Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS
Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls – Private Tour
Rice, rituals, and waterfalls in one long day. This private Ubud outing strings together Tegalalang rice terraces and Tirta Empul holy spring water, so you get Bali’s big hitters without changing plans every hour. I love how the route keeps your eyes busy all day, and I love that several main-site entrance tickets are already included in the price.
You’ll also like the comfort side of a private setup: pickup is offered, you ride with private transportation, and bottled water is included. The human touch matters too, since strong English and helpful cultural explanations are repeatedly associated with guides and drivers you may be matched with, such as Koman or Made.
One drawback to plan for: the Ubud Jungle Swing stop (Happy Swing Bali) and lunch are not included, so you’ll want a little extra budget for those add-ons.
Key highlights

- Tegalalang rice terraces with included entry, plus time to enjoy the views
- Happy Swing Bali for that above-the-trees feeling, with the swing not included in price
- Tirta Empul Holy Spring Water Temple where water purification rituals are the point
- Kanto Lampo and Tibumana waterfalls with included tickets and time to explore at a steady pace
- Entrance tickets included for Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, Kanto Lampo, and Tibumana
- Private transportation, bottled water, and a mobile ticket for a smoother day out
A full Ubud day that mixes classic views with real temple culture

If you only have one day in the Ubud area, this kind of route makes sense. It’s not just a photo parade, either, because Tirta Empul is a functioning holy site tied to purification rituals, and that changes the mood.
I like that the day has a clear rhythm. You start with the iconic rice terrace views, add a jungle swing moment for fun and height, then shift into cultural context at Tirta Empul, followed by two different waterfalls with enough time to breathe and walk around.
One more practical win: you’re not doing this as a hop-on/hop-off scramble. This is a private tour for your group with private transportation, so you can move when your driver suggests and not when a bus schedule forces you.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Private pickup and a 10-hour pace that feels realistic

The tour runs about 10 hours, which is long enough to see a lot, but not so long that you feel totally cooked by mid-afternoon. Each main stop is given about two hours, so you get a little time buffer for walking, photos, and waiting your turn.
Pickup is offered, which helps a ton in Ubud because traffic and distance can eat your day fast. You’ll also have bottled water included, a small thing that still matters when you’re bouncing between scenic outdoor spots.
Because this is private, you don’t have the stress of keeping up with strangers. If your group moves slower at a viewpoint or you want extra time at a waterfall, you can usually manage that without derailing the whole day. The only catch is common sense: you still have a full day’s worth of stops, so it helps to be decisive about how much time you want to spend at each one.
Stop 1: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, green views and local irrigation

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most recognizable scenes, and for good reason. You’re looking at dramatic stepped greens in a farming area where locals maintain the land and irrigation systems. That makes it feel more grounded than a generic viewpoint.
The tour gives you about two hours here, which is a good amount of time. You can stroll to find angles that work, watch how people farm, and take photos without feeling rushed. The entrance ticket is included, so you won’t have to deal with figuring that part out on the spot.
What to watch for: the famous spots at Tegalalang can get busy. Even with private transport, the terrace itself is public and popular, so your experience depends on timing and where your driver drops you. If you’re sensitive to crowds, focus on side paths and slower corners rather than the loudest main viewpoints.
Stop 2: Happy Swing Bali, the “above the clouds” moment (and extra cost)

Next comes the jungle swing, offered as Happy Swing Bali. This is the stop built for thrill and photos: high swings with views over lush jungle and valleys, often with rivers and waterfalls in the distance.
This is where your budget needs attention. The swing entrance is not included, so you’ll pay separately on the day. The good part is that it’s optional in your planning sense, even if it’s on the route. If your group wants the experience, great. If not, you still have the rest of the day.
I also think about comfort here. Swings involve waiting your turn, plus time for photos. Bring a steady mindset and expect it to be more than a quick clip and done. When you plan for that, it feels like a fun highlight instead of a rushed chore.
Stop 3: Tirta Empul Temple, holy spring water and purification rituals

Tirta Empul Temple is the cultural anchor of this day. It’s a sacred Hindu water temple near Tampaksiring, and it’s famous for its holy spring water. The water is associated with curative properties and is used in purification rituals.
You’ll get about two hours here, and the entrance ticket is included. That matters because temple entry costs can add up quickly when you’re stacking multiple stops.
Here’s the practical part that changes your mindset: if you wish to take part in the purification, you should tell your guide. The information you’re given is clear, and it’s the sort of thing that benefits from doing it respectfully and with guidance. If your group is not participating, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and understand what the space is for.
What to consider: this is a holy site, so you’ll want to follow your guide’s cues on how to behave and where to stand. Also, you should assume you’ll get involved with water if you join the ritual, so plan for that reality.
Midday lunch break, a local restaurant pause that keeps the day human

After Tirta Empul, you’ll head for lunch at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included, so you’ll make that call separately and pay on your own.
I like having a real meal in the middle of the day, because by the time you get between rice terraces, swings, and temples, your energy drops faster than you expect. A mid-tour lunch also helps you avoid the trap of grabbing a snack that turns into a rushed meal.
Since the tour does not include lunch, choose what fits your group. If you want something simple and fast, aim for that. If you’re hungry enough for a proper sit-down meal, use the break to cool down, regroup, and reset before the waterfalls.
Stop 4: Kanto Lampo Waterfall, big rock formations and easy access

Then it’s time for water views at Kanto Lampo Waterfall. This waterfall is described as beautiful and relatively easy to access compared with some other Bali waterfalls that require longer hikes. In other words, it’s a good choice if you want nature without adding a long trek day.
Kanto Lampo is known for how the water spills over rock formations. Those rock textures help the waterfall look dramatic in photos, even when conditions are less than perfect.
You’ll get about two hours here, and the entrance ticket is included. That time helps because you can do the basic walk, find a viewpoint, and then move around for photos without panicking about being late.
Practical tip: waterfalls mean wet ground. Wear shoes that give you grip and skip anything slippery. If you’re thinking of long photo sessions, plan your footing first, then your angle.
Stop 5: Tibumana Waterfall, a calmer feel away from the busiest spots

Finally, you’ll visit Tibumana Waterfall. This is often talked about as a more serene, unspoiled option, and it’s described as less crowded than some other famous stops. For many people, that makes the end of the day feel like a reward instead of another checklist item.
Tibumana is in the Bangli Regency area, and you’ll have about two hours there. The entrance ticket is included, which keeps the cost predictable as the day winds down.
I like this stop because it balances the earlier parts of the day. After the more well-known scenes like rice terraces and a famous temple, Tibumana gives you a quieter rhythm. It’s the kind of place where you can let your camera rest a bit and just enjoy the sound and pace of the waterfall.
Again, it helps to be smart about footwear. Wet paths can turn a relaxed walk into a stressful one if you’re not ready.
Value and price: what $24.65 covers, and what you still need
At $24.65 per person, the key question is what’s included. Here’s the value math that matters for a day like this:
Included tickets:
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace entrance
- Tirta Empul Temple entrance
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall entrance
- Tibumana Waterfall entrance
Included extras:
- private transportation
- bottled water
- mobile ticket
Not included:
- lunch
- Ubud Jungle Swing (Happy Swing Bali)
So you’re not just paying for seats in a car. You’re paying for a day that bundles multiple paid attractions plus transport, which is usually where the cost adds up fast in Bali if you go stop-by-stop.
The other value is the private pacing. Even if you care mostly about photos, the ability to move together as a group and avoid constant regrouping is a real time saver. That’s also where your driver matters, and names like Made and Mangkok/Mangok show up in the provided experience details as punctual and supportive, with good English.
The driver and guide factor: clearer culture, smoother timing
One thing this type of private tour can get right is interpretation. When your guide is good at explaining what you’re seeing, sites like Tirta Empul stop being just pretty pools and become a meaningful ritual space.
The names associated with standout service include Koman and Made, with praise focused on being punctual, welcoming, and helpful with cultural context. Other mentioned drivers, like Arlan and Mangkok/Mangok, are also linked with being patient and going above and beyond.
What you should take from this: your day will feel better if you use your guide. Ask quick questions, tell them what your group wants most, and let them guide you on what to expect at each stop. A private tour is only as good as the communication, and this one is set up for that.
Who this private tour suits best
This tour fits you if you want:
- a one-day loop that covers rice terraces, a holy water temple, and two waterfalls
- a private setup where your group can go at a comfortable pace
- included entrances for several major sights, reducing on-the-spot decision fatigue
It may not fit if:
- you strongly dislike paying extra at the swing and for lunch
- your group wants only quiet nature and zero crowds, since rice terraces and popular waterfalls can still be busy
If you’re traveling as a couple, friends, or family group, private is often the sweet spot. You get flexibility without sacrificing the structure of visiting key places in one day.
Should you book this Tirta Empul, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls private tour?
I’d book this if you like a balanced day with both culture and scenery, and you want most of the paid entry costs handled up front. The included tickets for Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, Kanto Lampo, and Tibumana give you strong value, and the private transportation keeps it from feeling chaotic.
I would hesitate if you are budget-tight, because lunch and the Jungle Swing stop add extra cost. I’d also think twice if your group doesn’t want any chance of water-related ritual participation, since Tirta Empul is centered on holy spring water and purification.
If you’re deciding between a rushed sampler and a more thoughtful full day, this strikes a practical middle. You get the headline sights, you get time to actually look, and you end with a quieter waterfall moment rather than closing the day on another crowded viewpoint.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Tirta Empul, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls private tour?
It lasts about 10 hours.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, entrance tickets are included for Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tibumana Waterfall.
Is the Jungle Swing included in the price?
No, Ubud Jungle Swing is not included, and Happy Swing Bali admission is not included.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
What tickets or documents do I receive?
You’ll get a mobile ticket.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you will not be refunded.
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