Ubud & Mount Batur: Volcano, Hot Springs & Waterfall Day Trip

Summary

Rice terraces, volcano air, temple rituals & warm spring water

You’ll wander emerald rice terraces near Ubud, eat lunch above Mount Batur’s crater lake, soak in natural hot springs with mountain views, and witness sacred rituals at Tirta Empul Temple — all with a local guide and hotel pickup included. Expect moments of quiet awe and bursts of laughter along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the green to hit me so hard at Tegalalang Rice Terrace — it’s not just “lush”, it’s like someone turned up the color dial. Our driver Wayan laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” (I’m still not sure I got it right). The morning air was sticky but cool under the palms, and you could hear ducks somewhere out of sight. I kept stopping just to watch farmers move along those narrow ledges. There’s something calming about how slow everything moves here.

The drive up toward Mount Batur felt longer than I thought — maybe an hour or so from Ubud? But then suddenly you’re looking down at this huge volcanic crater lake. We had lunch at one of those restaurants on the ridge; honestly, the buffet was fine but I barely noticed what I ate because the view just sort of takes over your brain. Clouds drifted across the water and it smelled faintly of woodsmoke from somewhere nearby. If you’re doing this day trip from Ubud to Mount Batur, bring a light jacket — it gets breezy up there.

After that we wound down to the hot springs by the lake. The pools were quieter than I expected (maybe because we came late morning?), and slipping into that warm water with steam curling off your skin felt weirdly ancient. Some locals were chatting softly in Balinese nearby; I caught maybe three words but their laughter made me smile anyway. You can see Mount Batur rising behind you while you float — surreal moment, honestly.

Tirta Empul Temple was next — sandals off, sarong on (they hand them out at the entrance if you forget). Our guide explained how people come for purification rituals here; we watched families wade through clear fountains, hands pressed together in prayer. It was peaceful but also kind of intense seeing everyone so focused. Last stop was Tegenungan Waterfall — loud and busy but somehow refreshing after all that quietness earlier. The spray hit my face as we got close and for a second I forgot about my phone or taking photos at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud volcano, lake, and hot spring tour

• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Have buffet lunch with Mount Batur view
• Relax at natural hot spring
• Join ritual at Tirta Empul Temple
• Stop at Tegenungan Waterfall

Top questions

How long does this Ubud volcano day trip take?

The tour typically lasts a full day including stops at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Mount Batur for lunch, hot springs, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

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

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees are included if you select that option during booking.

What should I wear for Tirta Empul Temple?

You’ll need to wear a sarong (provided at the entrance) and remove your shoes before entering temple areas.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur and its lake is included if you choose that option when booking.

Are towels available at Mount Batur hot springs?

Towels, lockers, showers, and changing rooms are available at the hot spring facility.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ubud or nearby areas, entry fees to all main sites if selected when booking, bottled water throughout the journey, access to towels and changing facilities at Mount Batur’s natural hot spring pools, plus a buffet lunch with views over the volcano before returning in the evening.