Ubud: Private Day Tour with Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Temple

Summary

Ubud’s rice terraces, jungle swings and temple rituals in one day

You’ll wander through Ubud’s living temples and rice terraces, taste home-cooked snacks at a Balinese house, swing out over jungle valleys, and watch locals purify themselves at Tirta Empul’s holy springs—all with a private guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect laughter, real conversation, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left Bali.

What’s the experience like?

“You like coffee?” our driver Wayan asked before we’d even left the hotel driveway. He had this easy smile that made me relax instantly. We stopped at a family compound first—just to see how Balinese homes are set up, but also because Wayan wanted us to try his aunt’s fried bananas. I’m still not sure if that was part of the official Ubud tour or just him being generous. The courtyard smelled faintly of incense and something sweet, maybe frangipani? His uncle nodded at us from behind a pile of coconuts, grinning but not saying much.

The Monkey Forest was next. I’d seen pictures but didn’t expect the sound—the monkeys chatter like they’re gossiping about you. Our guide kept us moving (“Don’t look them in the eye,” he warned), but honestly, I could’ve watched them for hours. One bold macaque tried to steal my water bottle and Wayan just laughed, said they’re “like little brothers causing trouble.” The light through the trees made everything look green and gold at once—hard to explain unless you’re there.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace looked almost unreal, those bright green steps curving down the hillside. We learned about Subak—the old irrigation system—which somehow still works after centuries. There was a swing over the jungle (I nearly chickened out), but Wayan egged me on and took a video so my mom could see it later. Lunch was overlooking all that green—rice paddies stretching forever—and honestly I barely remember what I ate except for fresh mango juice so cold it hurt my teeth.

After lunch we drove to Tirta Empul Temple where people were queuing up for ritual bathing at the holy springs. You can actually smell the volcanic minerals in the air—sort of earthy and metallic. It felt peaceful watching locals move through their prayers, water dripping from their hair. Tegenungan Waterfall was our last stop; by then it was late afternoon, sun low and air heavy with mist from the falls. My shoes got soaked but I didn’t care—I just stood there listening to all that water crashing down, thinking how different Ubud feels when you’re right in it instead of looking at photos online.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's cultural and natural sites

• Visit traditional Balinese house
• Guided walking tour at Monkey Forest
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Experience the Great Swing and jungle view
• Have lunch with jungle views
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple for purification
• See Tegenungan Waterfall and cascades

Top questions

How long is the Ubud private day tour?

The tour lasts around 10 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is lunch included on this Ubud tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the day trip along with bottled water.

Which attractions are visited on this Ubud tour?

The itinerary covers Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest, a traditional Balinese house, and a jungle swing experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Ubud?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Is this an all-inclusive Ubud day trip?

Yes—all entry fees, transportation, lunch, bottled water, swing experience and guide/driver are included.

Can infants join this Ubud private tour?

Specialized infant seats are available; suitable for all fitness levels including families with young children.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Your driver also serves as an English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Are photos taken by the guide during the tour?

Your guide can act as photographer or videographer if you wish—they’re happy to help capture moments.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide who’ll also take photos or videos if you want; entry fees for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegenungan Waterfall; bottled water; an included jungle swing experience; plus lunch overlooking Ubud’s lush landscape before heading back in the evening.