Tegalalang is more than rice terraces and views. It’s a blend of nature, culture, adventure and calm that’s growing fast but still has hidden corners. Below are seven places you should not miss. Each gives something different. Let’s explore.
1 Tegalalang Rice Terraces
This is the icon of the area. Located just north of Ubud, these terraces are carved into hillsides using Subak (traditional Balinese irrigation) systems.
What’s new for 2025: more cafés and boutique warungs have opened overlooking the terraces. Many now offer seating literally on the edge of terraces so you can watch sunrise with a coffee and minimal interruption. Try arriving before 9 am to avoid large tour groups and get softer light for photography.
2 Alas Harum Bali
Alas Harum is part nature park, part photo-op spot, part adventure venue. It covers about 8 hectares and is only about 20 minutes from central Ubud.
There are swings, sky bikes, zip-lines, flying fox, and a number of “Instagrammable” frames and sculptures (glass flooring, dancing bridge, Soekarno statue).
It also has food & drink options with views, plus Luwak coffee tours and trails. If you want a mix of activity + rest + scenery, this spot works well.
3 Manuaba Waterfall
Manuaba is one of Tegalalang’s more recent “hidden-gems.” It lies in Kenderan village, Gianyar Regency. About 15-20 minutes from Ubud.
What to expect: a modest trek (10-15 minutes+) through jungle and rice fields, crossing a small river or canyon path to reach two cascades and natural pools.
Travel tips: best to visit during dry season (May-October) since wet season makes paths slippery and river crossings riskier. Bring water shoes, towel, small cash for entrance (Rp ~20,000) and maybe a guide if you want local stories.
4 Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
This temple is quieter than some major temples and gives peace among water gardens and sacred springs.
The temple has pools, bathing places, and stone courtyards, so you can enjoy both culture and natural calm. If you’re planning a full day around Tegallalang, this adds spiritual dimension.
5 Pura Griya Sakti (Manuaba Temple)
Near Manuaba Waterfall is Pura Griya Sakti. It is a Balinese Hindu temple in the village of Manuaba, Kenderan, within Tegallalang subdistrict.
The temple is known for its historical tie to Pedanda Manuaba, and its beautiful banyan tree surround. The inner sanctum is sacred and usually not open to all visitors without ceremony or permission, but just walking around and seeing its architecture and surroundings is worth the visit.
6 Local Villages & Coffee Plantations
Tegalalang is more than viewpoints. Local villages nearby offer quiet walks, opportunities to see how Balinese daily life works: rice field work, woodcarving, simple ceremonies, cooking. “Coffee tasting” at small plantations, especially the ones that process Luwak (civet) coffee, are popular.
If you plan, you can visit a plantation early in the day, watch the roast / processing, try freshly brewed coffee, and enjoy lunch with a terrace view.
7 Nature Walks, Springs & Minor Water Features
Apart from Manuaba Waterfall, there are several smaller springs, streams, and minor water features. Some parts of the Tegallalang countryside have jungle-fringed rivers, bamboo groves, mini waterfalls.
Tirta Empul (though slightly further off) often features in combination tours with Tegalalang, and there are hidden springs around villages.
Also paths between terraces which are less visited. Walking those gives a chance to escape the crowds. Early morning or after rains you can find cool, quiet spots.
Tips & Timing for 2025
- Go early in morning (before 9 am) to avoid tour-bus crowd for terraces and waterfalls.
- Visit during dry months (roughly May-October) but be aware mornings might be misty, afternoons clearer. Rainy season can make trails muddy and rivers stronger.
- Wear good footwear with grip. Many paths are steep, slippery, or uneven.
- Bring cash for small fees, donations, local snacks. ATMs are not everywhere near waterfall or minor temples.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly in temples, ask permission before entering inner sanctums or sacred areas.
