Bali: Water Temples & Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Day Trip

Summary

UNESCO rice terraces, floating temples and sunset at Tanah Lot

You’ll wander floating temples on Lake Beratan, taste fresh mountain air at Batukaru Temple, walk among UNESCO-listed rice terraces at Jatiluwih, and watch sunset colors spill over Tanah Lot. With hotel pickup and a local guide handling every detail, you just soak up Bali’s spirit—muddy shoes included.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup because I forgot my hat upstairs — the driver just grinned when I rushed out, hair still wet from a quick shower. The air was already thick with that earthy Bali smell, a bit sweet and smoky from incense somewhere nearby. Our guide, Wayan, had this gentle way of explaining things without making it feel like a lecture. He handed us bottled water and said something about "Dewi Danu" before we even left Ubud — I nodded like I understood but honestly had no idea who she was until later.

The drive to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple took longer than I thought (maybe two hours?), but watching the mist slide over the lake made me forget about time. The temple itself looked like it was floating — there were kids feeding koi by the shore and a woman selling tiny marigold offerings. Wayan showed us how to sprinkle a little water on our heads for luck. My shirt stuck to my back from the humidity, but I didn’t really care. Lunch came after wandering through Jatiluwih’s endless green — those rice terraces really do go on forever, and the only sound was wind in the stalks and someone laughing far off in Balinese (I wish I knew what was funny).

By the time we reached Batukaru Temple, clouds hung low around Mount Batukaru and everything felt quieter — maybe because there weren’t many people around. Wayan told us about old kings hiding here (or maybe praying? My memory’s fuzzy). The mossy stones were cool under my hands; incense drifted through the air again. We lingered longer than planned because it just felt peaceful.

Tanah Lot was crowded but somehow still magical at sunset — all those silhouettes against orange sky. You can only get close if the tide is right; we weren’t lucky this time but standing back with everyone else felt communal in its own way. On the drive home, I realized my feet were muddy and my phone nearly dead but it didn’t matter much. There’s something about seeing these places with someone who knows their stories that sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Bali's temples and rice terraces

• Drive 2 hours to Ulun Danu Temple
• Visit Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan
• Drive 40-60 minutes to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
• Explore Jatiluwih Rice Terraces UNESCO site
• Drive 40-50 minutes to Luhur Batukaru Temple
• Visit peaceful Luhur Batukaru Temple
• Drive 1 hour to Tanah Lot Temple
• See sunset at Tanah Lot Temple
• Drive back to hotel (about 1 hour)

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Bali's water temples?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 10-11 hours including all stops and transfers from main tourist areas like Ubud or Seminyak.

Is lunch included in this Bali temple & rice terrace tour?

Lunch is included if you select that option during booking; otherwise meals are not provided.

Are entry fees covered for all attractions?

If you choose the "All Inclusive" option when booking, all entry/admission fees are covered.

Is hotel pickup available for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your tour package.

Can infants or small children join this Bali day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats or prams/strollers are available if needed.

How accessible is this tour for wheelchairs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to the provided information.

What are some highlights of this Bali day trip?

You’ll visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO), Batukaru Temple, and Tanah Lot Temple for sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water along the way, entry fees if you pick “All Inclusive”, a private driver/guide who shares stories as you go, plus lunch if selected—so you don’t have to think about anything except which view to look at next.