Rice terraces and a waterfall in one half-day.

I like how this tour pairs countryside views with a quiet nature break, so you’re not stuck doing one long, repetitive sightseeing loop. The Abian Desa Rice Terrace stop is built for quick photos and optional action, and the Ulu Petanu Waterfall part is calm enough to slow down. One thing to consider: you’re booking a short outing, so timing matters, and the optional add-ons (like a temple or rice-view restaurant) only happen if there’s time.

I really enjoy the way the schedule stays flexible without feeling vague. You get a little walking at the waterfall, plus light adventure options at the rice terraces, with hotel pickup and drop-off so you’re not wrestling scooters just to see one area. The driver-host also comes through with clear English and friendly energy, which makes the whole thing feel smooth and easy.

The only real drawback is that some costs are listed separately, and that can create surprise budgeting. The tour price is low, but there are optional activities (like swing or zipline) and there’s a ticket fee line for the rice terrace and waterfall, so I’d plan a little extra cash just in case.

Quick highlights

• Abian Desa Rice Terrace: Terraced views with optional swing/zipline/sky-bike-style fun
• Ulu Petanu Waterfall: A short, scenic walk to a refreshing, shallow pool area
• Friendly English driver-host: The ride feels organized and relaxed, not stressful
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: Fewer logistics headaches in Ubud
• Optional extra stop if time allows: Temple, plantation, or a rice-view stop

Why This Half-Day Ubud Combo Works

Ubud can eat your whole day if you’re not careful. This tour is smart because it gives you two different sides of the Ubud experience in about 3–4 hours: farmland scenery first, then a nature reset at the waterfall.

I like that the rice terrace part isn’t just passive viewing. You can do a short walk through the terraces for the classic panoramas, and if you want more fun you can add activities like a swing or zipline. Then you cool off at a waterfall where the goal is stillness—listen to the water, take photos, and if conditions are right, dip your feet.

This format is especially good if you’re staying in Central Ubud and you want one focused outing rather than piecing together multiple stops on your own.

Getting There: Pickup, Driver-Host, and Start Time

The tour starts at 10:00 am, and it includes hotel pickup and drop-off for a smoother start. If you’re not at a hotel pickup location, the stated meeting point is Pepito Market Tebongkang on Jl. Raya Tebongkang in Singakerta, Ubud.

I also appreciate that the provider includes an English-speaking driver-host and private transportation just for your group. That matters in Ubud because travel times can shift with traffic, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in the heat with a group you didn’t choose.

Plan for a “half-day pace.” You’ll have time for the main stops, but it’s not built for lingering for hours. Bring that mindset and you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

Stop 1: Abian Desa Rice Terrace and What You’ll Actually Do

Abian Desa Rice Terrace is the opening act, and it’s designed for you to experience the terraces up close without spending the whole day walking. You’ll get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to enjoy the views and choose whether you want calmer sightseeing or optional activities.

The terrace setting is all about level after level of farming fields. That makes it ideal for photos from multiple angles, especially if you like shots that show depth—rows of rice paddies stretching across the landscape.

One practical note: the terrace area offers more than one way to engage. If you want to stay low-energy, you can stick with the walk-through and lookouts. If you want something more playful, this is where the activities come in.

Activities at the Rice Terrace: Swing, Zipline, Sky Bike

This is the part where you can tailor the tour to your style.

At Abian Desa Rice Terrace, you’ll see options such as:

• Swing rides (over the landscape)
• Zip-lining over the paddies
• A cycling option described as a sky bike for panoramic views

These activities cost extra, listed at IDR200,000 per person. The listing frames them as optional, so if you’re traveling with mixed-energy companions (or you’re just not in the mood for height-based fun), you can skip them and still have plenty to enjoy.

If you do go for one of the paid activities, I suggest you treat it like a “planned moment,” not a free-for-all. It’s easy to lose time bouncing between viewpoints while you’re deciding. Pick your activity early, then enjoy the rest of the hour for photos and walking.

Also, for anyone who’s a bit wary of heights: the main terrace walk is still the backbone of this stop. The paid activities are add-ons.

Stop 2: Ulu Petanu Waterfall and the Real Vibe

Then it’s off to Ulu Petanu Waterfall, where the energy changes fast. Expect about 1 hour at the waterfall, plus the short walk to reach it. The walk is described as easy and scenic, so you’re not signing up for a strenuous hike.

What you’re going for here is calm. The waterfall flows gently into a clear, shallow pool area. That makes it more relaxing than many other Bali waterfall stops, because you’re not only looking—you can also enjoy the sound of water and, when conditions allow, dip your feet.

This stop also tends to feel less crowded because it’s described as a peaceful spot in the forest around rice fields. Even if you’re not the sort who loves nature walks, the setting works because it’s a quick change of pace from terraces and vehicles.

Bring the right footwear. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want shoes with decent grip for wet paths, and you’ll probably want to rinse off or change afterward.

Optional Extra Stop: Plantation, Rice-View Restaurant, or Temple

One nice thing about the tour design is that it allows a small bonus at the end if time permits. You might include a brief stop at:

• a plantation
• a restaurant with a rice view
• a temple

This is great if you’re trying to see more than just rice and water but you don’t want a full-day tour. It also helps if you want one “cultural or food” moment without turning your schedule into a checklist.

That said, don’t build your perfect day around this bonus. Treat it like a bonus, not a guarantee, and keep your plans flexible for the rest of the afternoon in Ubud.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

The listed price is $17.66 per person for a half-day tour (about 3 to 4 hours). For that money, you’re mainly paying for:

• Private transportation for your group
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• An English-speaking driver-host
• Insurance coverage

That’s where the value shows up. In Bali, transport and a good guide/host can quickly add up if you arrange it separately. Here, you’re getting a compact itinerary with no need to coordinate rides between scattered locations.

Now the “watch this” part: optional activities and admission fees. The information includes:

• Optional activities like swing/zipline at IDR200,000 per person
• Admission fee listed as IDR55,000 per person for the rice terrace and waterfall

There’s also a note in the stop details that admission tickets are included, which means your exact booking could differ from what’s listed in the summary sections. My practical advice: before you go, confirm whether the IDR55,000 admission is already covered in your booking. Either way, plan a little extra budget so you’re not stuck making decisions on the spot.

Also, meals are not included. If you want lunch, plan on paying for it separately. The tour may stop near places with a nice view, but you should treat food as your choice.

What to Pack for Comfort (This Tour’s Short, So Do It Right)

Because this is a short outing, your packing list can stay simple. Focus on items that help you at the terrace and the waterfall:

• Light rain layer or poncho (the experience notes it needs good weather)
• Shoes with grip for wet surfaces at the waterfall
• Small towel or something to dry off after foot dipping
• Sunscreen and water (Ubud sun can be strong even when the walk is short)
• Cash for optional activities and any admission fees you confirm at booking

If you’re planning to do a swing or zipline, bring clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty or sweaty. And if you’re also hoping to swim a bit, expect to rinse and change afterward.

Weather and Timing: The Part That Can Change Your Day

This experience is noted as requiring good weather. That doesn’t mean it’s canceled at the first cloud, but it does mean rain can matter for safety and comfort—especially at the waterfall.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. I’d also plan your Ubud schedule so you’re not relying on this as the one fixed event in a jam-packed day.

Timing-wise, you’re looking at:

• Rice terrace: about 1 hour
• Waterfall: about 1 hour
• Travel + walking + changeover time to fill the rest

So if you like to linger at viewpoints, you’ll want to be strategic. Decide what photos you really want first, then enjoy the rest.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour fits you well if you want a compact Ubud experience with nature and scenery, but you don’t want to spend a whole day organizing transport and routes.

It’s a good match for:

• First-time Ubud visitors who want two major sights
• People who like gentle walking plus optional photo/action moments
• Travelers who value smooth logistics and a friendly English-speaking driver-host
• Couples or small groups who want private transportation rather than a big bus day

There’s also a note that travelers should have moderate physical fitness. Even though the waterfall walk is described as easy, the moderate fitness wording is there for a reason—expect uneven surfaces and short stretches of walking. If you’re very limited on mobility, you should think carefully and ask what the walking is like on the day.

The Small Details That Make It Feel Worth It

This tour shines in the parts that aren’t always listed in a brochure.

The driver-host experience matters. One standout detail from real trip feedback is how friendly the driver was and how strong their English was—so you’re not left guessing or trying to communicate through hand signals.

The waterfall experience is also about the type of visit it is. You’re not rushing from one viewpoint to another every five minutes. You get a quiet pocket of nature where the waterfall flows gently, and the pool area feels manageable for relaxing rather than just standing at the edge.

And then the rice terrace part does what it’s supposed to do: it gets you the countryside views quickly, with optional activities if you want a bit of adrenaline.

Should You Book This Ubud Rice Terrace + Waterfall Tour?

If your ideal day in Ubud is short, scenic, and not overly complicated, I’d say yes. This is good value for the transportation, pickup, and friendly driver-host, and the two-stop combo gives you both countryside views and a calming waterfall break.

Book it if you:

• want a half-day plan with real payoff
• like optional activities but won’t stress if you skip them
• prefer private transport and clear communication

Skip or reconsider if:

• you’re hoping for a long, slow experience with lots of stops (this is timed tight)
• you hate any extra costs that show up at the attraction or for activities
• your schedule can’t handle weather changes

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you won’t have to arrange transport on your own.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3 to 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Pepito Market Tebongkang, Jl. Raya Tebongkang, Singakerta, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s private transportation, and only your group joins the tour.

What activities are available at Abian Desa Rice Terrace?

Optional activities include a swing ride or zip-lining, plus an option described as a sky bike for panoramic views. These optional activities are not included in the base cost.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch or meals are not included, though you can have lunch at your own expense at a restaurant with a nice view if there’s time.

What are the admission fees for the rice terrace and waterfall?

An admission fee of IDR55,000 per person is listed for the rice terrace and waterfall. Check your booking to confirm whether that fee is already included for you, since different parts of the information describe admission differently.

Is there a cancellation option if the weather is bad?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Tour to Sumampan Waterfall, Monkey forest, Rice terraces and SwingUbud Airport Transfer Private All InclusiveBali Airport Transfer with English Speaking DriverMelukat Ceremony and Temple Tour at Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple