karusoto's Blog
:
August 2025
Rice Terrace Walks in Ubud: The Peaceful Side of Bali Most Folks Miss
POSTED ON
08/04/25
So here’s the thing—rice terrace walks in Ubud aren’t just pretty views and Instagram moments. They're one of those experiences that just feels real. Like, you're finally slowing down in a place that refuses to be rushed. I’ve done this more than a handful of times over the past ten years, and every single time, I walk away (pun intended) feeling a little more grounded. No temple crowds. No pushy tour groups. Just you, the wind, and the rhythm of the farmers going about their day like they’ve done for centuries.
Let’s be real—most people think of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and stop there. And yeah, it’s gorgeous, especially if you go super early. But if you're only doing Tegalalang, you're missing out on some of the best rice terrace walks in Ubud that are actually quiet, way less touristy, and more connected to how locals live.
Best Spots for Rice Terrace Walks in Ubud (That Aren’t Overrun With Tourists)
Alright, let’s talk about Tegalalang first because it’s the most famous. Just don’t go at 10 a.m. when the busloads show up. I’ve found that hitting the trail around 7:30 a.m., just after sunrise, gives you the golden light and a bit of solitude. The loop trail around Tegalalang is short (maybe 1–2 km), but it can get slippery if it rained the night before—wear actual shoes, not your flip-flops.
I always grab a kopi Bali from a tiny warung just before the steps down. The aunty there usually remembers me by now. And yeah, you’ll probably get asked to “donate” a few times while walking through, but it’s usually just 10k or so. Small price for walking on someone’s land, honestly.
Subak Juwuk Manis — The Low-Key Gem
This is the trail I recommend when folks ask for something peaceful and actually local. It’s hidden behind the Pura Gunung Lebah temple near the Campuhan Ridge area. Subak Juwuk
Manis winds through working rice fields, and you’ll pass farmers, ducks, and tiny shrines tucked between banana trees. It’s not marked on a lot of maps, but locals will point you the way if you ask. The walk is about 2.5 km roundtrip and super chill.
Not once have I seen a tour group here, and that's rare these days in Ubud. You’ll hear crickets, frogs, the occasional scooter in the distance—and if you're lucky, a farmer might wave you over and let you check out the irrigation system up close. That's the subak—traditional water-sharing in Bali island , still in use after hundreds of years. Honestly, learning how that works gave me a whole new respect for how rice is grown. It’s not just planting and waiting. There’s a whole science behind it.
Campuhan Ridge Walk + Rice Fields Extension
Most people know about the Campuhan Ridge Walk, right? It’s lovely in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t cooking your skin. But the trick is: once you finish the ridge walk (it’s about 2 km), don’t stop. Keep walking through the back of the Penestanan village, and you’ll hit some of the prettiest, untouched rice terraces in the area.
This part’s rarely mentioned online. You’ll pass open cafes with jungle views, sleepy dogs napping in the sun, and little footpaths that branch off into rice fields. I once found myself in the middle of a ceremonial procession here—women balancing baskets on their heads, kids in traditional clothes—it was wild and beautiful and completely unplanned.
What You Actually Need for a Good Walk Through the Rice Fields
So, you don’t need hiking gear or anything fancy. But you do need to come prepared if you want a good time and not a sweaty, sunburned meltdown. I've learned this the hard way.
Let’s be real—most people think of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and stop there. And yeah, it’s gorgeous, especially if you go super early. But if you're only doing Tegalalang, you're missing out on some of the best rice terrace walks in Ubud that are actually quiet, way less touristy, and more connected to how locals live.
Best Spots for Rice Terrace Walks in Ubud (That Aren’t Overrun With Tourists)
Alright, let’s talk about Tegalalang first because it’s the most famous. Just don’t go at 10 a.m. when the busloads show up. I’ve found that hitting the trail around 7:30 a.m., just after sunrise, gives you the golden light and a bit of solitude. The loop trail around Tegalalang is short (maybe 1–2 km), but it can get slippery if it rained the night before—wear actual shoes, not your flip-flops.
I always grab a kopi Bali from a tiny warung just before the steps down. The aunty there usually remembers me by now. And yeah, you’ll probably get asked to “donate” a few times while walking through, but it’s usually just 10k or so. Small price for walking on someone’s land, honestly.
Subak Juwuk Manis — The Low-Key Gem
This is the trail I recommend when folks ask for something peaceful and actually local. It’s hidden behind the Pura Gunung Lebah temple near the Campuhan Ridge area. Subak Juwuk
Manis winds through working rice fields, and you’ll pass farmers, ducks, and tiny shrines tucked between banana trees. It’s not marked on a lot of maps, but locals will point you the way if you ask. The walk is about 2.5 km roundtrip and super chill.
Not once have I seen a tour group here, and that's rare these days in Ubud. You’ll hear crickets, frogs, the occasional scooter in the distance—and if you're lucky, a farmer might wave you over and let you check out the irrigation system up close. That's the subak—traditional water-sharing in Bali island , still in use after hundreds of years. Honestly, learning how that works gave me a whole new respect for how rice is grown. It’s not just planting and waiting. There’s a whole science behind it.
Campuhan Ridge Walk + Rice Fields Extension
Most people know about the Campuhan Ridge Walk, right? It’s lovely in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t cooking your skin. But the trick is: once you finish the ridge walk (it’s about 2 km), don’t stop. Keep walking through the back of the Penestanan village, and you’ll hit some of the prettiest, untouched rice terraces in the area.
This part’s rarely mentioned online. You’ll pass open cafes with jungle views, sleepy dogs napping in the sun, and little footpaths that branch off into rice fields. I once found myself in the middle of a ceremonial procession here—women balancing baskets on their heads, kids in traditional clothes—it was wild and beautiful and completely unplanned.
What You Actually Need for a Good Walk Through the Rice Fields
So, you don’t need hiking gear or anything fancy. But you do need to come prepared if you want a good time and not a sweaty, sunburned meltdown. I've learned this the hard way.
- Shoes that grip – I love sandals as much as the next Bali regular, but they’re awful on muddy paths. Trust me, one bad slip and your foot’s in a rice paddy.
- Early start = fewer people + cooler air. 7 to 9 a.m. is prime.
- Bring small bills. Sometimes locals ask for a donation to access the trail. Think of it as helping them maintain the land.
- Watch the weather. If it’s rained heavily the night before, maybe delay your walk. The narrow paths between fields can be slick, especially if you’re walking in the older subak areas.
