Tanah Lot – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Scenic Countryside Tour

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Tanah Lot – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Scenic Countryside Tour

5.0 · 34 reviews From $85 Operated by Balione Vacations · Bookable on Viator
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A full day of temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces can feel like chaos, yet this route stays clear and focused. You get lake-temple views at Ulun Danu Beratan, jungle waterfall time at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, UNESCO rice scenery at Jatiluwih, and sea-Temple drama around Tanah Lot.

I especially like the private-group setup up to 4 people, because it keeps the stops calmer and lets you actually look around. I also like that the day is driven in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water, so the long road time does not feel like punishment. The main drawback to plan for is that admission fees and lunch are not included, so you will want cash and a lunch plan before you go.

Quick highlights you will care about

  • Four iconic Bali sights stitched into one smooth countryside day, not a rushed sampler
  • Lake, jungle, UNESCO rice terraces, and a sea temple, all in one geographic circuit
  • Private tour for up to 4, so you can adjust pacing at each stop
  • Photo-friendly viewpoints at Tanah Lot, plus guidance that helps you get the shots right
  • Air-conditioned transport and bottled water included for the long driving stretches

Why this countryside day feels worth the drive from Ubud

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Why this countryside day feels worth the drive from Ubud
This is the kind of Bali day trip that makes sense if you want variety without bouncing between random islands of information. You start with a classic spiritual landmark on a lake, switch to green jungle scenery with real waterfall time, then shift into wide open countryside views at Jatiluwih. The day finishes with one of Bali’s most recognizable coastal temples, where the horizon does half the work for your photos.

The route also helps you pace your senses. At Ulun Danu Beratan, the scene is all about reflection and quiet hills. At Banyumala, you trade that for wet air, moving water, and lush jungle energy. At Jatiluwih, you get time to slow down and look across layers of rice terraces. Then Tanah Lot brings the drama back with the ocean and temple on the edge of the world.

One practical thing I like: the experience runs about 10 hours. That is long enough to cover real stops with time to see, but not so long you feel like you lost half a holiday to traffic.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

The value of $85 per group, up to 4 people

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - The value of $85 per group, up to 4 people
At $85 per group (up to 4), the price can be a good value if you are traveling as a small unit rather than two people trying to share costs with strangers. Since this is private, you are not splitting space with people who move at a different speed than you do, and that matters for photo breaks and temple etiquette.

What you do get for the money:

  • pickup is offered
  • air-conditioned vehicle
  • bottled water
  • mobile ticket

What you pay extra for:

  • admission fees (not included)
  • lunch (not included)

So the real cost for your day depends on your admission choices and lunch style. I suggest setting aside a simple buffer for tickets plus one meal. If you want lunch included, you will need to plan it yourself or choose a stop where you can eat nearby. The upside is that you can match lunch to your diet and budget, instead of being pushed into whatever is most convenient for the tour schedule.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: a lake temple moment you can actually enjoy

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: a lake temple moment you can actually enjoy
Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan gives you that iconic Bali scene where the temple sits beside water and the hills do the framing. You get about 30 minutes here, and that is the sweet spot for this kind of stop: long enough to take in the layout and views, short enough that you are not stuck waiting while the day moves on.

Why it works:

  • The temple’s setting on the lake creates a calm, postcard feel without needing heavy planning on your side.
  • The surrounding hills help you get depth in photos, not just flat scenery.
  • 30 minutes is enough to wander slowly and still reach the next stop without stress.

What to watch for:

  • Admission tickets are not included, so make sure you are ready to pay the entry fee on arrival.
  • If the weather turns misty, the views can look even better, but you might want a light rain layer.

This is a good stop for couples, friends, and families who want one “wow” temple scene early, before the day gets busier.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: jungle time with a real natural payoff

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: jungle time with a real natural payoff
Stop 2: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is where the day shifts from spiritual landmarks to nature. You get about 2 hours here, which is a meaningful chunk of time for a waterfall stop. It is not just a quick look from a single viewpoint, you have room to move, pause, and enjoy the damp, green atmosphere that makes this area feel alive.

What I like about planning a waterfall with a longer time slot:

  • You can catch different angles and perspectives as you walk around.
  • You are not forced to rush photos, which matters because waterfall conditions change minute to minute.
  • Two hours also helps if your group needs a break to hydrate or just slow down and take it in.

Two practical considerations:

  • The listing notes that it is in the jungle, so expect humidity and slick surfaces. Wear shoes you trust.
  • Admission fees are not included, so bring money for entry if required.

This stop suits anyone who likes nature photography, short walks, or just the simple relief of hearing water instead of traffic for a while.

Jatiluwih rice terraces: UNESCO scenery that feels bigger than pictures

Stop 3: Jatiluwih Green Land is about wide views and time to see the pattern. You spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and that is a solid amount of time for a place that can look amazing from one viewpoint and even better when you walk a little.

This rice terrace area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that status matters because it tends to protect the landscape from being “turned into” something else. Instead of feeling like an attraction with a single photo spot, Jatiluwih feels like a working countryside setting where the scenery has structure and scale.

How to use your time well:

  • Take a few minutes to locate a strong viewpoint before you start moving.
  • Then walk slowly enough to notice the terrace layers, not just the overall green.

Potential downside:

  • Admission fees are not included.
  • If you are sensitive to heat or weather, plan for that. A rice terrace circuit can mean more exposure than you expect.

If you want a Bali countryside moment that is not only about monuments, this is one of the best “set it in your memory” stops on the route.

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Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong: sea-temple panoramas and sunset-style energy

Stop 4: Tanah Lot is the final payoff, and it is the stop where the ocean takes over the frame. You get about 45 minutes here, which is enough time for photos, a short wander, and taking in why this temple is so famous.

The overview also points to panoramic views around Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong Temple. That matters because the area is known for angles. If you only stay at one spot, you can miss the bigger sweep of scenery that makes the coastline special.

Why 45 minutes can be the right amount:

  • The area can be photo-heavy, and a tight time window prevents the day from dragging.
  • You still get time to visit the key temple area and reposition for better views.

What to keep in mind:

  • Admission fees are not included.
  • Coastal weather changes fast, so if it is windy or bright, your comfort might depend on what you wear.

This stop suits almost everyone, including first-time Bali visitors, because it gives you a “Bali in one frame” vibe: temple plus sea plus dramatic horizon.

Transportation, pickup, and why private pacing helps

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Transportation, pickup, and why private pacing helps
This is a private tour/activity, meaning it is just your group. That matters more than it sounds. When you are with only up to 4 people, the guide can adjust pacing to your comfort level. You also avoid the common problem where you are stuck waiting for a larger group to finish photos.

You get:

  • pickup offered
  • air-conditioned vehicle
  • bottled water

Also, you receive a mobile ticket, which simplifies the “paperwork part” of travel. And the tour is described as near public transportation, which is useful if you end up needing a simple Plan B.

One note about timing: since the tour runs about 10 hours, you will spend a chunk of the day in transit. For me, that makes the air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water inclusion a real quality-of-life detail, not a throwaway line.

Your guide: flexible, friendly, and helpful with photos

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Your guide: flexible, friendly, and helpful with photos
The guide experience is a highlight of this tour. In particular, the name Bagus shows up repeatedly, including Bagus Yadnya and Ida Bagus. Many guests also mention Italian-speaking support, plus the fact that the guide took the time to help with questions and made the day feel personalized.

Two practical takeaways for you:

  • If you care about photos, ask for help with positioning and timing at Tanah Lot. A good guide can save you from standing in the wrong spot for the entire best-light window.
  • If you want your day to match your pace, choose this tour because it supports flexibility at stops. That can be the difference between seeing a site and actually enjoying it.

And if you want clear communication, note that Italian-speaking guidance has been specifically mentioned, which is a comfort if that language helps your group.

What to bring for a day mixing temples, terraces, and waterfalls

This day mixes different surfaces and weather conditions. The temple and rice terrace parts usually do not require fancy gear, but the waterfall part absolutely does.

My packing checklist based on the nature of the stops:

  • comfortable walking shoes (waterproof or at least grippy is a plus)
  • a light rain layer, just in case
  • a small amount of cash for admission fees
  • sun protection for the rice terrace viewpoints

Also, since lunch is not included, decide ahead of time whether you will eat near one of the stops or bring a plan. If you wait until you are hungry, you can end up spending more and choosing a worse option.

Who this tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want a structured day that still feels personal.

It is a great fit for:

  • couples and small families who want four major sights without the stress of renting a driver yourself
  • travelers who like balanced variety, not only beaches or only temples
  • people who value photo help and a guide who can explain what you are seeing
  • anyone staying around Ubud who wants an easy base to start from

If you hate road time or prefer super slow travel with fewer stops, you might find the schedule intense. But the time at each location is designed to be realistic, not frantic.

Should you book this Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Bratan, Banyumala, and Jatiluwih day trip?

If your Bali wish list includes a lake temple, a waterfall, UNESCO rice terraces, and a sea temple, then yes, this is a strong booking choice. The price is reasonable for a private group up to 4, and the included transport comfort plus bottled water makes the long day feel manageable. The stops also add up to a full sensory tour, not just a checklist.

I would skip it or think twice if:

  • you strongly prefer lunch included in the price and do not want to plan meals
  • you dislike driving for a full day and want fewer stops

If you do book, my best advice is simple: budget for admission fees, plan how you will handle lunch, and wear shoes you trust for wet ground. Do that, and this route delivers exactly what you came for, temple views, jungle water, and Bali countryside scenery that actually fills your camera and your head.

FAQ

How long is the Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan, Banyumala, and Jatiluwih tour?

It runs about 10 hours.

Is pickup included in this experience?

Pickup is offered.

Are admission fees included for Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Jatiluwih, and Tanah Lot?

No. Admission fees are not included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Will I receive the ticket on my phone?

Yes. A mobile ticket is included.

Is there free cancellation?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.