Canggu is Bali’s most popular neighbourhood and there’s no doubt that it’s developing at a fast pace to serve its visitors. However, the area still retains some of its old Bali charm and one place where you can see this is in the rice fields of the area.
So, we put together a simple guide to help you explore the natural beauty of Canggu and enjoy a simpler, less-travelled path on the island.
Are There Rice Fields In Canggu?
Yes! While Canggu may not be famous for its rice terraces like Ubud, there are still plenty of rice fields to see in the area and they are quite beautiful.
Unlike in Seminyak, where all the rice fields are long gone. However, you will have to get out of the main town of Canggu to enjoy the best rice paddies, as they are all on the outskirts of the most developed areas.
It’s one of the reasons that people choose Canggu for a holiday, while the area has seen rapid development for tourism, much of the “real Bali” still remains if you’re willing to look for it.
Are Canggu’s Rice Fields Part Of The Subak System?
Bali only has one UNESCO world heritage site. That’s a deliberate choice by the Balinese government as there are many sites here that might qualify for that status, but they withdrew them all from consideration to try and reduce the number of tourists visiting them.
But one site had already received its award – the Subak system. The Subak system is an ancient agricultural system that connects every rice field with every watercourse and every temple on the island.
The rice terraces of Jatiluwih are the terraces that are permanently associated with the Subak system in most visitors’ minds, but every rice terrace is, in fact, part of it and thus, the rice fields in Canggu are part of it too.
Now, we’d definitely recommend a trip to Jatiluwih or the island’s second most famous rice fields, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, near Ubud, but if you don’t have time – Canggu’s rice terraces are nice enough and easy to get to.
Where Are Canggu’s Rice Terraces?
There are three very popular rice terraces in Canggu and they can be easily found by looking up the following locations on Google Maps.
It’s worth noting that most rice fields here in Bali don’t have names, so there’s nothing in Maps for you to look for but if you look up nearby landmarks, you can easily find the rice paddies when you arrive at your destination.
Jalan Pantai Munggu/Jalan Raya Seseh Rice Fields
Once you reach this area, there are no specific paths to follow. See a rice field you like? It’s fine to walk through it or cycle through it following the trails.
Please be careful not to do any damage to the field itself, it should be easy enough to walk between the rice rows and maintain the balance.
If you like these rice fields, if you head northwest to the famous Tanah Lot temple, you can find even more attractive rice fields that lay outside of the borders of Canggu.
You can also find the restaurant “Milu by Nook” not far from this area and it’s a great place to stop and eat. Sit in their outdoor area and you can enjoy a lovely view of the rice terraces without having to do any walking or cycling!
Landmarks: Oregon Bistro, Spaces Bali, Villa Marquee and Warung Tamara
Jalan Babadan Rice Fields
These family owned rice terraces are some of the smallest on our list but they are very attractive.
You’re unlikely to bump into anyone except the occasional worker in these fields for most of the year round. They don’t see many foreign visitors.
Landmarks: Rockets Ride Bali, Gimme Shelter Bali, Villa Alisha Pererenan
Jalan Ray Batu Mejan Rice Fields
Most people consider these fields to be the most spectacular in Canggu and despite that, they also don’t see too many visitors.
We like to visit this area just before golden hour, you can get some incredible photographs stood in the rice just as the sun begins to slip below the horizon.
It’s a great spot for a romantic stroll with your lover or to chill out with your family.
Landmarks: Uma Desa Canggu, Padi Club Bar & Restaurant
How To Get To The Rice Fields?
There are a few ways to get to the rice fields here in Canggu:
- Walk – this is probably not going to be very practical unless you’re staying very nearby or you’re something of a masochist. Walking here in Bali isn’t impossible but the quality of the sidewalks and roads leaves a lot to be desired. When you combined that with terrible traffic, most people don’t bother.
- Bicycle – for many of the reasons mentioned above that walking is unpopular, so is cycling. While bikes are a good way to get around rice terraces, they aren’t so great for getting to and from them.
- Scooter – scooter is always an option when travelling around Canggu and even though we don’t recommend using a scooter due to issues with both legality and safety, it’s an easy way to get to the rice fields. Just be careful about where you park it.
- Grab/Gojek – probably the best way to get out to the area. It’s easy enough to get a ride back when you need one, just head to a local landmark and book from there. Ride-sharing is cheap and convenient.
Just don’t drive your own car out to the rice terraces as you may find it’s very difficult to find somewhere to park without walking long distances.
How To Get Around Rice Terraces In Canggu?
There are really only two ways to get around rice fields and they both have advantages and disadvantages:
- Bicycle – you can rent a bike specifically for riding out into the fields and it won’t cost you very much to do so. The bright side of cycling through the paddies is that it’s cool as you create your own breeze. The downside is that the terrain is incredibly uneven and you’ll need to keep a close eye on things to ensure you don’t fall off.
- On foot – walking through the rice fields is easy, though you will want to wear sturdy shoes as it’s a bit muddy. There is an outside chance of stumbling across one of Bali’s snakes, though. We’d recommend being out of the rice paddies before the sun has fully set to minimize your chances of running into a snake. If you do run into one, please remember that snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. Just back away and let them go about their business.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Canggu’s Rice Terraces?
As we go to press, there is no entrance fee associated with any of the rice terraces in Canggu. However, as they are all private property, there’s always the possibility that somebody might decide to get enterprising and start charging, but we doubt it.
These fields and pathways are an intimate part of the land and they have been used by people since ancient times. While folks don’t usually balk at the chance for a little profit here, as long as only a few tourists go to the rice fields in Canggu, we’d expect them to remain free of charge.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Rice Terraces In Canggu?
There are two things to consider when talking about time in Bali:
- The season – the best time to visit the rice terraces in Canggu is just as the rainy season comes to a close but before the fields are harvested. This can vary a little year on year, but is likely to around April time.
- The time of day – all attractions in Bali are better in the early morning when the tourists and many of the locals are still in bed and places are much less crowded.
What To Expect At Rice Terraces In Canggu?
Canggu’s rice fields aren’t the best known rice terraces on the island and that’s a good thing. Where Tegallang and Jatiluwih can be overrun by excited visitors, Canggu’s smaller terraces are often completely free of other tourists.
Most of the time, you will have wonderful views that are truly panoramic and you’ll have them entirely to yourself. If you do run into anyone, it’s most likely to be a local farm worker, give them a smile and a wave. Don’t worry, it’s fine to be in the fields and you won’t get into any trouble.
Some Other Famous Rice Fields In Bali
If seeing Canggu’s rice fields inspires you to find some other memorable rice terraces on the island then we can recommend these four sites to get you started:
Jatiluwih
There is no more famous set of rice terraces in Bali and they are, without a doubt, the most inextricably linked fields to the UNESCO world heritage site, Subak system.
The area doesn’t see as many tourists as it might as it’s quite a long (and bumpy) drive out to the village of Jatiluwih to get things underway.
The good news is that there are plenty of facilities there when you arrive and you can enjoy a good cup of coffee while gazing out at the scenery before you explore.
Jatiluwih’s fields are better set up for tourism too and while you will have to pay a small entrance fee, you can also arrange a guided tour of the area to learn more about the Subak system and rural life here in Bali.
Tegallalang
While Jatiluwih may be the most famous of rice terraces in Bali, Tegallalang is the most popular and that’s because it’s super easy to get to from Ubud and it’s only a short-ish drive from Canggu too.
It’s a very beautiful spot and there are cafes and restaurants galore in the area. The only downside is the crowds. If you don’t get there early in the morning, you may find it’s hard to see through the tourists to the rice fields.
Sidemen
Sidemen is the unspoiled village side of Bali that Ubud used to be like. It’s a very beautiful place with endless rice fields to explore.
Because it’s a bit further away from the main tourist towns, it’s worth staying in the area for a night or two to make the most of it.
Belimbing
With Mount Batukaru in the background, you really can’t beat this rice terrace for picture postcard beauty.
There are also a pair of lovely waterfalls in the area which are worth seeking out. The village nearby also has plenty of wild monkeys wandering around, just be careful around monkeys, they are wild animals, not pets.
FAQs
Which Rice Terrace Is Best In Bali?
The most famous and most striking to look at is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, however, many people choose to go to Tegallalang, instead, as it’s much easier to get there.
What Time To Go To Tegalalang Rice Terrace?
We’d recommend that you visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace early in the morning as the crowds at this site can get pretty hectic.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Rice Terraces In Bali?
The best month is probably April (though this can vary) when the rainy season is coming to an end but before they harvest the rice. Once a field has been harvested it turns to muddy brown and while it can still be a striking sight, it’s not as good as sculpted lush green rice fields.
What To Wear To Tegalalang Rice Terraces?
You can wear almost anything you like to a rice terraces, though it’s always best to dress, at least a little, conservatively on the island.
The important thing is to wear sturdy shoes, so you don’t get wet feet in the terraces and you protect yourself from cuts, bruises, bites, etc.
Do You Have To Pay For Tegalalang Rice Terraces?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Tegalalang but it’s only 25,000 IDR per person (that’s around $2 USD or $2.50 AUD). However, there are other attractions at the site which require additional fees such as Uma Ceking (50,000 IDR) and Pakudi Tegallang (10,000 IDR).
Final Thoughts On The Best Rice Terraces In Canggu
Canggu may not be famous for its rice terraces but the area is home to several attractive rice fields and they are easy to find and free to visit.
We’d recommend that anyone who comes to this area take an hour or two to explore one of the most beautiful natural sights on the island.