter what time you go, what you wear, or how muddy you may or may not get, this is one of the most beautiful places I visited in Bali. My friends and I loved walking through the grass, taking pictures, and talking to the local vendors. Make sure it's on your itinerary!

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are the Tegalalang Rice Terraces famous?

    The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Bali are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. The terraces are located in the central highlands of Bali and offer stunning views of the rice paddies and surrounding mountains. The rice terraces were built by the Balinese people over 2,000 years ago and are still in use today.

  • What is the best time to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

    The best time to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is between the months of April and October. This is when the rice paddies are most lush and green. If you visit during the wet season (November-March), the terraces will likely be muddy and slippery.

  • How do I get to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

    The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located in the central highlands of Bali, about 30 minutes north of Ubud. The easiest way to get there is by hiring a driver or taking a tour from Ubud. You can also rent a motorbike and drive yourself, but the roads can be quite steep and narrow in places.

  • What should I wear to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

    Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting muddy. If you're visiting during the wet season, you may also want to bring a raincoat or umbrella.

  • What is the best time of day to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

    The best time of day to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. Avoid visiting during the midday heat, as it can be quite intense.

  • Is there an entrance fee to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces?

    They charge approximately 15,000 IDR per person, which equates to $1 per person. It is also 5,000 IDR for parking, which is less than $1. Regardless, if you are just coming to visit and not doing any guided tours, you can expect to pay less than $4 a person.