Private Bali Custom Tour with Local Guide: Temples, Waterfalls & Snorkeling

Summary

Bali Private Day Tour: Temples, Rice Terraces & Blue Lagoon Snorkeling

You’ll get to shape your own adventure in Bali—visit sacred temples, swim beneath waterfalls, walk rice terraces, snorkel vibrant reefs, and taste local coffee—all with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and hidden gem.

What’s the experience like?

We started our day early, just as the sun was warming up the rice fields outside Ubud. Our guide, Wayan, met us with a big smile and a cooler full of bottled water—trust me, you’ll need it once that midday heat kicks in. First stop: the monkey forest. The monkeys here are cheeky—one tried to grab my sunglasses while another sat munching on a banana right by my feet. The forest itself smells earthy and damp, with birds calling overhead and the occasional scooter zipping past outside the gates.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace was next, and wow—those green steps go on forever. Wayan showed us the best spot for photos (not the obvious one everyone crowds around). If you’re feeling brave, try the swing that soars out over the terraces. My stomach did a little flip but it’s worth it for that view. There’s a tiny warung at the top where we grabbed sweet iced tea and watched farmers in straw hats tending their plots below.

By late morning we reached Tegenungan Waterfall. You’ll hear it before you see it—a deep rumble through thick jungle air. The path down is steep but manageable if you take your time. I dipped my toes in first (the water’s colder than you’d expect) before going for a swim. Local families were picnicking nearby, laughing and splashing around.

After drying off, we headed to Tirta Empul Temple. Wayan explained how locals come here for purification rituals—there’s something calming about watching people move quietly through the pools, incense smoke curling in the air. He handed us sarongs (included in the tour), and showed us how to tie them properly before we stepped inside.

Lunch was quick—just some nasi campur from a roadside stall—before we drove to Padangbai for snorkeling. The boat ride out to Blue Lagoon was bumpy but fun; salt spray everywhere and fishermen waving as they passed by. Underwater, it’s another world: bright coral gardens and schools of tiny fish darting around us. I even spotted a clownfish hiding in an anemone.

On our way back, Wayan suggested stopping at a small coffee plantation nearby. We watched beans roasting over an open fire and sampled everything from ginger tea to Bali’s famous kopi luwak (it’s got an earthy kick). By sunset, we were tired but happy—and honestly, I felt like I’d seen more of “real” Bali than any group tour could offer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud and Surroundings

• Visit Monkey Forest and photo session
• View Tegalalang Rice Terrace and try swing
• Swim and see Tegenungan Waterfall
• Experience Tirta Empul Temple and purification ritual
• Snorkeling at Padangbai spots
• Taste traditional coffee and tea
• Visit Lempuyang Temple (Heaven Gate)
• Photo stop at Handara Gate

Top questions

Can I choose which places to visit on this tour?

Absolutely! This is a fully customized tour—you pick your favorite spots or ask your guide for suggestions based on your interests.

Is snorkeling equipment provided at Padangbai?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included when you visit Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun during your tour.

Are temple sarongs included or do I need to bring my own?

Sarongs are provided for temple visits so you don’t need to worry about bringing one yourself.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is family-friendly and can be adjusted for all ages—just let your guide know if you have special needs or want to skip anything strenuous.

What’s included

Your own private vehicle with driver-guide; bottled water throughout the day; sarong loan for temple visits; all entrance fees covered; snorkeling gear at Padangbai; flexible itinerary tailored just for you.