Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS
Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud
Waterfall swim, jungle swing, and views in one day. This is a Ubud full-day combo built around natural swimming, classic photo stops, and a few cultural breaks, all wrapped in private-car convenience. You also get a day paced for photos, without feeling like you are stuck in one place too long.
I especially like the chance to swim at Taman Sari Waterfall’s natural pools, then switch gears to a high d’Alas Swing above the rice terraces and jungle. My other favorite part is the mix of sights that feel close to real daily life, from carved village temples to Ubud’s art market. The main consideration: this is a water and photo day, so if you prefer a slow, mostly indoor itinerary, you may feel rushed with so many stops in 7 to 8 hours.
Key things to know before you go

- Taman Sari Waterfall swim time is the centerpiece, and it’s a proper natural pool, not a staged attraction.
- D’Alas Swing happens near Tegallalang, with jungle and rice-field views built into the moment.
- Multiple admission tickets are included for the waterfall, temple, terraces, and swing, while Ubud Palace and the art market are free stops.
- English-speaking driver or guide keeps the day moving and helps you navigate each stop.
- Guides like Nyoman, Rico, Riko, and Wayan are praised for friendly handling and smooth routing, including making add-on stops happen when possible.
- Good weather matters, since the experience requires it.
How this Ubud day tour balances water, photos, and local culture

This tour works because it keeps changing the scene. You start in the cool, wet world of a waterfall swim, move into temple and terrace views that are all about stonework and angles, then end with classic Ubud sights where people actually shop, browse, and talk.
What makes it practical is the private-car setup. You spend less time coordinating and more time enjoying the stops, with bottled water included along the way.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Taman Sari Waterfall swim, what you’re really signing up for

Taman Sari Waterfall is one of the most tempting swim stops close to Ubud, mainly because the waterfall starts as a single drop and then breaks into multiple cascades. That split creates the kind of rocky, photo-friendly flow you expect from Bali, but you also get the core reason to visit: a natural pool you can actually get into.
Expect this to feel active. You are moving between viewing spots and swimming zones, and you will want to keep an eye on where water is pooling and where it’s slippery. The itinerary sets aside about 1 hour for the waterfall and natural pool, so treat it like your planned swim window rather than a quick stop.
A couple of practical tips I’d give you:
- Wear or bring water-friendly footwear because rocky edges are part of the experience.
- Bring a small towel and dry layer for after your swim, since the day keeps moving right after.
- If you are prone to seasickness-style nausea, skip heavy perfume before you swim, because waterfall mist plus heat can feel intense.
Puseh Batuan Temple, carved details in a village setting
After the water, the day switches to something calmer: Puseh Batuan Temple in Batuan village. This is known for its Bali carvings throughout the temple, and it has a long background, built in lsaka 944 according to the tour info.
This stop is valuable because it gives you a break from Instagram-style scenery and lets you focus on how Balinese temples are constructed and decorated. It is also a reminder that not all “attractions” here are about selling a viewpoint, some are simply places of worship that happen to be beautiful.
You get about 1 hour at the temple, which is long enough to look closely without turning it into a lecture. Go slow with your eyes: carvings, doorways, and the way space is organized around courtyards tend to reward patient looking.
Tegallalang rice terraces, dramatic views with time to walk

Then you hit one of Bali’s most photographed scenes: Tegallalang rice terraces. The big draw is the dramatic view down the slopes across the valley, where the terraces step away like carefully stacked green bands.
The tour gives you about 1 hour here. I like that timing, because it gives you more than a photo-and-run moment. You can walk around, choose angles, and figure out where the light looks best at your height and walking pace.
One consideration: Tegallalang can be busy and the paths can be uneven. Bring comfortable shoes and watch your footing when you are near drops. The terraces are beautiful, but they are still working farm ground.
d’Alas Swing over jungle and rice fields, how to make the photos worth it
The swing is d’Alas Swing, and it is set above the jungle and rice-field setting around Tegallalang. It is specifically designed for that “above the valley” feeling, which is why it works so well in a day like this.
You get about 45 minutes for the swing stop, with admission included. That sounds short, but it’s usually enough time to do at least one go and still keep the rest of the day flowing.
If you want the most satisfying photos, here is how I’d approach it:
- Pick a vantage point where you can see both the swing and the terraces behind you.
- Plan your timing so you are not rushing your first attempt.
- Keep an eye on the ground around the swing area, because water from earlier stops can make everything slick.
Also, a nice bonus is that strong guides tend to handle the pace here well. Some of the guides you might meet, including Nyoman, Rico, Riko, and Wayan, are repeatedly highlighted for guiding you through each spot quickly and confidently, so you can spend less time standing around.
Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace, free stops that still feel real
After the big-ticket wow moments, the tour includes two Ubud classics: the Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung).
The market stop is about 1 hour, and admission is listed as free. This is the kind of place where you can actually browse without feeling like you are stuck behind a fence. You will see plenty of art works, plus stalls selling souvenirs and handmade items that reflect what visitors are buying right now.
Ubud Palace is another 1 hour and listed as a free stop. This old building complex has carved details and courtyards, and it’s also an important landmark for Balinese people. The value here is simple: it gives structure to your day so you are not only chasing scenery.
My advice: at these two stops, slow down. If you treat them as checkboxes, you’ll miss what makes them enjoyable, which is the human pace. Watch what locals and shopkeepers do, and let your questions guide you.
Guide experience and why Nyoman, Rico, Riko, and Wayan get mentioned

This tour’s success depends a lot on how smoothly you move from stop to stop. The tour includes an English-speaking driver or guide, plus private-car comfort, so the day feels managed rather than chaotic.
The names that show up in standout experiences include Nyoman and Rico, with Riko and Wayan also mentioned. What you can infer from that pattern is that guides here aim to keep things friendly and efficient, not just procedural. In the best cases, they can also accommodate add-on ideas if you ask early. For example, one experience notes that a monkey forest stop was added on request, which is the kind of flexibility that can turn a good itinerary into your itinerary.
If you want that flexibility, do it like this:
- Ask about add-ons early, ideally during the first transfer.
- Keep it simple and realistic, and be ready for the day to stay within the planned timing.
- Tell your guide what you care about most: animals, crafts, temples, or just fewer photos and more swimming.
Price and value: what $32 covers and where the cost comes from
At $32 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain once you see what’s included. You are paying for a private car plus petrol, parking, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver or guide.
Most importantly, entrance costs are partially handled for you. The itinerary lists admission tickets included for:
- Taman Sari Waterfall and natural pool
- Puseh Batuan Temple
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- d’Alas Swing
Then the art market and palace are free stops.
Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are not included. That’s normal. Still, it matters for budgeting because a $32 tour can end up costing more if you treat lunch and drinks as part of the package, which they are not.
If you are comparing options, check the big three:
- Do you get private transport?
- Are key entrances included?
- Does the day include time you can actually enjoy, like the swim and the swing window?
This tour answers those questions clearly.
Timing, comfort, and what to pack for a swim-and-photo day
The tour starts at 8:30 am and runs about 7 to 8 hours. I like a morning start for Bali days built around outdoor sights because it improves your chances of nicer light for terraces and reduces the chance you arrive at the hottest part of the day.
A private car helps you stay comfortable, and bottled water is included. That said, you will still be outdoors for multiple stops, including one with water and one with stairs or uneven ground around terraces and temples.
Pack like you are doing two outdoor activities:
- Swimwear you can manage quickly
- A light change of clothes
- Water-friendly shoes
- A small dry bag, if you have one
- Cash for snacks or shopping at the art market (not listed as included)
If you hate sand and sticky heat, plan to rinse and change after the swim so the rest of the day feels pleasant.
Weather and when the plan changes
The tour requires good weather. That matters because waterfall days can become uncomfortable if conditions are poor.
If it is canceled due to weather, the option is a different date or a full refund, based on the tour info. My practical take: if you are in Ubud for only a short window, keep your most flexible day as the one you book.
Should you book this Ubud waterfall and swing tour?
I think you should book it if you want one day that mixes real nature time with classic Ubud sights, and you like having a guide keep the transfers smooth. The included admissions for the waterfall, temple, terraces, and swing make it feel efficient for the price.
You might skip or adjust the plan if:
- You want a slow, low-movement day with fewer transitions.
- You prefer eating a full sit-down lunch without being on the go.
- You are not comfortable with outdoor walking on uneven paths near waterfalls and terraces.
One smart way to choose: list your top two priorities. If your top picks are swimming at Taman Sari and seeing Tegallalang from above the valley, this itinerary fits your priorities in a single shot.
FAQ
Is pickup included for this Ubud tour?
Pickup is offered, and the tour includes a private car. You will need to provide your hotel or accommodation details, including name, address, and phone number.
How long is the tour, and what time does it start?
The start time is 8:30 am. The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.
What are the main stops on this itinerary?
You’ll visit Taman Sari Waterfall and the natural pool, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, d’Alas Swing, Ubud Traditional Art Market, and Ubud Palace.
Are entrance tickets included?
Admission tickets are included for Taman Sari Waterfall and natural pool, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and d’Alas Swing. Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace are listed as free stops.
Is lunch included in the price?
No. Lunch is not included, and you’ll need to plan for personal expenses on your own.
What does the price include?
The price includes a private car with petrol, parking fees, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver or guide.
Is this tour private?
Yes. This is described as a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.
What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you tell me your travel dates and whether you care more about swimming, photos, or temples, I can help you decide if this timing makes sense for your day in Ubud.
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