Vibrant greens & jungle swings at Tegallalang Rice Terrace
We ended up going to the rice terraces a lot later in the month than we first thought we might. This is partially because we've been living so close to the rice terraces, so it has seemed like something super easy to do one day. Now that we finally got to do it, it has proven to be true. The ride to the rice terraces from our villa is bright and vibrant, just like everything in Bali. Being a quick ride over, we got to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful views. The further out from Ubud's centre we got, the brighter and greener it all became.
From Ubud, it only takes around fifteen to twenty minutes to ride to Tegallalang Rice Terrace. The rice terrace system in Bali is just one location in the listed UNESCO World Heritage Site (the rice fields in Bali in general are UNESCO sites, however Tegallalang is arguably the most famous among tourists). Because Tegallalang is the most famous rice terrace in Bali, we decided to make the ride over to this rice terrace specifically (it definitely helps that it is so close to our home base here!).
Living in front of rice fields is one thing, however seeing the towering terraces is quite another. There is definitely something special about Tegallalang, and you can feel it when you get there. We like to just take a few quick photos on the move and immerse ourselves in wherever we are. In Tegallalang, this was even more special than we expected, because these terraces are so special to the Balinese people and their heritage. These rice terraces are framed by a built-in irrigation system called the subak. Seeing it run along the terraces—and especially after rain—is quite special. As you walk around the terraces, the water glitters, catching your eye as the sun shines down on you. It is something so simple yet so incredible, such a timeless system that spans decades upon decades.
"Life, what is it but a dream?"
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
We spent a good couple of hours exploring the rice terraces, walking around most of the (massive) area. We tried some delicious local tea (trust me—get yourself some lemongrass tea!) and then we saw people lining up to do the massive swings out over the terraces themselves. The lines were long and honestly, we aren't fans of waiting for ages to get "Insta shots". However, we then noticed another large swing tucked back a little way off the main pathway and went over, curious. Josh got strapped into the swing pretty much straight away and he could not stop smiling. It is definitely one of those super touristy things to do, but how often do you get to swing like a kid over such a vibrant place? We jumped at (and into) the chance when we happened upon a quieter section.
What topped it all off (as if swinging out over the bright green rice terraces is not an amazing enough experience) was the Balinese man who literally waited for the swing to arc back over his head and then jumped onto it, propelling the swing high back into the sky. It was pretty wild. Usually, I will give anything a go. For some reason though, I was so nervous and I didn't want to do it myself. I eventually did when Josh got off and said that I had to give it a go, and I am so happy that I did!
All in all, Tegallalang rice terraces is such a special place and such an incredible experience. The locals are kind and so talented, the rice terraces themselves are beautiful beyond belief and the ride (or the drive, if you do not want to get a scooter or simply do not have access to a scooter) is unreal. Bali has a lot of special places. Without a doubt, the rice terraces—especially Tegallalang—have more than earned their status as a UNESCO protected site. Come here. You will love the experience.
