Planning your first trip to Bali and searching for the perfect rice terraces without the crazy Bali crowds? The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the location you have to explore! Located in central Bali, surrounded by small rural villages and farming communities, these rice fields will truly capture your heart.
Seriously, the colors are unreal – the kind of vibrant beauty that thrives only in nature treated with care and respect. Plus, the whole area feels authentically Balinese. It’s off the main tourist trail, so you can experience local life, witness traditional rituals, and enjoy incredible views without the usual Bali crowds.
Of all the places I visited in Bali, Jatiluwih and Central Bali were, hands down, my favorites. Want to plan your own day trip (or even a longer stay) exploring this magical part of the Island of Gods? Keep reading – you’re in for a treat!
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through one of the links, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Don’t have time now?📌 Pin it for later
Quick Tips & Recommendations
Are Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Worth Visiting?
Is Jatiluwih worth visiting? Absolutely! Even before you arrive, the view from your car window will make you whisper, “Wow.” I have never seen anything like it.
Imagine a land covered in vibrant green rice fields stretching to the horizon, seemingly merging with the ocean. In the background, the misty peaks of Bali’s Batukaru and Agung volcanoes.
Jatiluwih’s beauty is undeniable, from the vivid green rice plantations to the deep red andong merah flowers, all set against a brilliant blue sky (on a clear day, of course!). But Jatiluwih is more than just a pretty backdrop.
These rice terraces are part of the Subak system, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012. Developed around the 9th century, this ancient irrigation system is still fundamental to Balinese life today. It’s more than just watering fields; it’s a complex ecosystem connecting community, nature, and spirituality.
The Subak system encompasses everything from the rice terraces of Jatiluwih to water temples like Pura Ulun Danu and Tirta Empul, reflecting a deep respect for interconnectedness.
Forests protect the water supply; water temples host rituals promoting harmony between humans and nature, and from there, the water flows to nourish the land. Farmers work in harmony with each other and the land, guided by the Tri Hita Karana philosophy—practiced by priests in water temples, interconnecting humans, the earth, and the gods.
Jatiluwih offers an authentic and meaningful experience in the Balinese rice fields, untouched by mass tourism. If you want to learn more about the Balinese farming community and the Subak system, this is the place to visit.
Getting to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are located north of the Tabanan regency, at the foot of the Batukaru volcano, covering over 600 hectares of land.
It can be considered an off-the-beaten path location as it’s far away from the most visited cities in Bali. Therefore, getting there requires some planning. It can be reached about one hour from Ubud and 2 hours from Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta, depending on Bali’s crazy traffic. To get there, you have three options with various levels of flexibility:
Scooter
If you feel comfortable driving in Bali (northern Bali’s roads are a bit less safe than most visited spots), renting a scooter is the most flexible option. By driving your vehicle, you can explore the area freely and find your hidden corners. It’s also the cheapest option, with rentals in Ubud ranging from IDR 70,000 to IDR 200,000. Just so you know, in this area, it’s more likely to rain, no matter the season. To rent the scooter, you’ll need an international driving licence. And make sure to have your travel insurance!
Private Driver
If you’re planning a day trip in the area, maybe combining multiple sights in Central Bali, booking a driver is the right compromise. With this service, you can book a private English-speaking driver for up to 12 hours for around $35 (for up to three people). You can organize your itinerary for the day and agree on the stops with your driver, enjoying the scenery without worrying about driving yourself.
Guided Tours
This is the most hassle-free option. However, you will not have much flexibility. Usually, pick-up, drop-off, and ticket sights are included in the price. Tours covering the area typically include some surrounding sights like waterfalls, water temples, and rice terraces.
This tour includes Nung Nung, Goa Gang, and Leke Leke waterfalls and Jatiluwih, while this one stops by the Leke Leke and Banyumala Waterfalls, Ulun Danu and Tanah Lot Water Temple, and Jatiluwh.
Best Time to visit jatiluwih
While the rainy season isn’t typically ideal for Bali, I visited the Jatiluwih rice terraces in December, and the colors were unreal. The rain truly brings out the vibrant greens of the rice paddies.
That said, the best time to visit is generally from February to April. March and April are in general the best months to organize your trip – the rainy season is ending, water is flowing through rivers, ideal for activities like rafting and waterfall hopping, and the landscape is still lush and vibrant (plus prices are more on the lower side). If you visit in June or July, you might catch the rice harvest, but the scenery won’t be as intensely green.
As for the time of day, mornings (8-10 am) are usually best. But honestly, Jatiluwih is so vast and (surprisingly) underappreciated that crowds aren’t usually a huge issue. You’ll likely have plenty of space to enjoy the views in peace.
Packing Essentials to Explore Jatiluwih
Exploring Jatiluwih Rice Fields
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 (about $3.50). We purchased our tickets at a small stall on the other side of the road from of the Gong Jatiluwih restaurant parking lot and started the trek there. Make sure to have cash to buy the ticket.
Trekking Routes
From there, you’ve got several scenic routes to choose from: the Red Line (a short 30-45 minute, 1.5km loop), the Purple and Yellow Lines (both medium difficulty, 1-2 hours, around 2-2.3km), the Blue Line (a longer 1.5-2 hour, 3.1km trek), and the White Line (a challenging 3.5-4 hour, 5.5km hike, which you can also do by bike!).
If cycling is your thing and you want to explore the site faster, covering more miles, you can even book a guided cycling tour.
Jatiluwih is overflowing with scenic viewpoints! Honestly, I could have spent all day just taking photos of the terraces cascading down the hills, with those majestic volcanoes in the distance.
Where to Eat at Jatiluwih
If you visit the site in the morning, you’ll want to stop by for a refilling lunch break before hitting your next sight. I highly recommend having lunch at Gong Jatiluwih before or after your trek. It’s located close to the entrance of the rice field, with a parking area just below the restaurant’s entrance overlooking the rice terraces.
The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for lunch—sit at a high table for an unobstructed view of the rice terraces right before you. You’ll find a mix of tourists and local families enjoying the food and the scenery.
The Indonesian buffet is fantastic! For just 10$ you can try many local specialties and vegetarian options (the tempeh rendang is a must-try!). The chicken satay skewers are also delicious. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it shows.
Jatiluwih vs Tegalalang Rice Terraces
I haven’t explored Tegalalang myself (I just glimpsed it from the road), so I’ll stick to the facts and what I’ve heard.
Size-wise, there’s no comparison. Tegalalang is much smaller than Jatiluwih. While Tegalalang is definitely beautiful and lush, Jatiluwih covers an area of more than 600 hectares, including significant Temples, Warungs and the Subak system irrigation canals.
Another key difference is the location. Tegalalang is north of Ubud, one of Bali’s busiest tourist areas, so it gets packed. To avoid the crowds and explore the terraces in tranquility, you’ll have to go super early, like at sunrise.
Jatiluwih, on the other hand, is so vast that even during peak times, you’ll likely have plenty of space to yourself. It’s further from the main tourist hubs and more challenging to reach, which keeps it off the beaten track for many people visiting Bali.
Price-wise, Jatiluwih is IDR 40,000-50,000, while Tegalalang is usually around IDR 15,000 (though some photo spots charge extra). This makes sense, as Tegalalang, while stunning, isn’t a UNESCO World Heritage site like Jatiluwih, which is part of the culturally significant Subak system.
Overall, Tegalalang is a fantastic site and definitely one of the sights not to miss if you stick to the Ubud area during your trip. However, if you have the time to organize a day trip further out, I would opt for visiting Jatiluwih or both of them if you have the time so that you can evaluate for yourself. I will definitely visit the Tegalalang site next time I’m in Ubud!
Other Sights to Visit Around the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Beyond the stunning rice terraces, Jatiluwih’s central location makes it a great starting point for exploring other nearby natural sights and temples.
Here are a few highlights I personally explored and loved:
Leke Leke Waterfall (35 minutes): “Magical” is an understatement! After a short jungle trek that is just part of the experience, you’ll emerge to find this breathtaking cascade. The waterfall itself seems to emerge from a tunnel between two rocky walls, creating a natural pool perfect for a swim. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss if you’re in the area and you’ll be pleasantly surprised about the few faces you’ll meet there.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (45-60 minutes): Located on the shores of Lake Beratan, this water temple is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu. It’s the most important Water Temple on the Island and the focal point of the Subak System. The views of the temple seemingly floating on the calm lake are one of the most photographed in the entire Island, and for a reason. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the afternoon.
Other nearby attractions
- Bali Botanic Garden (40 minutes from Jatiluwih): Indonesia’s largest botanical garden, offering diverse plant species and an escape into nature.
- Batukaru Temple (25 minutes from Jatiluwih): Located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, this ancient temple is considered one of Bali’s holiest sites and is a starting point for hikes to the summit.
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (1 hour from Jatiluwih): These stunning waterfalls cascade into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for a refreshing swim in the heart of the jungle.
Remember, travel times in Bali depend on the traffic (and on the driver, I have to admit), so consider extra time, especially during peak season.
Where to stay near Jatiluwih
Thinking of spending more time exploring central Bali? Consider staying overnight near Jatiluwih.
On my trip, I stayed in Bedugul, about 25 minutes from the rice terraces. It was the perfect base for exploring the area. I highly recommend Village Above the Clouds. Tucked away in the hills of the island’s interior, surrounded by rice fields and small villages, this stunning “village” offers bungalows with incredible views of the surrounding landscape (you’ll definitely want to wake up early for the sunrise!).
Imagine waking up to a sky painted in pink and gold hues, with only the sound of roosters, followed by a relaxing yoga session in their lush, flower-filled garden. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and connect with the authentic side of Bali.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are more than just a beautiful landscape; they’re a window into the heart and soul of Bali. The scenery you’ll witness is unforgettable!
I hope this guide helped you plan your trip to Jatiluwih and that this unbelievable site will capture your heart as much as it captured mine.
Did you find it helpful? 📌 Pinning is caring!
