If you are searching for a quieter side of Bali where nature thrives and culture remains deeply rooted, this Tabanan Travel Guide is your perfect starting point. Located on the western side of the island, Tabanan offers a unique blend of misty mountains, sprawling rice terraces, jungle temples, and untouched beaches. Whether you are planning a day trip or a week-long stay, this guide will show you exactly what to do in Tabanan, where to go, and how to make the most of your journey through one of Bali’s most authentic regions.
Let’s begin with the basics. Where is Tabanan Bali? This place is a regency in the central-western part of the island, bordering Badung to the east and Jembrana to the west. Its landscape is defined by coastal plains, fertile rice fields, and lush highlands that rise toward the foot of Mount Batukaru.
Though it is not far from popular areas like Canggu and Ubud, Tabanan feels like another world. Life moves at a slower pace here. You will find fewer tourists and more opportunities to witness daily life as it unfolds in the villages and farms. Knowing where is Tabanan helps you understand why it feels more grounded, more real.
Wondering what to do in Tabanan? This region is full of natural beauty, cultural richness, and local charm. Here are some of the best things you can see and do.
No Tabanan Travel Guide would be complete without a visit to the legendary Jatiluwih rice fields. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these terraces stretch endlessly across the hillsides. They represent centuries of Balinese agriculture and the subak irrigation system that still sustains them today.
Visitors can walk, cycle, or even ride electric scooters through the terraces. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting and the most peaceful experience.
On the forested slopes of Mount Batukaru stands one of Bali’s most sacred temples. Pura Luhur Batukaru is often shrouded in mist, giving it a mystical atmosphere. This is not a tourist showpiece but a living temple where locals come to pray. Dress respectfully and move quietly. You may find the peacefulness here unlike anything you have experienced elsewhere.
While most visitors flock to the beaches in Kuta or Seminyak, the coastline of Tabanan Beach Bali remains wild and mostly untouched. Think of long stretches of black volcanic sand, crashing waves, and the occasional fisherman casting his net at sunrise.
Kedungu Beach and Pasut Beach are two of the most beautiful and peaceful options. You will not find big beach clubs here, but you will find space to think, walk, and just be. This is Bali without the noise.
Although technically located just over the border of Tabanan, Munduk Moding Plantation is close enough to include in this travel guide. Nestled in the highlands and surrounded by coffee trees, this eco-resort offers panoramic views, luxury accommodation, and a deep connection to nature.
Visitors can tour the coffee plantations, learn about sustainable farming, or simply unwind by the famous infinity pool that looks out over a sea of clouds. It is a favorite for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who needs to slow down.
If you are compiling a list of Tabanan Bali things to do, you will quickly realize that this is one of the most diverse areas in terms of landscape and cultural experience. Here are a few more options worth considering:
Visit Subak Museum: Understand the traditional irrigation system that made Bali’s rice culture thrive.
Accommodation in Tabanan ranges from rustic homestays to elegant eco-resorts. The most scenic areas to stay are around Jatiluwih, Batukaru, and Belimbing. Here are a few suggestions:
The dry season from April to October is the ideal time to explore this place. During this period, the rice terraces are green, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are easier to navigate. That said, visiting during the rainy season has its own charm. You will find mist-covered mountains, blooming flora, and fewer visitors on the trails.
Now that you know where is Tabanan Bali, getting there is fairly easy. From Denpasar Airport, it takes about two hours by car depending on traffic. The drive is scenic, especially as you get closer to the highlands.
The best way to get around is with a private driver or motorbike. Some travelers choose to base themselves in Ubud or Canggu and take day trips into Tabanan. However, spending the night here allows you to truly experience the quiet side of the island.
You will not find rows of fancy restaurants in Tabanan, but what you will find is deeply satisfying local food. Small warungs serve dishes made with ingredients grown nearby. Try nasi campur, lawar, or traditional satay cooked over coconut husks.
In the Jatiluwih area, a few eco cafés offer farm-to-table meals with views of the terraces. If you’re lucky, you may be invited to share a meal with a local family. These are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
This Tabanan Travel Guide has only scratched the surface of what the region offers. From sacred temples hidden in the forest to wide beaches with no footprints, Tabanan is a place where time slows down and Bali’s true spirit reveals itself.
If you have been asking yourself what to do in Tabanan or wondered where is Tabanan Bali, the answer is simple. It is where Bali still breathes naturally. It is where you can connect with people, land, and spirit in a way that is getting harder to find elsewhere.
So take the turn off the main road. Follow the sound of roosters in the rice fields. Let the wind lead you through the mountains. And discover the part of Bali that locals have always known is worth keeping secret.
