Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud

REVIEW · UBUD

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud

  • 5.05 reviews
  • From $32.00
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A truly pretty day starts with one plunge. This Ubud private tour mixes a real waterfall swim at Taman Sari, photo-friendly rice terraces, and a high jungle swing—then rounds out with temples and classic central Ubud stops. It’s built for people who want more than a quick drive-by: you get time at each spot instead of getting rushed out the door.

Two things I like a lot: the waterfall natural pool gives you an activity (swimming) plus an iconic Bali backdrop, and the itinerary stacks the best scenery close together around Ubud. The day also can be made extra smooth by the guide style you’ll see from people like Nyoman and Rico (sometimes spelled Riko in guide name notes), who focus on moving you from spot to spot.

One consideration: it’s outdoors for a big chunk of the day, and it runs in good weather. If rain rolls in, you’ll need flexibility, since the tour notes say weather can affect the experience.

Why This Ubud Day Feels Worth It

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud - Why This Ubud Day Feels Worth It

  • Taman Sari Waterfall Swim: A natural pool near Ubud with cascades that split into multiple flows—great for photos and a refreshing swim.
  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces Timing: You get dedicated time to walk around and take in the valley views, not just a quick stop.
  • d’Alas Swing with Rice-Field Views: A classic Bali photo moment high above jungle and farmland.
  • Temple + Carving Stop at Puseh Batuan: A village temple with Bali carving details and historical roots noted as lsaka 944.
  • Central Ubud Stops After the Scenery: Ubud Palace courtyards and the Ubud art market help balance the day with culture and browsing.
  • Private Car, English-Speaking Driver/Guide: Includes pickup by private vehicle, bottled water, and parking—so you’re not scrambling for local transport.

Taman Sari Waterfall and Natural Pool: Swimming Near Ubud

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud - Taman Sari Waterfall and Natural Pool: Swimming Near Ubud
If your Bali trip has room for one real outdoor reset, this is the kind of stop you remember. Taman Sari Waterfall is described as starting as a single drop, then breaking into multiple cascades flowing over the rock. That matters, because it changes what you see up close—less like one dramatic moment, more like a whole water scene.

You’ll spend about an hour here, and the highlight is the natural pool swim. I like that this isn’t just sightseeing. You can actually cool off, get your shoulders moving, and treat the waterfall area like a mini adventure instead of a photo stop with no time to enjoy it.

Practical expectations:

  • Plan for slippery rocks and wet ground. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, your footing will change once you’re near the water.
  • Bring a change of clothes in your day bag. You’ll likely leave feeling damp, even if you don’t stay in the pool the whole time.
  • If you’re sensitive to cold water, ask when the pool is calmer—conditions can vary with weather.

If you’re booking this because you want a memorable swim spot close to Ubud, this is designed for exactly that.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

Puseh Batuan Temple: Bali Carvings and Village-Temple Atmosphere

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud - Puseh Batuan Temple: Bali Carvings and Village-Temple Atmosphere
Next up is a more grounded, cultural stop: Puseh Batuan Temple in Batuan village. It’s noted as being built in lsaka 944, and it’s known for Bali carving details across the temple.

This is the part of the day that slows your pace in a good way. Waterfall time gets your energy up; temple time gives your brain something to focus on besides views. Instead of just staring at stonework, you can look for the carved patterns that make Balinese temples feel layered and alive.

What makes this stop worth your time:

  • It’s a village temple rather than only a landmark designed for crowds.
  • The carving focus gives you a clear theme. You’re not guessing what to notice—you have a specific visual clue to follow.

A consideration: it’s still outdoors and part of an active day. If you’re planning to do a lot of swimming and photography earlier, you may want to keep this stop lighter—no frantic running, just a calm walk and a close look.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: The Best Views Need Time to Walk

Then you’re onto one of Bali’s most photographed stretches: Tegalalang rice terraces. The description emphasizes dramatic views down the valley, spreading across slopes. This isn’t one flat lookout—it’s a whole area that rewards wandering.

You’ll get around an hour here. That’s long enough to do more than take a few pictures and move on. You can walk sections of the terrace area, check different angles, and take your time with the layered shapes.

Why I think this stop works in a full-day plan:

  • You get your nature fix after the temple, so the day feels balanced: water, stone, then sky-and-farmland views.
  • You don’t just drive past the terraces—you experience them as a place you can move through.

Practical note: wear shoes that handle uneven ground. Terrace paths can be rocky and damp, especially after morning weather. If you plan to combine terrace walking with swimming earlier, your feet will thank you for supportive footwear.

d’Alas Swing Over Jungle and Rice Fields: A Photo Moment With Real Adrenaline

After the terraces, the itinerary shifts to something fun and high. d’Alas Swing is described as a jungle swing in Tegalalang, with the chance to soar above jungle and rice fields for your best pictures.

This is where your phone might earn its keep. You’re not just standing by a view—you’re lifted into it. The reward here is a mix of perspective (high-angle valley views) and the simple thrill of doing something a bit daring in the middle of Bali’s countryside.

What to consider before you go up:

  • If you’re uncomfortable with heights, think carefully. This is a swing experience above open views.
  • If your camera plan is serious, bring a way to keep your phone secure during the ride. The tour includes an admission ticket for this stop per the day description, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be focused on not dropping your gear.

Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, this kind of stop can be a great way to break up the day and add variety after swimming and temple time.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace: When the Day Becomes Local

After scenery and photo moments, you head into central Ubud culture: first the Ubud Traditional Art Market, then Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung).

The art market stop is described as about an hour and focuses on the atmosphere and finding art works. This is one of those places where you don’t have to buy something to enjoy it. You can browse, notice the style differences, and get a feel for what people make and sell in the center of town.

Then comes Ubud Palace, also about an hour. It’s described as an old building complex with courtyards and fantastic carvings, and it’s an important historical landmark for Balinese culture. This works well after the market because it gives your browsing a context: you’ve been looking at art pieces, then you see carved stone and historic space in real time.

A useful way to approach these stops:

  • Don’t treat them as a sprint. Use them to reset.
  • If you’re tired from terraces and swimming, this is a good place to slow down and observe.
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Pickup, Timing, Transport, and Group Setup

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud - Pickup, Timing, Transport, and Group Setup
Start time is 8:30 am, and the full day runs roughly 7 to 8 hours. That schedule is a sweet spot for Ubud: long enough to feel like you covered real territory, but not so long that you’re exhausted before the fun parts.

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned private car with petrol, parking fee, and bottled water included. Pickup is offered, and there’s an English-speaking driver or guide on board.

That’s where the value shows up for me: the price isn’t just paying for tickets. You’re paying for a smooth plan and easier movement between spots—especially important in Ubud, where distance between attractions can feel more annoying than expected.

Also, you’ll likely appreciate the fact it’s set up as a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That tends to make it easier to set a comfortable pace and spend time where you care most.

If you’re trying to pack the day with fewer hassles, this format helps.

Price and Value: What $32 Really Means for Your Day

Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud - Price and Value: What $32 Really Means for Your Day
The listed price is $32.00 per person. On paper, that sounds simple. In practice, the value depends on what you’ll spend elsewhere.

Here’s what the tour notes say is included:

  • Private car (ac) and pickup
  • Petrol and parking fees
  • Bottled water
  • English-speaking driver/guide

What’s not included:

  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance tickets are listed as not included in one place

At the same time, the itinerary description shows admission tickets included for several stops, like Taman Sari Waterfall, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and d’Alas Swing. Because those details conflict, I treat it like this: some entrance costs may be covered for certain stops, but you should confirm the exact ticket inclusions before you go.

Still, even with a bit of extra spending possible for tickets and lunch, this tour often feels like good value if:

  • you want a guided day with transportation built in,
  • you care about hitting multiple Ubud highlights in one morning,
  • and you want an activity-heavy itinerary (swim plus swing plus terraces).

What to Pack for a Waterfall-and-Swing Day

Even with a well-planned itinerary, you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re prepared. I’d pack like this:

  • Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel (or a small towel you don’t mind getting wet)
  • A dry change of clothes for after the waterfall
  • Water-friendly sandals or shoes with grip (and plan they may get wet)
  • A small waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
  • Sunscreen and a hat, especially for terraces and the swing
  • Cash for market browsing (if you plan to buy anything)

One more small thing: bring a positive attitude about timing. This day moves between different environments—water, temple stone, terrace paths, then market browsing—so being ready to switch gears helps a lot.

A Note on Adding Extra Stops Like Monkey Forest

Some guide days can flex. In the provided experience notes, people describe asking their guide to add Monkey Forest and having it happen. That means if you’re set on seeing Monkey Forest too, ask your guide early in the day so they can judge time and routing.

Keep expectations realistic: adding stops depends on scheduling and conditions. But if you want extra Ubud variety, it’s worth mentioning.

Should You Book This Ubud Waterfall Swim, Swing, and Market Day?

Book it if you want a balanced Ubud day with active highlights: swimming at Taman Sari, walking around Tegalalang rice terraces, and doing the d’Alas swing for that lifted-up valley view. It’s also a good fit if you like having a driver/guide handle the movement while you focus on photos, people watching, and enjoying each stop at a human pace.

Skip it (or at least rethink) if you’re planning a super relaxed day or you hate weather-dependent outdoor activities. The tour requires good weather, and the day includes multiple outdoor segments.

If you like your Ubud itineraries to feel “do something, then see something, then slow down,” this one matches that rhythm well.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour uses a private car.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included items listed are a private car with petrol and parking fees, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver or guide. Group discounts and a mobile ticket are also mentioned.

Are entrance tickets included?

The info is mixed. The itinerary states admission tickets are included for Taman Sari Waterfall, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and d’Alas Swing, but another part of the tour details lists entrance tickets as not included. I recommend confirming what’s covered for each stop before you go.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Does the tour run in any weather?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it suitable for kids?

Child below 3 years is free of charge. The notes also say most travelers can participate, but you’ll want to consider that it includes swimming.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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