Bali: Ubud Rice Terraces, Waterfall & Temple Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Ubud’s green rice terraces, ancient temples & waterfalls in one private day

You’ll step into centuries-old temples dressed in Balinese attire, walk through Ubud’s famous rice terraces as sunlight shifts on the paddies, feel cool mist from Tegenungan Waterfall on your skin, sample local coffee and teas at a plantation, and share laughter with your guide over lunch—all with pickup from Benoa Port and private return transfer.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about Ubud for years, so stepping off the ship at Benoa Port and seeing my name on a sign felt oddly personal. Our driver-guide (Wayan—he told us everyone here is named Wayan or Made) greeted us with this easy smile and handed over bottled water right away. The car had A/C, which I didn’t realize I’d appreciate so much until we hit the midday heat. We started at Batuan Temple—over a thousand years old, but somehow it didn’t feel like a museum. The stone carvings are wild; you can run your fingers along them and feel the grooves from centuries ago. They dressed us in sarongs for respect—I looked ridiculous but nobody cared.

Tegenungan Waterfall was next. You hear it before you see it—a constant roar that drowns out your thoughts for a second. I dipped my feet in (the rocks are slippery, just saying) while Wayan pointed out how locals come here to cool off after work. There were families picnicking nearby, laughing in Balinese (which sounds musical if you listen). It’s humid by the water and everything smells green—like wet leaves and river stones. After that came the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. I thought I knew what “green” meant until we stood there looking down at those layers of paddies, coconut palms everywhere, sunlight catching on the water channels. There’s a swing over the valley if you’re feeling brave—I wasn’t, but someone else screamed all the way across.

Lunch was simple: fried rice with sambal that made my nose run (in a good way), eaten overlooking more rice fields. We talked about family with Wayan—he laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” properly (I probably butchered it). Later we stopped at a coffee plantation where they let us try Luwak coffee and herbal teas; honestly, I liked the ginger tea best. The smell of roasting beans kind of clings to your clothes after you leave.

We finished up in Celuk Village—the silverwork here is delicate and detailed; I watched an older woman shaping tiny pieces into earrings by hand. There’s something calming about just watching people work like that. On the drive back to port I realized how much I’d seen in one day without feeling rushed. If anything, I wish we’d lingered longer at Tegalalang just to watch the light change over the fields.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali cultural and natural highlights tour

• Pick up from Benoa Port
• Visit Batuan Temple
• See Tegenungan Waterfall
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Enjoy Indonesian lunch with rice field views
• Tour coffee plantation and taste coffee
• Visit Celuk Village for gold and silver crafts
• Explore Batik art and weaving items

Top questions

How long does this Bali shore excursion last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including travel time between attractions.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

Yes, an Indonesian lunch overlooking rice fields is included.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees and taxes are included in the price.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your driver-guide speaks English and helps with photos too.

Is pickup from Benoa Port provided?

Pickup and private return transfer from Benoa Port are included.

Do we visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace on this tour?

Yes, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the main stops on this itinerary.

Can we swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?

You can dip your feet or swim in designated areas near Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is traditional Balinese dress provided for temple visits?

You’ll be given traditional Balinese attire to wear at Batuan Temple.

Are there shopping opportunities on this tour?

You’ll visit Celuk Village where you can buy silver jewelry or watch artisans work.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and private return transfer from Benoa Port in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water throughout the journey, all entrance fees and taxes covered up front, traditional Balinese dress for temple visits (so you don’t need to worry about what to wear), an Indonesian lunch overlooking rice fields, plus stops at Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a coffee plantation for tastings, Celuk Village for silver crafts—and an English-speaking driver-guide who’s happy to help snap photos along the way before bringing you comfortably back to port.