Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing

REVIEW · UBUD

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing

  • 5.048 reviews
  • From $24.82
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Ubud looks better when you’re not stuck in a big group. This private door-to-door day keeps the pace yours, with rice terraces photos and a swing, plus two waterfalls (Kanto Lampo and Ulu Petanu) and the Tirta Empul holy water temple. You also get onboard Wi-Fi so your phone works without Bali roaming fees.

What I like most is the balance: scenery that’s easy to enjoy in under an hour per stop, then culture that’s more than a quick photo stop. I also appreciate the chance to upgrade to a lunch with rice-terrace views instead of eating somewhere random. One thing to keep an eye on: entrance fees and lunch are only included if you choose the All-Inclusive option.

Key highlights to expect

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Key highlights to expect

  • Private pickup and drop-off in an A/C vehicle, so you skip the stressful self-drive
  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces to do the swing and get classic Ubud photos
  • Ulu Petanu Waterfall in Kedisan Village, noted for fewer stairs than many nearby falls
  • Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple with a provided sarong for the visit
  • Onboard driver Wi-Fi + bottled water + coffee/tea
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall to end the day with a swim in the natural rock pools

Why this private Ubud plan feels worth your day

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Why this private Ubud plan feels worth your day
Ubud is packed with things to see, but the usual problem is time. Big-group tours can turn into a conveyor belt: arrive fast, walk fast, pose fast, leave faster. This one is built so you can slow down when the view asks you to.

You’ll spend the day on a tight circuit: rice terraces, waterfalls, one major temple, a coffee plantation, then back to the water again. The private format matters here. It’s easier to find the right angle for photos, ask questions, and adjust when timing gets messy.

And yes, the phone-photo help is a real part of the experience. Multiple drivers are praised for getting pictures that actually look good, plus for being patient when you want another take. Some of the guide names that show up in feedback include Kadek Jarot, Agung, Dika, Denar, Darma, and Noki.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud

Getting there: pickup, Wi-Fi, and skipping the self-drive headache

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Getting there: pickup, Wi-Fi, and skipping the self-drive headache
Bali traffic can be unpredictable, and self-driving in Ubud takes a lot more attention than it should on a vacation day. Here, you get private transportation with an A/C vehicle and hotel pickup and drop-off. That alone turns the day into something you can enjoy instead of manage.

You’ll also have practical perks during transit. The driver provides Wi-Fi onboard, plus bottled water, and coffee and/or tea. That combination is small but useful: it keeps you organized for the day ahead and gives you an easy way to check maps, translation apps, or just post a photo without hunting for signal.

Because it’s private, you’re not forced to match someone else’s speed. If you need a restroom stop, extra time at Tegalalang, or a slower walk at the waterfall, you can ask. The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours, with each major stop roughly in the 1 to 1.5 hour range, so you’re not stuck all day in one place.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the swing/photo stop that people remember

This is where the classic Ubud feeling starts. Tegalalang Rice Terraces are famous for a reason: strong lines of greenery, dramatic viewpoints, and the kind of terraced pattern that looks good from almost any angle.

A big part of why people book this tour is the chance to do the swing in the rice terraces area. Even if you don’t swing, this is still the place for photos and a calm walk. In at least one real experience, bad weather meant a swing plan didn’t happen, so keep that in mind. If rain shows up, your guide may shift timing and do the best possible version of the plan.

There’s also often optional activity nearby (for example, zip line setups can be seen around Tegalalang), but don’t assume anything is included unless it’s explicitly part of your selected package. The tour’s value is that you get the time and guidance to make this stop work for you, not just pass through.

Practical tip: wear footwear you trust. The terraced areas can be uneven and slippery after rain. If you want to swim later, also consider packing a swimsuit change, since the day continues with water stops.

Ulu Petanu Waterfall near Tegallalang: easier stairs, big payoff

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Ulu Petanu Waterfall near Tegallalang: easier stairs, big payoff
Then you head to Ulu Petanu Waterfall in Kedisan Village. This one is praised for being a simpler effort compared to many other falls in the Ubud area. The itinerary notes fewer stairs to climb, which is a meaningful detail if you want waterfall time without burning your legs before lunch.

What you should expect here: a calmer, more local-feeling waterfall visit. It’s described as one of the more pristine options around Ubud, and it gives you time for photos plus a swim. That swimming part matters. Waterfalls in Bali can be hot, and having a break to cool off turns the stop from “look at it” into “actually enjoy it.”

In terms of timing, the stop is about 1 hour. That’s long enough to descend, take pictures, and have a swim if conditions allow, but short enough that you won’t feel trapped in a wet workout. If you’re pairing this with other active spots, this ordering is smart: start with terraces, then do a waterfall that’s less stair-intensive.

Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple: what to know before you go

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple: what to know before you go
After waterfalls, you switch gears to the sacred Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple. This is one of Ubud’s spiritual must-sees, and it’s not just about buildings. It’s about the ritual spaces and the way water is part of the ceremony here.

You’ll get a traditional Balinese sarong for the visit. That’s important because temple areas commonly require proper dress. The sarong included in the tour removes one potential headache: you don’t have to hunt for it last minute.

Plan for a cultural-and-photo stop that’s more respectful than the viewpoint stops. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, which is enough time to walk through at a comfortable pace and actually understand what you’re looking at if your guide explains it.

One thing I like about using a driver-guide versus just a taxi: they can tell you what you’re seeing while you’re there, not after the fact on your hotel Wi-Fi.

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Lunch at D Alas Warung: rice views plus a real break

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Lunch at D Alas Warung: rice views plus a real break
Next up is lunch at D Alas Warung Restaurant. This is where you catch your breath and switch from water-and-walk mode to meal mode. The restaurant is specifically highlighted for its rice terrace views, which means you’re eating with scenery, not just eating near a road.

The lunch stop runs about 1 hour. The tour description says you can choose western or traditional Balinese dishes, so you’ve got flexibility if you’re not sure what you’ll like. One reviewer also described lunch as delicious and relaxing, which tracks with the idea that this isn’t a rushed grab-and-go stop.

If you didn’t choose the All-Inclusive option, entrance fees and some meal elements may not be included. But if you did choose All-Inclusive, lunch is part of the package, which can make the whole day feel more predictable financially.

Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation: more than a photo pit stop

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation: more than a photo pit stop
After lunch you visit Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation. This stop is typically one of those “could be interesting or could be a sales pitch” moments on day tours. The version here is framed as a guided visit: you’re welcomed by a knowledgeable guide and you get an explanation of the tea and coffee plantation process.

You’ll have time for about 1 hour here, plus coffee and/or tea is included. That inclusion matters because it turns the plantation from a walk-through into an actual tasting moment.

To get the most out of this stop, ask questions. If you care about how roasting works or why certain coffees are priced the way they are, your guide can usually explain the basics. And if you’re not a coffee person, tea still gives you something to do besides browse souvenir shelves.

Also, if you’re sensitive to strong smells, note that coffee plantations can be fragrant. It’s not a big deal, just something you’ll notice when you step inside.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall to finish: multi-tiered views and swim time

Ubud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing - Kanto Lampo Waterfall to finish: multi-tiered views and swim time
You close the day at Kanto Lampo Waterfall, a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. This is the stop many people aim for because it’s photogenic and dramatic, with rock pools where you can swim.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here. That’s long enough for the full waterfall experience: photos from multiple angles, time around the rock pool area, and a swim if you want it. One reviewer specifically called out how the waterfall and swing were a great combo for a full Ubud day.

This is also a good place to slow down and let the guide’s timing do the work. Some guides are praised for taking guests to spots that help you escape crowds, and that helps a lot at Kanto Lampo where people want the same photo.

Tip: bring a towel in your daypack. The tour suggests it, and for once, they’re right. After swimming, you’ll want to dry off before you get back into the car.

Price and value: $24.82 makes sense if you choose the right option

At $24.82 per person, the base price is attractive for what you’re getting: private transportation, an A/C vehicle, a driver-guide who helps with phone photography, bottled water, Wi-Fi, sarong, and coffee/tea. That’s already a lot of logistics handled for you.

The big value lever is the All-Inclusive choice. The tour states that lunch and all entrance fees are included if the All-Inclusive option is selected. If you skip All-Inclusive, entrance tickets are not included (the itinerary notes Admission Ticket Not Included on most stops), so you may pay additional fees during the day.

Here’s the practical way to decide:

  • If you hate surprise costs, choose All-Inclusive so you know what you’re budgeting.
  • If you’re comfortable paying entrance fees on the spot, base price can work. Just plan ahead in your wallet.

Either way, the private format is the core value. A day like this in Bali is hard to piece together by yourself safely and on time.

Guide quality and photo help: the difference between a good day and a great one

One reason this tour earns near-perfect ratings is consistency in how the day is run. Across guide names like Kadek Jarot, Agung, Noki, Dika, Denar, Darma, and Eddie, a few patterns show up:

  • English communication is praised
  • Drivers adjust to your needs without sounding annoyed
  • People feel safe in the car
  • Guides help with photos and timing

I’d treat that as more than a nice bonus. When you’re moving through several “wow” stops, small timing wins matter. If your guide knows the spots to reduce crowd pressure, your photos look better and you feel less rushed.

It’s also why a private day works for couples and small groups. You’re not stuck with someone else’s pace, and you get a real conversation about what you’re seeing. One review even described a guide as adding a bit of humor and making the day feel relaxed.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

This is a full day with stairs, water, and temples. Use their checklist as a starting point:

  • Comfortable footwear (shoes or sandals you can trust)
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash or credit card
  • Swimsuit and a change of clothes
  • Towel for drying off

I’d add one more common-sense item: a small waterproof bag for your phone and passport. You’ll have wet moments at the waterfalls, and nobody wants to stress about electronics at the exact time the waterfall is calling for a photo.

Also bring a bit of patience. With multiple stops and Bali weather potential, timing can shift. When it does, a good guide turns it into a better day, not a worse one.

Who should book this Ubud private tour, and who might skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

  • A private, door-to-door day with a tight plan
  • Two waterfall stops plus Tirta Empul
  • Time at Tegalalang for swing and photos
  • Wi-Fi and comfort in an A/C vehicle
  • The option to upgrade for lunch and entrance fees

I’d especially recommend it for couples, first-timers in Bali, and anyone who doesn’t want the stress of self-driving. It also makes sense for people who want a mix of nature and culture without spending hours planning.

Consider another option if:

  • You’re extremely price-sensitive and plan to skip All-Inclusive, since entrance fees will likely add up.
  • You have very limited mobility. Ulu Petanu is noted for fewer stairs, but waterfall areas and the rice terrace terrain can still be uneven. If you need a specific accessibility setup, ask before you book.

Should you book this Ubud Private Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a well-paced Ubud day that covers the big emotional hits: terraced rice views, a swing moment, two very different waterfalls, a real temple visit with proper dress, and a lunch stop with scenery.

The main decision is the All-Inclusive upgrade. If you want a smooth day with fewer surprises, choose it. If you like paying as you go, the base price can still work, but plan for entrance tickets.

One last thought: pick the guide you feel confident with. The best days seem to happen when you get a driver who’s patient, photo-ready, and willing to adjust. Based on the feedback, that’s a real strength of this tour.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud private tour?

The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included if you select the All-Inclusive option.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included only if you choose the All-Inclusive option. Otherwise, the itinerary notes admission tickets are not included.

Is there Wi-Fi during the tour?

Yes. Drivers provide complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

Do I need to bring a sarong for Tirta Empul?

No. The tour provides a traditional Balinese sarong for holy water temple visits.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

The itinerary describes swimming time at both Ulu Petanu Waterfall and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable footwear, sunscreen, cash or a credit card, a change of clothes, and a swimsuit and towel for the water activities.

What is the cancellation window?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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