Relax in the shade of coconut trees and take in the stunning scenery in this oasis of tranquillity, where rich green rice fields cover the hillsides.
Situated in a river gorge to the north of Ubud, Tegallalang Village is known for its iconic rice fields. These ancient terraced mountains provide the backdrop to this rural idyll where you can gaze through the mist or relax in the shade of the coconut palms. This is truly stunning scenery.Created over 2,000 years ago by farmers who, using nothing more than hand tools, carved the wide step like terraces into the mountain side, they were designed to harness the water as it flowed down the mountain in an effort to aid rice growth. Rice is still very much a staple part of the Balinese diet and features heavily in religious ceremonies. The planting and management of the crops are still tied to the religious calendar. Production is managed by a central village authority.Whilst Tegallalong can get crowded, it is easy to move to the other side of the terrace to avoid too many other visitors. You can also enjoy the views of the terraces from the café at the top of the hill. As the ground is often wet, it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear.The village is also something of a treasure trove full of handcrafted wooden souvenirs. Local vendors sell their wares from the roadside as well as in the surrounding villages. As is common for the region, there is also a good deal of art to view in the village.Tegallalang is a 10-minute drive from Ubud in central Bali. You can access the village as part of an organised tour, take a taxi or hire a car. There is a small fee payable to access the rice fields.