The Rice Field Walks of bali

March 10, 2025

In the interest of full disclosure, we didn't really walk ALL of the rice fields of Bali.  Despite being the smallest of the 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archepelego, its still a rather large place.  It would be more accurate to say the rice fields of Ubud, or perhaps even the rice fields of Penestanan, the neighborhood we lived in.  Regardless, we walked several of them and here is our guide to these wonderful walks.  

The Kajeng Rice Field Walk is a hidden gem in Ubud, offering a peaceful escape into lush rice fields just a few minutes from the busy town center. This easy and scenic walk takes you past traditional Balinese villages, local art, and charming cafés, making it a great option for a short but rewarding nature experience.

Kajeng Rice Field Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Jalan Kajeng (near Ubud Palace)

• Distance: ~3 km round trip (can be extended)

• Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat, some narrow paths)

• Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on stops

Highlights of the Walk

• Stone-Engraved Path: The first part of the walk features a paved path with stones engraved with names and messages from donors. Some are quirky and fun to read!

• Lush Rice Fields: After a few minutes, the town disappears, and you’re surrounded by peaceful rice paddies.

• Sweet Orange Warung: A perfect spot for a fresh coconut or a meal with rice field views.

• Local Art & Workshops: Along the way, you’ll see small galleries and traditional Balinese crafts.

• Subak Irrigation System: The walk follows ancient Balinese canals used for rice farming.

• Connection to Sari Organic Walk: If you want to walk further, you can link this trail to the Sari Organic Walk for a longer adventure.

Best Time to Go

• Morning (before 9 AM): Cool temperatures and soft morning light over the fields.

• Late Afternoon (after 4 PM): Beautiful golden hour lighting, but bring mosquito repellent.

How to Get There

1. Start at Jalan Kajeng, a small street near Ubud Palace and Starbucks Ubud.

2. Walk past the stone-engraved path until you reach the rice fields.

3. Follow the trail past Sweet Orange Warung and other small cafés.

4. Continue straight or explore side paths leading to different village areas.

Tips for Walking the Trail

• Wear comfortable shoes – some paths can be uneven.

• Bring small cash – some farmers may ask for small donations to maintain the trails.

• Explore side paths – they often lead to hidden cafés or quiet spots.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Ubud’s most famous scenic trails, offering stunning views of rolling hills, lush valleys, and distant rice fields. It’s an easy and accessible walk that provides a peaceful escape from Ubud’s busy streets, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Campuhan Ridge Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa (near Campuhan Bridge)

• Distance: ~2 km one way (~4 km round trip)

• Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat with gentle inclines)

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on pace and stops

Highlights of the Walk

• Panoramic Views: Open ridgeline with sweeping views of valleys, palm trees, and distant rice fields.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: No motorbikes or cars, just a quiet footpath through nature.

• Lush Greenery: Tall alang-alang grass sways in the breeze, creating a scenic landscape.

• Karsa Café & Rice Fields: At the end of the ridge, you can continue walking to Karsa Kafe, a beautiful spot surrounded by rice paddies, perfect for a refreshing drink or meal.

• Sunrise & Sunset Magic: The golden light makes the scenery even more breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning (6-8 AM): Cool temperatures, fewer people, and magical morning light.

• Late Afternoon (4-6 PM): Golden hour views, but slightly busier.

How to Get There

1. Start at Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas (near Campuhan Bridge).

2. Walk down the small path marked "Going to the Hill"—this leads to the ridge.

3. Follow the paved trail along the ridge until you reach Karsa Café and the rice fields beyond.

Tips for Walking the Ridge

• Wear comfortable shoes (the path is paved but can get hot in the sun).

• Bring water and sunscreen—there’s little shade on the ridge.

• Consider extending the walk into Bangkiang Sidem, a quieter village beyond Karsa Café.

The Sari Organic Walk, also known as the Subak Juwuk Manis Walk, is one of Ubud’s most accessible and beautiful rice field walks. It starts just a few minutes from the busy town center but quickly transports you into a serene world of lush green rice terraces, small organic farms, and charming cafés.

Sari Organic Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Jalan Raya Ubud (near Pura Taman Saraswati, Lotus Café entrance)

• Distance: ~3-4 km round trip

• Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat with some narrow paths)

• Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on stops

Highlights of the Walk

• Peaceful Rice Fields: A tranquil escape with panoramic views of rice paddies.

• Organic Cafés & Warungs: Once famous for Sari Organic Café (now closed), the path still has great stops like Sweet Orange Warung, Joglo Organik, and Dragonfly Café.

• Subak Irrigation System: Walk along ancient Balinese canals used to water the rice fields.

• Local Farm Life: Spot farmers tending to their crops and ducks paddling through flooded fields.

• Art & Small Shops: Along the way, you’ll see local artists selling paintings, wood carvings, and handmade crafts.

Best Time to Go

• Morning (before 9 AM): Cooler, with beautiful lighting over the fields.

• Late Afternoon (after 4 PM): Golden hour views and fewer crowds.

How to Get There

1. Walk to Lotus Café on Jalan Raya Ubud.

2. Find the small alleyway marked with signs for Juwuk Manis or Sweet Orange Warung (near the temple).

3. Follow the path as it winds through the rice fields.

Tips for Walking the Trail

• Wear comfortable shoes (the path can get muddy after rain).

• Bring small cash for café stops and local art.

• Avoid midday heat—it can get very hot with little shade.

The Pejeng Rice Field Walk, a peaceful and less touristy alternative to the more well-known Ubud rice field walks. Pejeng is a rural area east of Ubud, known for its expansive rice terraces, ancient temples, and traditional Balinese villages.

Pejeng Rice Field Walk Overview

• Location: Pejeng Village, ~15 minutes east of Ubud

• Distance: ~4-6 km (varies depending on route)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some narrow or uneven paths)

• Duration: 1-2 hours

Highlights of the Walk

• Secluded Rice Fields: Unlike Tegalalang, this area has wide, open terraces with very few tourists.

• Ancient Temples: Pejeng is home to some of Bali’s oldest temples, including Pura Kebo Edan and Pura Penataran Sasih (home to the Moon of Pejeng, Southeast Asia’s largest single-cast bronze drum).

• Traditional Balinese Villages: Walk through small farming communities where locals still practice age-old traditions.

• Subak Irrigation System: See the intricate water channels that sustain the rice fields.

• Jungle & River Views: Some routes take you past streams and shaded areas with lush greenery.

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning (before 9 AM): Cooler temperatures and a chance to see farmers working.

• Late Afternoon (after 4 PM): Beautiful golden light over the rice fields.

How to Get There

• By Scooter/Car: Pejeng is about a 15-minute drive from Ubud center. Park near Pura Penataran Sasih and start exploring from there.

• By Foot: You can also reach Pejeng from Goa Gajah or Yeh Pulu, making for a longer trek through rice fields and temple sites.

The Penestanan Rice Field Walk is a peaceful, scenic route just outside central Ubud, offering a quieter alternative to the more famous Campuhan Ridge and Tegalalang terraces. It winds through lush rice fields, local villages, and hidden cafés, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Penestanan Rice Field Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Near Bintang Supermarket Ubud or Jl. Raya Penestanan

• Distance: ~2-4 km (depending on route)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some uphill sections)

• Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

Highlights of the Walk

• Peaceful Rice Fields: Serene landscapes without the crowds of Tegallalang.

• Local Art & Villages: Penestanan is known for its community of artists, and you’ll see small galleries and workshops along the way.

• Hidden Cafés & Warungs: Great stops include Yellow Flower Café, Alchemy (raw food café), and Cafe Vespa for a break with a view.

• Traditional Balinese Homes: Small compounds line the paths, giving a glimpse into daily life.

• Connection to Campuhan Ridge: You can extend the walk by linking to the Campuhan Ridge trail for a longer trek.

Best Time to Go

• Morning (before 9 AM): Cool and peaceful, with soft light over the fields.

• Late Afternoon (4-6 PM): Beautiful golden hour views.

How to Get There

• By Scooter/Walking: From Ubud, head west toward Penestanan via Jl. Raya Ubud.

• By Foot: Start from Bintang Supermarket and walk toward Penestanan via small alleyways leading to the fields.

Tips for Walking the Fields

• Wear comfortable shoes—some paths are uneven.

• Bring a small amount of cash for café stops.

• If exploring deeper, Google Maps may not show all paths—ask locals for directions.

The Tegallalang Rice Field Walk is one of Bali’s most famous rice terrace experiences, offering breathtaking landscapes, traditional subak (Balinese irrigation system), and winding footpaths through the lush green terraces.

Tegallalang Rice Field Walk Overview

• Location: Tegallalang Village, ~20 minutes north of Ubud

• Distance: Varies (~1-2 km within the terraces)

• Difficulty: Moderate (steep and narrow pathways)

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you explore

Highlights of the Walk

• Stunning Terraces: Iconic stepped rice fields with coconut trees and small huts.

• Traditional Farming Life: You might see farmers tending to the rice using traditional methods.

• Swing & Photo Spots: There are Bali Swings and Instagrammable nests along the way (extra fees apply).

• Warungs with a View: Cafés overlooking the terraces, like Tegallalang Rice Terrace Café or D'Alas Warung, are great for a break.

• Donation Stops: Some paths require small donations to local farmers (~IDR 10,000-20,000).

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning (before 9 AM): Fewer tourists, soft light, and cooler temperatures.

• Late Afternoon (after 4 PM): Golden hour views, but can still be busy.

How to Get There

• By Scooter or Car: ~20-minute drive from Ubud.

• Entrance Fee: ~IDR 15,000 per person, plus optional donations along the trails.

Tips for Walking the Fields

• Wear good shoes—some paths are slippery and uneven.

• Bring small change for farmer donations.

• Start at the official entrance or find side trails for a quieter experience.

The Yeh Pulu Rice Field Walk is a serene and culturally rich trek near Goa Gajah in Ubud. This lesser-known walk takes you through beautiful rice paddies, small villages, and the ancient Yeh Pulu Relief, a hidden 14th-century rock carving.

Yeh Pulu Rice Field Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Yeh Pulu Relief, Bedulu Village (5 km from Ubud)

• Distance: ~2-3 km (round trip, but can be extended)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some uneven paths)

• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Highlights of the Walk

• Yeh Pulu Relief: The main attraction—a 25-meter-long stone carving depicting Balinese daily life, dating back to the 14th century.

• Peaceful Rice Fields: Unlike the busy Tegalalang terraces, this area offers a more tranquil experience.

• Local Village Life: The path winds past traditional Balinese homes and small family temples.

• Jungle & Irrigation Canals: Parts of the trail take you through lush greenery and ancient water systems.

• Goa Gajah Connection: You can extend the walk to visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), another significant historical site.

Best Time to Go

• Morning (before 9 AM): Cooler temperatures and a chance to see farmers working.

• Late Afternoon (after 4 PM): Beautiful golden light over the rice fields.

How to Get There

• By Scooter or Car: Yeh Pulu is about a 10-minute drive from central Ubud.

• Entrance Fee: Small donation (~IDR 15,000) for maintaining the site.

The Sayan Rice Field Walk is a peaceful and less-touristy trail in Ubud, offering stunning views of rice paddies, the Ayung River, and even glimpses of luxury resorts like the Four Seasons. It’s a great alternative to the more popular Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Sayan Rice Field Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Near the Bambu Indah eco-resort (Jl. Raya Sayan)

• Distance: ~3-4 km (round trip)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some uneven paths and slight inclines)

• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Highlights of the Walk

• Secluded Rice Fields: A quiet, scenic path with fewer tourists.

• Ayung River Views: Parts of the trail overlook the river, with chances to see local farmers at work.

• Traditional Balinese Villages: Small family compounds and local farms along the way.

• Bambu Indah & Four Seasons Sayan: Option to stop at the eco-resort for a meal or continue toward the Four Seasons for a high-end drink with a view.

• Jungle & Bamboo Groves: Some sections of the path take you through shaded areas with bamboo forests and tropical plants.

Best Time to Go

• Early Morning (before 9 AM): Cool temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Late Afternoon (4-6 PM): Soft golden light over the rice fields.

How to Get There

• Start near Bambu Indah and follow the small path leading down toward the rice paddies.

• Alternatively, you can start from Four Seasons Sayan and walk toward the fields.

This pretty walk takes you from the front door of Alchemy Yoga & Mediation Center along a stone path that winds by villas and restaurants, including the super delicous and atmospheric, Yellow Flower Cafe. Towards the end of the walk it gets a bit more remote and ultimately comes to what appears to be gated private land.  I could not find an official name for this rice field walk and I think it may be on private property, but the gate is always open so if you continue through the gate you will eventually arrive at Jl Raya Sanggingan. From there you can either walk back along the road or double back and take the same path back.  

If you're like me and prefer to not double back, you can cross over the stream by the sign for Bintang Supermarket and then rejoin the trail after the Penestanan Steps. 

Walk Overview

• Starting Point: Small path to the right of Alchemy Yoga & Meditiation Center

• Distance: ~3-4 km (round trip)

• Difficulty: Easy 

• Duration: 1 hour

Highlights of the Walk

• Penestanan Steps: Early on in this walk you will pass the Penestatan Steps.  Feel free to do a couple of sets of stairs before continuing on with the walk. 

• Creek Views: Parts of the trail overlook the creek.

• Access to Bintang Supermarket: We discovered this trail as a safer short cut option to taking the road to Bintang Supermarket. 

Best Time to Go

• Any Time: Mostly shaded so any time is a good time. 

How to Get There

• Walk or take a Grab to Alchemy Yoga & Mediation Center and take the small path to the right of the entrance.