Tegalalang Rice Terraces
A Must - See when you're in Bali
This stunning landscape which is unique to areas of Southeast Asia such as Bali, was one of my favourite things to see whilst spending a few weeks in this incredible country. Although quite touristy being one of Bali's biggest attractions, the original methods of growing and harvesting rice is still used to this day, where acres and acres of picturesque layered fields host the perfect environment for successful rice produce. This is actually an irrigation system called Subak, and dates back to the 1700's.
Rice plant before harvest
The vast open space also creates the most incredible backdrop to stunning photos.
Getting to the "Rice Paddies" :
Hiring a scooter or moped for around $12 AUD for the day is probably the easiest way to get there as the route is very straight forward and you can follow signs or ask for directions if you don't have someone at the back using the gps, however if it's your first time in Bali, you might want to opt for the safer option of hiring a driver for the day (which you can do for around $50 per car) and get them to take you all around to nearby spots.
Along the street that lines the terraces, are countless stunning restaurants and cafes that all have amazing views. Make sure to try one of the traditional balinese rice dishes like Nasi Goreng, that were most likely produced on terraces such as the ones you'll be looking out at!
The famous swing is a bit of a rip-off at $15 AUD for 2 minutes of fun and cool photos but I guess it's the same price as most rides and rollercoasters in Australia anyway! It's kinda something you can't NOT do while you're there.
Ask your driver or use your gps to stop over at one of the "Coffee Luwak" cafes, where they show you how the specialised coffee is produced after passing straight through the little luwaks, which kind of look like possums. They usually will give you a little tasting plate of all their different produce they make at their little farm, from hot chocolate using the cocoa beans from their property, to lemon tea and ofcourse, luwak coffee (which is surprisingly delicious!).
Different flavoured teas and coffees produced on the property.
There are also many amazing handmade furniture shops in Tegalalang itself, where you can find incredibly cheap, beautiful balinese pieces for your home whilst supporting the locals directly. Most of them offer shipping at extra cost to your country, and are statement pieces that are usually one of a kind that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Oh the regret I have for not furnishing my whole house with the things I spotted whilst riding past on the scooter!!
View over the rice terraces at sunset from the luwak coffee plantations