Tegallalang is the most famous rice terrace on Bali, a steep valley about 10 kilometers north of Ubud where narrow green steps drop down both slopes beneath stands of coconut palms. Its compact scale and dramatic angles make it the classic image of Balinese rice farming, and it is the terrace most visitors see first, often on the way to Kintamani.
The terraces are still farmed, irrigated through subak channels that bring water along the contours of the hillside. Land on these slopes was shaped by generations of hand labor, and fields are worked in a cycle of flooding, planting, growth and harvest. Around the valley, cafes, swings and souvenir stalls now share the rim with farmers, a sign of how tourism has entered village economies here.
Paths lead down from the road into the valley and up the far side, crossing small bridges and irrigation ditches. The walk is short but steep and can be hot by midday. Come at sunrise for soft light and few people, and expect locals along the trail to ask for small donations as you pass through their fields.
Highlights
- Steep terraces under coconut palms
- Easy trip from central Ubud
- Sunrise light over the valley
- Trails down into the fields
Good to know
- Arrive at first light to avoid tour groups and heat.
- Carry small change, as farmers often ask for a donation to cross their land.
- Wear shoes with grip; the dikes and steps get muddy.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.