Ubud: Waterfalls, Temple & Rice Terraces Private Tour

If you’re craving a full-day adventure that combines Bali’s stunning landscapes with its spiritual roots, the Ubud Waterfalls, Temple & Rice Terraces Private Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s soul. Led by a private driver, this tour promises flexibility, comfort, and intimate access to some of Bali’s most photographed natural and cultural sites.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the beautiful, wide Kanto Lampo Waterfall that’s perfect for some fun and memorable photos. Second, the Tirta Empul Temple provides an authentic ritual experience at a site that’s been active since 962 AD. And third, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces offer jaw-dropping views and a chance to walk in the footsteps of Balinese farmers. But, it’s worth noting that some visitors might find the pace a bit rushed, especially if they want more time at each location.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and scenery without the hassle of organizing transport or navigating Bali’s busy roads. If you’re after a flexible, guided day that respects your personal interests and pace, this experience could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private and flexible: You can adjust the pace and spend more time at your favorite spots.
• Includes iconic sites: Waterfalls, a sacred temple, and rice terraces—classic Bali essentials.
• Well-reviewed guides: Friendly, knowledgeable drivers like Ziggy and Komang Doker make the day more engaging.
• Photogenic locations: Perfect for capturing stunning images, especially at Kanto Lampo and Tegalalang.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with a full-day itinerary designed for ease.
• Limited group size: This is a private tour, so your experience stays intimate and personalized.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: Deep Dive into Each Stop

Hotel Pickup and Flexibility

Starting with three pickup options—Sanur, Ubud, Kuta, or Canggu—this tour is designed for convenience. The private driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby, which means no hauling your luggage around or waiting for strangers to assemble. The total duration is around 10 hours, giving enough time for each site without feeling overly rushed.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: A Photographer’s Dream

Our first stop is the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, often praised for its wide, tiered limestone rocks that create an unusual, picturesque cascade. Unlike the typical tall vertical waterfalls, this one flows across a broad, stepped rock formation, making it highly photogenic. Several visitors have mentioned that you can actually climb onto the rocks—carefully!—which adds to the fun and makes for some fantastic photos.

Bring your swimsuit and a towel because there are changing rooms on-site, and some visitors, including one reviewer, appreciated the chance to get closer to the water. The guided tour here lasts about 1.5 hours, which is enough to take pictures, explore the area, and enjoy the scenery.

Tirta Empul: An Authentic Ritual Experience

Next, the tour visits Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most important and active Hindu temples. It dates back to 962 AD, and its sacred mountain spring is central to many Balinese spiritual practices. Visitors observe or participate in the purification ritual at the “Petirtaan” pools, which involves bathing under 13 holy springs to cleanse the mind and body.

Depending on interest, you can choose to enter the pools for the ritual; a ceremonial sarong is typically provided or rented. As one reviewer noted, the guide Komang Doker was very informative about the site, making the experience both educational and meaningful. The guided visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving enough time for photos, explanations, and a moment of reverence.

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Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Bali’s Iconic Landscape

The third major stop is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its subak irrigation system and lush, layered fields. As you walk down into the valley, you’ll see farmers tending to their crops, and many visitors like to snap photos or even try the famous Jungle Swing for an adrenaline rush and incredible views.

Reviewers particularly appreciated the opportunity to hike back and forth, soaking in the panoramic vistas of emerald-green terraces. People often spend around 1.5 hours here, enjoying the scenery at their own pace. Some also mention that the area is popular for “Love Bali” signs and other Instagram-friendly spots.

Wrap-up and Drop-off

After a full day of exploring, your driver will drop you off at your hotel—whether in Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, or Sanur—so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics.

What We Loved About This Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews highlighted guides like Ziggy and Komang Doker for their friendliness and deep local knowledge. They’re not just drivers but storytellers who add context to each site, making history and culture come alive.

Stunning Views and Photo Opportunities: From the cascading Kanto Lampo Waterfall to the layered rice terraces and sacred temple pools, every stop offers a picture-perfect scene.

Flexibility and Personalization: Being a private tour means you can spend more time at places that captivate you, rather than rushing through a set itinerary. Several travelers appreciated the relaxed pace, especially those who value quality over quantity.

Comfort and Convenience: With hotel pickup and drop-off included, along with a dedicated guide, you get an all-in-one experience that eliminates the stress of navigating Bali on your own.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews were glowing, some visitors wished for more explanation from their guides. One reviewer expressed a desire for a guide to accompany them during the visits, not just a driver, which could enhance the cultural understanding.

Plus, because the tour is quite packed in 10 hours, some travelers might find it a bit rushed—especially if they want to linger longer at each site. If your priority is a slow, contemplative experience, you might prefer a more tailored or longer tour.

Pricing and Value

Though the exact price isn’t listed here, this private tour’s value lies in its all-inclusive nature—hotel pickup, drop-off, private guide, and entry to major sites. Compared to booking each element separately, it offers convenience and peace of mind, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with Bali.

Given the quality of the locations, the guided insights, and the comfort of private transport, many travelers will find this a worthwhile investment for a comprehensive day out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for those seeking a well-rounded Bali experience—a mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and iconic landscapes—without the stress of organizing multiple visits. It suits travelers who appreciate personalized attention, comfortable transport, and a flexible schedule.

It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting to cover key sights efficiently or those who prefer a more relaxed, guided approach rather than self-guided visits.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a balanced, accessible way to see some of Bali’s most breathtaking sights. With friendly guides, stunning landscapes, and the flexibility of a private experience, it caters well to travelers who want to soak in the beauty and culture without the hassle.

While it may feel a little rushed for those who want deep immersion, most will appreciate the high-quality stops, insightful commentary, and overall convenience. Whether you’re snapping photos at waterfalls, participating in sacred rituals, or marveling at rice terraces, this tour is a solid choice for a fulfilling Bali day.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel lobby, with options in Sanur, Ubud, Kuta, and Canggu.

How long does the tour last? The full experience takes about 10 hours, providing ample time for each stop.

Can I customize the stops or pace? Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your driver to spend more time at locations you prefer.

What should I bring? Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and consider a swimsuit and towel for water spots.

Are there any restrictions? Pregnant women, people with back or heart issues, and wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour.

Is a guide available at each site? The driver serves as a guide, providing explanations, but some travelers have noted they would appreciate a guide to accompany them during visits for deeper insights.

Can I participate in the temple rituals? Yes, you can participate in the purification ritual if you wear the provided or rented sarong.

What’s the best time to do this tour? Availability varies; mornings are often cooler and less crowded, but check with the provider for options.

How is the transportation? You’ll travel comfortably in a private vehicle, ideal for the full-day schedule and small groups.

Is this tour good for photography? Absolutely—every stop offers fantastic photo ops, especially with the guidance of knowledgeable guides who can suggest the best angles.

In essence, this tour offers an engaging, scenic, and culturally rich day in Bali—perfect for travelers who want a curated experience without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: