The Best Bali Day Trip: Waterfalls and Rice Terraces in Ubud
Whether it’s your first or fifth time traveling to Bali, visiting the Tegenungan Waterfall and the Tegalallang Rice Terraces outside of Ubud always makes for the perfect day trip.
Ubud is often referred to as the heart of Bali , and is the spiritual and cultural center of the island. The town is bursting with bohemian cafes, beautiful temples, thriving markets and a healthy, yogi culture. Just outside this bustling cultural hub are miles and miles of tranquil farms, rice paddies, and dense tropical jungles as far as the eye can see. The surrounding area of Ubud boasts some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes of the entire island, and fittingly is home to some of the most exclusive and secluded luxury spas and resorts (this one is my absolute favorite in Bali, maybe the world) tucked away in the jungle.
Booking.com
While you could easily spend your whole trip soaking up the Bali zen in one of these resorts, there are a couple sightseeing things you absolutely can’t miss in Bali. And waterfalls and rice fields are two of them.
How to Day Trip to the Waterfalls and Rice Fields Outside of Ubud
My favorite day trip from the Ubud area in Bali is to book a driver for the whole day (which you can do for about $50 or less), and head out to chase waterfalls and roam in the rice fields. When friends are wondering what to do in Bali, I like to tell them to have a driver take them to two waterfalls in the morning, have lunch (and coconuts) overlooking the rice fields, and then spend the afternoon roaming around the rice terraces. It makes for a perfect Ubud day trip, and will definitely be a highlight of any vacation in Bali.
Tegenungan Waterfall Bali
Start your day at Tegenungan Waterfall, located about 20 minutes from downtown Ubud, this waterfall is one of the biggest in all of Bali. It’s really popular (especially in Bali’s high season of June-September), so I recommend going early in the morning to avoid fighting the crowds when you’re swimming in this gorgeous waterfall dream.
How to get to Tegenungan Waterfall
Ask a driver to take you to Tegenungan Waterfall in Tegenungan Village. Upon arrival, you’ll see a ticket booth and parking spaces. The price to park a car is 5.000 Indonesian Rupiah, and entrance is free for motorbikes. After parking, you pay the entrance fee (15.000 Indonesian Rupiah) for your tickets, and follow the path to the waterfall. It’s well-signed and one of the most popular attractions in Ubud, so it’s easy to find your way. The walk is quite easy and definitely walkable in sandals.
Yes- there is a swing at Tegenungan Waterfall! Walk to the right of the waterfall and you’ll see it on your way up to the next level of views. Go ahead, #doitfortheinsta.
Tibumana Waterfall
After checking out Tegenungan, head to the way less crowded and just as beautiful Tibumana Waterfall, about 45 minutes away from Ubud. On your way to this jungle waterfall, you’ll feel like you’re heading waaaay off the beaten path. It’s an awesome drive and one that will make you feel like you’ve found the Bali of 20 years ago. Make sure your driver knows where he’s going, though, because this one is out there. When you get to Tibumana, located in the lush Bangli region, you’ll find a tiny shack where you need to pay IDR 10,000 to get in (about 70 cents). You’ll then follow a winding path with stairs for around 15 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall. The entire pathway leading to the fall is gorgeous – there are vines creeping down the cliffs, the sound of water crashing in the distance, and colorful butterflies flying around you. It’s magical.
When you get to Tibumana waterfall, there will probably only be a few other people there. You can swim, you can take pictures on the insta-famous rock, or you can walk around the jungle and explore.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Another waterfall you can get to if you’re feeling ambitious and want to do three is Kanto Lampo Waterfall – it’s nearby the others, and is still pretty undiscovered by tourists. This was my favorite waterfall! It’s wild – and you’ll get very wet (i’d recommend just bringing your phone and not a DSLR camera because the mist from the waterfall can damage it). Sit back on the rocks and let the water massage all around you – it’s incredible!
Tegalallang Rice Terraces
After chasing waterfalls, head to the Tegalallang Rice Terraces – the stunningly gorgeous bright-green rice fields that epitomize Bali. The dramatic 360 views of the terraces all around you are sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Tegalallang is famous for its unique irrigation system created in the 8th century by a holy man named Resi Markandeya. Since rice needs to grow in water year-round, these terraces allow water to flow continuously down from one rice field into the other fields, keeping the rice wet year-round. This ancient Subak system is still used by a shared local community here at Tegalallang, but, nowadays, the terraces have transformed into mainly a tourist attraction for visitors to Bali. The farmers can make a lot more money catering to tourists (read: making instagram-worthy signs that say LOVE BALI, etc.), than they can working in the fields. But, the benefit of the rise in catering to tourism here is that there is everything you could possibly need here, from amazing restaurants built right on the side of the terraces, with a perfect view of the dramatic green valley, to souvenir shops and places to rest your legs. Grab a table at a Balinese restaurant on the edge and order some Nasi Goreng (Bali’s most famous dish) and a fresh young coconut to relax and take in the views.
After lunch, walk into the fields and wander along the terraces. As you walk further and further into the terraces, you’ll probably be asked multiple times for donations to help with the upkeep of Tegalallang. These donation stands are worded as “optional” but are made pretty much mandatory. It can be annoying as there are many stops throughout the fields, but they’re only asking for pennies at each stand, so just have small Indonesian bills on hand and don’t worry about it too much.
Note that it gets pretty hot and humid in the rice terraces, and there isn’t much shade cover! Definitely wear sunscreen and bring lots of water with you. There are plenty of places to buy water, as well.
Alea
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Ah I’m going to Bali in May and this is so helpful!!! Would you suggest getting a driver over renting a motorbike and navigating yourself?
Christina Vidal
So exciting! You are going to love it 🙂 I definitely recommend doing a driver to start. The motorbikes are super fun and easy to get around on if you’re comfortable with it, though!
Naomi Jennings
Hi There I am heading to Bali next week …silly question was it comfortable to walk in flip flops on the rice patties?
Christina Vidal
You can definitely walk it in flip flops! I did 🙂
Craig
Looks amazing. Is the water chilling? How do you get there?
Craig
Amazing setting! Is the water chilling? How do you get there?
Emily
I love your photos – they’re breathtaking! Do you use a specific filter or do you set LR presets?! Hook a sista up! xo
Christina Vidal
Hi Emily! Thank you so much! So nice of you to say. I set and use my own LR presets!
Christina Vidal
Aw thanks Emily! I use my own lightroom presets!!! I’ve thought about making them available but it’s a time-consuming process to package them all up! hopefully in the next couple months 🙂
Molly
Hi Christina,
I am headed to Bali in October for my honeymoon and am so excited, your guides have been so helpful in my planning! Do you have any recommendations for drivers in Bali?
Thanks!
Christina Vidal
Hi Molly! I usually go through the hotel, airbnb or villa I’m staying in. Then if they’re good, I’ll get their whatsapp and use them a lot! I’ll also ask if they have friends that drive, etc so you can always have someone available. Also, if you get a driver from the airport you can usually get his number for use throughout your trip (or ask if he has friends, etc)
Monique Hill
Hi Christina
Thanks for such an awesome comprehensive guide, we are going to Bali in August and are just too excited! Thanks for the Kanto Lampo waterfall tip, definitely going to check it out to hopefully avoid some crowds 🙂
Christina Vidal
Have so much fun!! go early to avoid the crowds 🙂 Kanto Lampo is amazing!!
Elysia
Hi, Christina. I’m headed to Bali for the first time in March. I’m only there for 5 nights and I’m trying to plan out my day in Ubud. I love this guide, it’s very informative. I know you said to start out the day early, but what time specifically would you recommend if you’re trying to fit in as much as possible?
Christina Vidal
I’d try to get to the first waterfall by 9am! and then I’d head to the rice fields, walk around, get lunch overlooking the rice paddies, and then head to the second waterfall in the afternoon! If you have the energy you can also end the day in downtown Ubud and walk the markets, as well. And then end with a much deserved dinner at Naughty Nuris or Sayan House (the best restaurants in Ubud!!!)
Bli Kadek
Hi christina, may you can visit Tibumana Waterfall,,, one things best waterfalls in bali 🙂
Maeghan
Hi C, thank you for the great info above. How did you source a driver? Does one walk into the main Ubud town centre and there will be stands advertising them? Thanks, Maeghan
Christina Vidal
Yep!! There are lots of taxi stands with drivers, or you can ask your hotel. And if you get a good driver from the airport, or from any of the stands in town, definitely ask for his whatsapp #! Most of the drivers use whatsapp and it’s a great way to get one on demand.. it’s best to have a few numbers saved up though as they’re busy! (But can usually send a friend if need be)
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Hudson Polonini
Thank you so much for the tips! I’m going in october, and one of my concerns is to arrive late on the rice field, because people say it usually gets overcrowded. Is it really the case? Or would it be ok to go to the waterfalls first? Thanks a lot in advance!
Christina
It definitely gets crowded at both so it’s up to you which you want to prioritize getting to first before the crowds! Have so much fun!