Bali feels best when you walk it. This full-day Ubud trek strings together Taro village roots, a moderate bamboo-forest hike, and holy-water temple time, with a satisfying lunch looking out over rice paddies. I really like the long stretch of real scenery you get, plus the way the day balances walking with calm breaks and culture. One thing to plan for: parts of the experience have extra costs once you’re on the ground, like Tirta Empul entry and the swing ticket.

I also like the human touch. In the feedback I saw, guides like Wayan and owner Baru are praised for friendly, personalized attention, and even for tailoring the day to what you want. That matters on a trek day, because the details are what make it feel smooth rather than rushed.

You should know the physical side up front. The hike is described as moderate and runs about 4 hours, so it’s not for everyone—especially if you have back issues or heart problems. The good news is the pacing is guided, and you’ll have lunch and stops built in.

Key highlights to look for

• Taro village area with admission included and plenty of time to slow down and take in real Bali life
• About 4 hours of moderate bamboo-forest trekking, with fruit plants like mango and mandarins along the way
• Tirta Empul Temple for holy water rituals, including optional purification and blessing
• Tegalalang rice terrace photo stops, timed after your hike for great views
• Coffee plantation visit plus a terrace river pool swing, with multiple swing options available (ticket extra)

How the Ubud trek day is structured (and why it works)

This isn’t just a hike-and-photos loop. It’s built like a sequence of experiences: you start in the countryside village world, move through forest trails, then shift to temple spirituality, and end with rice-terrace viewpoints and an action moment.

That pacing is smart for two reasons. First, you get a big block of movement early, when the day feels fresh. Second, the “reward” moments come right after effort: temple time and rice views after you’ve earned them. You’re also not stuck eating on the go. Lunch is included, and it’s served with a rice-paddy backdrop, which turns a normal meal into part of the experience.

One more practical bonus: the day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ubud, plus bottled water and parking fees. That reduces stress, especially if you’re not traveling with a scooter. The tour also notes mobile ticket use and group discounts, so you’re not scrambling for paper or local transport.

Taro village and Delodsema time near Tegallalang: your first taste of real daily Bali

You head north of Ubud to the Delodsema Traditional Village area, part of Taro village, roughly 30 minutes by car. Then you settle in for about 4 hours. That long first stop is a big part of why this tour feels complete instead of rushed.

In this section, you’re not just observing from a viewpoint. The goal is to spend time in the village setting and get a better sense of day-to-day life and how people move through their landscape. Admission for this portion is included, so you can focus on enjoying the time rather than tracking fees in the moment.

There’s also a useful expectation-setting detail here: you’re in an outdoor, active area for hours, so plan to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. Bring practical shoes and keep your phone protected—this is the kind of day where scenery is worth stopping for, even if it means you’ll get a little dusty or sweaty.

The bamboo-forest trek: moderate hiking with shade and fruit-tree sightings

The core walking portion is described as a moderate 4-hour hike through bamboo forests. Expect a lot of green trail time and a slower rhythm than a “power hike,” which makes it more approachable if you’re fit enough to handle several hours outdoors.

What I’d watch for is the terrain and your comfort level with sustained walking. “Moderate” is helpful language, but it still means time on the move. If you tend to get sore on long days, you’ll want to pace yourself early and stay hydrated.

A pleasant detail you might not expect on a trek is what the route passes: plants associated with tropical fruits like mango and mandarins. Even if you’re not picking anything, these kinds of sightings help the hike feel grounded in place, not like generic jungle wandering.

Tirta Empul holy water temple: spiritual Bali you can feel

After the walking and village time, you’ll go to Tirta Empul Temple, with about 1 hour allocated on-site. This is the “holy water temple” stop, known for its sacred water area and spiritual atmosphere.

Here’s the practical angle: this is also where you may choose to participate in purification using the holy water and receive blessing. You don’t have to treat it like a show. If you’re comfortable with the ritual, ask your guide what to do and where to stand so you don’t disrupt the flow. If you’d rather watch quietly, you can still enjoy the ambiance and the meaning of the place.

One caution to keep in mind: Tirta Empul admission is listed as not included. That means you should be ready to pay the temple entry fee during the day. Your guide can help you handle it smoothly, but you still want money or a payment method ready.

Tegalalang rice terrace: viewpoints and photo time after your hike

Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you’ll have about 30 minutes to stop, look around, and take pictures. This is a classic Bali scene, but the timing matters. Coming here after a hike makes the terrace feel like a reward break rather than just another postcard.

Expect the terrace views to draw crowds in peak times, but you can still find strong angles depending on where you pause. Wear shoes you can trust on uneven ground, because terrace areas often involve small steps and slippery patches after humidity or mist.

This stop also lists admission as not included, so again, you’re paying only if there’s a separate fee tied to the specific viewing area your guide uses. It’s usually not a complicated add-on, just something to plan for.

Coffee plantation stop and the terrace river pool swing (ticket extra)

Near the end of the day, you’ll head to a coffee plantation area and then to the Terrace River Pool Swing spot for a swing over rice terrace views and river scenery. The swing segment is listed as about 2 hours, which likely includes time for explanation, trying options, and snapping photos.

Your tour information notes that you’ll have the chance to try different types of swings. That’s where the “adrenaline” factor comes in. If you’re nervous around heights or you don’t like fast movement, you can choose your level of participation, but do communicate your comfort to your guide before you strap in.

This part is also where extra costs matter: the swing ticket is not included. If you want to do the swing, budget for it ahead of time so it doesn’t become a last-minute decision.

You’ll also visit a luwak coffee plantation. The tour description frames this as a chance to sample one of the world’s most expensive coffees, which tells you it’s a tasting moment tied to Bali’s celebrity-style food experience. Just remember: sample vs. purchase are two different things, and tasting costs can vary by venue.

Price and what $78 really covers for a full 7.5-hour day

At $78, this tour sits in the mid-range for Ubud day trips, and the value is tied to what’s included vs. what’s optional. The included items are strong: a professional guide, lunch, bottled water, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, plus parking fees. There’s also admission included for the Delodsema village portion.

The extras are also clear in the information you’re given. Tirta Empul entry is not included, and neither are the swing ticket or any related costs at the rice terrace viewpoints. In other words, you’re paying one price for transportation, guiding, and the big chunks of the day—and you pay separate fees for specific attractions.

The best value comes if you want the full package: trekking time, temple time, rice terrace views, and the swing option. If you’re only interested in one or two of those, you might feel the extras more. But if you like a full day with variety, $78 starts to look reasonable because so much is handled for you.

Who should book this (and who might skip it)

This tour fits best if you want a day that’s active but not extreme, with a clear cultural stop and a payoff at the end. It’s ideal for people staying in Ubud who don’t want to plan transport, and it’s a good choice if you enjoy guided context while you walk.

It’s not a great match if you have serious back or heart conditions, since the hike is substantial (about 4 hours) and the day totals around 7.5 hours. It also has a minimum age of 7, and kids under 7 must be carried by a parent.

If you like human-guided experiences, you’ll likely appreciate what’s been praised: guides such as Wayan and owner Baru are repeatedly associated with friendly guidance, personal attention, and customization. That turns the day from a checklist into something that feels responsive.

Should you book this trekking and sightseeing tour from Ubud?

I’d book it if you want a balanced Ubud day: village atmosphere, bamboo-forest trekking, a meaningful temple stop at Tirta Empul, and rice-terrace views that finish with a memorable swing option. The included lunch and pickup remove two common headaches, and the mix of scenery plus culture is exactly the kind of day that makes Ubud feel more than touristy.

I’d think twice if you’re price-sensitive about add-ons, since temple entry and the swing ticket aren’t included. And if you’re not comfortable with a moderate multi-hour hike, you’ll likely regret it more than you’ll enjoy it.

FAQ

How long is the trekking and sightseeing tour?

The tour runs about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a professional guide, lunch, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and parking fees.

Do I need to pay for admission at Tirta Empul Temple?

Yes. Tirta Empul Temple admission is listed as not included.

Are tickets included for the swing and rice terrace?

The swing ticket is not included, and admission for the rice terrace stop is also listed as not included.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

The hike is described as moderate and lasts about 4 hours, so you should have a moderate fitness level. It’s not recommended for people with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 7. Kids under 7 have to be carried by a parent.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel or if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.