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What to Know Before Visiting the Rice Paddies in Ubud

June 2, 2015 |

Visiting the rice paddies in Ubud is incredibly peaceful, and the area provides spectacular photographic opportunities for shutterbugs. It can also be rather spiritual, for those in that frame of mind. If you’re planning a trip to the area, it's worth it to seek out the more secluded rice paddies to include on a 3-day Ubud itinerary. While the Tegalalang terraces are beautiful, they're also packed with tourists and it's often difficult to get sweeping landscape shots.

Rice Paddies Ubud: Take a walking tour of the rice paddies and learn what you'll need for your trip, the best time of year to visit, and what photography gear to bring.

Cover image photo sources via Flickr CC 2.0 | Attribution clockwise from top left: Yoan Carle | Ketut Arnaya for Global Landscapes Forum | McKay Savage | Erin Clarkson | Jenny Downing | chrisinno

Ready for a sneak peek into the beautiful rice paddies of Ubud, Bali? We'll take you there! #ubud #bali Share on X

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a small referral fee from purchases at no cost to you. You can read our affiliate policy here.

Visiting the Rice Paddies Ubud, Bali

I skipped the touristy Tegalalang terraces and instead visited a few small rice paddies in Ubud's “Valley of the Kings” area. The region is aptly named due to generations of Balinese royalty who once lived in the nearby villages.

Where to Stay in Ubud

While in Ubud, I stayed at Kamandalu Resort and was excited to learn there were rice paddies just a few steps away from the property! In fact, the majority of the resort overlooked lush, landscaped fields.

It's so peaceful to enjoy breakfast while looking out over a sea of bright green grass waving in the breeze. I posted a full review of my stay at Kamandalu, since it still ranks as my favorite resort stay to date.

Check Rates Now: booking.com | hotels.com

Wide view of lush green rice paddies lined by palm trees.

Man in straw hat working in lush green ride paddies in Ubud Bali.

TIP: The best lighting for photography is in the morning before 9 a.m. or in the early evening, prior to sunset. Midday sun is just too harsh, and your photos will appear washed out. Faces will also be in shadow since all of the workers wear hats.

Entry Fees

While some touristy rice paddies charge an entry fee, many do not. The rice terraces at Tegalalang seem designed more to attract tourists than to harvest rice, so expect a few donation requests there.

Many other rice paddies throughout the area can be explored at no cost, such as the ones discussed below.

What to Wear & Bring

  • Wear comfortable shoes to trek through the rice paddies. It gets a bit muddy in some areas and the terrain is rather rough. You don't necessarily need hiking boots, but they are beneficial if you have them. If you're flying to Ubud and don't have room in your suitcase, you'll manage just fine with tennis shoes.
  • The climate is warm year-round. Women should wear shorts or a comfy skirt and a sleeveless top or tee. For the guys, shorts and a tee work well.
  • Bring a bottle of water and apply sunscreen before venturing out on your walk or bike ride. Chapstick comes in handy, too. Other than that, I'd avoid bringing a purse or anything bulky that you'll tire of carrying.
  • There aren't bathrooms near the less-touristy rice paddies, so make a pit stop before you leave!

When to Visit

March, April, and May fall at the end of the rainy season, so it's a very lush time to visit. I visited in November and it was also very beautiful. Avoid December, January, and February since that's the prime rainy season.

I highly suggest early morning or sunset visits vs. the middle portion of the day. A sunrise or sunset over the rice paddies may be one of the most picturesque moments you can experience on this planet.

Learn when to visit #Ubud for the most picturesque shots of a sunset over the rice paddies. Share on X

Getting to Know the Laborers

I saw men and women working the fields, but one older gentleman in particular captivated me. He appeared to have spent his lifetime working outdoors. He walked with a slight stoop and had worn and leathery skin. I detected visible areas of what was likely skin cancer and counted each rib in the v-neck opening of his shirt.

As I approached with my camera, he gave an approving nod, then methodically went back to his business tending the field. It was a brief exchange, but I've never forgotten him! Anytime I think I have it rough, I imagine what his life is like and am humbled.

Weathered-looking man in a straw hat taking a break from tending the field in the rice paddies Ubud Bali

A brief glance, then…
Old and weathered man in straw hat using a rake to tend the rice paddies in Ubud Bali.

…back to work!

One female worker dressed in bright red stood out to me as well. She smiled frequently and seemed very friendly, but was also very focused on the job at hand.

Woman in a bright red jacket and straw hat carrying a machete and tending to the rice paddies in Ubud Bali.

Close up of an older woman in red jacket, wrap skirt and straw hat tending to the ride paddies in Ubud Bali with a machete.

Making Friends with the Locals

I didn't approach anyone, because I didn't want to disturb them or disrupt their work. However, this guy practically skipped towards me; he was so eager to talk!

Smiling older man leaning against an elaborately carved statue and holding a small bag containing something brown.

My new friend was extraordinarily happy and his grin stretched from ear to ear. He spoke enough broken English to let me know it was OK to take pictures. I managed to let him know I'd traveled from Texas. He kept asking if I wanted a picture of him (of course!) and was happy to pose for my camera.

He's the only person I tipped during this particular trip, because I preferred to observe everyone else from afar. He didn't request money, but I offered since he posed so willingly.

I never got around to inquiring about what was in that baggie in his hand or if it contributed to his good mood, but he was definitely a chatty guy.

Staying Safe in the Rice Paddies

The majority of my photos are of rice paddies situated along a small road between the Kamandalu Resort and Viceroy Bali. Even though the field workers all carried machetes, I walked to the paddies by myself and felt 100% safe. With other hotel guests and locals wandering around, you won't feel as if you're in any danger.

The majority of the people living in Ubud practice Balinese Hinduism and are amongst the friendliest and most peaceful people I've met during my travels. I suggest the normal precautions for solo female travelers. However, rest assured that this is one of the places I've felt safest. 

TIP: When traveling alone in a foreign country, always let someone know your itinerary and stay alert. Leave a note at the front desk detailing your plans and expected return time.

Tips for Photographers

A telephoto lens is great for capturing candids of the field workers. Bring a wide angle lens for sweeping landscape shots. I'd suggest a UV filter to really make the clouds pop. A grey card is a necessity for white balance, because there's nothing in the fields to use as a reference point.

Make sure you have a bag handy to protect your camera gear from moisture. I love the Vanguard Adaptor 41 when I'm laptop-free, because it's so lightweight yet still fits all my equipment. (I use the Vanguard Adaptor 46 when carrying my MacBook.)

A tripod is beneficial, but not an absolute necessity if you aren't comfortable lugging it around. The Manfrotto BeFree Tripod is one of the highest rated lightweight tripods that withstands professional travel use. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, I love our Bestshoot Desktop Mini Tripod.

Photographers, get tips for trekking to the rice paddies in Ubud. #travelbloggers #photography #ubud Share on X

Ready to book a trip to Ubud? Find the cheapest airfare now with Skyscanner.

If you have any questions, please comment below and I’ll do my best to answer. The rice paddies are definitely worth a visit, particularly when you venture off the beaten path and select the lesser-known options.

Pin It for Later: Visiting the Rice Paddies in Ubud

XOXO, ERIN

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Filed Under: BALI, TRAVEL |

About ERIN

Erin Clarkson is an award-winning photographer, Savannah-based blogger, and author of the Savannah First-Timer's Guide. She spends her days exploring the Lowcountry and writing about its unique beauty. A true Southerner, she'll stop to chat with anyone, and that gift of gab has led to many off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Learn more and connect on Pinterest.

Comments

  1. Lena P. says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:05 PM

    haha, I bet that stuff in the baggie is Kava Kava. I’ve read somewhere that Kava is quite popular in those regions. Beautiful pictures. I hope to visit Bali one day. 🙂

    • ERIN CLARKSON says

      March 22, 2016 at 12:58 PM

      Interesting! I’d never heard of kava kava, but I just googled it. I could use some! lol Anything anti-anxiety is good in my book. lol He definitely seemed relaxed and happy 🙂

  2. rust says

    February 7, 2016 at 10:38 AM

    Very picturesque, beautiful pictures. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

    • ERIN CLARKSON says

      February 19, 2016 at 10:00 PM

      It really is. Bali is my favorite place I’ve ever visited!

  3. Simon says

    June 8, 2015 at 2:34 PM

    Erin, great article on your trip to Bali! I miss that place and all the the unforgettable people we meet on travel! I wish I could have captured those moments like you have. Thanks for sharing your trip!

    • ERIN CLARKSON says

      July 4, 2015 at 11:51 PM

      Thanks, Simon! I miss it, too. Bali really is an unforgettable trip.

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