That first splash at Taman Sari sets the tone.

This Ubud tour strings together a natural waterfall swim plus the big-ticket rice-terrace views and a high jungle swing above the valley. You’ll also visit nearby temples and finish in central Ubud with the art market and palace courtyards.

I especially like the way the day is built around variety: swimming in a real natural pool and then switching gears to temples, terraces, and town culture. I also like that the experience is guided by an English-speaking driver/guide, and the pacing can feel smooth because your guide keeps things moving between stops.

One thing to consider: the tour notes say it needs good weather, and entrance-ticket details are a little inconsistent in the info you’ll see—so you’ll want to confirm what’s covered before you go.

Quick take: what you’ll remember from this Ubud day

• Taman Sari Waterfall swim in cascades that split after a single drop into multiple flows
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces with dramatic views down the valley
• d’Alas Swing above jungle and rice fields for a classic photo
• Puseh Batuan Temple (built in lsaka 944) with carved details
• Ubud art market + Ubud Palace to end the day with local crafts and courtyards
• Guide quality: names like Nyoman, Rico/Riko, and Wayan show up in strong feedback, with fast, friendly guidance

Entering the day: pickup, timing, and how the tour actually flows

The tour starts at 8:30 am and runs about 7 to 8 hours. It’s built as a private experience with your group only, using an air-conditioned private car that covers petrol and parking. That matters in Ubud, because travel time between waterfall, rice terraces, and central town can add up fast if you’re doing it on your own.

You’ll have an English-speaking driver or guide, and that’s a big part of the value here. In real-world terms, it means you don’t just get dropped at scenic spots—you get help working out what to do next and when to move.

You’ll also get bottled water during the day, but the tour does not include lunch. Plan on eating either before pickup or later in Ubud, depending on how hungry you get after the swim and swing stop.

Taman Sari Waterfall and the natural pool swim

This is the headline moment. Taman Sari Waterfall is close to Ubud and is known for a look that’s very Instagram-friendly without feeling like a theme park: it starts as a single drop, then divides into multiple cascades flowing over rock.

The tour includes around 1 hour here, and admission is listed for this stop as included. The core activity is simple: you swim in the natural pool while the falls create a dramatic backdrop. If you’ve only seen waterfalls from a viewpoint, this is the upgrade—your body is part of the scene.

A few practical notes, just so you’re not surprised:

• Go with a swimsuit and something quick-drying for afterward.
• Expect some slippery rock and wet surfaces. Move carefully, especially if the pool area is busy.
• Bring water-friendly footwear if you’re the cautious type (you’ll decide based on your comfort level).

Why this stop is worth your time: the waterfall structure creates photo angles at different levels. Even if your pictures are mostly for memories, you’ll still enjoy the swim because the falls aren’t just a single “pretty sheet of water”—they break into layers that look different as you move.

Puseh Batuan Temple: carved details in a village setting

After the waterfall, the day shifts from water to stone and ritual details. Puseh Batuan Temple is in Batuan Village near Ubud, and it’s described as being built in lsaka 944. The reason it’s a popular stop is clear: you’ll see Bali carvings across the temple.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here. Admission is also listed as included for this stop, which helps keep the day from turning into a fee hunt.

What makes this temple visit feel more authentic than a quick roadside photo is the vibe. Instead of being only a background for pictures, a village temple tends to work like a living cultural place—quiet enough to appreciate carvings, but still “Bali” in a way that feels grounded.

If you’re not sure what to look for, your guide can point out the carving work and help you understand what you’re seeing from a respectful angle. Guides named like Nyoman, Rico/Riko, and Wayan showed up in strong feedback for being helpful and education-focused, and that lines up with why this stop can be more than a stamp on your schedule.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: the view, the walk, and the best photo spots

Next up is Tegallalang Rice Terrace, one of the classic Ubud landscapes. The big selling point isn’t just “pretty green.” The description focuses on the way the terrace vista sprawls down the slopes and spreads across the valley.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. Admission is listed for this stop as included, and it’s a photo stop that can also be a gentle walk if you pace yourself.

The practical advantage of this structured timing: you’re not trying to coordinate multiple photo angles while also dealing with transportation. You arrive, you get a sense of the terrain, and you can choose where you want to spend your attention—wide valley views or closer terrace lines.

One caution: rice-terrace areas can mean lots of steps and uneven ground. Wear shoes you can handle, and don’t plan this stop as “easy stroll only” unless you’re already comfortable walking on rough paths.

d’Alas Swing over jungle and rice: fun photos with a real adrenaline hit

Then you’ll go from valley views to height. d’Alas Swing is described as a swing you can ride above jungle and rice fields, which is why it’s such a popular photo moment.

You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, with admission listed as included for the swing. This is short by design, which is good: enough time to ride and get your photos, without eating the entire day.

If you’re deciding whether to do the swing, here’s the honest tradeoff: it’s a different type of experience than the waterfall. The joy is less about nature immersion and more about the thrill and the photos. If that’s your kind of memory-making, this stop is a highlight. If you prefer lower-impact sights, focus more on the terrace views and treat the swing as optional.

Either way, having a guide helps because you can move between photo points without losing time to confusion. Some of the strongest feedback around guides described how they kept movement efficient and avoided delays.

Ubud Traditional Art Market: where to shop smart (and not overpay)

In the center of Ubud, the tour hits the Traditional Art Market. You’ll get about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as free.

This is a good stop if you want to see everyday craft culture instead of only museum-style displays. You’ll also likely come across a wide mix of items—some locally made, some tourist-leaning. Since the tour doesn’t include lunch, the art market hour can also be useful timing to pick up small snacks or water you might want, depending on what’s available on-site.

How to shop smart:

• Compare a couple stalls before you buy anything big.
• If you see something you truly want, negotiate gently and politely.
• Keep your purchases small enough that they’re easy to carry for the rest of the day.

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung): courtyards and carvings that feel like a historic home

Your last main stop is Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. This is an older complex with courtyards and carvings, and it’s presented as an important historical landmark for Balinese people.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as free in the itinerary notes. Even if you’re not a “history person,” courtyards are a nice way to end the day because they’re slower and easier to enjoy after the active waterfall and swing stops.

The carvings are the star. This isn’t a “single photo and move on” place if you’re the type who likes details. Take a few minutes to look closely at how the architecture is decorated, then step out into the courtyard light for a calmer final memory.

Price and logistics: is $32 per person good value?

At $32 per person, this tour can be strong value if you want multiple Ubud highlights in one organized day.

Here’s why:

• You’re getting a private car, petrol, and parking covered.
• You have an English-speaking guide/driver.
• The itinerary includes several major stops: waterfall swim, temple, rice terraces, swing, market, and palace.

Where value can depend on your group: if you’re traveling as a pair or small group, the private-transport portion becomes easier to justify. If you’re solo, it still can make sense when you factor in time savings and the stress reduction of coordinating all these locations alone.

One practical snag to watch: the general info says all entrance tickets are not included, but the itinerary notes list admission as included for multiple stops. Before you go, confirm exactly what’s covered for the waterfall, temple, rice terraces, and swing. That’s the one question that can prevent an awkward surprise on the day.

Who this tour suits best (and who might skip parts)

This day works especially well if you want an “all-in-one Ubud” experience without spending your vacation figuring out routes. It’s also a good fit if you like a mix of hands-on nature (swim) and photo set pieces (swing and terraces).

You’ll probably love it if you:

• want a guided plan with short, focused time at each stop
• like temples and carvings, not just scenery
• enjoy having someone manage pacing so you don’t lose time

You might want a lighter plan if you:

• don’t enjoy heights or don’t want swing-style thrills
• prefer longer stays at one place instead of moving every stop on schedule
• want lunch included (since it isn’t)

The guide factor: why names like Nyoman, Rico, and Wayan matter

One of the clearest themes from strong experiences with this tour is guide quality. Names like Nyoman and Rico/Riko show up in positive feedback, along with descriptions of being fun, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Another guide name that stands out is Wayan, praised for being very good.

What you can take from that: on a day with several quick transitions, the guide isn’t just entertainment. A good guide keeps you moving, reduces confusion, and helps you get more out of each stop.

In one described experience, a request was added to include monkey forest after pickup. That suggests a flexible approach when timing allows. If monkey forest is on your mental checklist, ask early, not at the last second.

What to bring and how to not lose time

Because the day includes a waterfall swim and time at rice terraces and a swing, you’ll be most comfortable if you pack with those activities in mind:

• Swimsuit and a small towel or quick-dry wrap
• A change of clothes for after the water stop
• Sun protection, since Ubud daylight can feel strong
• Water shoes or shoes with good grip, if you prefer extra stability

For timing, don’t overschedule the day before this tour. Start fresh so you can enjoy the swim without feeling rushed.

If you want photos, think about this simple strategy: prioritize one “big” photo at each scenic stop, then relax and enjoy the moment. The day is full enough that trying to photograph everything will make you tired.

Should you book this Ubud day trip?

I’d book it if you want a structured, efficient Ubud day that covers the highlights—Taman Sari waterfall swim, Tegallalang terraces, d’Alas swing, and then classic town stops like the art market and Ubud Palace. The $32 price can feel fair because you’re paying for private transport, a guided day, and several major experiences rolled into one schedule.

Skip or modify it if you dislike active stops, hate heights, or you need lunch included. Also, do a quick check on the entrance-ticket question since the info you’ll see can conflict.

If you do book, the smartest move is to message your guide about what you care about most—especially if you want an extra stop like monkey forest. When your priorities match the day’s flow, this becomes a very memorable Ubud highlight without turning into a stressful logistics puzzle.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour uses an air-conditioned private car.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Are entrance tickets included?

The itinerary notes list admission tickets as included for multiple stops, but the overall information also says all entrance tickets are not included. Check with the provider when booking so you know what is covered.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring since there is a waterfall swim?

Bring swimwear because the main activity is swimming at Taman Sari Waterfall’s natural pool. You may also want a change of clothes for afterward.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.