Bali Temples & Rice Terraces: The Perfect Full-Day Itinerary

Bali's spiritual side is its most photogenic — emerald rice terraces carved into hillsides, sea temples perched on cliffs and rocks, and a fire dance performed as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean. Here is how to see the best of it in one full day, with the top-rated temple and rice-terrace tours to book.

At a glance

1Tegalalang rice terraces at sunrise
2Water temple blessing near Ubud
3Tanah Lot on its wave-cut rock
4Uluwatu Kecak dance at sunset

Morning: Tegalalang before the crowds

Start at the Tegalalang rice terraces north of Ubud by 8am, before the tour buses arrive and the midday heat sets in. Entry is around IDR 25,000, with small extra donations at farmers' checkpoints along the walking paths. Guided Ubud tours typically pair the terraces with the Sacred Monkey Forest or a jungle swing, and a driver saves you the scooter ride on narrow, winding roads.

Midday: water temples and Besakih

Temples & rice terraces — FAQ

Can you visit Tegalalang, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu in one day?

Yes — with a private driver or guided tour starting around 8am it's a classic full-day loop: Tegalalang and a water temple in the morning, Tanah Lot mid-afternoon and Uluwatu for the 6pm Kecak dance. Traffic in southern Bali is heavy, so a tour that handles the driving makes the day far more relaxed.

What should I wear to visit Bali's temples?

A sarong and sash are required at active temples, and shoulders should be covered. Most guided tours include sarongs; otherwise you can rent or buy one at the entrance for a small fee. Note that visitors may not enter the inner sanctums of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu — the best views are from outside.

How much do Bali temple tours cost?

Group day tours covering the rice terraces and two or three temples start from around $35–50 per person, while private tours with a driver-guide run $60–90. Temple entry fees (IDR 25,000–150,000 per site) and the Kecak dance ticket may or may not be included — check each listing.