Ubud: Waterfalls, Tirta Empul Temple & Rice Terrace Day Trip

Summary

Soak in Ubud’s waterfalls, sacred temple rituals and green rice fields

You’ll wander through sacred temples with your local guide, feel cool jungle mist at Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and stroll Tegalalang’s iconic rice terraces at your own pace. Expect laughter with locals, moments of quiet awe, and plenty of time to soak up what makes Ubud feel so alive.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way our driver, Putu, grinned as he handed me a sarong outside Tirta Empul Temple. “You’ll need this,” he said, and then explained how locals come here for purification. The stone under my feet was still damp from last night’s rain, and I could hear the splash of water from the fountains before we even stepped inside. There was incense in the air—sweet but not overwhelming—and a quiet line of Balinese families waiting to step into the pools. I felt awkward at first (not sure if I was doing it right), but Putu just nodded and smiled like it didn’t matter.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall was next—a short drive from Ubud, but it felt like we’d dropped into another world. The path down is a bit slippery (I clung to the railings), but you can hear the waterfall before you see it. Cold mist hit my face as we got closer, and honestly? It felt good after walking in the sticky heat. There were local kids laughing and splashing around, and one woman balancing fruit on her head who just breezed by us like she did this every day. I tried to take a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry water drops on my lens.

We finished at Tegalalang Rice Terrace—those crazy green layers you see in all the photos, except they’re even brighter in real life. There’s this soft crunch underfoot as you walk along the narrow paths between fields, and farmers wave if you catch their eye (one guy offered me a taste of his lunch; spicy tempeh—I nearly coughed). The breeze on the hilltop is something I still think about when I’m stuck back in city traffic. We lingered longer than planned because no one wanted to leave yet…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud waterfalls, temple, and rice terrace

• Walk through tropical forest
• Visit Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Tour Tirta Empul Temple
• Stroll Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Top questions

How long does this Ubud day trip take?

The guided tour covers all three stops—Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace—in one day from Ubud.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for your convenience.

Can I swim at Kanto Lampo Waterfall?

You can splash around or dip your feet at Kanto Lampo Waterfall if you’d like.

Do I need special clothing for Tirta Empul Temple?

A sarong is required for entry; it’s provided as part of your tour.

Are entrance fees included in this Ubud waterfalls & rice terrace trip?

If you select the package with entry tickets included, all fees are covered.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No lunch is included; however, there are food options available near Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to some walking and stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup by an English-speaking guide/driver, entry tickets if you choose that package option, use of a sarong for temple entry, and all parking fees—so you can just focus on exploring without worrying about logistics.