About this tour
A seven-to-eight-hour circuit combining spiritual practice, waterfall swimming, and rice-terrace walking across Bali's central highlands. You'll perform a traditional purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple with a priest guiding you through the sacred spring pools, then cool off at the secluded Ulu Petanu Waterfall tucked into dense jungle, finishing among the layered paddies of Tegalalang where you'll learn how the subak irrigation system has sustained rice cultivation for centuries.
Highlights
- Melukat purification ceremony in Tirta Empul's spring-fed pools with local priest
- Swim at Ulu Petanu Waterfall, a quiet jungle retreat away from main routes
- Walk the sculpted emerald slopes of Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Learn the mechanics of Bali's UNESCO subak irrigation network
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout the day
- Balinese sarong provided for temple entry
What to expect
Start early and drive to Tirta Empul, where you'll change into a sarong and descend into the temple grounds. A local priest walks you through the melukat ceremony—you'll wade into the cold spring pools at designated points, each with its own purpose. It's a genuine ritual rather than theatre, so expect a respectful, quiet atmosphere. Mid-morning you'll head to Ulu Petanu, a steep walk down through forest to a waterfall basin where you can swim. The final stop is Tegalalang's signature rice landscape: you'll stroll the narrow paths between paddies, absorbing the geometry of the fields. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and reef-safe lotion.
Good to know
Not suitable if you have spinal concerns. Wear sturdy footwear for waterfall and terrace walks—paths are uneven and muddy after rain. The spring water at Tirta Empul is cold year-round. Bring a change of clothes; you'll get wet twice. Service animals are welcome.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.