Bali Instagram Tour: Gates of Heaven, Waterfalls & Rice Terraces

Summary

From the misty Gates of Heaven to Tegalalang’s green waves

You’ll wake before dawn for Bali’s Gates of Heaven, then wander through ancient water gardens and bright-green rice terraces with a private driver who doubles as your photographer. Taste spicy warung lunches and cool off under jungle waterfalls before heading back tired but happy—camera full, sandals muddy.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I saw was our driver, Putu, grinning outside my hotel in Ubud — still dark out, the air thick with that earthy Bali scent. He handed me a cold bottle of water and said, “Ready for sunrise at Lempuyang?” I barely had coffee in me but nodded anyway. The drive east was quiet except for the hum of scooters and the odd rooster. When we finally reached the Gates of Heaven, there was already a line forming (everyone clutching their phones). The mountain behind the temple looked like it floated on clouds. I tried to pose but just ended up laughing — my hair stuck everywhere from the mist. Putu took about 20 photos and somehow caught one where I didn’t look half-asleep.

The next stop was Tirta Gangga Water Garden. It smelled faintly of incense and pond water — not unpleasant, just… old stones and lilies. There were koi everywhere, fat and lazy in the sun. A local woman showed me how to toss little pellets so they’d swarm for a photo (she giggled when one splashed my sandal). Then we wound down backroads toward Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The green there is almost cartoon-bright — you know what I mean? We watched farmers balancing baskets on their shoulders while tourists teetered along narrow paths trying not to slip into the mud (I nearly did too).

Lunch was somewhere near the fields — warung food: nasi campur on banana leaf, spicy sambal that made my nose run, sweet tea sticky on my fingers. Our private tour kept rolling after that: Kanto Lampo Waterfall (cool spray on my face), Saraswati Temple in Ubud (lotus ponds, dragonflies). Putu told stories about each place; sometimes he’d pause mid-sentence to wave at someone he knew or point out a carving I’d have missed. He even offered to be our “Instagram husband” for the day — honestly, he’s got an eye for angles.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired by late afternoon — sunburned cheeks, sandals full of grit — but also kind of peaceful? There’s something about watching light shift through palm leaves or hearing temple bells echo off stone that sticks with you long after you’ve left. We ended at Tegenungan Waterfall, feet dangling over wet rocks as kids shrieked somewhere downstream. Not sure any photo really captures it right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bali's top Instagram spots

• Pick up from guest accommodation
• Visit iconic Handara Gate
• Explore Tirta Gangga Water Garden
• See Ujung Water Palace
• Enjoy view at cliffside beach club
• Relax at white sand beach
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Take photos at Jungle Swing
• Visit Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Explore Batuan Temple
• Visit woodcarver gallery
• See Tirta Empul Temple and holy spring
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

What spots are included on the Bali Instagram Tour?

The tour includes Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven), Tirta Gangga Water Garden, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Saraswati Temple in Ubud, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bali day trip?

Yes, private hotel pickup is included from most areas such as Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and others.

Will someone help take photos during the tour?

Your private driver is happy to act as photographer throughout the day—just ask!

How long does this Bali Instagram tour last?

This is a full-day tour; plan for around 8–10 hours depending on traffic and your chosen stops.

Is lunch included?

No set lunch is included but your guide will recommend good local warungs along the way where you can buy food.

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees are included in your private tour package price.

What should I bring for this Bali day trip?

You should bring sun cream, a hat, swimsuit and towel if you want to swim at waterfalls—and definitely your camera or phone.

Can I customize which Instagram spots we visit?

Yes! You can request certain stops or create your own itinerary with help from your guide when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup anywhere in Bali plus all entry fees at temples and attractions listed on your route; comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and parking covered; friendly local driver who’ll also help with photos; flexible timing if you want extra stops; and plenty of time at each spot before returning to your accommodation in the evening.