I’ve visited dozens of rice terraces across Bali over the years, from the famous tourist hotspots to the ones that barely appear on Google Maps.
Mancingan Rice Terrace stands out because it offers something that’s becoming harder to find in Bali, a peaceful, authentic experience that hasn’t been heavily commercialised.
This guide is based on my own visits and is designed to help you decide if Mancingan is right for your itinerary. I’ll cover everything from getting there and what it costs to whether it’s worth your time, nearby attractions, photography tips, and a few things I wish I’d known before I went.
About Mancingan Rice Fields
If you’re planning to visit rice terraces but don’t like the idea of queues, swings, ticket kiosks, and being asked to buy souvenirs every few minutes, give Mancingan Rice Terrace a go instead.
It’s only a few minutes away in Tampaksiring, but it feels like a completely different experience. This is still a working rice terrace, not a tourist attraction that happens to have rice fields.
The paths are mostly flat and paved, so if you’re travelling with young kids, a pram, older family members, or you simply don’t feel like a workout, that’s a huge plus.
Here’s a quick rundown for 2026:
- Location: Banjar Mancingan, Manukaya, Tampaksiring
- Opening Hours: 24/7
- Entrance Fee: Donation-based
- Terrain: Mostly flat and paved
- Vibe: Quiet, peaceful, uncrowded
- Drone Friendly: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
For me, this is one of the most underrated rice terraces in Bali. You still get the classic rice field views and traditional Subak irrigation system, but without feeling like you’re walking through a tourist attraction.
💡 Fun Fact: If you’re asking a local for directions, it helps to know the correct pronunciation. Mancingan is pronounced “Man-ching-an,” not “Man-sing-an.” You’ll have a much better chance of being understood.
Why Visit (or Why Skip)
I’m not going to tell you Mancingan Rice Terrace is for everyone, because it isn’t.
If you’re expecting Bali’s most famous rice terraces with giant swings, dozens of cafes, and plenty happening around you, you’ll probably leave wondering what the fuss was about.
But if you just want to go for a peaceful walk through real working rice fields without the crowds, this place is hard to beat.
Here’s who I think will love it, and who probably won’t.
Why Visit Mancingan Rice Terrace
- Almost no crowds: Even during the middle of the day, there’s a good chance you’ll only pass a few other people. Compared to Tegalalang, it’s incredibly quiet.
- Easy to walk: The paths are mostly flat and paved, making this one of the easiest rice terraces in Bali to explore. It’s a great option if you’re travelling with kids, older family members, or anyone who isn’t keen on climbing hundreds of steps.
- A more authentic experience: This is still a working rice terrace, so you’ll often see local farmers going about their day, maintaining the ancient Subak irrigation system and caring for the fields.
- Budget friendly: There’s no fixed entrance fee. Instead, there’s a donation box where you can contribute whatever you think is fair.
Why Skip Mancingan Rice Terrace
- You’re chasing Instagram spots: If your goal is giant swings, bird nests, dramatic photo props, or those famous cliffside cafes overlooking the rice fields, you’ll be disappointed. Tegalalang or Ceking is a much better fit.
- You want dramatic scenery: Mancingan is beautiful, but it’s more subtle. The terraces roll through the landscape rather than dropping into a deep valley like Tegalalang or Jatiluwih.
- You want cafes and restaurants nearby: There are a few local warungs around the village, but don’t expect trendy brunch cafes or spots overlooking the rice fields.
💡 Verdict: If your idea of a great morning is a quiet walk through authentic Balinese rice fields without the crowds, Mancingan Rice Terrace is one of the best places you can visit. If you’re looking for Bali’s biggest tourist attractions and iconic Instagram photos, you’ll probably enjoy Tegalalang more.
Mancingan Rice Terrace Location
Mancingan Rice Terrace is in Gianyar Regency, specifically in Banjar Mancingan, Manukaya Village, in the Tampaksiring district.
It’s just north-east of Ubud and only a few minutes from Tegalalang, but it receives a fraction of the visitors. Once you turn off the main road, it quickly feels like you’re back in the quieter side of Bali.
Distance & Travel Times from Major Areas
Because it’s located near Ubud, Mancingan works well as an easy day trip or a quick stop if you’re already heading through northern Ubud, Tampaksiring, or Kintamani.
Here is what you can expect for travel times by scooter or private car:
- From Canggu: 1.5hrs (46 km)
- From Kuta: 1 hr 45 mins (54 km)
- From Nusa Dua: 1 hr 20 mins (39 km)
- From Sanur: 1 hr 14 mins (38 km)
- From Seminyak: 1 hr 45 mins (47 km)
- From Ubud (Center): 30 mins (15 km)
- From Uluwatu: 2 hrs 20 mins (75 km)
How to Find the Entrance
Finding the exact entrance to Mancingan can be a little tricky in 2026 because this isn’t a big commercial attraction with giant signs, ticket booths, or someone waving you in from the road.
- Google Maps Link: For the easiest navigation, search for “Banjar Mancingan Rice Trekking” or use the Google Maps Plus Code: H8G8+HQ Manukaya, Bali.
- Route: If you’re coming from Ubud, head north along Jalan Raya Tegalalang. Instead of stopping at the main Tegalalang tourist strip, keep going north-east towards Tampaksiring, then follow the smaller village roads into quieter compounds and rice field areas.
Parking and Accessibility
When you arrive at the pinned location, you won’t find a huge tour bus parking lot or a proper visitor centre. You’ll usually arrive on a quiet paved village road near the start of the walking path.
- Scooters: You can usually park your scooter on the side of the road near the trailhead entrance or beside one of the small local warungs starting the path. Parking is sometimes free, but it’s worth having a small note ready in case you’re asked for around IDR 2,000.
- Private Cars & Drivers: Your driver can drop you at the start of the walking path and find a safe nearby spot to wait while you walk.
👉 If you need to rent a scooter, I recommend booking through Bikago. They deliver your scooter straight to your hotel, offer insurance options, and the bikes are in much better condition than you’ll find from random roadside shops.
💡 Navigation Tip: If your GPS signal gets patchy around this area, look for “Waroeng De Koi” then turn right onto the small road a few meters away. That road will take you south towards the entrance.
Entry Fees, Hours, and Facilities
One of the best things about Mancingan Rice Terrace is how simple it is. Technically, this isn’t an official Bali tourist spot (called Tempat Wisata or Objek Wisata).
There are no ticket booths, no gates, and no tour buses lining up outside. It still feels like a place the local community looks after, rather than a tourist attraction that’s been heavily commercialised.
Entrance Fees & Parking Costs
Unlike most of Bali’s popular rice terraces, Mancingan Rice Terrace doesn’t have a fixed entrance fee.
Instead, the local community relies on a donation system to help maintain the walking paths and support the families who farm the land.
- Entrance Fee: Donation only. You’ll find a small donation box near the start of the trail. Most people leave IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 per person (roughly $0.65 to $1.30 USD), although you’re welcome to give more if you’d like. The money goes directly back to the local Banjar (village community).
- Parking Fee: There isn’t an official parking fee. Sometimes parking is free, while other times a local may ask for a small contribution.
💡 Good to know: One of the biggest complaints at Tegalalang is having to pay an entrance fee, then being asked to pay again to cross bridges, use photo props, or access different parts of the rice terraces. Mancingan isn’t like that. Once you’ve made your donation, you can walk the entire trail without being stopped for extra payments.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Mancingan rice fields are technically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as they’re still active farmland. That said, you’ll have a much better experience if you visit during daylight hours.
- Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM): My favourite time to visit. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and you’ll often have long stretches of the trail almost to yourself.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM): Another great time if you’re into photography or flying a drone. The warm afternoon light looks fantastic across the rice fields.
- Middle of the Day (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM): I’d avoid it if you can. There isn’t much shade once you’re out in the open, so it gets hot pretty quickly.
Available Facilities on the Ground
Don’t expect a visitor centre or rows of souvenir shops. That’s part of what makes Mancingan different.
- Toilets: There aren’t any public toilets along the walking trail. If you need one, your best option is one of the nearby warungs before you start walking.
- Local Warungs & Cafes: You’ll find a handful of small local warungs near the entrance where you can grab a cold drink, fresh coconut, simple local meal, or a coffee before or after your walk.
- Paved Pathways: The biggest feature here is the walking path itself. Most of the main loop is smooth, paved, and easy to follow, making it one of the most accessible rice terraces in Bali.
💡 Local Tip: Depending on when you visit, you might come across a few older Balinese women selling local fruit like mangosteen or snake fruit (salak) along the path. They’re not pushy at all, so a simple “no thank you” is perfectly fine. If you’re feeling peckish though, the prices are usually very fair and it’s a nice way to support the local community.
Where to Eat Near Mancingan
One of the things I like about Mancingan Rice Terrace is that the food options haven’t been taken over by trendy cafes or tourist restaurants.
Instead, you’ll find a couple of genuinely local places run by people who live in the village. The food is simple, affordable, and after a walk through the rice terraces, it hits the spot.
Sruma
Right near the start of the walking trail, Sruma is easily the best place to grab a coffee or something light before or after your walk.
It’s a relaxed little cafe serving coffee, cold drinks, snacks, and simple meals at very reasonable prices.
If you’ve just finished exploring the rice terraces, it’s also a great place to grab a cold Bintang, sit back for a while, and enjoy the view before heading off to your next stop.
Warung Bu Jati
If you’re after a proper local meal at Mancingan Rice Fields, don’t miss Warung Bu Jati.
The warung is run by Bu Jati herself, who speaks excellent English and is one of those people who makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in.
She cooks everything fresh to order, and if she’s not too busy, there’s a good chance you’ll end up having a chat while you wait.
Her nasi goreng is excellent, but honestly, everything I’ve tried has been delicious. The prices are very reasonable, the portions are generous, and it feels more like eating in someone’s home than at a restaurant.
If you only have time for one meal after visiting Mancingan Rice Terrace, this would be my pick for 2026.
💡 Summary: Don’t come here expecting trendy brunch cafes or restaurants overlooking the rice fields. If you’re chasing a scenic meal, you’re better off driving back towards Ubud or Tegalalang afterwards. Here, I’d just grab a coffee or a quick bite and enjoy the fact that you’re supporting a local family.
Mancingan Photography & Drone Tips
One of the biggest advantages of taking photos at Mancingan Rice Terrace is how open it feels.
Unlike Tegalalang, you don’t have steep valley walls, swings, cafes, or random people photobombing.
Whether you’re shooting with a phone, camera, or drone, it’s one of the easiest rice terraces in Bali to photograph.
Drone Guidelines at Mancingan
Mancingan is one of the better places to fly a drone around Ubud. There’s plenty of open space, very few overhead obstacles, and far fewer people than you’ll find at Tegalalang.
According to Indonesia’s drone regulations, flying a drone at Mancingan is currently free and permitted.
Top-Down Grid View: One of my favourite shots here is straight down over the paved walking paths. The neat grid of rice paddies, Subak irrigation channels, and coconut palms creates a really clean composition from above.
- Morning Mist: If you’re here between 6:30 AM and 7:45 AM, there’s a good chance you’ll catch light morning mist sitting over the fields, especially after a cooler night.
- Mount Agung: On a clear morning, and if you’re flying high enough while staying within Indonesia’s drone regulations, you can sometimes see Mount Agung rising in the distance.
💡 Drone Tip: Always do a quick check of the area before taking off. Farmers are often working in the fields, so give them plenty of space and avoid flying low over people or nearby homes.
Photography & Framing Tips
You don’t need expensive gear to get great photos here. The scenery does most of the work.
- Use the Coconut Palms: The rows of coconut trees make excellent natural frames. Try shooting along the path instead of straight at the rice fields to add more depth to your photos.
- Wear Colours That Stand Out: White, cream, light blue, yellow, or earthy tones all contrast nicely against the green rice fields. I’d avoid dark clothing if you’re planning a photo shoot.
- Look for Reflections: If you’ve visited after rain or during the planting season, some paddies will be filled with water. They can create beautiful reflections of the palm trees and morning sky.
To be honest, you don’t need to overthink it here. One of the best things about Mancingan rice fields is how natural everything looks.
Walk around, take your time, and you’ll find plenty of great photo opportunities without waiting in line or competing with dozens of other people.
What to Do Near Mancingan
One of the best things about visiting Mancingan Rice Terrace is its location. You’re right in the middle of one of Bali’s most cultural areas, so it’s easy to turn a simple rice terrace walk into a full day out.
Within 5 to 15 minutes, you can be exploring ancient temples, sacred water springs, waterfalls, or another completely different rice terrace.
Here are the best places to add to your Ubud itinerary:
- Pura Mengening (1.3 km away)
A sacred water temple where locals come for melukat (water purification). It has a similar feel to Tirta Empul, but with far fewer people. - Tirta Empul Temple (1.3 km away)
Bali’s famous holy spring temple, where you can watch or take part in the traditional purification ritual. - Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi (2 km away)
One of Bali’s most impressive archaeological sites, featuring enormous 11th-century shrines carved directly into the cliff face above the river. - Ulu Petanu Waterfall (3.5 km away)
One of the quieter waterfalls near Ubud, surrounded by dense jungle and known for its crystal-clear pool. It’s a great option if you’re looking to cool off after exploring Mancingan Rice Terrace. - Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation (4.5 km away)
A smaller local plantation that’s perfect if you want a more relaxed coffee tasting without the big crowds. - Gunung Kawi Sebatu (5 km away)
A peaceful water temple with crystal-clear ponds, lotus flowers, and hundreds of koi fish. It’s much quieter than Bali’s more famous temples and one of my favourite hidden gems. - Manuaba Waterfall (6.5 km away)
A lesser-known waterfall hidden in the jungle that’s usually much quieter than Bali’s more popular waterfalls. - Alas Harum Bali (7 km away)
If you’re looking for swings, zip-lines, cafes, and all the Instagram photo spots, it’s right next to Tegalalang. - Abian Desa Rice Terrace (7 km away)
Another quiet rice terrace nearby that’s great if you enjoy walking and want to get even further away from the crowds. - Tegalalang Rice Terrace (7.5 km away)
Only a short drive away if you want to compare Bali’s most famous rice terrace with the quieter atmosphere at Mancingan. - Bali Pulina (8 km away)
A popular coffee plantation where you can learn about Balinese coffee and try a tasting flight.
👉 Check out my guide to the best things to do in Ubud, with waterfalls, temples, rice terraces, cafes, hidden gems, and plenty more ideas to help fill your itinerary.
You probably won’t have time to visit everything in one day, so I’d recommend choosing two or three places that match the kind of day you’re after.
For a cultural day out, combine Mancingan with Tirta Empul and Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi. If you’re more interested in nature, add Manuaba Waterfall or one of the nearby coffee plantations.
And if you want to experience both sides of Bali’s rice terraces, visit Mancingan first, then finish the day at Tegalalang or Alas Harum.
Mancingan Rice Terrace FAQs
Here are all your questions answered about visiting Mancingan Rice Terrace in 2026.
Where is Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Mancingan Rice Terrace is located in Banjar Mancingan, Manukaya Village, in the Tampaksiring district of Gianyar Regency.
Is Mancingan Rice Terrace worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Tegalalang. Mancingan rice fields offers peaceful walking paths through working rice fields, very few crowds, and a more authentic feel.
What is the entrance fee for Mancingan Rice Terrace?
There isn’t a fixed entrance fee. Instead, visitors are encouraged to leave a donation at the donation box near the entrance. Most people contribute around IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 per person to help maintain the walking paths and support the local community.
What are the opening hours of Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Mancingan Rice Terrace is open 24 hours a day because it’s a working rice field rather than a commercial attraction.
What is the best time to visit Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Early morning, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, is the best time to visit. The weather is cooler, the light is softer for photos, and you’ll usually have the walking paths almost to yourself. Late afternoon is another great option, especially if you’re planning to fly a drone or take photos.
Is Mancingan Rice Terrace crowded?
No. Even during peak hours, Mancingan is much quieter than Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You’ll usually only pass a handful of other people, making it one of the more peaceful rice terrace walks around Ubud.
Is Mancingan Rice Terrace better than Tegalalang Rice Terrace?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a quiet walk through authentic working rice fields, Mancingan rice field is the better choice. If you’re looking for swings, cafes, viewpoints, and plenty of things to do, Tegalalang offers a lot more. Neither is better overall, they’re just very different experiences.
Can you walk around Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Yes. One of the best things about Mancingan rice fields is that the walking paths are mostly flat and paved, making them much easier to explore than many of Bali’s other rice terraces. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and is a good option for families and older visitors.
Is parking available at Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Yes. There isn’t a large official car park, but there is roadside parking near the entrance for both scooters and cars. Some locals may ask for a small parking contribution, although it’s often free.
Are there toilets at Mancingan Rice Terrace?
There are no public toilets along the Mancingan walking trail itself. If you need one, your best option is to use the restrooms near the entrance.
Are there restaurants at Mancingan Rice Terrace?
There are a couple of small local warungs and cafes near the entrance where you can grab a coffee, cold drink, or a simple local meal. Don’t expect trendy brunch spots or restaurants overlooking the rice fields. If you’re after a scenic meal, you’re better off heading back towards Ubud or Tegalalang afterwards.
Can you fly a drone at Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Yes. Mancingan is one of the better places around Ubud to fly a drone thanks to its open landscape and lack of crowds. Just make sure you follow Indonesia’s drone regulations, avoid flying over farmers or nearby homes, and always fly responsibly.
What should I wear to Mancingan Rice Terrace?
Wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers, lightweight clothing, and a hat if you’re visiting during the middle of the day. The paths are mostly paved, but it can still get hot with very little shade. Don’t forget sunscreen and a bottle of water.