Cekingan Rice Terrace: The best rice paddy Ubud Bali
Cekingan Rice terrace (also known as Tegalalang Rice Terrace) is a stunning spot you MUST visit when you’re in Bali and has been granted the status as a UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s not hard to see why. This is definitely the best rice paddy Ubud Bali. It’s beautiful rice paddies on tiny tiered fields on the sides of a hill make for the most beautiful, luscious green scenery you’ll ever come across.
They are an ever changing canvas and in spring you’ll find vibrant emerald green hills, and in autumn you’ll see golden yellow depending on the time of year and the planting seasons. The fairly steep slopes and pathways are dotted with tall coconut palms and vibrant tropical plants, securing the feeling that you really are in a stunning place and certainly, a tropical paradise.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud, have a look at my complete guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Best tours in Ubud:
| Don’t miss some of the best tours in Ubud, whether you’re after some adventure or a serene escape, there’s something for you. Ubud waterfall tours – for insta famous waterfalls or serene retreats, have a look here! Quad biking in Ubud – if you’re after adrenaline adventure, this is for you! Ubud Hot Air balloons – for scenic, stunning views, have a look at this experience White water rafting – a lot of fun for thrill seekers! Rice Terraces tour – for a serene escape, have a look at this tour. |
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Cekingan Rice Terrace Bali
Ceking Rice Terrace best time to visit
Arrive at Cekingan Rice Terrace (also known as Tegalalang rice terraces) for a fabulous day out. It is a luscious paradise you’ll want to spend a few hours at. I recommend going in the early morning as the sunlight is softly dappled or alternatively, head down in late afternoon.
There’s plenty of different places to photograph at that are very instagram worthy – viewing platforms, birds nest lookouts and more. We found loads of them empty and were able to get some great photos without anyone in them. People also were very polite and queued to get a go on the viewing platform, so no issues there. It can get a little slippery and a little muddy (it is a rice terrace, afterall!) so just bear this in mind when it comes to footwear.
There’s also a hike around Cekingan Rice Terrace which you can do, follow the trail up by the small mini stream/waterfall. After this, head to the Ceking Rice Terrace Restaurant – it’s actually fairly good, although the portions are a little on the small side. Read more below.
Don’t miss – right next to Cekingan Rice Terrace is Bayad Waterfall and Manuaba Waterfall. It’s worth doing both! There are plenty of hidden gems nearby you should definitely visit! If you’re looking for the Insta famous waterfalls, have a look at Kanto Lampo Waterfall; is the one known for its Insta famous guides that take great photos and videos whilst the water falls gently around you. Pictures below are from Kanto Lampo Waterfall for inspiration, and yes, the guides did take the photos for us and directed us!
Have a look at my complete guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Ceking Rice Terrace history
The incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Ceking Rice Terrace has apparently been around since the 9th Century, and the local farmers have been taking good care of it ever since.
This setup with the rice terraces on a steep slope helps the helping local farmers channel water from one rice field to the next lower down.
Cekingan Rice Terrace Hike
In the Cekingan Rice Terrace parking area, you can head straight down to the multiple rice terraces without having to hike too much. Due to the fact it is terraced, it’s on a steep slope, so bear this in mind if you have mobility issues. But generally, it is a great hike! You can hike for as long or as little as you like, but there are many different trails you can follow that are a good workout. Just bear in mind it can get very hot, and if it’s rainy, it can get slippery too!
Head over to Kenderan village located east of Tegallalang and not far from Ceking Rice Terrace. You might also want to consider popping across to Leke Leke Waterfall, Bayad Waterfall and Manuaba Waterfall which is just over 20 minutes away.
TIP: If you want to stay in a hotel nearby, have a look at the Best Eco Lodges in Bali.
Cekingan Rice Terrace is open to tourists all year unless there’s bad weather. But be wary of the water levels during the rainy season or monsoon season: it is safer to visit Cekingan Rice Terrace during the dry season. The dry season in Indonesia is usually from May to October.
Looking for the best waterfalls Ubud? Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
A lot of nearby Balinese waterfalls are sacred sites, for various reasons. Sometimes this is because the water has the divine blessing of a sovereign ruler, or for the tradition of Melukat, which is about the sacred act of cleansing and purifying yourself. You can read more about Melukat below.
If you’re brave… get in!
Go swimming at the nearby Bayad Waterfall! Ever heard of a waterfall massage? Head to the edge of the waterfall and gently ease yourself under the cascade for a pressure massage – not unlike the spas you’ll encounter all across Europe. We love it – we’re doing it every day!
Be careful though, the centre of the waterfall can had torrents of water falling down so you don’t want to jump in too quickly! Whilst I’m sure it won’t leave a mark, just be sure to look after yourself.
Cekingan Rice Terrace Entrance Fee & Tickets
Ceking Rice Terrace Price
The entrance cost is IDR 20,000 per person (£1 or $1.25 USD).
The admission fee for Cekingan Rice Terrace is IDR 20,000, which is meant to help maintain the site which is the least we can do to help keep this beautiful place functioning. A few locals work to maintain the site and they help keep the walkways clear, and ensure the pathways are clear. It’s the least we can do to help keep the site clear, clean and safe!
Want to do the Bali swing at Cekingan Rice Terrace? You will need to pay extra if you want to do the famous Bali Swings or wear the famous flying Bali dresses. They also have a bizarre flying bike which costs extra.
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit! Popular waterfalls include
Cekingan Rice Terrace Opening Hours
Cekingan Rice Terrace is open from 8am-6pm every day.
If you do go hiking further in the distance, don’t hike back in the dark after the sun has set as it can get a little slippery – not at all recommended. For this reason, I have included sunrise and sunset time in the ‘Weather’ section below.
Visiting Cekingan Rice Terrace location
Make sure you save the location to your google maps so you know where to go!
Cekingan Rice Terrace to Ubud: 25 minutes drive
The drive from Ubud is not that far but it does depend on traffic, so bear this in mind. Still, either way, it’s less than an hour’s drive!
Cekingan Rice Terrace Map:
How to get to Cekingan Rice Terrace Ubud Bali
Ubud to Cekingan Rice Terrace: 25 minutes drive
You can either rent a scooter, hire a private car or book onto one of the famous rice terrace tours on a day trip to the best Rice Paddy Terrace Bali (have a look below).
Make sure you have insurance for the moped (ensure your rental company covers this), and make sure you have general travel insurance well. Better safe than sorry!
When it comes to Bali tours, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
If you want to book onto a Ubud Rice Paddy tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Cekingan Rice Terrace Restaurant & Bar
There is an on site restaurant where you’ll be able to sit down for some breakfast or lunch, or even a quick cocktail. It of course has some of the best views you could hope for, sitting at the top of the the hill and overlooking the rice terraces.
I ordered an avocado toast – honestly, the bread could have been a little better but it was a great atmosphere and not too expensive. It only cost around IDR 50,000 (£3 or $3.50 USD). You only get a small slice of toast, so consider ordering two for this price!
There are also plenty of Warungs around. A “warung” is a small, often family-owned, traditional Indonesian restaurant or small food stall. Warungs serve local Balinese dishes that are usually cheap and cheerful. The most common dishes are nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles – yum), chicken sate (skewers), and whatever you do, don’t miss the peanut sauce, it’s the best thing ever!
Best Ubud hotels & Eco Lodges
Looking for unique and interesting hotels? Have a look at my posts on eco lodges in Bali!
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls or rice paddy tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Have a look at my other Bali and Indonesia guides:
21 Ubud waterfalls you must visit
Best Hotels & Bamboo Eco Lodges Bali
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Cekingan Rice Terrace Tours
There are plenty of companies that will take you on an Ubud Waterfall Tour, or a Waterfall Tour in East Bali. A lot of the waterfalls tours will take you to other destinations and activities in the area on a full day tour, such as Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint, Tirta Gangga, and Mount Agung, although often trips can be customised, especially if it’s a personalised tour.
There are a tonne of attractions you could visit and things to see. You might want to visit local villages & national parks, or spots such as:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
- Nungnung Waterfall
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk
- White water rafting
- Bayad Waterfall
- Banjar Mancingan Rice trekking
Don’t forget to watch (or get on) some of the famous Bali swings for a fun afternoon out in Bali. There are also tours a little further out, like Nusa Penida if you’re interested, it is highly recommended!
Keep an eye out, you’ll likely spot tonnes of rice terraces, endless rice fields, and luscious palm trees. It’s a great ride through the less touristy, and perhaps more authentic, Balinese countryside, an experience you should do at least once when you’re in Bali.
When it comes to Bali tours, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Have a look at my other Bali and Indonesia guides:
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Have a look at my full guide on the 21 other waterfalls near Ubud you must visit: If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
When to visit Bali?
Weather in Ubud
Ubud weather in January:
Ubud Weather in January:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 16
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in February:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 14
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in March:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 13
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in April:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in May:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 28°C (82.4°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in June:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 28°C (82.4°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in July:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 3
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in August:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in September:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in October:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 11
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in November:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 16
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in December:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 18
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Travel resources for your trip that are actually really handy!
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
That’s it! I hope you found it useful and let me know how you get on! If you want to see more video content, have a look at my post on Instagram.
Have a look at my other Bali & Indonesia travel guides:
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
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