Tegalalang Rice Terrace Bali: Photography Guide & Best Time
- Last Updated:
- By: Peter Orsel
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, Bali (also spelled Tegallalang, which is technically the correct spelling) are some of the most photographed rice fields in the world. Every year, thousands of visitors make their way to these terraces, making them one of the main highlights near Ubud, the closest city to the fields.
They’re also part of Bali’s UNESCO-recognised Subak irrigation system, a cooperative water-sharing method that’s over a thousand years old and still runs the way it always has.
In this blog, I’ll guide you on how to capture the best images of these beautiful landscapes, including the best photography techniques, the exact spot I shoot from, and the optimal times to visit.
In This Post
Powered by GetYourGuide
Where are the rice fields of Tegalalang?
If people say they want to visit the rice fields of Ubud, they actually mean the rice fields of Tegalalang. They’re located in the small town of Tegallalang and named after the village. However, since many people are more familiar with Ubud, they’re often referred to as the rice fields in Ubud, and that’s how I’ll keep referring to them here too. From the Ubud Palace, it takes about 20-25 minutes heading north to reach these famous paddy fields.
Keep in mind that traffic can delay your journey, as there’s usually a lot of traffic jams in and around Ubud. For more on getting around this part of Bali, my Bali Travel Guide covers transport options in more depth.
If you have the correct license, you can rent a bike to drive there yourself. Another option is to download Gojek or Grab and book a bike or car to drop you off at the parking lot. Especially in Ubud, there are plenty of drivers available, and you’ll usually find drivers at the exit gate of the walking tracks too, ready to take you to your next destination. Transportation is never an issue in Bali, making it such an easy island to travel around.
What's the Subak system, and why does it matter for your photos?
The stepped terraces you’re about to photograph are called Subak, a cooperative irrigation system Balinese farmers have used to share and rotate water for over a thousand years. UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage practice in 2012. Each terrace still belongs to a farmer working his own rotation, which is why you’ll see real people tending the fields instead of staged extras.
For your photography, this matters in practice. The farmers you photograph are working, not posing for tourists. Ask before you point a camera at someone, and if they help you find a good angle or let you cross their land, a small tip is fair. Keep it reasonable. Tip too much and farmers start competing over who gets the tourist or lose their gratitude towards others who try to tip reasonably. Anything between 20,000 and 50,000 IDR is fine.
The Subak system also explains why the fields look different depending on when you visit, since each section follows its own planting and harvest schedule instead of one single calendar for the whole valley.
Entrance fees and where to park and enter
There are multiple entrances to the rice fields. Every time I went, I entered the park here. It’s known as the back entrance, as it’s not located on the main road. The entrance fee should be between 20,000 IDR and 50,000 IDR. I once was lucky to encounter an empty ticket booth, so I didn’t have to pay.
If you’d rather start at the main road, you can consider this location. Both will ultimately get you to the same spots, though the price can vary a little depending on which gate you use, since several entrances are run by different local landowners. Once you’re in, follow the Trekking signs. They’ll take you on the full loop throughout the rice fields.
What's the best time to visit the rice fields of Tegallalang in Ubud?
Without a doubt, the best time to visit is during sunrise. The soft morning light, the light rays through the trees, and the clear sky all contribute to the best photos. During the day, between 8AM and 4PM, the light gets too harsh and the greens stop looking as vivid. Ubud isn’t known for dramatic sunsets either, so I’d stick to sunrise. There also won’t be any light beams through the trees once the sun starts going down.
| Period | What to expect | Good for photos? |
|---|---|---|
| February – April | Lush, freshly planted, deepest green | Best, but weather can be on and off |
| May – June | Harvest season, golden tones instead of green | Different, still strong |
| July – August | Dry season, less rain but flatter light | Decent, less green |
| October – January | Replanting season, mistier mornings | Good if you’re after atmosphere over color |
If deep green terraces are the shot you’re after, aim for the end of the rain season, between March and May.
Beat The Crowds
Arrive before 7AM if you want the terraces close to yourself. The main viewpoints fill up once the tour buses start arriving around 9AM. By mid-morning you’re queueing for every angle.
Most of my photos are taken at the same spot. My last visits were in April, and the light started coming through the trees around 6:50AM. It’s about 30 minutes to reach the spot from the entrance, so aim to arrive between 6:15AM and 6:30AM to be in position on time.
If you want to be sure you’re close to the rice fields, find your hotel at Booking.com!
How to get to the spot where I took my photos
Of course I’d encourage you to create your own photos, but if you want to use mine as a reference or something you’d like to recreate, I’m here to help you out. This is the exact spot of the cabin that you see in most of my photos. I took the photo by passing this cabin and positioning myself at the other small cabin where they sell food and drinks. This one is probably still closed in the early morning.
If you want to enter the fields around the spot where I took my photos, they ask you for a little extra fee. The people here usually just speak Bahasa Indonesia, so a basic understanding of the language will help you interact with them. Expect to pay an extra 20,000 to 50,000 IDR, according to your willingness to help the community here.
Can I fly my drone at Tegallalang Rice Fields?
As you’ve probably noticed, many of my photos were taken with a drone. It’s no problem to fly your drone here, just be sure you know how to use it well! The palm trees and electricity lines can be hard to spot and you won’t be the first person losing a drone here. Always take off and land on a safe spot and make sure you know how to control your drone.
As you’ve probably noticed, many of my photos were taken with a drone. It’s no problem to fly your drone here, just be sure you know how to use it well. The palm trees and electricity lines can be hard to spot, and you won’t be the first person losing a drone here. Always take off and land on a safe spot and make sure you know how to control your drone.
Do you want to get better at drone photography? Read more about how to take your drone photos to the next level.
What should I bring when visiting the rice fields of Tegallalang?
Since most visitors to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, Bali are tourists and temporary visitors to Indonesia, it’s understandable that you might not have brought your full wardrobe. Here are some essential items I’d recommend for your trip:
- A light jacket if you plan on visiting in the early morning
- Proper shoes – it can get slippery, and there are lots of steep stairs
- Bottled water
- Cash – at least 200,000 IDR per person, preferably in 50,000 and 20,000 bank notes. Use this to pay for entrance fees and to buy a drink or snack along the way. The food stalls don’t accept foreign bank cards.
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Obviously your camera and, if you have one, your drone
- A change of clothes if you’re modeling in the rice fields. Choose colors that blend well and provide contrast in your images. White, beige, or red usually work well. Avoid black and green, as the model won’t stand out in the fields.
How much do the swings and other attractions cost?
Besides the terraces themselves, several operators around Tegalalang run rope swings and photo platforms over the valley. From what’s currently charged around the area, expect anywhere between 150,000 and 400,000 IDR depending on the operator and package, some include multiple swings, bird’s nest photo spots, or a photographer to shoot for you.
I’ll be honest, this isn’t really my thing. If you’re after the swing photo, you’ll have no trouble finding one, come early since these spots get lines too. If you’re here for the terraces and the light, you can skip it entirely and nobody will feel like they missed out.
Photography tips
If you want to return to your accommodation with the best photos, I have some advice for you. Whether you’re a drone photographer or using a phone or camera, you should try to get the best photos.
For the best photos, you need the best light. This means you have to wake up early. From 8AM or 9AM onwards the light gets hard, and the colours don’t come anywhere close near the photos that you see in this post.
I personally like to shoot against direct morning sunlight. The sun rays give such a great vibe to your photos. Also, try to work with local people. The farmers are more than happy to pose for you and you could consider giving them a little tip for this. Don’t go too crazy on this, as it will make people greedy and after all ruin the traditional experience.
If you bring your drone, try to capture a variety of shots. The header of my blog is my favourite photo I took, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t try other angles. Create a selection of vertical topdowns, 45 degree angles, and try different foreground elements. You never know how the final edit turns out.
When the morning light hits with hard shadows, I like to take my photos in an HDR burst. One underexposed, one regular exposed and one overexposed. After all I blend these photos together to get the highest dynamic range for my edit.
Other spots around Tegalalang
Ubud is known for its beautiful nature, so don’t just visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces on your trip there. Consider visiting a coffee plantation, a trip to Kintamani, climb Mount Batur or visit Monkey Forest.
If Tegalalang feels too commercial once you’re there, Jatiluwih is the quieter alternative about ninety minutes further out. Same Subak system, far fewer people, no swings. Worth knowing about even if you don’t make it there this trip.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Getting Breakfast after visiting the rice fields
After a hike and taking many photos, I get that you want to have some breakfast. There’s lots of options around. Many people would recommend you go to Tis Café. It’s a Western restaurant with a pool (minimum spend required). I’ve been there once with a group of friends and we were welcomed wholeheartedly. The second time I came with my mom and they treated us not too good. We were placed in a small corner, while there was no one around and no tables reserved. It seemed like they wanted to keep these for the good looking couples. This left me with some mixed feelings.
For a real Bali experience, try to find some local food. Bubur Ayam is a traditional breakfast dish, or try some banana pancakes, a favourite of many. There’s lots of food options available, with or without a view.
Is Tegalalang Rice Terrace worth visiting?
Yes, if you go for sunrise. The light through the trees and the quiet before the buses arrive are what make this place worth the early alarm. Visit at midday and you’ll mostly be fighting crowds and flat light.
How much does it cost to enter Tegalalang Rice Terrace?
Expect somewhere between 15,000 and 50,000 IDR depending on which entrance you use, with small extra donations at certain paths or photo spots. Bring cash in small notes, most stalls and gates don’t take cards.
What's the best time of day for photos at Tegalalang?
Sunrise, specifically the window right after the light starts coming through the trees, usually around 6:45 to 7AM depending on the season. After 8AM the light flattens out and the crowds arrive.
Can you fly a drone at Tegalalang Rice Terrace?
Yes, it’s generally accepted. Watch out for palm trees and low electricity lines, both are easy to clip if you’re not paying attention, and always take off and land from a clear, flat spot.
Tegalalang or Jatiluwih, which rice terrace should I visit?
Tegalalang is closer to Ubud, more photogenic in a compact way, and more commercial. Jatiluwih is about ninety minutes further, much bigger, and much quieter. If you only have time for one and want the classic shot, go to Tegalalang. If you want space and fewer people, go to Jatiluwih instead.
How long do you need at Tegalalang Rice Terrace?
An hour is enough for the main viewpoint and a few photos. Give yourself two to three hours if you want to walk the full Trekking loop and shoot multiple spots without rushing.
About Me
Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.