A day with turtles and horses feels rare in Bali. This tour pairs a conservation lesson and sea turtle release with a scenic black-sand horseback ride and time at Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s the kind of itinerary that does more than check boxes.

I especially like that the turtle part isn’t just a moment, it’s paired with an educational session on sea turtles and protection efforts. I also like how the day tends to run smoothly with guides and drivers such as Ajik, Wayan, and Eggy showing up in feedback for clear communication and helpful pacing.

One thing to consider: the horse riding ticket and lunch depend on which package you choose, so you’ll want to confirm the Include vs Exclude option before you go. Also, the experience depends on good weather, since it can be changed or refunded if conditions aren’t right.

Key things to know before you go

• Conservation first, release second: you get a lesson on sea turtles before you join the release.
• Black sand horseback riding: a calm ride along the shoreline at Saba Beach, not a rushed photo stop.
• Well-timed break for lunch: a full lunch stop at Bebek Uma Menuh with Balinese, Indonesian, and Western choices.
• Tegenungan Waterfall with time to relax: enough stay time for photos and a breather between activities.
• Private group experience: only your group participates, even though there are group discounts.

Sea Turtles at Saba Asri: a meaningful start to the day

Your day begins at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation, where you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes learning before you participate. The focus is on sea turtle life cycle and the protection efforts that help endangered turtles survive in the sea. Then comes the part most people remember: the turtle release experience.

What I like about starting here is the order. You’re not just showing up at the water and hoping for the best. You’re given context, which makes the moment feel more intentional and less like a spectacle. And that matters, because conservation works best when people understand why it’s happening.

You should also know this is a hands-on activity connected to wildlife. That means you’ll want to follow instructions closely, stay calm, and keep your attention on the process. If you’re the kind of person who likes to talk over instructions or move around constantly, this isn’t the best place to test that habit.

For comfort, think practical. Bring sun protection, and wear something you can move in easily. If you’re sensitive to getting splashes, plan on water at the release area and keep a light change of clothes in your mind.

Horseback on Saba Beach black sand: calmer than you think

After the conservation stop, you’ll head to the Bali Horse Riding portion of the day for about 1 hour. Before the ride starts, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink, then staff guide you through beginning your horseback adventure along the black sand shores of Saba Beach.

The big value here is setting. Black sand beaches feel different from the common postcard beaches, and you get that “quiet shoreline” rhythm during the ride. Instead of racing from viewpoint to viewpoint, this is one of those moments where the pace slows down naturally—your movement follows the horse, not the car.

A practical note: the horse riding ticket can be included or not depending on your selected package. In the include option, the horse riding ticket is covered. In the exclude option, you pay for the horse riding ticket on your own. Either way, it’s worth checking so there are no surprise add-ons.

What to wear? The tour notes that you can bring your own gear like boots or sandals. If you don’t, expect the staff to guide you on what works best. I’d choose footwear that won’t easily slip and clothing that won’t be annoying in the saddle. Even if you’re excited for photos, the ride is still about safety and comfort first.

If you’re a little nervous about horseback riding, don’t assume it’s automatically intense. You’re spending time in a guided, staff-led setup. Still, be honest with yourself: if heights or controlling your balance feels scary, you’ll want to ask questions early and follow staff directions without rushing.

Lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh: fuel for the waterfall stretch

Next comes lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh Restaurant, with about 1 hour for the meal. The menu includes Balinese, Indonesian, and Western dishes, so you’re not trapped into one food style. And depending on your package, lunch may be included—when it is, it’s one less decision to make mid-day.

I like this lunch stop because it helps you pace the day. Turtle education + horseback riding + a waterfall can be tiring, especially in Bali’s heat. Having a proper sit-down meal gives you a breather and helps you enjoy the waterfall without feeling like you’re running on fumes.

A good practical move: don’t over-order if you’re sensitive to heat or spicy food. You want energy for the next stop, not a stomach that’s protesting. Also, keep an eye on your timing—there’s a set time window here, so choose dishes you’ll enjoy without needing to wait forever.

Tegenungan Waterfall: photos, cool air, and a chance to reset

The tour continues to Tegenungan Waterfall, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on site. You’ll have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the waterfall. The tour frames it as a scenic spot with a place to unwind and reset before heading back.

This stop is valuable because it shifts the day again: conservation, then movement on horseback, then nature in a calmer setting by the water. It’s also where the day can feel most like a vacation, because you can slow down and just be there.

Comfort matters here. Waterfall areas can be slick, and paths can vary. Wear shoes you trust with your footing, and keep your phone secure. If you’re wearing light sandals, consider swapping to something steadier before you reach the main wet areas.

Also, expect this to be a photo-driven stop. If you want quick pictures and move on, you can do that. If you want time to sit and watch, you can do that too, as long as you stay within the allotted time window.

How the full-day schedule works from Seminyak

This experience is designed as an approximately 8-hour day. It includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the travel time, plus pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location, based on where you’re staying in the Seminyak area.

The tour is set up as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. That’s a real quality-of-life factor in Bali. You avoid the extra waiting and reshuffling that can happen with larger shared groups, and it helps keep the turtle release and riding portions from turning into a chaotic scramble.

Because the day involves multiple outdoor locations, your schedule can be affected by traffic and weather. The good news: the stops are timed in a way that gives you breathing room at each place. Still, I’d plan your morning start early enough that you’re not rushing your pickup.

Pickup and confirmation happen through the booking process, and you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking. There’s also a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re already trying to travel light and keep everything on your phone.

Price value check: what $64 really covers

At $64 per person, this tour is priced to be accessible while still including the “big moments.” The key is understanding what’s included by default and what depends on your package choice.

In the included parts, you get:

• Air-conditioned transport with pickup and drop-off
• Turtle conservation admissions and the turtle education session tied to the release
• Tegenungan Waterfall admission
• Equipment/facilities for the turtle education and release and horseback activities
• A lunch option if you select the include package

Where packages change:

• Horse riding ticket is covered in the Include package, and not covered in the Exclude package.
• Lunch is included in the Include package, and if you choose Exclude, you’ll pay for meals yourself.

So the value is best when you select the option that matches what you actually want. If you’re definitely doing both the horse ride and the full lunch stop, you’ll likely get more value by choosing the include option. If you’re planning to skip one, the exclude package can make sense.

Either way, the day’s structure—education + release + ride + lunch + waterfall—adds up more than many “single activity” tours. You’re paying for a full rhythm, not just a quick window of time.

Who should book (and who should think twice)

This tour makes the most sense if you want nature plus meaning, not just sightseeing. It’s a strong fit for eco-conscious travelers because you get education on sea turtle protection paired with an actual release experience. It’s also a decent match for families looking for an educational, hands-on day, since the conservation piece is built into the schedule.

It also works well for couples who want a calm, non-party day with a gentle mix of nature and activity. The horseback portion feels more personal than walking around a market, and the waterfall time gives you a chance to slow down together.

Who might pause before booking? If horseback riding would make you anxious, this could be stressful even with guidance. Also, if you’re booking for a strict itinerary regardless of weather, remember this experience requires good weather and can be adjusted if conditions aren’t suitable.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

Here are a few things that help you enjoy every stop without minor headaches:

• Bring footwear you trust: you’ll be on sandy areas and around a waterfall, so skip anything that slips easily.
• Use sun protection: the day includes multiple outdoor portions, and you’ll likely get exposed time at the beach and waterfall.
• Carry light basics: a small towel or wet wipes can be handy if you get close to water during the turtle release.
• Plan for package choices: confirm whether your horse riding ticket and lunch are included for your selected option.
• Expect guidance: the day is staff-led at the conservation center and at the stable, so listen closely when they explain what to do.
• Gratuities are optional: if you feel someone truly helped make the day smooth, budgeting a bit for tips is a nice way to show appreciation.

And one more thing: bring your patience. Bali traffic can be unpredictable, and a long-ish day outdoors means you’ll enjoy it more if you’re not obsessing over minute-by-minute timing.

Should you book this Bali horse riding and turtle release tour?

Book it if you want a day that balances movement with meaning: a conservation lesson followed by a sea turtle release, plus a scenic black sand horseback ride, plus time at Tegenungan Waterfall. The best part is that the day is structured so you’re not rushing, and the tour includes core admissions and transport value for a fair price.

Skip it (or reconsider the fit) if horseback riding isn’t your thing or if you’re easily stressed by weather-dependent outdoor plans. Also, before you confirm, double-check whether your option includes the horse riding ticket and lunch, because that’s where the price reality can shift.

If you’re looking for an experience that feels personal and nature-focused, this one is hard to beat for a Seminyak-area day.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from your hotel or location according to your area of stay.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What’s included for the turtle part?

You’ll have an educational session at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation about sea turtles and protection efforts, followed by a turtle release experience. Admission for this stop is included.

Is the horse riding ticket included in the price?

It depends on your package choice. In the Include package, the horse riding ticket is covered. In the Exclude package, you pay for the horse riding ticket yourself.

Does lunch come with the tour?

It depends on your package choice. In the Include package, lunch is included. In the Exclude package, you’ll pay for meals at your own expense.

Is Tegenungan Waterfall admission included?

Yes. Admission for the Tegenungan Waterfall stop is included.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.