It is a rare treat to come across a real hidden gem in Bali these days. Many would say that it’s not possible, but we have proof to the contrary.
Have you heard of Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces? We thought not!
The Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces are one of the few genuinely hidden gems in Bali. Located in Tampaksiring, just outside of Ubud, these working rice terraces are crowd-free and free from any fancy tourist infrastructure.
The Bali Swings and curated photo spots are fantastic, but for those seeking to connect to Bali’s natural landscape and rural culture in a truly authentic way, then Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces.
Since these are working rice terraces, tourists must be mindful of the way they walk through the area. There are some well-trodden pathways and other tarmac lanes.
Tourists should be mindful to ask permission before entering the terraces and to honour the requests of local farmers or community members who ask you to redirect your path.
Tourists should also be considerate of taking photos, videos, and drone footage; again, asking permission is essential.
During the early morning hours and in the late afternoon, the Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces are most busy with farmers working in the paddies.
During the peak heat of the day, farmers tend to take a pause to get out of the sun, and the paddies are almost deserted. Unless, of course, it is harvest time. During harvest, communities come together and work around the clock to support each other in harvesting their family’s crop.
Unlike many of the rice terraces in Bali that are open to the public, Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces does not have any warungs, cafes, or even cold drinks stands. With this in mind, it is important to bring a bottle of water when heading out for the day.
However, there are plenty of local warungs in Tampaksiring itself, which is just a few minutes away. It’s also worth keeping in mind that during the rainy season, the rice paddies get really muddy. Flip flops may not be the best footwear.
For a real cultural immersion, a visit to Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces can be teamed up with two more of Bali’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks that sit within minutes of the rice terraces.
The first is the Tirta Empul Temple, and the second is Gunung Kawi. Putting all three of these important sites into a single day trip around Tampaksiring can offer tourists a well-rounded view of Bali’s cultural, spiritual, and environmental heritage.
Tirta Empul Temple is perhaps best known to tourists as the most famous temple for water cleansing ceremonies. Tirta Empul Temple is the site of choice for thousands of tourists every year to take part in the Melukat ceremony. The staff at Tirta Empul Temple can guide visitors through the ceremony process, and sarongs and sashes are available to rent.
Gunung Kawi is an underrated historical gem in Bali. The origins of Gunung Kawi have both a historical and a mythological explanation. The historical explanation states that the ten temples were built in honour of King Anak Wungsu and his royal family.
One theory suggests that five of the shrines on the east side of the Pakerisan River are dedicated to King Udayana, his queen, Mahendradatta, and their sons.
However, many people who have an ancestral connection to Tampaksiring and the surrounding area believe that the site was created by the mythical Kebo Iwa, who created the site in one night using only his long fingernails.
Since Tirta Empul Temple is extremely busy, it is best to visit either first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon. In which case, the best way to explore these three must-visit destinations is to explore Banjar Mancingan Rice Terraces at sunrise, followed by a local breakfast at a warung in Tampaksiring.
During the midday visit to Gunung Kawi, dive into the history of Gianyar Regency and learn how it is connected to the province as a whole.
Finally, close the day and integrate all this newfound appreciation and understanding of Balinese culture with a Melukat ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple before heading back into Ubud for dinner and maybe even a cultural show at Ubud Water Palace.
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