Bali: 3-Day Private Tour with Temples, Waterfalls & Beach BBQ

Summary

Temples at sunrise, wild monkeys in Ubud, waterfall swims and smoky beach dinners

You’ll feel Bali’s pulse—from incense-filled temples and wild monkey forests to swinging above rice terraces and sharing grilled seafood by moonlight on Jimbaran Beach. With private pickup, local guides who actually care if you’re having fun, and moments you won’t plan for (but will remember), this 3-day tour lets you live more than just see Bali.

What’s the experience like?

We started early in Ubud—our guide Putu was already waiting outside the hotel, smiling like he’d known us for years. First stop was Batuan Temple. The air was thick with incense and something earthy (maybe moss? I kept noticing it between the stones). Putu explained the temple’s history while a group of women in bright sarongs carried offerings past us. I tried to remember the Balinese greeting but fumbled it—Putu just grinned and showed me again, palms together. It felt good to laugh about it.

Later that morning we were weaving through art villages—silver clinking on workbenches, batik patterns drying in the sun. We made it to Kintamani for lunch overlooking Mount Batur. The volcano looked both peaceful and kind of intimidating with clouds hanging low over the caldera lake. The buffet was simple but honestly, eating fried tempeh with that view made everything taste better. Afterward came the Tegalalang rice terrace swing—I almost chickened out but Putu said “Don’t look down!” so I just…didn’t. My heart was racing when I landed (in a good way). Coffee tasting at a tiny plantation followed; I still think about that smoky-sweet cup they handed me under the trees.

The next day was all north Bali—Tanah Lot Temple rising from black rocks while waves crashed so loud we had to shout to hear each other. At Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, mist hovered above the lake and everything felt quieter than I expected. Wanagiri Hidden Hill had swings too (I skipped this time) and then Banyumala Waterfalls—icy water, slippery stones underfoot, jungle sounds everywhere. It’s a bit of a walk down (500 meters or so), but plunging into that pool woke me up better than any coffee.

Our last day was all about beaches—banana boat ride at Nusa Dua (I laughed so hard I nearly swallowed seawater), then Mengiat Beach where local kids were building sandcastles like tiny engineers. By late afternoon we reached Uluwatu Temple perched high above the Indian Ocean—cliff edges sharp against the sky, monkeys darting around tourists’ bags (watch your sunglasses). Dinner at Jimbaran Bay was smoky grilled fish right on the sand as dusk settled in. There’s something about eating with your feet in warm sand that makes you forget every worry back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud and Kintamani sightseeing

• Pick up from hotel at 08:00 AM
• Visit Batuan Temple
• Explore art villages
• See Batur Volcano and have buffet lunch
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace and swing
• Tour coffee plantation and tasting
• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest

Day 2 — North Bali temples and nature

• Pick up from hotel at 08:00 AM
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple
• Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Enjoy Bali swing at Wanagiri Hidden Hill
• Visit Banyumala Waterfalls and swim
• Optional visit to Bali Handara Heaven Gate
• Lunch buffet at Bedugul Restaurant

Day 3 — South Bali beach and temple tour

• Pick up from hotel at 09:00 AM
• Water sports and banana boat at Nusa Dua Beach
• Relax at Mengiat or Padang Padang Beach
• Visit Uluwatu Cliff Temple
• Dinner BBQ seafood at Jimbaran Bay

Top questions

What are the main highlights of this Bali 3-day private tour?

The tour covers Batuan Temple, Kintamani volcano views with lunch, Tegalalang rice terrace swing, Ubud Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Banyumala Waterfalls swim, Nusa Dua banana boat ride, Uluwatu cliff temple sunset, and Jimbaran Beach seafood dinner.

Is hotel pickup included for each day?

Yes, hotel pickup is included each morning by your driver-guide.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, entrance fees for all listed attractions are included.

How much walking or physical activity is involved?

You’ll need moderate fitness—especially for Banyumala Waterfalls (about 500 meters walk down natural paths) and some stairs at beaches/temples.

Is food provided during the tour?

A buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur is included on Day 1; dinner at Jimbaran Beach is included on Day 3.

Can children join all activities?

Children under 7 cannot join the Tegalalang swing; other activities are generally family-friendly but always check specific requirements.

What should I bring for the waterfalls?

Bring dry clothes and a towel if you want to swim at Banyumala Waterfalls; water shoes help with slippery rocks.

Are water sports included at Nusa Dua Beach?

A 15-minute banana boat ride is included; other water sports are optional extras you can book onsite.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup each morning by an English-speaking local guide-driver, all entrance fees to temples and attractions like Ubud Monkey Forest and Tanah Lot Temple, fuel and parking throughout Bali’s winding roads, a buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur volcano on Day 1 plus a sunset BBQ seafood dinner right on Jimbaran Beach on Day 3—and yes: you get that famous Tegalalang swing experience plus a banana boat ride at Nusa Dua Beach before heading back each evening.