Bali: Private Day Trip Lakes, Temples & Rice Terraces Tour

Summary

Jatiluwih rice fields, Tamblingan lakes, Penatahan hot springs and sunset temples in one full Bali day

You’ll wind through Bali’s highlands with a local guide—cool mountain air at Tamblingan Lake, photo ops at Handara Gate, prayers at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, lunch overlooking misty water, muddy walks in Jatiluwih rice terraces, warm pools at Penatahan Hot Springs, then finish with sunset colors at Tanah Lot Temple. It’s a day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to eat that chili, are you?” our driver Wayan laughed as I poked at my plate near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The air up there in Bedugul is so much cooler than down south—almost had to borrow a jacket. We’d started the morning winding past coffee plants and tiny warungs, mist curling around the Twin Lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan. There was this hush—just birds and the occasional motorbike buzzing by. Wayan told us how his uncle still fishes on those lakes with a dugout canoe. I tried to picture it but mostly just got distracted by the smell of cloves from someone’s cigarette nearby.

Handara Gate was next, and yeah, everyone lines up for that photo (we did too—no shame). But honestly, it was the old man selling rambutans out front who stuck with me; he handed me one and grinned when I fumbled peeling it. At Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, we watched a group of local kids skipping stones while their parents prayed by the water. Lunch was simple—rice, chicken satay—and I swear the sambal nearly blew my head off. But sitting there with lake mist drifting through open windows? I felt like time slowed down for a bit.

After lunch we drove into Jatiluwih Rice Terraces—the green just goes on forever. It’s hard to explain how quiet it is except for frogs croaking and farmers calling out to each other across the fields. My shoes got muddy (should’ve worn sandals), but honestly I didn’t care. Then Penatahan Hot Springs: steaming pools right beside a river, sulfur in the air but not too strong. Locals soaking after work waved us over; one lady offered us boiled peanuts from her basket and told us she comes every week for her knees.

We ended at Tanah Lot Temple just as the sky started going pink and gold. There were crowds but also these sudden pockets of silence when everyone stopped talking to watch waves crash against the rock. I took about twenty blurry photos before giving up—sometimes you just have to stand there and let it sink in, you know? Still thinking about that light on the water even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Northern Bali's Natural and Cultural Sites

• Visit Twin Lake Tamblingan and Buyan
• Take photos at Handara Gate
• Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Have lunch near the temple
• Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
• Relax at Penatahan Hot Springs
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali private day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from most hotels or villas in Ubud, Sanur, Denpasar, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Pecatu, Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan or Canggu are included.

Are entrance tickets and lunch included?

If you select the all-inclusive option when booking this Bali tour package, both entrance fees and lunch are included.

How long does this full-day Bali tour take?

The private day trip typically takes a full day—expect 8-10 hours including all stops from pickup to drop-off.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

This Bali day trip is suitable for most fitness levels; infants under 2 are free of charge. Not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring on this Bali lakes & temples tour?

Sunscreen and a camera are recommended; wear comfortable clothes and shoes (it can get muddy at Jatiluwih).

Can I request vegetarian food during lunch?

Yes; vegetarian options are available if you advise at time of booking your private Bali tour.

Do I need to pay extra for parking or petrol?

No; petrol and parking fees are covered as part of your private car charter service.

What’s included

Your private Bali day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere from Ubud to Seminyak or Canggu (and more), an English-speaking driver-guide who shares local stories along the way, all entry tickets if you choose all-inclusive (otherwise pay-as-you-go), plus a traditional Balinese lunch near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple before heading out again toward rice terraces and hot springs.