Best of Ubud Tours: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & tjampuhan ridge walk

Planning a day in Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud? This private tour offers a comprehensive look at its most famous sights—from stunning waterfalls to lush rice terraces—without the hassle of organizing transport. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual sites, all wrapped into one well-paced day.

What really catches the eye is the personalized service—your own driver and guide make the experience smooth and tailored. We also love that the tour includes a visit to a coffee plantation, where you can learn about civet coffee production. The main drawback? It is a long day, so if you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, you might find the schedule a bit packed.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of culture, nature, and local flavor without the fuss of self-driving or planning each stop. It’s especially ideal for first-timers or those with limited time who want to maximize their Ubud experience.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group
• Visits to iconic spots like Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Includes cultural highlights such as Ubud Palace and Puseh Batuan Temple
• Opportunity to learn about civet coffee production at a plantation
• Hassle-free round-trip transport from southern Bali
• Good value for the price, considering the length and variety of stops

An In-Depth Look at the Ubud Highlights

Convenience and Comfort with Private Transport

Starting early at 7:00 am, this tour includes round-trip pick-up from select southern Bali locations, which means you avoid the stress of navigating Bali’s busy roads. The vehicle is described as clean and cool, making the long drive more comfortable—especially in Bali’s tropical heat. Having your own driver means flexibility—you can spend more or less time at each stop based on your preferences.

Exploring Ubud Traditional Art Market

Our journey kicks off at the Ubud Traditional Art Market. This is a lively hub where locals and visitors mingle, bargain, and buy everything from textiles to souvenirs. It’s an authentic slice of daily life in Ubud, giving a glimpse into local commerce. Reviewers love its vibrant atmosphere—one called it a place where sellers and buyers meet, emphasizing the transparency of bargaining. The 45-minute visit provides enough time to soak in the sights and maybe pick up a handcrafted souvenir or two.

Tegenungan Waterfall: A Refreshing Natural Wonder

Next up is the Tegenungan Waterfall, just 30 km from Denpasar. This 15-meter cascade isn’t towering, but the volume and clarity of the water make it impressive. It’s a favorite for its accessibility and scenic beauty. Reviewers mention the heavy water discharge and clean, clear water, perfect for photos or a quick dip if you’re feeling brave.

The waterfall’s location in Kemenuh Village means lush greenery surrounds it, and the sound of rushing water adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Be prepared for some steps or a short walk down to the water’s edge—comfortable footwear is recommended for the uneven paths. This stop is about an hour, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Saraswati Temple and the Lotus Pond

A highlight for many is the Taman Saraswati Temple, also known as Ubud Water Palace. This Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to Sarasvati, the goddess of arts and learning. The temple’s signature feature—the lotus pond—is a tranquil spot perfect for photos. The 30-minute visit offers a chance to appreciate intricate carvings, the peaceful pond, and perhaps witness a local prayer ceremony.

The Iconic Campuhan Ridge Walk

For those who love a bit of outdoor activity, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a real treat. It’s a short, scenic hiking trail along a ridge with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and rice fields. Although only 2 km long and about 1.5 meters wide, it offers breathtaking vistas that many travelers find worth the gentle exertion. It’s a peaceful break from the busier attractions, and those who have done it rave about the serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Bali’s Green Jewel

No trip to Ubud is complete without visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This UNESCO-listed site showcases Bali’s iconic terraced rice paddies—a perfect example of Balinese ingenuity and harmony with nature. The vibrant green terraces stretch over the hillside, creating a layered landscape that photographers adore.

The tour allocates around an hour here, giving time for leisurely walks along the terraces, taking photos, and absorbing the peaceful vibe. Reviewers mention how the view is more impressive in person and note that the experience of standing on the terraces, surrounded by the sounds of the river below, is unforgettable.

Cultural Stops: Ubud Palace and Batuan Temple

Further enriching the experience are visits to Ubud Palace and Puseh Batuan Temple. The palace, with its traditional Balinese architecture, often hosts dance performances in the evenings, but during the day, it’s a beautiful place to stroll and observe local craftsmanship. The nearby Batuan Temple offers insights into Bali’s spiritual practices, with its intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Learning About Civet Coffee

One of the tour’s standout moments is visiting a coffee plantation, where you learn about how civet (luwak) coffee is made. It’s fascinating—and a little quirky—to see the process of coffee production, and tasting samples is always a highlight. Reviewers mention that the process is well explained, making it educational and fun.

Timing and Pacing

With an 8-hour itinerary, the tour is quite full but well organized. The start at 7:00 am allows you to beat the crowds at popular sites like the rice terraces, and the itinerary is structured to balance sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop. It’s important to note that this is a private tour, so your group gets personalized attention, and the driver can adapt slightly if needed.

Cost and Value

At $42 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the multiple stops and the hassle-free transport. It’s a full-day experience, and the fact that you cover such a variety of highlights makes it a good deal. However, remember it’s an all-day activity—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to focus on fewer sites, you might want to tailor the experience.

Reviews and Feedback

The single review available praises it as a “Fun and Satisfying Ubud Tour” with a friendly driver and well-maintained vehicle. The reviewer appreciated that “nothing was boring or complicated,” highlighting the straightforward, enjoyable nature of the day. Many travelers also appreciate the stunning views at the rice terraces and waterfall, which truly make the effort worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Ubud or Bali who want a rundown without the stress of planning logistics. It’s well-suited for those interested in balancing natural beauty, cultural sites, and local flavors. The private aspect makes it flexible and personal—great for families, groups, or couples seeking a tailored day.

It’s less ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely, slow-paced exploration or those on a very tight schedule. Since it’s a full day, be prepared for an early start and a lot of walking or standing.

Final Thoughts

This Best of Ubud Tour delivers an authentic taste of Bali’s natural and cultural riches. From the lush rice terraces to the serenity of temples and the thrill of a waterfall plunge, it covers many iconic sights that define Ubud. The inclusion of a civet coffee experience adds that quirky, local flavor that makes Bali unique.

For travelers looking to maximize their day in Ubud with a personalized and well-organized experience, this tour hits the mark. The comfort of private transport, combined with a flexible itinerary, makes it a practical choice for those wanting a hassle-free adventure.

While it packs a lot into one day, the highlights are well-chosen, and the overall value for the price is excellent. If your goal is a balanced mix of culture, nature, and fun, this tour offers a comprehensive, memorable way to explore Bali’s cultural heart.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, a driver, visits to key sites such as Ubud Market, Tegenungan Waterfall, rice terraces, and temples, plus a civet coffee plantation. Entrance fees for the sites are generally included in the package.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be family-friendly. However, consider the walking involved, especially at sites like the rice terraces and waterfall area.

What is the pickup time?
The tour starts at 7:00 am, with pickup from select southern Bali locations, making it suitable for early risers eager to maximize their day.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, giving ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended. Also, bring some cash for optional purchases or tips.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, your driver can accommodate slight adjustments if needed, but the main stops are fixed to ensure a comprehensive experience.

Is lunch included?
The package options vary—some might include meals, while others do not. Check your booking details for specifics.

What’s the best time to visit Ubud for this tour?
Mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded. The tour starts early, which helps avoid midday crowds, especially at popular sites like rice terraces.

How do I book this tour?
Booking in advance is recommended—most travelers book about 18 days ahead. You can do so through platforms like Viator, with full confirmation and easy cancellation policies.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Ubud tour hits the right notes for your Bali adventure. With the perfect blend of scenery, culture, and convenience, it’s a solid choice for those eager to explore Bali’s artistic and natural soul.