Rice field hikes

Tegallalang

11km out of Ubud, it requires you to climb down (and back up) steep steps to the rice fields and terraces below. Once down you can wander about the maze of slender paths around the rice paddies or follow designated trek all the way to the end and back. Opens at 8am

Jatiluwih

It is further from Ubud (41km) but well worth the drive or ride through roller coaster hilly roads and long stretches of rice field views. Once on top of the valley the view down is breathtaking with the mountains behind. Unlike in Tegallalang this place is much better organized and detailed maps and information for short or long walks is available. The hotels, villas and restaurants are of course picturesque with the rice fields and mountain vistas.

Sidemen

Rice fields are everywhere – not for gawking but are the livelihood of the village. Sidemen is Ubud 20 years ago before been swarmed by tourists – an ideal place to rewind, recharge.

Along Jln. Tabola itself there are more than 15 villas and homestays, most with rice fields and mountain views to boot.  It is still rustic and like everywhere in Bali you can roam everywhere on your motor-cycle, but here more quiet and serene.

Plus Lake Batur and Gunung Agung is in the vicinity and the latter in your sights most time as you roam the countryside.

Telaga Waja river rafting is very popular here – the same river that you will meet and hear in your walks and treks around Sidemen as the clear and cool water of Lake Batur rushes down to the sea near here.