If you’re looking for a hands-on activity in Ubud that goes beyond sightseeing, spending a day on a rice farm is a memorable way to experience Balinese culture as a family.
From walking through the fields and learning how rice is grown to cooking traditional dishes and trying your hand at planting, this experience offers a deeper look at something that’s central to daily life in Bali.
Exploring the Farm
Our day began with a warm welcome. We were greeted by friendly staff and served hot rice tea and coconut rice cakes—both delicious.
From there, we set out on a guided walk through the family-run farm. As we moved through the property, we learned about the different stages of rice growing—from planting to harvesting—along with the surrounding plants and herbs, some of which we collected to use later in our lunch.
The setting itself was beautiful, with lush rice fields stretching across the landscape and plenty of those classic Bali views along the way.
There were also several of small moments that made the experience feel personal. The boys cooled off with fresh coconut water, and we were quickly distracted by a one-month-old puppy that decided to join us. Mason happily carried it for most of the walk—something he still talks about.
What stood out most, though, was learning just how much land and effort goes into growing rice. A small 100-square-metre plot yields only about 50 kg, and seeing the work involved up close gave us a whole new appreciation for what it takes to produce such a common food staple.
Cooking Class
Back at the main area, we joined a cooking session where the guides taught us how to prepare banana leaf soup and tuna satay.
Along with the dishes we helped make, the meal included rice, noodles, tempura, salad, and chicken wings. Everything was fresh and full of flavour—and even the boys cleaned their plates.
Rice Planting
After lunch, it was time to try rice planting ourselves.
The boys loved stepping into the warm, muddy paddies, feeling the thick mud between their toes as they carefully planted seedlings in neat rows. It was messy, fun, and completely different from anything they’d done before.
Getting a small taste of the physical work involved made the experience even more meaningful—and definitely made us think twice about wasting rice back home.
Bonus Activity: Fishing
To end the day, we tried fishing in a small pond—something new for all of us.
The guides helped bait the hooks, and before long, we had each caught a few tiny fish, which we released back into the water.
We finished the experience with a traditional Hindu blessing, a peaceful and meaningful way to wrap up the day.
Why This Experience Works for Families
This isn’t a place where kids are expected to stand still and listen. The guides do a great job of keeping them engaged, and the farm offers plenty of space to explore. It’s:
- Hands-on and engaging
- Educational without feeling like a lesson
- Full of new experiences
- Active and interactive
Note: Depending on the time of year, you may participate in planting and/or harvesting. Some farms also have water buffalo, which can be an added highlight for kids. Be sure to check with your tour provider in advance.
A Hands-On Experience to Remember
Spending a day on a rice farm was one of the most memorable experiences we had in Ubud.
From learning about the growing process to cooking traditional dishes and stepping into the fields ourselves, it gave us a deeper appreciation for the time, patience, and effort behind something we often take for granted.
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