A guide to visiting the best rice fields in Ubud, Bali
One of the iconic images of Bali are the beautiful, emerald-green rice paddies. The lush rice terraces that dot the landscape across the Island of the Gods are simply stunning. Wandering these spectacular landscapes on a family vacation is a wonderful experience that gives you a real sense of peace. But where exactly should you go to find the best rice fields in Ubud?
In this post we’ll explore the best ways to see the rice fields in Ubud with kids – where to go, when to visit and top tips for visiting with the whole family. Find out where the best rice fields in Ubud are to visit with kids and why visiting the rice fields in Bali should be on every Bali itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Why visit the rice fields in Bali with kids?
- Where are the best rice fields in Ubud to visit?
- Hidden gems: Lesser known rice fields in Ubud, Bali
- Visiting the rice fields in Bali: how to avoid the crowds
- Practical tips for visiting rice fields in Bali with kids
- Final thoughts on visiting the rice fields in Bali with kids
- Download our free 3-day Ubud family travel itinerary
- Planning a family trip to Bali?
Why visit the rice fields in Bali with kids?
Bali’s rice fields are stunning terraced landscapes that are an integral part of Bali life. You’ll see locals working the fields, planting, growing and harvesting the rice. And you’ll frequently see them transporting huge bales of rice on the back of scooters. Wander down the little backstreets of Bali and you might even find giant sheets of harvested rice drying in the sun.
If you want to understand the culture of the island then visiting the rice fields in Bali is a must. Bali’s rice fields are not only stunning to visit but they are also central to Balinese culture and agriculture. They are run using fascinating irrigation systems and are a great example of sustainable farming in practice. If you want your kids to learn about both the nature and local life of Bali then visiting the rice fields is a great way to teach them.
Then there’s also the fact that the rice fields themselves really are ideal for a family day out. They are accessible and many of the walks are easy, even for smaller children. Plus there are family photo opportunities galore! You can pay for a snap on the many swings overlooking the terraces or just take advantage of the wonderfully scenic backdrops.
Bali is also an incredibly busy place to visit. Especially the main tourist hubs of Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. Visiting the rice fields with kids gives you a chance to escape the hectic side of Bali for a short while. Immersing yourself in the serene lush green rice terraces feels like a world away from the traffic and crowds.
Where are the best rice fields in Ubud to visit?
When it comes to rice fields in Bali you have plenty to choose from. Ubud in particular has several famous rice terraces located nearby that are easy to get to.
We’ll run through some of the popular rice terraces to visit below. And then we’ll delve in to some lesser-known hidden gems too!
Tegalalang Rice Terraces (Ubud)
Located 20-25 minutes north of Ubud, this UNESCO site is arguably the most famous of Bali’s rice fields. And therefore one of the most popular with tourists! Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most photographed scenes in Bali. And this is no surprise – the lush rice paddies are absolutely breathtaking. In terms of scenery this has to be one of the best rice fields in Ubud.
You can see the view right across the terraces from the road where your taxi or driver will likely drop you off. There are a ton of choices of parts of the terraces to enter. Several offer some very Insta friendly photo opps here. Think of all those pics of women in floating dresses on swings high above the terraces you might have seen online. Most of those will have been taken right here.
You can pay extra to have a go on one of the famous Bali swings if you want to get that PERFECT shot. These are around IDR150,000/US$10 a go.
You can even hop on a bike that you cycle across the rice terraces on a zipline if you’re feeling adventurous!
Alternatively you can simply wander the gorgeous green rice fields and soak up the nature around you. We loved the Mupu Rice Terrace here – it’s a small family-run terrace that has a much quieter, laidback vibe. Entry is via the Tis Cafe on the road (staff will direct you). There is no set price but you can make a donation in the boxes on the way in.
From here its a short climb up to the top of the terraces. This gets a little steep but overall isn’t too challenging and even young children should be OK. The family run a tiny drink stall at the top selling fresh coconuts and cold drinks. They’re incredibly welcoming and can talk you through the rice growing and harvesting process, which is really educational for the whole family.
If you go for a walk around the terrace you’ll find small swings (again, donation only) and hammocks that look out over the amazing views. Mupu Rice Terrace was much quieter than the neighbouring options so is a great spot to avoid the crowds.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (Tabanan)
These rice fields (another UNESCO site) are further away from Ubud near Mount Batukaru. It takes around 1.5hours in a taxi or private car from Ubud and is in the heart of rural Bali. But journeying a bit further out has it’s advantages. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are bigger but much less crowded typically than Tegalalang.
There’s several marked trails available that take you on a winding walk through the lush rice paddies. These vary in duration from 1-4.5hours, so choose carefully when visiting with kids. Given it’s location, the climate here tends to be slightly cooler than other rice terraces which can work well for a visit with children. You may still want to stick to the shorter trails though to avoid having exhausted kids!
On each of the loop trails there are little warungs (Indonesian eateries) dotted around that make for great rest stops for a cold drink or snack.
Entry is IDR75,000/US$4.50 for adults and IDR50,000/US$3 for children.
You can also hire a local guide if you want to on arrival. The guides can explain the ancient irrigation systems used on the terraces and can point out various flora and fauna.
Given the sheer scale of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces you might want to extend your stay here to two days. This will let you really soak up the peaceful feel of the area. There are a number of small guesthouses and even glamping options within the terraces.
Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud)
This is another option that starts right in the heart of Ubud, near the Ubud Art Market. This is one of the most popular hikes near Ubud and it’s easy to see why. Again, the scenery is stunning and it feels a world away from the centre of Ubud. The trail along the ridge gives you glorious views across the valley on both sides.
In total the round trip is 2.4km and is paved but uneven. It’s a great spot to spend either sunrise or sunset – the golden light is beautiful and you can avoid the heat of the day. Note that there isn’t much shade on the route so if you are visiting in the day remember sunscreen and hats.
Strollers/pushchairs won’t really work unfortunately – although the trail is paved it’s very uneven in places and there are steps. Smaller children may also struggle with the length of the walk so this is probably best suited to slightly older kids (6+). The trails can also get muddy in wet season so bear this in mind and go in good, sturdy footwear.
There’s no entry fee here. Towards the end of the walk (as you come back towards civilization) you’ll find some lovely little eateries to stop for a well-deserved drink or snack.
Hidden gems: Lesser known rice fields in Ubud, Bali
If you’re looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten track then there are a couple of options in and around Ubud. These may not be as spectacular as Tegalalang and Jatiluwah terraces but they are still wonderful, tranquil areas for a stroll with kids. Again, they are working rice fields so offer you a chance to connect to this side of Balinese life.
Kajeng Rice Fields
We loved wandering through the rice fields here and visited several times whilst living in Ubud. In our opinion this is one of the best rice fields in Ubud! Located just off Jl. Kajeng, entry to the fields is only 5-10 minutes from Ubud Art Market.
You can expect a quiet walk along mostly paved walkways through the fields, partly shaded by coconut trees. The paved walkways are carved with messages from previous visitors – our boys really enjoyed reading these as we went along. Entry is free although there are boxes to allow for donations.
A stroll through most of the fields here will take around an hour. There are plenty of tiny warungs along the way that make wonderful stops. Sip on a fresh fruit smoothie while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Given the paved walkways, this is a great option with toddlers. There are also a number of guesthouses located around the area which offer the chance to wake up in this slice of paradise.
Pejeng Rice Fields
Another option for avoiding the crowds are Pejeng Rice Fields, just 30-minutes in a taxi or car from Ubud. Located in the Petanu River Valley, you can access the fields from Pejeng village.
Given their location, these fields are much less touristy than the more famous rice fields of Ubud and wider Bali. There are trails to follow – the standard route will take around two hours. Our kids found the walk here fine (aged 8 and 10 when we visited) but given the steep nature of some of the trail it’s probably best suited to this age and up. Younger children might struggle with the incline and length of the trail.
Entry is free but donations to the community are appreciated. There are small stalls on the route and in the village if you want to stop for a cold drink and snack.
Visiting the rice fields in Bali: how to avoid the crowds
Timing your visit is crucial if you want to enjoy your day and get the most out of visiting the rice fields of Bali.
Best time of day to visit
The rice terraces of Bali are popular tourist hotspots. You’ll often find them swarming with crowds, with lots of tourists looking to capture the perfect Insta shot. The sound of drones hovering in the air around you can be infuriating at times as it really disturbs the peace!
To avoid this hectic experience, try to visit any of the rice fields either early in the morning or in the early evening. Sunrise on the terraces is known as ‘golden light’ and is a glorious, tranquil way to start the day. Alternatively, visiting between 4pm and 6pm means that you’ll avoid the tour buses that spill out their visitors during the peak of the day.
Opting for a sunrise or an early evening visit will also help avoid the main heat of the day. The heat in Bali can be intense and can make even a light stroll feel difficult at times. Kids especially can feel exhausted and drained by the heat quickly. Whatever time of day, make sure you wear light clothing, sun protection and carry plenty of water with you.
Seasonal Tips
The dry season in Bali runs from April-September. This is the optimal time to visit as the greenery is incredibly lush but you’ll experience much less mud on the trails.
Peak season – which brings the highest number of visitors to Bali – is in July-August and December-January. At these times the famous rice terraces such as Tegalalang will be packed with visitors. If you’re travelling to Bali during peak season, consider visiting lesser-known rice terraces if you want a peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Practical tips for visiting rice fields in Bali with kids
If you’re planning to visit the rice fields in Bali with kids then there are a few bits of info and tips to consider. Just to help make your day out as fun as possible!
Packing Essentials
- Many of the trails though the rice fields and terraces of Bali are not suitable for pushchairs/strollers. Consider a baby carrier or sling if you’re travelling with small children.
- Stay hydrated – pack plenty of water for the whole family as the heat in Bali is intense.
- Make sure the whole family have hats, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Flip-flops are not advised!
- Pack a small first-aid kit for any little scrapes that kids might pick up from walking on the uneven paths/steps
Getting There
By far the easiest way to get around in Bali is via Grab or Gojek, the two ride-sharing apps. Grab and Gojek cars are everywhere and are incredibly affordable for family travel.
Alternatively if you’re travelling between several destinations then a private driver is also a good option. Costs for a private driver start at around IDR500,000/US$35 per day. Often private drivers will have cars that seat up six passengers.
Many people also hire scooters to get around in Bali – whilst you can do this with kids it’s just as inexpensive to use Grab and Gojek. Plus the roads of Bali can be hectic and tricky to navigate so this also removes the stress of driving yourself!
Engaging Kids
One of the great things about visiting the rice fields in Bali with kids is that there are loads of walks that are short enough to keep kids engaged. Given the heat, opt for short walks of 30-60minutes so that kids don’t get too exhausted.
If you have kids’ cameras, encourage photo hunts where they look for interesting things to photograph on their way round. There are ducks and butterflies aplenty in the rice fields to photograph!
Almost all of the rice fields in Bali have little cafes, drink shacks and tiny eateries in or around them. Stop regularly to cool off with a cold drink and a couple of snacks.
Final thoughts on visiting the rice fields in Bali with kids
Visiting the rice fields of Bali is a fab activity for the whole family. It really shows you another side to the landscape and culture of the Island of the Gods. It’s a wonderful way to escape to nature and learn about Balinese life at the same time. Make sure a visit to Bali’s rice fields is on your itinerary!
Download our free 3-day Ubud family travel itinerary
We’ve put together the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Ubud with kids. It covers the best way to spend three days in this magical place and is completely free!
Get all the information you need on where to stay, what to do and where to eat in this free downloadable planner.
Planning a family trip to Bali?
If you’re planning to visit Bali with kids, check out our other posts for information, tips and reviews to help you plan the perfect trip!
Bali has been on my bucket list for ages, and Ubud is one of the places I’d love to add to my itinerary! Thanks so much for sharing all of this info – it’ll definitely come in handy for my future visit! Xx Sara
Of all of our travels, Ubud is the place that is still calling me back!
Jatiluwah Rice Terraces look beautiful.
Thank you for sharing! The rice fields in Bali look so beautiful!
I have ziplined over rice fields in Thailand and they are pretty amazing, making use of every inch of space possible.
Love Bali! Visiting the rice fields was one of my favourite parts, the engaging kids part on this blog post is such a good piece of information xx