Greetings, dear travelers! If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Gods, you must have seen pictures of the beautiful emerald green stairs carved into the mountainside. But let’s be honest: looking at the pictures is not even close to being there. If you want to truly know what an island is like, you will have to get your feet dirty. At TrekIndonesia, we think that in order to see the real Bali one must overlook the beach clubs and head to the mountains.
If you are curious to learn which trail will take your breath away, then keep reading—because it is a secret that even some locals don’t know about!
Why Bali Rice Terrace Trekking is the Ultimate Island Escape
You might be wondering, “Is Bali Rice Terrace Trekking worth all the effort?” The answer is “Yes”! Trekking through the rice fields is a treat in itself, but it is also about the Subak Irrigation System, a traditional water management system that has been in use since the 9th century. It is based on a lovely philosophy called Tri Hita Karana – the concept of balancing people, nature, and the spiritual realm.
When walking along these beautiful paths, you are not just a mere tourist but a visitor to a UNESCO world heritage site! People often ask, “What is the perfect time for this?” To be able to see that “Windows background” green, you need to visit Bali between February and April.
While you can come during the rainy season (which takes up almost six months), you should prepare for many “mirrored” waterlogged rice fields and mud everywhere!
Exploring the Massive Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
If you are looking for width in your expeditions, your search ends here since the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are the kings of agricultural areas, occupying over 600 hectares of land. Unlike other places, Jatiluwih offers guided trebks with varying degrees of difficulty: from a simple 30-minute tour to a wonderful trek lasting 3 hours.
What makes the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces the best trekking area in Bali is the amazing openness of the area. You are walking on the slopes of Mount Batukaru and breathing in his pure cold mountain air unlike in the coastal areas of Bali. You may be asking yourself a question: will you meet a lot of tourists? In contrast to the areas near Ubud, this place stays calm and untouched by the crowds. You can take a trek for many miles without meeting anyone but a duck or a farmer.
The Iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace Walk Bali
Sometimes, visitors to Ubud want to venture out. The Tegalalang Rice Terrace area located in Ubud consists of leagues of long, sloping rice fields, and it’s much smaller than Jatiluwih for instance since you can traverse the entire area in about forty-five minutes or so.
Another common question that people often ask us is whether the Tegalalang area is too crowded with tourists. The answer is yes! You will find some fun swings and popular photo spots on your way; however, the best way to enjoy the area is to get off the beaten path. A tip is that if you follow the path across the valley, you will get to a less crowded area with narrow dirt paths and the local people working on the fields which makes this village walk an amazing experience without any long trip.
Off the Beaten Path: Rice Terrace Trekking Bali in Sidemen and Munduk
For people who are interested in going to the past and learn about how different things in the past were, the Rice Terrace Trekking Bali in Sidemen Valley opens up a completely different level of fun and inspiration. Sidemen Valley is in the eastern part of Bali which is more laid-back and as if one is walking through someone’s garden. On clear days, there is a spectacular background of giant Mount Agung which cannot be taken by a camera.
Another place is Munduk. It is a “totally different beast”, if the heat of the southern part is too heavy. In the mountains, the air is fresh and the tracks are full of thick jungle. Here trekking is steeper and more wild and at the time of harvesting, the surrounding air is scented with cloves and coffee. It is open and real and suitable for those that are not afraid of getting lost.
Finding Authentic Bali Nature Tours at Banjar Mancingan
Are you eager to discover my hidden secret? The secret of Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces is in the vicinity of Ubud. The beauty of Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces is that there are no hotels, no cafes, no swings, just agricultural rice planting activities. If you want to know how to participate in authentic nature tours in Bali, try to visit Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces. In addition, travelers can combine their trips to Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces with spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul temple.
Essential Tips for Your Bali Trekking Tours
Prior to venturing out on your Bali hikes, let’s discuss equipment. You won’t require professional climbing gear, but flip-flops will not be a good match for the muddy paths that you will be walking through.
“What should I take on my trip to Bali?” Here’s the ultimate packing list!
- Shoes: Lightweight hiking shoes or sandals that will provide you with some excellent grip.
- Sun Protection: Use a hat and sunscreen with a high SPF; sunburn is a very real thing in Bali!
- Insect Repellent: You’ll want to shield yourself from those pesky mosquitoes, who love rice fields just as much as you.
- Cash: As many of the trails are community-run, it’s common to donate small amounts of anywhere from IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 to help with maintenance.
Do not postpone the visit to these undiscovered places until they are being discovered! The scenery in Bali goes through rapid changes and getting to know “the old Bali” cannot be done at a better time than now.
Are you ready to explore Bali? Head over to our TrekIndonesia and find the best guide who can show you the trails.