Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace Tours

Rice Terrace Tours

Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace Tours

12 min read

Waterfalls, rice paddies, and photos without the hassle. This day tour is built around a private English-speaking driver-guide, so you’re not juggling routes, taxis, or timing. I especially love how the schedule stacks Kanto Lampo and the other big-name falls close together, which keeps the day flowing. One thing to note: the final stop is the Aloha Ubud swing, and that part isn’t included, so you’ll pay extra if you go.

What makes it feel practical is the mix of scenery and simple learning. You’re not only looking at water and views—you also walk through the rice fields and get the idea of the irrigation system while you’re there. You’ll finish with that classic swing photo moment, which is fun if you like action shots.

This is a great pick for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a full Ubud day without making a mess of your itinerary. If you’re traveling with a service animal, it’s allowed, and most people can participate.

Key highlights you’ll care about

  • Private driver-guide handles pickup, timing, and transport door-to-door
  • 3 waterfall stops across Ubud and Bangli, built for photography and short walks
  • Tegalalang rice terraces walk with irrigation-system context, not just a quick photo stop
  • Lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni with a set-menu local meal
  • Aloha Ubud Swing is optional for budget planning since it’s not included

Private Pickup That Makes Ubud Feel Manageable

Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace Tours - Private Pickup That Makes Ubud Feel Manageable
Ubud can be a lot. Even if you like planning, traffic and distance can turn a good day into a stressful one. This tour solves that by starting with a private pickup, then moving you in a tight loop around the main waterfall area.

The best part is you’re not doing the logistics yourself. Your driver-guide is with you through the major transitions, and the tour is timed around the waterfall experience rather than a random shuffle. With a schedule that’s roughly 10 hours long, you get enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling like you’re always “on your way.”

Also, the day is set up for a private group. That means you’re not stuck waiting for other people to decide whether they want to walk another 10 minutes. It’s you, your group, and the rhythm of the day.

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Morning at Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Stone Walls and Photo Angles

Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace Tours - Morning at Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Stone Walls and Photo Angles
You start at Kanto Lampo Waterfall at around 9:00am. This one is famous in Ubud for a reason: it has a striking look with stone walls and very clean water, and it tends to deliver strong photo results fast.

Plan for a relaxed hour here. You’re not trying to conquer a hike; you’re settling in, finding your angle, and enjoying the waterfall as a centerpiece. If you care about getting the classic waterfall shots, this is the stop where the timing and views tend to cooperate.

The practical drawback: with waterfalls like this, you should expect that parts of the area can be slippery or wet. You’ll be much happier if you bring shoes you can trust on uneven ground, and you keep an eye on footing while you’re aiming for photos.

Tibumana Waterfall at Late Morning: Time for a Proper Swim

Next up is Tibumana Waterfall, arriving around 10:00am for about an hour. The vibe here is different from Kanto Lampo. You get a greener, forest-like setting with beautiful rocks, and it’s the one where the experience naturally leans toward swimming.

This matters because a waterfall day can become repetitive if every stop is just “look, take a picture, move on.” Tibumana gives you a more active option. If the water conditions feel right for you, you can make it more than just sightseeing.

The trade-off is that swimming changes the pace. You’ll want time for getting in, enjoying it, and getting out without rushing. If you’re not into swimming, you can still enjoy the scenery, but you may find yourself watching the water while others stretch the “one hour” into more personal time.

Midday at Tukad Cepung: The Cave Waterfall and Sunlight Timing

Around 12:00pm, the itinerary shifts to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. This stop is all about the contrast: you walk in to see a waterfall inside a cave-like area, framed by stone walls, with sunlight filtering down.

That sunlight detail isn’t just a nice bonus. It’s the whole point of the experience. You’ll get the most dramatic look when the light is strong enough to show the water and cave walls clearly, which is why fitting this stop into midday matters.

Expect a bit of a “follow-the-path” feel as you move into the cave setting. It’s not described as a marathon, but you will be walking on uneven terrain. If you want great photos here, keep your expectations realistic: you can take stunning images, but you might also deal with limited space and changing angles as people move.

Set Lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni: A Local Reset for the Afternoon

At 13:00, you stop for lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni. You’re served a set menu local meal, and the tour notes it as recommended by both local people and tourists. In a day packed with water and walking, a set menu is honestly a smart move. It removes decision fatigue.

Why this works: you’re getting fuel without turning lunch into a second sightseeing plan. You eat, recharge, and you still have enough afternoon time for the rice terraces walk and the swing photo.

The only consideration is that lunch is included only if you select the option. If you want the full day plan to feel effortless, choose the lunch option so you don’t have to hunt for food mid-tour.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces Walk: Learn the Irrigation System

Around 15:00, you arrive at Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This isn’t just a viewpoint stop. You’ll walk in the rice paddies and learn about the irrigation system, which gives the landscape more meaning than a quick photo.

That irrigation-system context is what turns “pretty green scenery” into something you actually remember. Instead of only seeing terraces stacked in patterns, you start understanding how the water flows and why the paddies look the way they do. Even if you’re not a farming expert, this adds real understanding to your Ubud day.

The drawback is simple: you’re walking in the rice area. Terrain can vary, so pace yourself. If you’re in sandals, consider whether they’ll feel secure on paths that may be uneven or muddy depending on conditions.

Aloha Ubud Swing at 16:00: Fun Photos, Separate Cost

Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace Tours - Aloha Ubud Swing at 16:00: Fun Photos, Separate Cost
The final scheduled stop is Aloha Ubud Swing around 16:00 for about an hour. This is the iconic “flying like birds” swing experience, and yes, it’s designed for photos.

But here’s the budget reality: the swing isn’t included. That means the tour may feel like a great value right up until you reach this moment. If you love swing photos, plan for the extra cost and treat it like the paid highlight. If you’re not a fan of height-based photo stunts, you can still enjoy the earlier parts of the day and skip the swing without ruining the tour.

Either way, it’s a nice way to end. The day starts with waterfalls, shifts into rice terraces and learning, then finishes with a playful photo moment.

Price and Value: What $30 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At $30 per person, this tour is priced like a “do it all in one day” option. In that price range, the big value is the logistics: pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and guide support.

You also get entrance tickets included only if you select that option. On top of that, lunch is included if you pick the lunch option. If you choose both, the day becomes much easier to justify because you’re not paying extra at each stage.

Here’s what you should watch for:

  • Swing cost is extra since it’s not included
  • Entrance tickets and lunch depend on your selected options
  • If you want the whole day to be smooth, you’ll likely want to pick the options that cover tickets and lunch

Time-wise, the tour is about 10 hours, starting at roughly 9:00am. For a private Ubud loop, that’s long enough to actually enjoy each place. It’s not so long that you feel fried by hour five.

Value-wise, I’d call it a smart deal if you want multiple signature spots—three waterfalls plus rice terraces—without coordinating transport on your own.

Best Fit: Who This Tour Makes the Most Sense For

You’ll probably love this if you want:

  • A private day with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • A full loop covering Ubud and the nearby Bangli area
  • A balance of “see it” and “do it,” especially if you’re open to swimming at Tibumana
  • A structured schedule that still leaves time for photos

It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to spend your whole day planning. Your driver-guide keeps transitions moving, and the stop durations (about an hour each for the big sights) create a steady rhythm.

If you’re someone who hates crowds and wants long, slow wandering, a tightly timed waterfall day may feel a bit fast. In that case, you might prefer a more flexible itinerary built around fewer stops.

How to Prepare for a Waterfall and Rice Terraces Day

This is a practical day, but you’ll do better if you come ready for wet and uneven ground. Even when the schedule keeps things simple, waterfalls mean slippery surfaces and occasional splashes.

My quick checklist:

  • Wear shoes that handle wet ground well
  • Bring a light, dry layer for after swimming or changing areas
  • If you’re planning photos, keep your phone/camera bag protected from water
  • If you’re sensitive to crowds, aim to move calmly and don’t block others while shooting

If you like learning while you travel, the rice terraces irrigation angle is a nice reward for paying attention instead of only framing shots.

Should You Book This Ubud Waterfalls and Rice Terraces Tour?

Book it if you want a private, structured Ubud day that hits the key visuals: Kanto Lampo, Tibumana, Tukad Cepung, then rice terraces at Tegalalang, ending with the Aloha Ubud swing photo option. For the money, the value comes from transport and guide support, not just the list of stops.

Skip or rethink it if you’re mostly after one or two places and hate a packed schedule. Also, be honest with yourself about the swing: it’s not included, so it’s a decision you’ll likely make at the end of a long day.

If you book with the right expectations—water, photos, some walking, and a local lunch—this tour is a strong way to spend one day in Ubud without turning it into a logistical puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Hidden Waterfalls and Rice Terrace tour?

It lasts about 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are entrance tickets included for the waterfalls and rice terraces?

Entrance ticket fees are included only if you select that option.

Is lunch included?

Lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni is included only if you choose the lunch option (set menu local food).

Is the Aloha Ubud Swing included in the price?

No, the swing is not included.

Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed and is the tour suitable for most people?

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.

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