REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Explore Bali Travel · Bookable on Viator
Waterfalls, temples, and a calm plan. This private Ubud day strings together Tegenungan, Tirta Empul, Ulu Petanu, Coffee Luwak, and Tegalalang in about 10 hours, with admission tickets built in. It’s a nice way to see a lot without spending your day figuring out transport and entry lines.
I love how the pacing feels organized, especially with a guide who manages details. Koko’s approach often gets highlighted for keeping things on track, including handling entry passes and guiding you through the stops in English and Malay.
The trade-off is that it’s still a full-day circuit. With no lunch included and limited time at each site, you’ll want to plan for snacks and photos rather than a long, slow meal and wander.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- The 10-hour Ubud hit list that stays organized
- Tegenungan Waterfall: where you can actually cool off
- Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals and spring meanings
- Ulu Petanu: temple atmosphere plus a pool-waterfall view
- Coffee Luwak Agrotourism: culture and a classic Bali sip
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the photos usually come fast
- Price and what you’re really paying for at $57.77
- How the guide experience can change your whole day
- Who this tour is best for
- Should you book this Ubud chasing-waterfall and water temple tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Ubud private waterfall and water temple tour?
- What stops are included on the tour?
- Is admission included for each attraction?
- Is pickup available, and where does the tour start?
- Is lunch included in the price?
- Does the tour include a private driver and guide?
- Can I cancel for free?
- Is this a private tour or a shared group?
Key things to know before you go

- Private car + admission included at each major stop, so you’re not hunting tickets all day
- Waterfall time at Tegenungan and Ulu Petanu, including a chance to cool off at Tegenungan
- Tirta Empul’s purification focus, with multiple springs that have different meanings
- Coffee Luwak tasting stop built in, so you get the culture plus the caffeine
- Guide-led schedule that aims to respect your time and avoid frantic rushing
The 10-hour Ubud hit list that stays organized

This tour is built for people who want the classic Ubud day—waterfalls, a water temple, a coffee stop, and the rice terraces—without turning it into a chaotic logistics puzzle. You’ll start in Ubud and return to the same meeting point, using a comfortable air-conditioned van with a driver. Bottled water is included, which matters more than people think on a long day in the heat.
What makes this format feel good is the structure. Multiple paid attractions are included, so you’re not constantly stopping to pay at the gate or trying to figure out which sites require cash. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting behind a giant group before moving on to the next viewpoint.
Still, you should expect it to feel busy. Each stop is timed (around 45–60 minutes at most places), so you’ll get the highlights, but you won’t have hours and hours to linger.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Tegenungan Waterfall: where you can actually cool off
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most visited waterfall areas in Bali, and that’s for a reason. Here, you’re not just looking from a distance—you get time to cool off with a swim beneath the falls. The tour includes admission, and the visit window is about 45 minutes, which is enough for photos, some time near the water, and a quick reset.
What you’ll like
- You get a real waterfall experience, not just a viewpoint.
- The setting is built for pictures, so even if your group splits briefly for angles, you can regroup easily.
What to consider
Because it’s popular, it can be busy. Plan your best photos early in your visit window, and keep an eye on where you’re walking so your time doesn’t get eaten up by crowd flow.
Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals and spring meanings

Next up is Tirta Empul, a holy water temple known for its blessing and purification ritual. The focus here is on cleansing bad spirit energy, and the temple springs are described as having different meanings with their own character.
You’ll spend about 1 hour here, with admission included. This stop tends to stand apart from the more scenic stops because it’s not only about what you see—it’s about what the place is doing. The springs aren’t just water features; they’re part of a spiritual practice meant to support purification.
How to make the most of this stop
- Slow down a bit. When a place has a ritual purpose, rushing through the visuals can make it feel like just another building.
- Ask your guide questions. A good guide helps you understand what each part of the experience means and how the springs fit the tradition.
Possible drawback
If you’re mainly there for waterfalls and views, this is the most “mindful” stop on the day. It can still be fascinating, but it asks for a different pace than Tegalalang rice terraces or a quick photo stop.
Ulu Petanu: temple atmosphere plus a pool-waterfall view

Ulu Petanu is timed at about 45 minutes, and it’s often chosen for its photo-friendly look. The description you’ll hear is that the waterfall area is connected with a temple setting, including what’s described as a skeleton temple look and a pool where you can see water dropping like a natural underwater fall.
Translation for your day: you’re going to spend part of your visit composing shots, checking viewpoints, and getting that mix of temple + waterfall in one frame. It’s also another spot where a short visit can work well because the best angles are pretty direct—you don’t have to walk for hours to find something beautiful.
What you’ll like
- It’s a strong visual contrast after Tirta Empul. Water, temple texture, and “Instagram-style” angles all in one stop.
- The 45-minute window keeps it efficient, so you don’t lose daylight for photos later.
What to consider
Short visits mean you should decide early what matters most: close-up water action, temple views, or wide shots. Once you pick your priority, you’ll get better results with less stress.
Coffee Luwak Agrotourism: culture and a classic Bali sip

Between waterfalls and rice terraces, you’ll stop at Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism. This is your 45-minute break with the famous Coffee Luwak experience, where you can taste the local traditional coffee.
Even if you’re not a huge coffee person, this stop can be worth it because it breaks up the day. It also tends to be more than just a drink when your guide explains what the coffee is and why it’s famous in Bali and beyond. Plus, you get a timed rest before you head to the terraces.
Why it’s good value in this tour
Since admission is included at all the named stops, the coffee stop isn’t just a random add-on. It gives you a structured break inside the same 10-hour plan, rather than forcing you to find your own stop.
What to consider
Coffee tasting can be a personal preference. If you hate coffee, you might still enjoy the cultural part, but the main payoff is tasting—so come with open-minded expectations.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the photos usually come fast

Finally, you’ll reach Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with about 46 minutes to enjoy the views and get photos. Rice terraces are one of those Ubud experiences where the place does a lot of the work for you. You don’t need a long explanation once you see the layered fields and the paths running through the scene.
This last stop is also a good decision for timing within a full-day tour because it gives you the kind of “stretch your legs and look around” moment you don’t get at a waterfall where you’re focused on getting to the water and staying safe.
Tips that help here
- Wear footwear you trust on uneven ground—terrace paths can be slippery.
- Give your camera or phone a quick test as soon as you arrive. If lighting changes fast, you’ll be ready.
Price and what you’re really paying for at $57.77

At $57.77 per person for a private, roughly 10-hour day, the big question is value. The good news is the cost is not only for transport and a guide.
You’re also getting admission entry tickets included for each major stop: Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Ulu Petanu, Coffee Luwak Agrotourism, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Add bottled water, and you’ve got fewer “surprise costs” and fewer moments of decision fatigue.
You’re also paying for the comfort of a private air-conditioned van and for the guide coverage (English and Malay-speaking). For many people, that’s worth it because it turns a complex day into a smooth one—especially if you want to spend your energy on the sights rather than navigating.
One consideration: lunch isn’t included. That doesn’t make the tour overpriced, but it does mean you should plan a meal strategy. Either grab something beforehand or be ready to stop for food on your own schedule if you need it.
How the guide experience can change your whole day

A day like this lives and dies by how well it’s managed in real time. The strongest pattern in the guide approach you’ll benefit from is calm organization: taking care of entry passes, keeping the schedule tight, and respecting your time instead of turning the day into a rushed sprint.
Koko, specifically, is mentioned as warm, attentive, and strong at keeping things flowing—handling entry passes and working around the pace of your group. That kind of guidance matters at places like Tirta Empul, where meaning and timing are part of the experience, and at waterfalls, where you don’t want to waste time trying to decode what to do next.
If you like a day that feels efficient but not frantic, this tour style matches that mood.
Who this tour is best for
This fits best if you want:
- A classic Ubud day with waterfalls, one major temple, coffee tasting, and rice terraces
- A private setup where you don’t wait around for other groups
- An organized guide who handles entry passes and keeps your day on track
It may not fit if you want slow travel. With timed stops, it’s not designed for hours of wandering, long meals, or deep resting between sites.
Should you book this Ubud chasing-waterfall and water temple tour?
I’d book it if your goal is variety with good structure. For the price, you’re getting a private van, a guide, bottled water, and paid admission across multiple high-impact stops—so the day feels “handled” from start to finish.
I wouldn’t book it if you hate busy days or you strongly prefer long, unstructured time at just one place. This is a highlights tour, not a slow retreat.
If your ideal Bali day is: waterfall photos, temple meaning, a coffee break, and rice terrace views in one run—this is a solid match.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud private waterfall and water temple tour?
It’s approximately 10 hours.
What stops are included on the tour?
Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Ulu Petanu, Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
Is admission included for each attraction?
Yes. Admission entry tickets are included for the listed stops.
Is pickup available, and where does the tour start?
Pickup is offered. The tour starts at Ubud Art Market, Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud.
Is lunch included in the price?
No. Lunch is not included.
Does the tour include a private driver and guide?
Yes. It includes a private driver and an English and Malay-speaking guide.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this a private tour or a shared group?
It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate.




























