Bali Temples & Rice Terraces: Private Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Gunung Kawi shrines Tirta Empul rituals rice fields Ubud monkeys

You’ll wander ancient shrines at Gunung Kawi, join local rituals at Tirta Empul Temple (yes, you can try the holy spring), walk through Tegalalang’s rice terraces with your guide sharing stories along the way, and end up face-to-face with Ubud’s cheeky monkeys—all with lunch and hotel pickup sorted for you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air shifted as we stepped out near Gunung Kawi. It was thick, but not heavy — kind of mossy, with a hint of incense somewhere in the background. Our guide, Putu, grinned as he pointed out the stone steps winding down to those ancient cliffside shrines. He told us they were carved for Balinese royalty — I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like here a thousand years ago, before all the camera shutters and chatter. My legs wobbled a bit on the stairs (there are a lot), but honestly, seeing those 7-meter high candi tucked into the rock made me forget about my knees for a second.

I didn’t expect Tirta Empul Temple to feel so alive. There was this gentle splashing from the holy spring fountains, and families lined up for blessings. Putu explained each step — I tried joining in, awkwardly mimicking everyone else (probably looked ridiculous), but no one minded. The water was cold and sharp on my skin; I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stressed back home. Afterward, we dried off in the sun while Putu chatted with some locals about village news — he translated bits for us, laughing at his own jokes.

Lunch came just after a short drive through Ubud’s backroads — nothing fancy, just this jungle restaurant where you could hear cicadas over everything else. The food tasted earthy and sweet; I’m still not sure what half of it was called, but there was satay and something green that reminded me of lemongrass. Then we walked Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The light bounced off those bright green paddies in a way that made my phone camera useless. A farmer waved from across the field; we waved back and kept walking until our shoes got muddy.

We finished at the Ubud Monkey Forest — hundreds of macaques everywhere, some bold enough to tug at my backpack zippers. One little guy stared me down until I gave up my last banana chip. The forest felt wild but safe somehow, like Bali itself is watching over you if you pay attention long enough… or maybe that’s just what happens after a day like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit temples, rice terraces, and monkey forest

• Drive to Ubud village
• Visit Ubud monkey forest
• Explore Gunung Kawi temple
• Join ritual at Tirta Empul Temple
• Have lunch at jungle restaurant
• Trek through Tegalalang rice terraces

Top questions

How long does the Bali temples & rice terraces tour last?

This is a full-day private tour including all main sites and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included in the tour price.

Can I join the holy spring ritual at Tirta Empul Temple?

Yes, visitors can participate in the ritual blessing if they wish to.

Are there many stairs at Gunung Kawi Temple?

Yes, there are quite a few stairs leading down to Gunung Kawi’s shrines.

Is lunch provided during this private Bali tour?

Lunch at a local jungle restaurant is included in your day.

Will we see monkeys during this tour?

You’ll visit Ubud Monkey Forest where hundreds of macaques live freely.

How much walking is involved in Tegalalang Rice Terrace?

You’ll take a short trek along the rice fields—expect some uneven paths and mud.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour includes stairs and uneven terrain; it may not suit those with mobility issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle, entry fees to all temples and attractions, bottled water throughout, lunch at a jungle restaurant near Ubud (with plenty of local dishes), plus your own friendly driver-guide who shares stories as you go—before heading back in comfort late afternoon.