Bali: Private Day Tour Ubud Temples, Rice Terraces & Waterfall

Summary

Ubud temples rice fields waterfall day trip with local lunch

You’ll walk temple courtyards scented with incense, wander Ubud’s bright green rice terraces, cool off at Tegenungan Waterfall (or just dip your toes), and share lunch at a local spot—all with an easygoing guide who knows every shortcut. This private Bali tour lets you see island life up close and leaves you with small moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the smell of incense to hit me so early—our driver Wayan picked us up right after breakfast, and by the time we reached Batuan Temple, the air was thick with it. I fumbled with my sarong (Wayan just grinned) while a woman nearby adjusted her offering tray. The temple’s stone felt cool under my hand, damp from last night’s rain. I tried to listen as our guide explained the black palm roofs but honestly got distracted by a rooster crowing somewhere behind the shrines.

We wound up through Ubud’s narrow roads—motorbikes everywhere—toward Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Standing at the edge, it’s all green layers and sudden drops. You can hear water trickling if you listen past the chatter of selfie-takers. Wayan told us about Subak, Bali’s old irrigation system; he said his grandfather worked these fields. I kept thinking how the light shifted on each terrace—sometimes sharp, sometimes soft—and how muddy my shoes got just trying to get a better look.

Tegenungan Waterfall was louder than I expected. The spray hit my face before I even saw it. Some kids were swimming below (I chickened out—the current looked strong), but sitting on a wet rock with my feet in the water felt good after walking all morning. Lunch was at a spot by the roadside—rice again, spicy chicken, sweet tea that tasted almost floral. Wayan laughed when I tried to order in Bahasa; probably butchered every word.

If you add Kintamani to this Bali day trip, you get that view of Mt. Batur and Lake Batur—clouds rolling over black lava slopes and everyone kind of quiet for a minute. It’s funny how sometimes nobody says anything because there’s nothing to add. I still think about that silence more than any photo we took.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bali's top natural and cultural sites

• Visit Batuan Temple
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Swim or relax at Tegenungan Waterfall
• Visit Ubud art villages

Top questions

How long does this Bali private day tour take?

The tour is full-day, typically around 8-10 hours including travel between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included in Ubud and surrounding areas.

Can I swim at Tegenungan Waterfall during the tour?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Tegenungan Waterfall if conditions are safe.

Is lunch included on this Best of Bali tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees covered in this Bali tour package?

Entry fees for included attractions are covered depending on your selected package.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult's lap and kids under 2 join free with an adult.

Do I need to bring anything special for visiting temples?

Sarongs are usually provided but modest dress is required for temple visits.

Can we add extra stops like Kintamani or Monkey Forest?

You can add Kintamani or Ubud Monkey Forest depending on which package you book.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off around Ubud or nearby areas, entrance fees to places like Batuan Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terrace depending on your chosen route, an English-speaking driver-guide who actually chats with you about life here, plus lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the afternoon.