Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour

Rain, monkeys, and rice views in one day. This private guided Ubud-style route is designed for efficient stops, with AC pickup from Nusa Dua and onboard Wi‑Fi so you can stay connected between photo breaks.

I like how it mixes Balinese culture and scenery without turning the day into a blur. Temple time (Gunung Kawi Sebatu) and a coffee/tea pause at Tampaksiring give you real rhythm, and you also get built-in chances to shoot photos at Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Happy Swing Bali.

One thing to keep your eye on: the cost can split depending on what you add. Swing rides and lunch may come as extras on the day, and there’s also a note about possible entrance add-on fees (around $18 per person) if certain private-guided entries apply.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, English-speaking guide with a plan that stays flexible for your group
• AC transport + onboard Wi‑Fi, handy on a 10-hour day
• Multiple “big photo” stops: Tegalalang, Tegenungan, and Happy Swing Bali
• Culture stops that aren’t just scenic (Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, Tampaksiring)
• Included comfort items: mineral water, snacks, and coffee or tea at a rest area
• Swing is optional and may work like an add-on when you arrive

How this 10-hour Ubud-style day works without wasting your energy

This is a full, active day—about 10 hours—built around some of the most popular (and very photogenic) places in the Ubud area. What makes it worth your time is the flow: you’re not just “driving past things.” You get time on the ground, plus a guide who helps you make sense of what you’re seeing and where to stand for the best photos.

Because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting for a big group to shuffle down a path. You can move at a realistic pace: take pictures, cool off, learn the basics, then move on. That matters in Bali, where heat and crowds can quietly drain your mood.

The practical plus: you’ll have an AC vehicle, mineral water, and at least a snack plus coffee/tea at a rest stop. That’s the difference between enjoying a long day and feeling like you’re surviving it.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Campuhan river bridge vibe

Your day often starts at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. This is the kind of place where you’ll want your camera ready—temples, bridges, greenery, and yes, monkeys. The guide helps you focus on the “must-sees” and points you toward good angles for photos, including the scenic bridge area around the Campuhan river.

A quick reality check: monkey forests are active. Stay aware of where you walk and keep your belongings secure. If you’re doing photos, keep one hand on your items and don’t get too close to animals for the sake of a perfect shot.

Why you’ll like this stop: it gives you an immediate Bali feel—temples, paths, and the classic Ubud atmosphere—before the day gets more waterfall-and-terrace heavy.

Possible downside: it can be busy and hot, so if you’re heat-sensitive, plan to take short breaks and drink the provided water early rather than waiting until you’re tired.

Happy Swing Bali: the Instagram spot, the swing add-on, and what to confirm

Next is Happy Swing Bali, a famous photo stop with a swing area and options to do more than just look. The vibe here is playful: bird-nest style photo spots, and even complimentary dress to wear linked to the swing activities.

Here’s the key point: swing rides are typically treated like an optional add-on. You may be able to choose to participate when you arrive, rather than having every part of the swing experience automatically included. One review noted that the swing wasn’t fully accessible in their moment, so it’s smart to ask the guide (right away) what’s included with your package and what you can realistically do during your time there.

Practical tip: if you care about riding the swing itself (not just standing near it), clarify:

• whether you’ll have time to go through the full swing area
• whether any extra ticket or activity fee applies
• how long you’ll actually have on-site

Why it’s still worth a stop: even if you skip the ride, it’s one of the easiest “Bali in a frame” moments on the route.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: views first, then food and photos

Then you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most famous rice terraces in north Ubud. Expect lush, rolling views and a jungle-side perspective that’s perfect for wide shots and close-ups.

This is also where the day starts to feel more “slower and scenic.” The terrace stop is about an hour, which is enough time to:

• walk to a good viewpoint
• take photos without sprinting
• reset with a break

You’ll also be offered a lunch stop linked to Balinese food at a local restaurant. The tricky part is that lunch is flagged as an additional personal expense (estimated around $4 per person) even though the tour description talks about enjoying a Balinese lunch. So treat lunch as a “check what’s included” situation.

Best use of your time here: go for the wide views early, then circle back for detail photos once you’re not rushing. Terraces are all about angles, and you’ll get better shots when you’re calm.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple: a hot, spiritual stop with strong photo potential

In north Ubud, you’ll visit Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, described as having historical roots reaching back to around the 9th century, tied to Rsi Markandya and a journey toward Mount Agung. It’s not just a backdrop; the guide explains the story and what makes this place sacred.

The day is often warm here, so you’ll likely feel that mix of heat and stone as soon as you arrive. That’s normal in this part of Bali. Wear breathable clothes, keep water handy, and don’t plan to do “long wandering” beyond what you can comfortably handle in the time allotted.

Why I rate this stop highly: it gives you cultural grounding. You’re not only collecting photos—you’re learning what a temple site means and why locals care for it.

Possible drawback: if you’re not into temples or guided explanation, you might find the hour a little more “thinking” than “walking.” But for most people, it’s exactly the right balance after the photo-heavy swing and terrace.

Tampaksiring coffee and the flower field photo pause

Next up is Tampaksiring, where you get a complimentary coffee and tea time. It’s a shorter stop—around 40 minutes—but it plays an important role: it breaks up the intensity of rice terraces and waterfalls with something calmer.

There’s also mention of taking great pictures in a flower field, with variants such as mary gold and rose. Even if you only spend a few minutes at the flower area, it’s a nice change from stone, swings, and steep paths.

Why it’s a good mid-day reset: coffee/tea plus a scenic pause helps you recharge before Tegenungan Waterfall. It also keeps the schedule from feeling like constant sightseeing.

Tegenungan Waterfall: the classic splash, timed for photos

Your final big nature stop is Tegenungan Waterfall. The focus here is simple: views, tropical splash, and a green setting that makes photos pop.

The stop is about an hour, which is realistic. Waterfalls are fun, but they’re also unpredictable—wet ground, slippery surfaces, and crowds can change the pace quickly. Wear practical footwear, expect some dampness, and plan your photos so you’re not constantly moving when the footing isn’t ideal.

How your guide helps: a friendly guide can help you capture better pictures and choose spots where you can enjoy the waterfall without fighting the worst angles.

What to watch for: water makes surfaces slippery. Take your time getting in and out, and keep your phone and bag managed.

Price and value: what’s included, what might cost extra

At $22.67 per person, this tour can be good value if you actually use what’s included. Here’s what you should count on, based on the package details:

• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• AC vehicle transport and pickup offered
• Mineral water, plus snack and coffee or tea at a rest area
• Onboard Wi‑Fi between stops
• Entrance tickets described as included (premium all inclusive)
• Insurance
• Mobile ticket

Now the “watch this” part. Two items are flagged as potential extra costs:

• Lunch is listed as an additional personal expense (about $4 per person), even though the day is described as including Balinese lunch.
• There’s also a note about special private guided only entrance fees that can be around $18 per person if additional entrance charges apply.

So how do you handle it without stress? Treat it like this:

• If your day includes all sites without surprises, you may pay only your tour price.
• If your package ends up charging some entries separately, expect lunch and swing/entry add-ons to be the likely places where extra money shows up.

Also remember: there’s mention of group discounts, but the experience is private—only your group participates. If you’re traveling with friends or family, that can still make it cheaper per person depending on how the operator structures your booking.

Transport comfort and the Wi‑Fi perk you’ll actually appreciate

A lot of Bali tours fail at the simple part: getting you from one place to the next comfortably. This one lists air-conditioned vehicle transport, which matters when you’re out in Ubud heat for hours.

Then there’s the bonus that sounds small but helps: onboard Wi‑Fi. On a day with multiple photo stops, you’ll want quick updates, maps, and sending shots to friends. Wi‑Fi doesn’t fix traffic, but it makes downtime less annoying.

If you’re sensitive to long drives or you need breaks to stay comfortable, I’d focus on how early the day starts (not provided here) and whether your guide builds in small pauses. The included snack and water help, but your body will still have preferences.

Photo tips that work specifically for this route

You’re moving between swing, terraces, temples, coffee flower fields, and a waterfall. That’s a lot of lighting changes in one day, so you’ll get better results with a simple strategy:

• Start photoing wide first at Tegalalang, then go detail later.
• Ask your guide where to stand for temple shots so you don’t waste time walking in the wrong direction.
• At Happy Swing Bali, decide quickly whether you’re doing the swing experience. If you are, confirm timing and access on arrival so you don’t end up stuck at the edges.
• For Tegenungan Waterfall, plan your shots so you’re not rushing—wet spots and crowds slow you down fast.

If you’re a “shoot first, ask later” person, a private guide can make the day smoother by guiding you toward the right angles and timing.

Who should book this tour, and who might not love it

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a one-day overview of north Ubud highlights
• a private experience with English guidance
• multiple photo-driven stops with culture mixed in
• comfort basics like AC transport, water, and snacks

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate any chance of extra on-the-day fees (lunch and possible entrance add-ons are mentioned)
• you want a “no surprises, fully included swing experience” plan without needing to pay for anything else
• you prefer a relaxed day with fewer stops and less walking

One more note based on real-world experience with operators: pacing matters. One review mentioned an issue mid-day where the driver seemed tired while driving, which is understandably unsettling. If anything feels off—timing, comfort, or safety—flag it right away through your guide.

Should you book this Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall tour?

If you’re coming to Bali for the highlights and want a guide to handle the details while you focus on photos and culture, this is a solid choice for the price. The strongest value is the mix: temple + terraces + waterfall, plus the comfort extras (AC, water, snack, coffee/tea, Wi‑Fi) that keep a 10-hour day manageable.

I’d book if you go in with two expectations:

1) swing is optional and may behave like an add-on when you arrive

2) lunch and possibly some entry charges can show up depending on how your package is applied

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you care more about the swing ride or the waterfall. I can help you decide what to prioritize so the day feels worth every hour.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

Is pickup offered from Nusa Dua?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’ll be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are listed as included in the premium all-inclusive package, but there is also a note that special private-guided entrance fees may apply if visiting all attractions (up to about $18 per person).

What stops are included on the route?

Key stops include Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Happy Swing Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, Tampaksiring, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is Wi‑Fi included?

Yes. There is onboard Wi‑Fi to help you stay connected between stops.

What about lunch—does it cost extra?

Lunch is listed as an additional personal expense (estimated around $4 per person), even though the tour description mentions enjoying Balinese lunch.

Is the swing activity included?

Happy Swing Bali is part of the tour, and the swing experience is described as optional—something you can choose to participate in upon arrival.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll receive a mineral water bottle, plus a snack and coffee or tea at a rest area.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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