Why this road
Jatiluwih is not the small terrace you see on every Instagram feed, it is the largest rice landscape on the island, and part of Bali's UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. The terraces are watered by the subak, a system of canals and water temples that is over a thousand years old. On the way you pass ordinary farming villages instead of tourist strips, and the day ends at about 1,200 metres by a crater lake, often in drifting mist.
The route
- AUbud
Start early and leave Ubud to the west, past Sayan, down towards the plains.
- 1Mengwi
The country gets flatter and the fields wider. This is the old royal seat, with the Taman Ayun temple just off the road.
- 2Penebel
From here the road climbs steadily towards the mountains. The villages get smaller and the views of Batukaru open up.
- 3Jatiluwih rice terraces
Pay the visitor ticket at the booth and park at one of the viewing areas. Walk at least part of one of the trails between the terraces.
- BBedugul
East to the main road, then up through Baturiti into the highlands. The temple of Ulun Danu Beratan stands on the lake shore at Bedugul.
Stops worth it
Plan an hour at least. The short loop trails are flat and lead right through the fields. Small warungs serve lunch with a view.
The water temple whose shrines seem to float on the lake. Come before the afternoon clouds roll in, then the mountains are reflected in the water.
Light and the best time
Go in the morning. Jatiluwih's terraces look south and the volcano rises behind them to the north, so the morning sun from the east grazes the terrace steps and shows every curve. Batukaru is usually clearest early in the day. In Bedugul clouds build up by early afternoon, so be at the lake by midday at the latest. Leave Ubud around 7:30.
April to October is the dry season and the most reliable time. The colour of the terraces depends on the stage of the rice, not the month: green fields, flooded mirrors or golden harvest can all appear at any time of year. From November to March is the wet season, with heavy afternoon showers and slippery roads in the hills. On Nyepi, the Day of Silence in March or April, no traffic is allowed on the whole island.
By vehicle
The comfortable choice, usually with a hired driver. The roads are narrow and steep in places, but a normal car manages them fine.
Beautiful, but a long day: steep climbs, cooler air at the top and rain in the afternoon. Only for experienced riders, and bring a warm layer for Bedugul.
Good to know
No road tolls, but Jatiluwih charges a visitor ticket per person at the entrance to the terrace area, and Ulun Danu Beratan has its own entrance fee. Current prices locally. Traffic drives on the left. For scooters you need a motorbike licence and an International Driving Permit, helmets are compulsory. Fill up in the lowlands, fuel stalls get sparse in the hills. Bedugul is much cooler than the coast, often around 20 degrees.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take from Ubud to Jatiluwih?
The whole route to Bedugul is about 1.5 hours of driving according to the route planner, roughly two thirds of that to Jatiluwih. On Bali's narrow roads it often takes longer, so plan a full day with stops.
Is there an entrance fee for Jatiluwih?
Yes, a visitor ticket per person, paid at the booth on the road into the terraces. Prices change, check locally.
When are the Jatiluwih rice terraces green?
It depends on the planting cycle, not the season. In the weeks after planting the fields are bright green, before the harvest they turn golden.
Can I combine Jatiluwih with Ulun Danu Beratan in one day?
Yes, that is exactly this route. Start early, do Jatiluwih in the morning and reach the lake around midday before the clouds.