Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour

REVIEW · TIRTA EMPUL & WATER TEMPLE TOURS

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour

  • 5.03 reviews
  • From $57.77
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Operated by Explore Bali Travel · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (3)Price from$57.77Operated byExplore Bali TravelBook viaViator

A day of waterfalls and holy water.

This private Ubud tour strings together Bali classics that feel a lot more fun when someone else handles the driving and ticket lines. I like the mix of cool-down waterfall time and a real temple purification stop at Tirta Empul, not just scenic stops for photos.

Two more highlights that make this one practical: you get a guide who stays with you and helps manage entries, and you get to see the Tegalalang Rice Terraces after the more energetic waterfall bits. In the reviews, the guide Koko stands out for warm guidance, clear scheduling, and keeping things on your timeline without rushing you.

The main thing to plan around is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to be ready to grab food on your own without it derailing the day.

Key things I’d watch for

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Key things I’d watch for

  • Private driver + comfortable AC van means you spend less energy on logistics
  • Entry tickets included for every stop listed
  • Tirta Empul’s purification vibe adds meaning beyond pretty scenery
  • Tegenungan and Ulu Petanu give you two different waterfall moods and photo angles
  • Coffee Luwak tasting stop is built in, so you can decide while you’re there
  • Stops are time-boxed (about 45–60 minutes each), so you’ll want to pack smart

Price and what you actually get for $57.77

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Price and what you actually get for $57.77
At $57.77 per person for an approximately 10-hour private tour, the value comes from what’s included, not from hype. You’re paying for a private driver, a comfortable air-conditioned van, bottled water, an English and Malay-speaking guide, admission entry tickets, plus fuel and parking fees.

That matters in Bali, because ticket handling and transportation can add up fast once you’re booking each place separately. Here, you’re also not just buying a drive-by ride. The schedule includes five major stops that normally take a full day to piece together well: Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Ulu Petanu, a Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak agrotourism stop, and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

A smart way to judge the price: if you like having your day structured with set entry times and you want fewer moving parts, this kind of packaged private day is usually worth it. If you love roaming independently with zero schedule, then you might feel boxed in by the time-per-stop format.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud

How the tour flows across Ubud and the sites you’ll hit

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - How the tour flows across Ubud and the sites you’ll hit
The day is built like a classic Ubud circuit: start in central Ubud, hit a waterfall first, move to a temple, then another waterfall, then coffee, then finish with rice terraces. The order is good because it alternates between active sights (waterfalls) and calmer stops (temple and terraces), so you don’t feel stuck in one type of activity for the entire day.

You’ll start at Ubud Art Market, Jl. Raya Ubud No.35 and end back at the same meeting point. In practice, that’s a big convenience factor. It means you’re not scrambling at the end of the day to get yourself across town.

This is also a true private tour for your group. Even if other visitors exist at each stop, you won’t be riding with a random crowd. That helps with pacing, questions, and the ability to stop briefly for views without turning your day into a bus schedule.

Tegenungan Waterfall: swim time plus big-view photos

Tegenungan is one of Bali’s most visited waterfall areas, and you’ll feel that energy as soon as you arrive. This stop is around 45 minutes, and admission is included. The big selling point here is that you can cool off with a swim beneath the falls.

That’s where planning pays off. Waterfall locations can get slippery quickly, and surfaces near pools and stairs can be uneven. Wear something you can trust on wet ground and bring footwear that doesn’t turn into a hazard. If you’re set on swimming, go early within your window if possible, so you have time to enjoy the water before the area gets busier.

Even if you skip the swim, Tegenungan is still valuable because it gives you dramatic waterfall framing and a “Bali postcard” look that’s hard to recreate elsewhere. It’s a great first stop because it sets your tone: this day isn’t only temples and rice terraces. You’re starting with motion, sound, and cooling down.

One drawback to keep in mind: if rain hits during the day, waterfalls can become harder to approach safely. You’ll still likely see plenty, but your swim time could feel more limited depending on conditions at the site.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy water and a purification story

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Tirta Empul Temple: holy water and a purification story
After Tegenungan, the tour shifts from wet and active to spiritual and still. Tirta Empul Temple is scheduled for about 1 hour, with admission included.

This is a holy water temple tied to a purification theme. The idea is that the holy water and its ritual meaning relate to cleaning bad spirit energy. Each spring at the holy water temple is said to have its own meaning, and the overall focus is on cleansing and renewal.

What makes this stop worthwhile isn’t only the architecture. It’s the fact that the tour doesn’t treat the temple like a quick photo stop. You get enough time to understand what’s happening and to watch the ritual rhythm without feeling completely rushed.

A practical tip: dress and behave respectfully at temple sites. Plan for limited flexibility—there are rules about where you can go, and you may need to follow staff instructions closely. Also, keep your phone and belongings secure if you’re around water features.

This stop adds depth to the day because it changes the lens from “what’s scenic?” to “what does Bali do with this place?” If you want cultural context, this is the anchor moment.

Ulu Petanu Waterfall: the skeleton-temple style and a natural pool mood

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Ulu Petanu Waterfall: the skeleton-temple style and a natural pool mood
Next up is Ulu Petanu, about 45 minutes, admission included. This is the kind of place that works for different types of travelers: if you want photos, you’ll likely enjoy the distinctive setting; if you want a quieter feel than the most famous spots, it can still deliver.

Ulu Petanu is described as having a skeleton temple look, plus a pool with a natural underwaterfall effect. Translating that into what you’ll experience: you’re not just looking at one straight waterfall drop. You’re looking at a themed temple environment paired with water features that create that “stand here and shoot” composition.

From a practical standpoint, waterfall-photo areas often have tricky walking paths and stairs. Go slow. Choose a spot that looks best from your angle, then give yourself time to wait out the best lighting or quieter moments. Your guide can help you time your photos so you don’t miss the good angles.

This stop works well right after Tirta Empul because you’ve already shifted your mindset. Temple time calms the day. Then the waterfall time brings you back to movement and excitement.

Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak: what the tasting stop is really for

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak: what the tasting stop is really for
After two waterfall stops and a temple, you’ll probably start feeling that “okay, I need a short break” moment. That’s where the Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak agrotourism stop (about 45 minutes) fits in.

You’ll have time to taste the famous traditional coffee called coffee luwak. The key value here is not the spectacle; it’s the chance to decide for yourself. Coffee Luwak is widely known, and the tasting gives you a straightforward experience without you having to research what to order.

If you’re the type who likes agricultural stops, you may enjoy the agrotourism setting. If you’re not a coffee person, treat it as a short cultural-and-food break rather than the main attraction.

Also, remember this tour doesn’t mention lunch, so this stop may help you pace your day. Still, don’t assume it replaces a meal—your appetite timing might end up testing you later.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: where the day slows down for photos

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Tegalalang Rice Terraces: where the day slows down for photos
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is your final scenic beat, scheduled for about 46 minutes, with admission included. This is where the day gets quieter and your photos get easier.

The big win here is the view. Rice terraces create those layered angles that look good from multiple heights and viewpoints. If you enjoy photography, this is the stop where you’ll probably want to spend a few extra minutes choosing your best angle—without needing to rush to the next place.

This stop also provides a nice “mental reset.” After waterfalls (wet, active, slippery) and a temple (rules, rituals, respectful silence), terraces feel open and breathable.

Bring water, even if you already have bottled water in the van. Sun and walking add up fast, especially on days when you’re moving through multiple major attractions.

The real MVP: how Koko-style guiding changes the day

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - The real MVP: how Koko-style guiding changes the day
One theme that shows up strongly is how smoothly the tour runs with the guide Koko. In the reviews, Koko is credited with warm guidance, excellent service, and a calm way of staying on schedule.

Two things that matter to you:

  • Entry passes handled for you: you’re not standing around sorting tickets while other people crowd the entrance.
  • Respecting your time without rushing: you get a sense of control. You’re not dragged through at breakneck speed.

That combination makes a huge difference on a day with five separate sites. Even if each stop is only 45–60 minutes, you feel the day more than the clock. When planning is clean and the guide is present, your day feels easier and more enjoyable.

So if you care about organization—especially in a place where signage and ticketing can be confusing—this is a big reason to choose this tour.

Pickup, transport, and why the van matters

You get pickup offered and the meeting point is Ubud Art Market. From there, you’re in a private comfortable air-conditioned van with a driver, plus bottled water and fuel/parking covered.

This transport setup is practical for three reasons:

  1. It keeps you from losing time bargaining for separate rides between spots.
  2. It protects energy. Your day includes wet areas and walking, so you’ll appreciate AC and breaks between stops.
  3. It helps you arrive with less stress, which makes each stop feel calmer.

The tour also ends back at the meeting point, which is underrated. Late-day logistics can ruin the end of a great outing. Here, you avoid that.

What to pack and how to time your energy (without guessing)

Because this tour mixes waterfalls and temple time, your packing decisions affect comfort more than you’d think.

Bring the essentials that help with wet stops:

  • something you can wear near water (and that won’t make your feet miserable)
  • a small towel or change of clothes if you plan to swim
  • sun protection, since you’ll have outdoor time at terraces and viewpoints

Also think about your phone and documents. You’ll likely want photos at Tegenungan, Ulu Petanu, and Tegalalang, but you also don’t want to be constantly worried about water.

For energy, keep in mind each stop has a fixed time window. That’s great for structure, but it means you should decide early whether you want to swim at Tegenungan or focus on viewing and photos. Doing both is possible, but don’t wait until the last minute if you want a calm experience.

Who this tour fits best

I’d point this tour toward you if:

  • you want a private day with a guide handling tickets and timing
  • you care about seeing both famous spots and meaningful cultural context (Tirta Empul)
  • you like a balanced day: waterfall energy, temple meaning, and rice-terrace views
  • you prefer not to plan transport between stops yourself

It might be less ideal if:

  • you want a totally flexible, wandering day with no set stops
  • you strongly dislike coffee tasting stops (though it’s only about 45 minutes)
  • you need a long sit-down meal built into the schedule, since lunch isn’t included

Should you book this Ubud private tour?

If you want a smooth, well-paced Ubud day where waterfalls and Tirta Empul both get real time, I think this is a smart booking. The price feels fair because tickets and entry handling are included, and the guide approach—especially with Koko—is clearly geared toward keeping your day calm and organized.

Before you book, just be honest about two things: you’ll likely want to plan your lunch, and you should be ready for wet-ground walking during the waterfall parts. If those fit your style, you’ll probably come away feeling like you got your money’s worth in both scenery and spirit of place.

FAQ

What’s included in the Ubud private tour price?

The price includes a private driver, bottled water, admission entry tickets, an English and Malay-speaking guide, and transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned van (including fuel and parking fees).

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Ulu Petanu Waterfall, Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak agrotourism, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch isn’t included.

Where do we meet and where does the tour end?

The tour starts at Ubud Art Market on Jl. Raya Ubud No.35 in Ubud and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.

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