Bali: Ubud (Temple, Spring, Rice Terraces, & Waterfall)

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Bali’s heartland—combining spiritual sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences all in one day. While it’s a busy itinerary, it’s designed to be flexible and tailored, making it an appealing choice for curious travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Ubud.

What we especially like about this experience are its personalized approach—with a local guide who acts as driver, photographer, and cultural interpreter—and its access to top sights without the hassle of long lines. The stunning landscapes and authentic interactions make it a memorable journey. A potential downside is that the day might be a bit rushed, especially if you’re someone who prefers slow, lingering visits. Still, for travelers eager to see a mix of Bali’s iconic spots without spending days, this tour hits a sweet spot.

This tour is ideal for independent explorers who appreciate flexibility, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, and anyone craving a culturally rich yet efficiently organized day out. If you’re after a relaxed, personalized experience that packs a punch, you’ll find this tour quite appealing.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private group with a local expert guide who handles transport, explanations, and photography.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines spiritual, natural, and cultural highlights—temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, and coffee tasting.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Skip-the-line tickets, flexible hours, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Value for Money: At $36, it offers a lot—entrance fees, lunch, experiences, and personalized attention.
• Authentic Encounters: Interactions with wildlife, local culture, and Bali’s natural beauty.
• Suitable for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those who want a comprehensive, yet manageable, day exploring Ubud’s essential sights.

When thinking of Bali, many envision lush rice terraces, sacred temples, and waterfalls cascading through jungle surroundings. This tour captures that essence, offering a curated glimpse of what makes Ubud such a special place. It’s a chance to connect with Bali’s spiritual and natural sides without the hassle of planning individual visits.

The beauty of this experience lies in its balanced structure. Each stop is designed to be meaningful, whether it’s a spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul or a photo-worthy moment at Tegallalang Rice Terraces. And because it’s private, you can customize your day—skipping if a site doesn’t appeal or spending more time if you want to linger.

You’ll love how the tour’s local guide makes the experience more personal, sharing insights, taking photos, and ensuring smooth transitions between sites. Plus, the included activities like coffee tasting and the jungle swing add fun and memorable touches. The moderate price point of $36 makes it a very accessible way to get a comprehensive Ubud experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup & Starting Point

Most tours begin with convenient pickup from your hotel or villa in Bali. The service is private, allowing for a stress-free start. Your guide, who doubles as driver and photographer, will be ready to roll, making sure you’re comfortable and ready for the day.

Tirta Empul: Spiritual Cleansing

The first highlight is Tirta Empul, a renowned Holy Spring Temple. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours for a guided tour that typically includes explanations of the temple’s significance and rituals. Visitors often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for a spiritual cleanse—whether you participate in the water purification or simply observe.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Scenic Walk & Photo Op

Next, it’s a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Expect around 45 minutes of sightseeing, walking, and photography. The terraces are a photographer’s dream—layered, lush, and endlessly photogenic. We loved the way the terraces rise in terraces, offering a sense of Bali’s ingenuity in farming and landscape design.

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Lunch by the Pool

Then it’s time for a relaxing break at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely 45-minute lunch. The setting—poolside with views of the rice fields—is surprisingly peaceful, considering the busy day. Many travelers find this a refreshing pause to soak in the scenery and refuel.

Coffee Plantation: Tasting & Tour

A staple of Bali’s culture, the coffee plantation tour lasts about 45 minutes. You’ll learn about the process of making Bali’s famous kopi luwak (civet coffee), and sample some of the world’s most expensive coffee. As one reviewer put it, “You get to taste the second most expensive coffee in the world,” which adds a luxurious touch to an otherwise modest price.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The next stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest, where playful long-tailed macaques inhabit a lush, wooded area filled with ancient temple ruins. The guide’s insights help you understand the temple’s spiritual importance. Expect wildlife viewing and some amusing monkey antics—be cautious with your belongings, as the monkeys are curious and cheeky.

Tegenungan Waterfall: Natural Beauty & Free Time

The grand finale is Tegenungan Waterfall, a stunning cascade that you can admire from various viewpoints. About 45 minutes are allocated for sightseeing and taking photos. Some visitors choose to dip their toes or even swim if conditions permit. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a moment of serenity amidst the tour’s busier sections.

Return & Drop-Off

After a full day, your guide will drive you back to your accommodation, sharing final insights and capturing last-minute photos along the way. The private transport ensures comfort and flexibility, making it easy to relax after a busy day.

Value Beyond the Price Tag

At just $36, this tour offers remarkable value. It includes all entrance fees, a nourishing lunch, bottled water, and the bonus experiences of coffee tasting, a plantation tour, and even an extreme jungle swing. The skip-the-line tickets mean you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying each site, which is especially appreciated at popular spots like Tirta Empul and Tegallalang.

The personalized approach—courtesy of a dedicated local guide—adds to the value. Their expertise turns a typical sightseeing day into an engaging cultural experience. Plus, the flexibility to customize parts of the day makes it suitable for different interests and energy levels.

Things to Consider

While this tour is packed with highlights, it’s also quite full. If you prefer unhurried mornings or longer visits, you might find the schedule a bit tight. The attractions are popular, so expect some crowds, especially at the rice terraces and waterfall. Also, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, per the activity provider’s notes.

If you’re someone who loves natural beauty, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure—all within a manageable day—this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Ubud’s highlights without the stress of planning each stop.

This Bali Ubud tour offers a carefully curated mix of spirituality, scenery, and local flavor at a friendly price. Its flexible, personalized approach makes it stand out among many group excursions. You’ll appreciate the chance to see iconic sights like Tirta Empul, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Tegenungan Waterfall, all while enjoying a snack, a coffee tasting, and some fun activities like the jungle swing.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, culturally rich day without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. If you’re eager to get a taste of Bali’s spiritual and natural treasures and prefer a guide who can enhance the experience with insights and photos, this tour is a solid choice.

For those who value scenic views, engaging stories, and a personalized touch, this experience delivers. Just remember, it’s a full day, so come prepared for a bit of walking and some crowds. But overall, it’s an affordable way to enjoy Ubud’s best with ease.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about one day, with the exact timing depending on availability and starting times, which are flexible.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Are tickets to the attractions included?
Yes, skip-the-line access is provided for all major sites, making your visit smoother.

Can I customize the stops?
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to choose which sites to visit or skip within the planned schedule.

What experiences are free?
Coffee tasting, plantation tour, jungle swing, and entry to the bird nest photo spot are included at no extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and children should be comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $36 per person, representing a good value considering all included elements.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera—ready for photos and maybe a splash at the waterfall.

In all, this Bali Ubud tour offers a balanced, personal introduction to Bali’s iconic sights. It’s a smart pick for travelers seeking a full day of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and relaxed exploration—delivered with local warmth and practical convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here: