Fifty shades of green at the Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali

While I’m writing this, I’m in my homestay in Canggu, Bali. Even though I planned on relaxing and working during this Bali workation, I couldn’t resist checking out a couple of sights. One of them are the Jatiluwih rice terraces, the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali according to many.
 
During last year’s visit to Bali, I ended my journey with a visit to Tegalalang, the most famous rice fields just outside of Ubud. Even though it was absolutely stunning, it also was way too busy for my taste. It was nearly impossible to take pictures without other tourists in it and I disliked the fact that I was being asked for money all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind paying to access a site, but after I had paid the entrance fee, I was still asked to pay a small contribution each time I wanted to cross a bridge, for example.
 
Luckily this time I got the suggestion to head out again in search of the prettiest rice terraces in Bali. Google told me about the Jatiluiwh rice terraces. Fellow blogger Jenny whom I had met earlier in Ubud during my stay had visited as well and told me it was truly worth it. And so I messaged my driver Ketut if he was available to drive me to the Jatiluwih rice terraces.
 

About the Jatiluwih rice terraces

The Jatiluwih rice terraces are on the UNESCO World Heritage list making this a protected area. Ketut told me that due to the increasing number of tourists traeling to Bali, many rice terraces are disappearing to build resorts and hotels. The Jatiluwih terraces are well kept and it’s not allowed to place any concrete buildings here. The Jatiluwih rice terraces are located in central Bali, on the foothills of Mount Batukaru. The area is about 600 hectares and is situated at 700 meters above sea level.
 

First impression of the Jatiluwih rice terraces

WOW! That’s my first thought when I’ve paid the entrance fee and am allowed do continue my way up. The road first passes through a small village and not much later a winding road takes me further up. Along the way I am glued against the window. The often heard Fifty Shades of Green is definitely in place here. I’m surrounded by a fairytale like mixture of rice terraces and palm trees. Every now and then I can see a typical Balinese straw hat above the rice plants which indicates work is still being done here.
 
A narrow and winding road takes me across the rice terraces to a parking lot at the top of the Jatiluwih rice terraces and the same name restaurant. Ketut parks his car here and he’s surprised that it’s so quiet here. Normally it’s almost fighting to find a good parking spot, but today it’s extremely quiet. He decides that for the the first time in his life he will join me on my walk through the Jatiluwih rice terraces, instead of staying near the van.
 

Hiking near Jatiluwih

From this parking lot you can make various hikes. The small information center has a panel indicating the hiking routes near Jatiluwih, including the distance and expected walking time. As I’m suffering from a hip injury for a while already that doesn’t seem to go over, I decide to hike the short 1.7 km route. The first part is on a concrete trail and offers the most incredible views over the area. In the first place on the Jatiluwih rice terraces but also on Mount Agung in the distance. It’s a little hazy so I can’t really capture it on camera, however it’s special all the way.
 
From the wide and concrete trail a smaller trail leads us down right into the terraces. We follow the trail and walk next to irrigation canal and also right across the rice fields. I still make sure to continuously check where I am hiking and place my feet, since last year in Tegalalang I almost stepped onto a large snake. So definitely keep an eye out when actually entering the rice fields!
 

Inside the Jatiluwih rice terraces

Even though there is a small stall in some spots, the owners are definitely not as pushy as in Tegalalang. When they ask me if I would like to buy something and politely decline, the stay friendly and wish me a nice day. Along the way we also find various fruit trees and experience the difference between white and brown rice. After about an hour of walking and taking lots of pictures, we arrive back at the main road. Here you can also find a public toilet and some restaurants, shops and a spa. You can also rent a bike or a motor bike here. Biking seems fine, however the motor biking I’m not sure since it seems like quite a pollution to this natural area.
 
Soon after we get back to the car and it’s time to leave the Jatiluwih rice fields behind. It was a bit of a drivr but it was well worth the money and the time: from what I have seen up until now, the Jatiluwih rice terraces are definitely among the most beautiful rice fields in Bali!
 

Practical information and entrance fee

The Jatiluwih rice terraces are located in central Bali. I visited them from Canggu and it took me about 1.5 hours to get there. The last part of the ride is simply stunning yet also very curvy, so if you are prone to car sickness, you’d better take a pill for that. There is no public transportation to Jatiluwih rice terraces so you will either need your own scooter or you can hire a driver. I made the trip from Canggu and also visited Tanah Lot temple on the way back. I hired Ketut who is usually my driver in Bali and I paid him 500.000 RHP, which is around 30 euros. The entrance fee to Jatiluwih rice terraces is 40.000 RHP (€ 2,40).
 
Of course you can also hop on an organized tour. Find the various options below:
 

Overnighting near the Jatiluwih rice terraces

You will find some hotels near Jatiluwih rice terraces, mostly eco resorts and small homestays. I stayed in a nice homestay in Canggu: Pondok Canggu Homestay and can definitely recommend taking a day trip to Jatiluwih rice terraces from here. Here you will find all accommodation and current rates near Jatiluwih rice terraces.
 

Conclusion and disclaimer

Hopefully you found this article useful. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let me know in the comments below. Going to Bali for the first time? Then make sure to check this post for Bali for beginners! This article includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through such a link, I may receive a modest commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.