Bali: Half Day Tour to Tegalalang, Goa Gajah & Tegenungan

Summary

Half day in Bali with waterfall mist temples and rice terraces

You’ll wander through ancient stone at Goa Gajah temple, feel the cool mist from Tegenungan Waterfall on your skin, and eat lunch above Tegalalang’s endless green steps. With a local guide handling all the details and hotel pickup included, you get Bali’s highlights without rushing — just enough time to let it all sink in.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try?” our driver grinned, holding out a tiny packet of spicy peanuts as we rattled away from Ubud. I’d barely woken up but the sun was already climbing, and the air smelled like wet leaves — somehow sweet and earthy at the same time. We hit Tegenungan Waterfall first, and I swear the sound of it was louder than my thoughts. There were locals laughing by the edge, dipping their feet in. I just stood there for a minute, shoes off, letting that cool spray hit my face — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so awake so fast.

Goa Gajah was next. Our guide Wayan told us “it means Elephant Cave but you won’t see any elephants.” He laughed at my confused look. The cave’s mouth is carved with these wild faces — kind of spooky but also weirdly welcoming? Inside it was dark and smelled faintly of incense. Wayan pointed out little offerings tucked in corners; he said his grandmother still brings them every week. I tried not to trip on the uneven stones (almost did), but it felt good to just slow down for a bit.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace came last — green stacked on green as far as you could see. We found a spot overlooking the terraces for lunch (I got fried noodles, nothing fancy but tasted perfect after all that walking). There were farmers out in the fields waving occasionally; one kid tried to sell us coconuts and then ran off laughing when I fumbled my Bahasa. The light kept shifting through the palms and honestly, I still think about that view sometimes. We headed back around 2pm or so — traffic wasn’t too bad for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit waterfall, temple, and rice terraces

• Pick up at hotel at 8:00 am
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
• Visit Goa Gajah Hindu temple
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace and have lunch

Top questions

What time does the half day Bali tour start?

The tour starts with hotel pickup at 8:00 am.

Which attractions are included on this Bali day trip?

The tour visits Tegenungan Waterfall, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

Is lunch included on this half day tour?

No set lunch is included, but there’s time to buy your own meal at Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

How long does this Bali tour last?

The tour lasts about 6-7 hours; you return to your hotel around 2-3 pm depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Bali tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in the tour price.

Are entrance tickets covered?

Yes, entrance tickets for all attractions are included.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to walking and stairs.

Will there be a local guide during the trip?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup right from your door, entrance fees covered at each stop (waterfall spray guaranteed), parking taken care of so you don’t have to worry about cash or coins, a friendly local guide who actually knows where to find good snacks along the way, plus a bottle of mineral water tossed in before you head out again.