Bali: Private Day Tour to Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga & Rice Terraces

Summary

See Bali’s temples, waterfalls and rice fields in one private tour

You’ll start early with hotel pickup and head east for Bali’s most iconic sights: climb Lempuyang Temple for mountain views, wander Tirta Gangga’s gardens and koi ponds, cool off at Tukad Cepung waterfall, then walk among Tegalalang’s rice terraces before swinging above the jungle. A local lunch is included—plus real conversation and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with me fumbling for my sneakers in the dark — I’d set my alarm wrong and our driver, Wayan, was already waiting outside. He just grinned when I apologized (twice), said “no worries, happens all the time,” and handed me a cold bottle of water. The roads out of Ubud were still quiet, just roosters and incense smoke curling from doorways. I didn’t realize how far Lempuyang Temple was from town until we’d been driving for over two hours — but honestly, watching the sun come up behind Mount Agung through the car window made it feel like part of the whole thing.

At Lempuyang (“the Gate of Heaven” — you’ve probably seen those photos), there was a line for the classic shot. But Wayan showed us a spot off to the side where you could actually see the mountain framed by the temple gates without anyone else in view. He laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” properly; I’m still not sure if he was impressed or just being polite. The air up there was cool and smelled faintly of wet stone and frangipani petals. My legs were shaking from all those stairs (nobody warns you about that part), but standing above the clouds felt surreal.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace came next — koi fish everywhere, glinting orange under these old carved bridges. There was this one kid feeding them bits of bread and giggling every time they splashed near his toes. Lunch was included at a little place nearby: spicy chicken satay and rice, nothing fancy but perfect after all that walking. Tukad Cepung waterfall surprised me most — it’s hidden inside this cave-like canyon, so you hear water echoing before you see anything. Cold mist on my face, sunlight slicing down in beams… hard to describe without sounding cheesy, but I keep thinking about it even now.

We finished at Tegalalang rice terraces — green as far as you can see, layered like steps into the hills. There’s a swing overlooking everything; I almost chickened out but ended up trying it (my scream probably echoed across half of Bali). Coffee tasting at a plantation nearby wrapped things up — sweet and earthy, with a view that made me wish we could stay longer. On the drive back to Ubud, everyone got quiet for a while except Wayan humming along to some old pop song on the radio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bali's iconic spots and nature

• Pick up from hotel
• Arrive at Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Visit Pura Lempuyang Temple
• Lunch break
• Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Explore Tegalalang rice terraces
• Ride jungle swing at coffee plantation
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is this Bali Instagram day trip?

The tour lasts around 12-13 hours including pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

Is lunch included in this private Bali tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in your day trip package.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entrance fees for Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall and other stops are included.

What time does hotel pickup start?

Pickup usually starts around 6:00 AM depending on your location in Bali.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

Comfortable shoes are recommended due to stairs and walking; bottled water is provided.

Is this Bali day trip suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour involves some climbing and walking; it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

Does this tour include coffee tasting?

Yes, coffee tasting at a plantation near Tegalalang is part of your experience.

Can I customize stops or request extra time somewhere?

This is a private tour so there’s some flexibility—just ask your guide during booking or on the day.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup anywhere in Bali, all entrance fees (Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall), bottled water throughout the journey plus WiFi onboard if you need it. Lunch at a local spot is covered too—along with coffee tasting at a plantation near Tegalalang before returning to your hotel in the evening.