Hotels near Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk

Tegallalang is genuinely beautiful and it is also the most commercialised patch of farmland in Bali. You should know both before you go. The walking loop drops from the roadside viewpoints on Jalan Raya Tegallalang down through the paddies to the valley floor and climbs the far side: about 2 km, 80 to 100 m of descent and the same again back out, and 45 to 75 minutes depending on how often you stop. Difficulty: moderate, entirely because of the surface - narrow dirt paths and steep uneven stone steps with no handrail, treacherous for hours after rain.

The money arrives in layers. Official entry at the main gate is IDR 15,000 to 20,000 (EUR 0.75 to 1.00) with parking at IDR 2,000 to 5,000. Then, on the trail itself, a run of unofficial donation posts asks a further IDR 10,000 to 20,000 each to let you cross private land, and there can be three or four on one loop. The swings and nests strung across the valley charge IDR 250,000 to 400,000 per person (EUR 12 to 19.50), with costume rental adding IDR 150,000 to 250,000. All of it is optional and none of it is signposted before you commit. Tegallalang lies 10 km north of Ubud, a 20 to 25 minute scooter ride or a Grab car at IDR 70,000 to 100,000 one way, EUR 3.40 to 4.90.

Pro Tip: Carry about IDR 100,000 in 10,000 and 20,000 notes so you can pay the donation posts without handing over a 100,000 note and waiting for change that never comes. Arrive at 06:30: the tour coaches land from 09:00 and the loop is single-file in both directions.