Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Bali: Complete Guide to Bali’s UNESCO Rice Fields
When I first laid eyes on the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, I knew I was in for something special. This place is somewhere you only see in dreams, with its vibrant green fields stretching as far as the eye can see, all encompassed by Bali's hilly landscape. Strolling through the terraces, you can sense the rich history of this place and the generations of farmers who have nurtured this incredible landscape. If you are seeking a peaceful escape from the more touristy spots in Bali, Jatiluwih is the perfect choice. Join me as I dive into why this incredible spot deserves a top place on your Bali bucket list.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :) Be sure to take any trash, plastic, etc. with you when you leave.
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Bali Travel Guide: Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Why Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Bali, are absolutely unmissable. These are considered the best and largest rice terraces in Bali, and if you have time to visit only one, Jatiluwih is the perfect choice. These otherworldly terraces stretch over 600 hectares (almost 1500 acres), filled with lush green terraces, open for wandering through, photography opportunities, eco-cycling, and more! You could spend hours here, getting lost in the rice terrace trails and magic.
These terraces stand out for their use of an ancient irrigation system called subak, which is more than just a farming method. Subak embodies the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, emphasizing harmony among humans, nature, and the spiritual realm, and reflecting Bali’s deep cultural connection to the land. This system relies on the island’s natural resources to sustain the rice terraces. Farmers have practiced this rice cultivation technique for centuries, passing it down through generations. In other words, this technique uses a combination of canals, dams, and tunnels to control water flow from the rivers evenly throughout the rice terraces.
Location:
The official Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are here.
How To Get There:
The best way to reach Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is by scooter rental or, if you prefer, by car. The roads and infrastructure throughout Bali are still in progress, so the roads can be a bit rough and bumpy. Be sure to wear your helmet and take your time driving.
If you prefer to rent a car and drive yourself, you can find some of the best options in the search bar below. I always recommend using reputable companies like RentalCars to hire rentals in order to protect yourself from rental scams or false claims.
If you do not want to drive a car in Bali, you can hire a driver for the day to ensure you have a ride both ways. You can find a private car driver here. You can also opt for a tour that includes a visit to the rice terraces like this one!
Renting A Motorbike: Motorbike rental businesses are everywhere in Bali for you to choose from. Some are overpriced and untrustworthy, so be sure to read reviews. Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 80,000/90,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. The larger the bike, the more expensive it will be. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it. For my last rental, I used Bali Best Motorcycle. They also do bike delivery and pick-up! You can arrange a rental through WhatsApp before you arrive.
Best Time To Visit:
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
Best Months: The best months to visit are during the dry seasons from April until October. Rainy season increases the chances of flooding and muddy or slippery paths. The rice terraces have 2 to 3 harvest seasons if you would like to have a chance to see the farmer’s work. These usually fall between May to June, and again sometime in November, before they replant for the next harvest after the rainy season.
Time Of Day: I recommend heading here either early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid Bali’s midday heat so you can enjoy the wandering more. There is also a small waterfall nearby, Air Tejun Yeh Hoo open for exploring and cooling off after your visit. The sunrise and sunset at Jatiluwih are epic and can be a memorable experience to begin or end your trip.
I visited in October and the rice terraces were magical, flourishing with lush green rice terraces.
Where To Stay:
Although Ubud is only 1.5 hours away, there are other less crowded areas to stay in to access these rice terraces. These include Jatiluwih, Wanagiri (1 hour away), or Munduk (1.5 hours away), which offer a more authentic experience.
Jatiluwih is, of course, the best option if you want to stay closest to the terraces. Wanagiri is the next closest of the three and is high up in the jungle with a view over Buyan Lake. I stayed in Wanagiri Sunset Glamping, and the views over the jungle and valley below were epic. Munduk is a village perched above a lush valley of rice terraces close to Tamblingan Lake. Both are beautiful areas of Bali, and you cannot go wrong with either. I stayed 2 nights in each of them.
Wanagiri
Munduk
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Jatiluwih
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Adhi Jaya Suite
Best Low-Budget: Kubu D'ume Homestay or D'Ume Bendoel Homestay
Best Mid-Budget: Saridevi Ecolodge
Best High-End Budget: Aurora Cabins by Panoramika
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Wanagiri
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Wanagiri Campsite
Best Low-Budget: The Garuda Villa & Restaurant or Container Smart Stay (CSS)
Best Mid-Budget: Alamu Eco Lodge or Wanagiri Sunset Glamping (This is where I stayed and is pictured in the photo above!)
Best High-End Budget: Giriwood Hotel & Villa
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Munduk
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Dong Paloh Hostel (Dorm) or Made Oka Homestay and Warung (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Nadya Homestay or Munduk V View House or Bali Rahayu Homestay (I stayed here and really enjoyed my stay).
Best Mid-Budget: Moondock Luxury Camp or Gumi Ayu EcoStay
Best Luxury Budget: Munduk Cabins or Elevate Bali
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
Tips on visiting & what to bring:
Cash for the entrance fee and parking fees (IDR).
A swimsuit and towel! – For swimming and drying off at the nearby waterfall - Air Tejun Yeh Hoo.
A camera or GoPro to capture epic moments at the rice terraces.
Sunscreen and mosquito spray. The rice terraces are exposed to the sun.
Wear loose and breathable clothing to protect you from the sun and overheating. A hat to cover your face is a great addition as well.
Comfortable and supportive shoes for walking longer distances along the rice terraces and in the case you decide to cycle through them.
Reusable water bottles and snacks—there are warungs and small food, beverage, and petrol shops along the terraces if needed.
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or riding a bicycle, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: +62 110 | Fire: +62 113 | Ambulance: +62 118 or +62 119 | You can find a complete list of Bali Emergency #’s here.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSim.
Travel Sustainably: Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging the rice fields and respect local customs and practices.
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 50,000 IDR, Children: 40,000 IDR
Citizens: 15,000 IDR, Children: 5,000 IDR
Parking: Motorbike: 3,000 IDR | Car: 5,000 IDR
Best Tour Options:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it Worth Visiting?
Yes, I have visited countless rice terraces across Southeast Asia, and this one takes first prize. Its beauty and charm are almost too mesmerizing to capture in words or photos—you truly have to experience it to understand. There are many trails to wander through, and scenic viewpoints to soak in the views. I would consider Jawtilwuh Rice Terraces among the top three things you cannot miss in Bali.
Jatiluwih vs. Tegalalang?
This one is easy—having been to both, I can say that Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are MUCH larger and far more magical than Tegalalang. Don’t get me wrong; both are a wonderful place to visit, but Jatiluwih stands out. It is more expansive, quieter, and less crowded, with plenty of room to explore along the many trails. In contrast, Tegalalang, situated close to Ubud, feels more crowded, and developed, and lacks the same authentic vibe.
How long should I visit
You can visit the rice terraces for however long you want to explore. There are trails as short as 1.5 KM and as long as 5.5 KM. If you do not want to trek, you can enjoy some beautiful views from the street alongside the terraces.
I would consider staying here anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours.
What Does Jatilwuh Mean?
Jatiluwih, in the Balinese language, translates to “authentic beauty.”
Jati translates to "real" or "authentic."
Luwih translates to "good" or "beautiful.”
What else is there to do nearby?
As mentioned, a waterfall is close to the terraces, Air Tejun Yeh Hoo.
There is a place to go tubing through a rice terrace area here.
The Bayan Ancient Tree.
Visit Munduk!
Where to eat?
If you are looking for somewhere to eat around the rice terraces, warungs line the top of the street that runs around the rice terraces. There is a restaurant, CataVaca, with a beautiful view over the rice terraces, that serves Indonesian, Western, and Balinese dishes. They also have photo-op spots over the terraces like the iconic swing.
Can I bring kids?
Yes! There is even a discounted entrance fee for children 40,000 IDR. The walkways through and around the rice terraces are well-constructed and safe for children to wander around. I think this experience is magical for all ages.
Looking for more incredible waterfalls to explore? Try Sekumpul!
