Bali: Bedugul temples & Tanah Lot tour with local guide

Summary

Follow temple trails from Bedugul’s lake to Tanah Lot’s sea cliffs

You’ll wander through royal gardens at Taman Ayun, feel cool mountain air at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Beratan, walk Jatiluwih’s endless rice terraces with your local guide, and end at Tanah Lot as sunset colors spill across the sea — moments you’ll remember long after leaving Bali.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my sandal in the pond at Taman Ayun — not the most graceful start, but our guide Wayan just grinned and said it happens. The temple really does look like it’s floating, with those black roofs stacked up against the sky. There was incense in the air, and a couple of old women arranging petals by the gate. I tried to follow their hands but got distracted by a rooster crowing somewhere behind the wall. It felt like we’d stepped sideways out of time for a minute.

The drive up into Bedugul was cooler than I expected — you could see mist hanging over Lake Beratan before we even got out of the van. Ulun Danu Temple sits right on the water, almost hovering when the light hits it. Wayan told us about Dewi Danu, the water goddess, and how important this place is for Bali’s farmers. I touched the stone wall (cold, a little damp) and watched a family lighting incense sticks together. We had bottled water in the van but honestly I just wanted to breathe in that chilly air for a bit longer.

Jatiluwih rice terraces were next — “jatiluwih” means “truly beautiful,” which is kind of funny because everyone says not to use that word too much here, but it fits. The fields go on forever, green on green, with little scarecrows flapping around. We walked along one of the narrow paths and I nearly slipped (again), but Wayan caught my elbow before I could embarrass myself twice in one day. He explained how the Subak system works — all these families sharing water since way before anyone thought about UNESCO or Instagram.

By late afternoon we reached Tanah Lot Temple just as the tide was pulling back. There were kids selling postcards and a guy carving tiny frogs from coconut shells (I bought one; no regrets). The sea smelled sharp and salty, and you could hear waves thumping under the rocks even with all the people around. Sunset wasn’t perfect — some clouds drifted in — but when that last bit of sun hit the temple silhouette, everyone just went quiet for a second. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali Temples and Rice Terraces

• Visit Taman Ayun Temple
• Explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• See Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple and Sunset

Top questions

How long does this Bali Bedugul & Tanah Lot tour take?

The full day trip includes travel time between sites; total duration is already included in your booking.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entrance fees to temples and attractions are included in your booking price.

What sites are visited during this day trip from Ubud or Seminyak?

The itinerary covers Taman Ayun Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Beratan, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO), and Tanah Lot Temple by the sea.

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available and it is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport by air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Bali, all entrance fees to temples and rice terraces, bottled water throughout the journey, plus your own friendly local driver-guide who shares stories along every stop before bringing you back at sunset.