About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team ran this tour, we got a proper taste of Ubud's quieter side—hidden waterfalls, temple compounds, and rice terraces without the usual tourist crush. It's a private drive around the Ubud district in a comfortable air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver who steers you through spiritual sites like Tirta Empul and Tegalalang, plus a waterfall swim stop and afternoon tea. The 9-hour day splits roughly five hours exploring on foot and four on the road, with breaks built in. Best for travellers after culture and nature without the guided-group energy.
Highlights
- Poh Gading Waterfall swim — genuinely quiet, green valley setting
- Tirta Empul Temple's spring-fed pools, spiritual without feeling staged
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace vista — lush and photogenic midday light
- Private transport means no coach-load stops or fixed itinerary rushes
- Afternoon tea break gives you breathing room between sites
- Driver keeps pace flexible — you're not herded through checkpoints
- Mix of temple, water, and farm landscape hits different moods
What to expect
The day starts with a pick-up from your accommodation and a gentle drive north toward Poh Gading Waterfall. You'll hike down a short track (doable for most fitness levels) and swim in a cool natural pool — it's the kind of place locals use, not a tourist stage set. From there, the driver takes you to Sukawati's temples, where you'll walk through courtyards and absorb the spiritual rhythm without crowds pressing in. Tirta Empul is the marquee stop: the temple's spring-fed pools are genuinely serene, though you'll share the space with other visitors.
Afternoon tea happens at a local spot, giving you a proper pause. Tegalalang Rice Terrace comes later, when the light softens. You'll see the dramatic green slopes and have time to walk the edges or grab photos. The pacing feels human — not rushed, but not dawdling either. Noah noted the driver was attentive without hovering, leaving you to absorb each place at your own speed.
What travellers say
- Private car cuts out tour-group chaos and set schedules
- English-speaking driver navigates temples and villages smoothly
- Waterfall, temple, and rice terrace in one coherent arc
- Entrance fees bundled in — no hidden costs at gates
- Flexible pacing lets you absorb rather than tick boxes
- Nine-hour day tires you out; early starts aren't for everyone
- Women menstruating cannot enter temples due to religious customs
- Meal costs and swing/lunch add-ons aren't factored in upfront
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private transport means flexibility — skip a site if something clicks, linger longer at temples or the waterfall. Your driver speaks English and navigates the area without fuss. Entrance tickets are included if you book the right package option, so no surprise costs at gates. The mix of water, spirituality, and landscape gives you genuine variety in one day.
The full day is nine hours, so early starts and late finishes eat into your schedule. Walking is moderate but varied — waterfall trek, temple courtyards, rice terrace paths — so wear proper shoes. Women menstruating cannot enter Balinese temples, a religious custom you need to know upfront. Pregnant travellers are welcome up to seven months and in good health, but those with spinal issues, poor cardiovascular fitness, or recent injuries should skip it. Peak season means shared temple space, though private transport shields you from coach tours. Lunch isn't included, so budget for meals. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes for the waterfall.
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.