Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour

Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour

5.0 · 3 reviews From $57 Operated by Explore Bali Travel · Bookable on Viator
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Waterfalls can feel chaotic in Bali. This one is well-paced and organized. You hit Tegenungan Waterfall for a real cool-off, then move on to the sacred Tirta Empul springs and purification atmosphere without losing your day to hassle.

Two things I really like: you get a comfortable private van with a driver, and the guide team (often Koko) keeps the flow moving, including entry passes and timing. One consideration: there is no lunch, so you’ll want to plan snacks or money for a meal of your choice, especially since you’re out for about 10 hours.

Key points before you go

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Key points before you go

  • Private guide and driver means your schedule stays yours, not a bus schedule.
  • Koko-style service focuses on smooth timing and taking care of entry passes.
  • Tegenungan Waterfall swim option gives you more than just a viewpoint stop.
  • Tirta Empul holy spring purification adds a cultural layer beyond the waterfalls.
  • Coffee luwak tasting is short, but it’s a chance to learn what you’re actually drinking.
  • Tegalalang rice terraces timing lands at the end, so you can slow down for photos.

Why this Ubud waterfall and temple route feels worth the time

Ubud is great, but waterfalls and temples can turn into a shuffle of tickets, directions, and waiting around. This tour is built to solve that. You’re basically getting a full Ubud highlights circuit in about 10 hours, with one driver, one guide, and pre-managed entry so you can focus on what you came for.

The other smart thing here is variety. You’re not only chasing water. You also get a holy spring temple (a real contrast from wet footing and slippery stairs), a coffee stop, and the iconic rice terraces that most people picture when they plan Bali.

If you want a day that feels like it earns its spot on your itinerary, this format does. Just keep in mind it is a full day. You won’t have long naps in the van, and you’ll be walking on uneven temple and waterfall paths at some points.

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

Getting to each stop comfortably: private van plus smooth pickup at Ubud Art Market

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Getting to each stop comfortably: private van plus smooth pickup at Ubud Art Market
Your day starts at the Ubud Art Market area (Jl. Raya Ubud No.35). That’s a practical meeting spot if you’re already staying around central Ubud. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which matters more than you think if you want to avoid extra transfers.

You ride in a comfortable air-conditioned van with a private driver. Bottled water is included, which is a small line item that saves you from scrambling for a bottle the moment you step outside.

Also, this is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. If you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a small group, that usually means less waiting, fewer interruptions, and more flexibility for photo stops.

One small plus: you may also see mobile ticket mention, and that generally means less paper handling on-site. The big help is the guide coordinating entry tickets for each stop.

Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall for a real swim and classic Bali photos

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall for a real swim and classic Bali photos
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most-visited waterfalls in Bali, and for good reason. The main value of your time here is that it’s not just a look-at-it-from-above stop. You have about 45 minutes, and the setup is geared for cooling off beneath the falls.

What you can expect:

  • A strong chance to get wet and take memorable photos.
  • Enough time to enjoy the view first, then decide whether you want to swim.
  • Included admission, so you’re not stuck at the ticket counter while the best light fades.

A practical note: even when a waterfall looks easy, the ground near the pool can be slippery. Wear footwear you trust. If you plan to swim, keep an eye on where people are stepping and how fast water is moving.

As for crowds, it’s a popular spot, so you’ll probably see other visitors. The private guide helps because you can time your most important photos and keep moving.

Stop 2: Tirta Empul Temple and its holy spring purification vibe

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Stop 2: Tirta Empul Temple and its holy spring purification vibe
This is the stop that changes the mood. At Tirta Empul, you’re in a holy water temple setting built around purification rituals. The idea centers on a blessing and cleansing experience connected to the removal of bad spirit energy, using the temple’s holy springs.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and admission is included. This is a “slow down and pay attention” type of stop. The guide’s job matters because you want to understand what you’re seeing, not just take a few random photos and move on.

What makes Tirta Empul special for a day trip:

  • It’s cultural and spiritual, not only scenic.
  • The holy springs are treated as meaningful, and the ritual is described as having different meanings tied to character and cleansing.
  • It breaks up the nonstop waterfall feel so your legs and mind get a rest.

Considerations:

  • Temple sites often involve rules about how to dress and behave, and you’ll want to follow your guide’s instructions.
  • You may also want to be mindful around holy water areas, since it’s not just a pool for swimming.

If you like travel days with context, this is the anchor point. Without it, the day would feel like a straight line of “pretty, pretty, pretty.”

Stop 3: Ulu Petanu Waterfall for that temple-plus-water photo setup

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Stop 3: Ulu Petanu Waterfall for that temple-plus-water photo setup
After Tirta Empul, you shift back into waterfall mode with Ulu Petanu. This stop is known for its dramatic scenery and a photo-friendly setting close to Ubud.

You get about 45 minutes here, again with admission included. The big draw is the combination of a temple setting with the waterfall pool and the way water drops into the natural area below. The temple atmosphere in the scene is what makes it feel different from a simple roadside waterfall.

Why this stop is worth your time:

  • Short enough to keep the day moving.
  • Long enough to take photos from multiple angles and still enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Great for Instagram-level views without feeling like you’re doing a full hiking day.

What to watch for:

  • Like most waterfall areas in Bali, it can be slippery and uneven.
  • If it’s wet, your best photo spot might require careful footing. Don’t rush it.

If you’re deciding between more waterfalls or one cultural temple, this is the kind of day where both work because you’re not stretching time at any single stop.

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Stop 4: Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak for a quick tasting with context

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Stop 4: Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak for a quick tasting with context
Next up is Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism, a stop designed around learning and sampling. This is where you taste the famous local roasted coffee associated with coffee luwak.

You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, and admission is included. The real value for most visitors isn’t just the drink. It’s understanding what you’re tasting and the story behind why coffee luwak became famous in the first place.

What you can expect:

  • A guided tasting experience rather than a quick storefront stop.
  • A chance to compare flavors and understand how roasting affects what’s in your cup.
  • Enough time to ask questions about the process, since your guide is already with you.

A couple practical points:

  • Coffee tasting can be a bit tiring if you already had caffeine earlier. Sip, don’t chug.
  • If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to pace yourself. You still have rice terraces after this.

Even if coffee luwak isn’t your personal favorite, this stop is a solid break from water and stone, and it adds variety to the day.

Stop 5: Tegalalang Rice Terrace for photo time and a slower ending

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Stop 5: Tegalalang Rice Terrace for photo time and a slower ending
You finish with Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most recognizable rice landscape views. You’ll get about 46 minutes here, and admission is included.

Why this ending works:

  • By the time you arrive, you’ve already done the active parts of the day, so you can slow down.
  • It’s a good chance to take photos without rushing, and to enjoy the feel of the area for a bit.
  • It gives you a classic Bali souvenir kind of memory, even if you’re not buying anything.

Timing note: because it’s the last major stop, the lighting depends on the day and how traffic moves. If it’s bright, hats and sunscreen help. If it’s overcast, that can also be perfect for photos without harsh glare.

What to do while you’re there:

  • Walk a little and compare viewpoints. Rice terraces look different from different heights.
  • Keep an eye on your footing. Paths are often uneven, and the ground may be damp depending on earlier waterfall conditions.

This stop is also a great moment to ask your guide for practical tips about where to go next in Ubud, since you’ll have already covered the major hits.

Price and value: what your $57.77 per person really covers

Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour - Price and value: what your $57.77 per person really covers
At about $57.77 per person, the value here comes from what you’re not paying for separately. Admission tickets are included at each stop, and you also get a private driver, an English and Malay-speaking guide, bottled water, plus the fuel and parking fees for the day.

That matters because Bali can be a pay-as-you-go maze if you do it yourself. Add up tickets, transport costs, and time wasted coordinating, and a guided private circuit starts to make sense fast.

What’s not included:

  • Lunch
  • Private expenses

So the way you get the best value is simple. Plan a meal strategy. Either eat before you start, grab something snack-sized between stops, or set aside money for a late lunch or early dinner after the tour. With waterfalls and temples in one day, waiting too long can make everything feel harder.

Also, the tour offers group discounts. Even though it’s private, that’s still useful if you have friends joining you. The per-person cost can drop when you split the experience.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you:

  • Want a one-day highlights loop around Ubud without building your own itinerary.
  • Like having a guide who can handle tickets and explain what you’re seeing.
  • Prefer private pacing over crowded group tour timing.
  • Enjoy a mix of nature and culture, not just waterfall chasing.

You might want a different option if you:

  • Hate days that include multiple active stops. There’s swimming potential and walking on uneven ground.
  • Really need a guaranteed long lunch break. This tour does not include lunch, so your meal time is on you.
  • Want a deep, slow temple study. Tirta Empul is meaningful, but it is still one stop inside a full-day schedule.

The best way to think about it: if you want maximum highlights with minimal logistics work, this fits.

The guide makes or breaks a day like this: how Koko-style service helps

In a route like this, your guide is not just “someone holding a phone.” It’s the difference between a relaxed day and a stressful one. The standout theme from guide service here is Koko’s approach: friendly, attentive, and focused on keeping your schedule on track.

You can feel that kind of care when a guide:

  • Takes care of entry passes so you’re not hunting for tickets.
  • Schedules stops in a way that respects your time.
  • Stays present, answering questions while you move through each attraction.
  • Walks with you during the key moments, not just dropping you at the entrance.

If you like chatting during travel, that adds to the enjoyment. If you’re the quieter type, it still helps because you don’t have to guess what to do next.

Final call: should you book this Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized day that hits Bali’s most popular Ubud-style stops in about 10 hours, with admission tickets included and a private guide who handles the busywork. I think it’s especially good for couples and small groups who want to see Tegenungan, Tirta Empul, Ulu Petanu, and Tegalalang without getting tangled in transport and ticket lines.

Skip it if you need lunch included, want a very slow pace, or dislike moving through multiple sites in one day.

If your priority is value plus convenience, this tour is the type that earns its price by reducing friction.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Private Chasing Waterfall and Water Temple Tour?

The tour duration is about 10 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, and only your group will participate.

What stops are included in the tour?

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

Are admission tickets included?

Yes. Admission entry tickets are included for the stops listed.

What’s included besides tickets?

The tour includes a private driver, a comfortable air-conditioned van, bottled water, and an English and Malay-speaking guide. Fuel and parking fees are also included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I expect at Tegenungan Waterfall?

You’ll have about 45 minutes, admission is included, and it is a popular spot where you can cool off with a swim beneath the falls.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

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