Bali’s Best Day: From Emerald Rice Terraces to Royal Splendor in Ubud! 🌾👑"**

#holidayitinerary
Here’s your perfect day-trip guide combining **Tegalalang Rice Terraces** and **Ubud Palace**, blending Bali’s natural beauty with royal heritage:

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### **Morning: Tegalalang Rice Terraces** 🌾
**Why Visit?**
- A UNESCO-listed landscape with **emerald-green rice paddies** carved into hillsides using Bali’s ancient *subak* irrigation system (8th century) .
- Iconic **"Love Bali" swings** and bamboo bridges for photos (though some find them overdeveloped) .

**Tips for Your Visit:**
- **Best Time:** Arrive **by 6:30 AM** for sunrise (soft light, fewer crowds) .
- **Entrance Fees:** ~10K IDR (farmers may request small donations for pathways) .
- **What to Bring:** Sturdy shoes (muddy trails), mosquito repellent, small cash for donations/coconuts .
- **Avoid Crowds:** Skip midday; explore deeper valleys beyond the main viewpoints .

**How to Get There:**
- **From Ubud:** 20-30 mins by scooter (rental ~140K IDR/day) or private driver (~700K IDR/day) .

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### **Late Morning: Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)** 🏰
**Why Visit?**
- Historic **royal residence** of Ubud’s kings, showcasing traditional Balinese architecture and lush gardens .
- Free entry (donations welcome); often hosts **evening Legong dance performances** (tickets ~100K IDR) .

**Tips for Your Visit:**
- **Dress Code:** Cover shoulders/knees (sarongs available for rent) .
- **Combine With:** **Ubud Market** (opposite the palace) for handicrafts and souvenirs .

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### **Suggested Itinerary**
1. **6:00 AM:** Sunrise at Tegalalang (explore trails, avoid swings if seeking authenticity) .
2. **9:00 AM:** Breakfast at **Tis Café** (poolside with rice terrace views) or local *warung* .
3. **10:30 AM:** Drive to Ubud Palace (15 mins); tour the grounds and market .
4. **12:00 PM:** Lunch at **Café Lotus** (next to Saraswati Temple) or **Locavore** for modern Balinese cuisine.

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### **Key Considerations**
- **Overdevelopment Alert:** Tegalalang is touristy; for quieter terraces, consider **Jatiluwih** (1.5-hour drive) .
- **Transport:** Rent a driver for seamless transfers (~$48/day via GetYourGuide) .

**Final Thought:** This duo offers Bali’s essence—**nature’s artistry and cultural grandeur**. Go early, pack patience for crowds, and savor every moment!