Reviewed · UBUD, MONKEY FOREST & CAMPUHAN

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces

5.0 · 460 reviews From $39 Operated by Hire Bali Driver · Bookable on Viator
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A jungle swing, two waterfalls, one quiet temple. This private door-to-door Ubud day strings together the big-name sights with a few calmer, photo-ready stops, including d’Alas Swing and two waterfalls close enough to feel like one continuous adventure.

What I like is that you’re not just ticking boxes. You’re guided between water features, temple ponds, and rice terraces in one long, scenic day, with the driver acting as a real helper through the back roads.

I especially like the way the day balances action and stillness. You get the walk-and-photo magic at Kanto Lampo, a stair-and-swim moment at Tibumana, and then you slow down at Gunung Kawi Sebatu with its koi-filled pools. Then, you land at Tegalalang Rice Terrace for that classic Ubud feel without turning it into a grind.

One consideration: this is a long day with some walking and steps, including descending to find the Tibumana waterfall and taking short treks at the rice terrace. If you don’t love stairs, you’ll want to pace yourself early and plan for extra time at the waterfall stops.

The best parts of this Ubud day

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - The best parts of this Ubud day

  • Door-to-door pickup means you start in comfort and avoid the usual Ubud hassle of getting around.
  • Two different waterfalls: Kanto Lampo is an easy river walk; Tibumana takes stairs and can include a swim.
  • Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple’s koi ponds give you that calm, reflective pause in the middle of the day.
  • d’Alas Swing is built for photos with jungle-valley views and a dedicated window for the experience.
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace includes a short trek, so you’re not just looking from one spot.
  • Lunch at D’Alas Warung adds a jungle-and-valley dining break.

Door-to-door in an air-conditioned vehicle

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Door-to-door in an air-conditioned vehicle
This tour is built around getting you moving fast. Private transfers pick you up from your door and use an air-conditioned vehicle, so you spend more time outside seeing Ubud and less time wrestling with transport.

The day is about 8 hours (approx.), and since it’s private, your group only shares the schedule with itself. That matters because the timing between Ubud’s main sights can make or break your photos and comfort, especially when you want to linger at the waterfall edges or slow-walk along the rice terrace.

I also like that bottled water is included. It’s the small thing you notice mid-day, when you’ve been in humid air and sunlight for hours.

One more practical point: you’ll want moderate physical fitness. You’ll handle stair descents and short walks, but it’s not a marathon. Still, if you arrive with heavy expectations for a completely effortless day, you might feel the pace.

More around Ubud, from the Monkey Forest to the Campuhan ridge

Kanto Lampo waterfall: green river views and quick walking

Kanto Lampo is the kind of stop that works instantly. You take a short walk to the river, then you’re met by a waterfall sitting in green natural surroundings. This is one of those places where the setting does most of the work for your photos, even if you’re not chasing anything complicated.

You get about 1 hour here. That’s enough time to find your angle, take a few photos, and then sit near the water to catch the atmosphere. Since the walk is short, it’s also a good warm-up before the more stair-focused Tibumana stop.

Photo tip that keeps things easy: wear footwear that can handle damp ground. Waterfall areas tend to get slick, and you’ll be happier if you can move confidently on your way to the river edge.

Tibumana waterfall: stairs, a hidden feel, and the option to swim

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Tibumana waterfall: stairs, a hidden feel, and the option to swim
Tibumana is a different personality. It’s in the north east of Ubud, and you discover it by walking down stairs and pathways. The payoff is the calmer, more hidden experience, plus that fresh-water option.

Plan for 1 hour at Tibumana, including your descent and return. The tour information notes that you’re able to swim in fresh water from the mountain, which is a big deal if you want more than just a view. If you’re bringing a swimsuit, this is where it matters most.

A smart consideration: the river and water conditions can change. The day will still be scenic even if you don’t swim, but if swimming is your top priority, wear water-friendly gear and keep an eye on what your driver suggests on the day.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple: koi ponds and a quieter rhythm

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple: koi ponds and a quieter rhythm
After waterfalls, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is your reset button. It’s described as a silent temple on the hill of Sebatu village, surrounded by lush green scenery and crystal clear ponds for koi fish.

You get around 45 minutes here. That timing is right: it lets you enjoy the ponds and the temple setting without feeling rushed, and it gives you enough time to step back and take photos that feel less chaotic than the usual Ubud crowd scenes.

This is also the stop where I appreciate a guide who can slow the day down. One of the standout benefits of this tour is that your driver often shares local context as you travel, and then helps you settle into the right rhythm once you arrive at a place that’s meant to be calmer.

There may also be an optional cleansing ritual offered for an extra fee. If that interests you, ask when you’re there and decide based on your comfort level and budget.

d’Alas Swing: big jungle-valley photos without rushing

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - d’Alas Swing: big jungle-valley photos without rushing
Then comes the part that most people remember. d’Alas Swing is built for that jungle-valley view, and it’s timed for your photos and poses with a dedicated 30-minute stop.

The setting is described as overlooking thick jungle valley, and it’s noted as one of the best jungle swing spots for strong pictures. If you’re photographing yourself, this is also a practical win because a guide often helps you navigate where to stand and how to time your shots.

One detail worth knowing: operators typically capture photos and videos for your phone. Even if you’re not the person who plans every picture, you’ll still end up with usable content from this stop.

If you’re nervous about swings, keep it simple: try it for the view, not for perfection. This is one of those experiences where you’ll feel more confident once you’re actually standing there and the day’s pace is already organized.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the short trek that feels real

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the short trek that feels real
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most recognizable Ubud sights for a reason. You get about 40 minutes, including a short trek so you can walk along the rice fields instead of just snapping pictures from the edge.

The tour highlights the chance to feel the real life of Balinese farmers. That doesn’t mean you’re getting a documentary style tour of labor practices; it means you’re walking through the working landscape in a way that feels closer to daily life.

Good to plan for: the walk can be uneven, and after rainfall it can get slippery. Keep your balance, slow down for footing, and use the time to wander a bit so your photos don’t all look like the same pose from the same angle.

Lunch at D’Alas Warung: food with a jungle-valley view

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Lunch at D’Alas Warung: food with a jungle-valley view
Lunch happens at D’Alas Warung Restaurant, set like a jungle dining spot with a view over the valley. The stop is about 1 hour, which is a decent break in a long day.

If you pick the option that includes lunch (it’s listed as local Balinese lunch if selected), you’ll get a proper midday meal without needing to search for restaurants on the fly. One reason this matters: Ubud can be crowded at lunch times, and getting the break locked in keeps the day from drifting.

The tour notes alcohol is not included. That’s fine, and it also means your lunch budget stays predictable if you’re planning your day around this tour price.

If you like a calm moment after active sightseeing, this is the right place to sit. The setting is part of the meal.

Price and what you actually get for $39

Ubud Top Attractions: Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces - Price and what you actually get for $39
At $39 per person, the value mainly comes from having the day organized and transported. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water, plus a private driver experience.

What you choose at booking can change how “all-in” the day feels:

  • Entrance fees are included if you select the option with entrance fees.
  • The jungle swing ticket is included if you select the option with the swing.
  • Lunch (local Balinese lunch) is included if you select the lunch option.

So here’s the simple decision rule: if you want zero add-on stress at each stop, choose the package that includes entrance fees and lunch. It’s usually the way to avoid surprise costs when you’re already paying for a full day of transport and multiple attractions.

Also note the tour is private, so group discounts may apply depending on how many people you’re traveling with. If you’re a small group, that’s often when this style of private day trip makes the most sense.

Tips to make the day smoother (and more photogenic)

A day like this lives or dies by timing and pacing, and you’ll feel the difference when your driver is proactive.

Here are practical moves that fit the way the day is structured:

  • Bring swim gear if you want the Tibumana swim option. The day gives you a real chance for it.
  • Wear grippy shoes for stairs and wet ground around waterfalls and rice terrace paths.
  • Ask your driver about crowd timing. Many drivers help you hit stops with less friction, and that can change your photo results a lot.
  • Clarify the first stretch of time at the start. One group experienced extra time at a coffee plantation and a jewellery factory that wasn’t in line with their expectations. If you care about strict pacing, check in early so you’re aligned.

Finally, consider the role of your guide. Names mentioned in other experiences include Ardi, Agus, Jose (Wayan), Made, Ari, Putra, Bagus, and others. Across these examples, the common thread is drivers who help with English communication and photo support, plus patience with taking your time.

Should you book this Ubud waterfalls, temples, and rice terrace tour?

Book it if you want one organized day that covers classic Ubud highlights: Kanto Lampo, Tibumana, Gunung Kawi Sebatu, d’Alas Swing, and Tegalalang. It’s a strong fit for photographers, couples, and families who want a guided plan without the stress of navigating multiple areas on your own.

Skip or rethink it if you hate stairs, want a very relaxed pace, or would rather spend half a day focusing on just one waterfall or one temple. This is a “see a lot” tour, and it does require some physical effort across multiple stops.

If you’re choosing between basic and all-in options, I’d lean toward the all-in package when it includes entrance fees and lunch, since it keeps the day smooth and predictable. Just be sure you understand what’s included when you book, so the hours on-site match what you’re expecting.

FAQ

What time does this Ubud tour run?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Is pickup available, and is it door-to-door?

Yes. Private transfers are offered and they pick you up directly from your door.

Do I need to be comfortable with walking and stairs?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. The day includes stairs and pathways at Tibumana and a short trek at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

The tour notes that you’re able to swim at Tibumana Waterfall in fresh water from the mountain.

What’s included for entrances and lunch?

Entrance fees and lunch are included only if you select the option that includes them. The jungle swing ticket is also included only if you select the option that includes it.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

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