Tabanan: Belimbing Rice Terrace Trekking & Local Life Tour

If you’re seeking a glimpse into Bali beyond the crowded temples and tourist hotspots, the Belimbing Rice Terrace Trekking & Local Life Tour offers a peaceful escape into the island’s rural heartland. This 6-hour experience is designed for travelers who want to see Bali’s lush landscapes, learn about traditional farming, and connect with local villagers—all with the guidance of friendly Balinese hosts.

What truly makes this tour stand out are the stunning views of rice paddies, the chance to learn about the UNESCO-listed Subak irrigation system, and the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Balinese lunch in a village setting. However, the tour’s focus on rural authenticity means it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking, moderate physical activity, and warm weather. If you’re after a busy sightseeing schedule, this might feel a bit slow-paced, but for those craving genuine cultural insights, it’s a gem.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience with a focus on local life and farming traditions
• Stunning scenery across lush rice terraces and plantations
• Educational visits to the Subak irrigation system and local plantations
• Genuine local hospitality with a homemade Balinese lunch
• Private guided tour ensures personalized attention and flexible pacing
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy walking and culture

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour offers a perfect opportunity to explore Bali’s serene, less-trodden countryside. Guided by an English-speaking local, you’ll trek through iconic rice terraces, visit farms, and meet villagers who still practice age-old farming methods. The focus on genuine local life makes it a refreshing change from Bali’s more commercial attractions.

The experience begins with a hotel pickup from a selection of convenient locations, including Sanur, Ubud, Tabanan, Canggu, and Denpasar. Once you’re in the village of Kebon Anyar, you’ll start your journey with a quick photo stop and a guided tour of the area. From there, the main event is the exploration of Belimbing’s famous rice terraces, where the views of lush green paddies are spectacular—and surprisingly quiet, considering the popularity of Bali’s terraces elsewhere.

The tour then includes a visit to a local village house, where you’ll meet residents and see how they live and work in this peaceful setting. The highlight is walking along the Subak system—an intricate network of irrigation channels recognized by UNESCO—giving you insight into how Bali’s farmers maintain their rice fields sustainably for centuries.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Initial Stop in Kebon Anyar

The tour begins with a pickup from five locations, making it easy to fit into your Bali itinerary. The driver will meet you at your hotel lobby for a comfortable ride to Kebon Anyar, about a 2.5-hour guided tour including a quick photo stop, a visit to local sites, and some background about the area.

This part of the experience is about setting the scene and giving you context before heading into the main rural zones. Past visitors mention that the guide, often a local named Made, is friendly and eager to share insights, adding a personal touch that enhances the authenticity.

Trekking Through Belimbing Rice Terraces

Descending from the initial stop, your focus shifts to the rice terraces—some of the most scenic in Bali. Expect to walk for around 1.5 hours through well-maintained pathways that wind across the paddies, offering plentiful photo opportunities along the way.

Reviewers note that the views are truly breathtaking, especially during the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the rice fields shimmer in shades of green and gold. The terrain is gentle but uneven at times, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The guide will explain the importance of the Subak system, which manages water distribution for the rice paddies, a technique that has kept Bali’s farming sustainable for generations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Local Plantations and Villages

Next, the tour takes you to a local coffee and palm sugar plantation. Here, you’ll learn about traditional Balinese farming practices and see how coffee beans are roasted and processed. Many visitors enjoy tasting freshly brewed Bali coffee and learning about the different varieties grown in the region.

Later, you’ll visit a traditional village house. This is where you get a real sense of rural life—meeting residents, exploring their homes, and seeing their daily routines. Reviewers have appreciated the genuine hospitality, with one mentioning that “the family was welcoming and eager to share their way of life.”

The Highlight: Homemade Balinese Lunch

No authentic experience in Bali is complete without a meal, and this tour’s lunch fits the bill perfectly. You’ll sit in a family compound, surrounded by nature, and enjoy a home-cooked Balinese meal featuring rice, vegetables, and local spices. Some reviews mention that the food is simple but delicious—made with care by the host family. It’s a wonderful way to relax and soak in the rural atmosphere.

Tour Finish and Drop-Off

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, with many guests commenting that the entire experience felt well-paced and intimate. The private group setting means you can ask questions freely and customize parts of the tour if needed, which adds to the overall value.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Duration

The pickup is included from specified locations, and the journey to Kebonanyar village takes about 1–2 hours, depending on your starting point. The total duration is six hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into most Bali itineraries.

Group Size and Guide

This is a private tour, so your small group (or just you and your travel companions) ensures personalized attention. The English-speaking guide is friendly and knowledgeable, with multiple reviewers praising Made for his enthusiasm and local insights.

What to Bring

For a comfortable trek, pack sunglasses, comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing. The terrain is mostly gentle but uneven, so good footwear is essential. The tour is outdoors, so be prepared for Bali’s tropical sun.

Cost and Value

While the tour price isn’t specified here, reviews suggest it offers good value considering transportation, guide expertise, entry fees, and a homemade lunch. It’s a relatively affordable way to access authentic rural Bali—far from the crowds and commercialized attractions.

What Past Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery as the main draw—“the rice terraces are even more beautiful than expected,” one guest noted. The chance to meet locals and learn about their daily farming routines also earns praise, with comments like “the family was very welcoming, and the lunch was delicious.”

Some mention the moderate walking involved, so it’s best for those comfortable on their feet. A few reviewers point out that the tour’s pace is relaxed, making it suitable for families with older children or those preferring a less hectic schedule.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape from Bali’s busy tourist spots. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic interactions and don’t mind a bit of walking. It’s less suitable for very young children or anyone with mobility issues due to the terrain.

If you’re after a scenic, educational, and genuinely local experience in Bali’s countryside, this trek provides a memorable and worthwhile day out.

The Sum Up

The Belimbing Rice Terrace Trekking & Local Life Tour offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s rural authenticity and natural beauty. It’s a well-balanced combination of stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and warm hospitality. While it might not satisfy those chasing high-adrenaline activities, it delivers a meaningful connection to Bali’s traditional way of life—an experience that feels genuine and heartfelt.

The personalized guided approach, combined with the peaceful setting and delicious homemade lunch, makes this tour a standout choice for travelers wanting to see Bali’s countryside from a more authentic perspective. It’s especially suited for those who value slow travel, scenic views, and culture over fast-paced sightseeing.

If you’re ready to step off the beaten path and discover Bali’s quieter, more genuine side, this tour is a rewarding way to spend half a day in the island’s lush highlands.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, including pickup, touring, and drop-off.

What locations are pickup points?
Pickup is available from Sanur, Ubud, Tabanan, Canggu, and Denpasar.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel or villa at the designated location.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing are recommended—terrain involves walking on uneven paths.

Can children join this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years old, mainly due to the walking involved.

What language is the guide speaking?
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide.

Will I see rice fields and plantations?
Yes, you will trek through rice terraces, visit coffee and palm sugar plantations, and explore local farms.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a homemade Balinese lunch in a family compound is part of the experience.

What makes this tour unique?
It combines scenic rice terrace views with genuine local interactions, traditional farming insights, and a peaceful rural atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: