REVIEW · KUTA
Bali Highlights : Nature, Waterfall, Rice Terraces and Volcano
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One day, three Bali natural icons. This experience strings together Tegenungan Waterfall and the Mount Batur volcano panorama, then adds classic Ubud-area culture without making you manage tickets. I like that hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and key entry fees are handled for you, so your day starts moving fast. One possible drawback: it is a long 8–10 hour push, and lunch is not included.
You’ll also get value from the way the day is organized: you’re not just passively parked at viewpoints. The guide setup here is known for sharing context and helping with photos, which matters when you’re bouncing between temples, terraces, and scenery.
In This Review
- Key things I’d expect from this Bali Highlights day
- Bali Highlights in One Long Day: Waterfall, Rice Terraces, Volcano Views
- Price and Value at $37.23: What’s Included vs Not
- Getting Around and Pickup Zones From Kuta
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Jungle Views and the Swim Option
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Walking the Paddies and Capturing Farm Life
- Mount Batur and the Kintamani Highlands: Volcano Panorama and Where Lunch Fits
- Batuan Temple: Ornate Stone Carvings From 1020 AD
- Celuk Village: Gold and Silver Craft Culture in One Stop
- Ubud Market and Palace Area: Pasar Ubud and Puri Saren Agung
- Mas Village and the Wood-Carving Center Feel
- Gunung Kawi: The Rock-Cut Temple Complex by the Pakerisan River
- Jungle Swing Over the Ayung River: A Fun Photo Moment at Your Own Cost
- Pura Taman Saraswati and the Water Temple Details
- Bali Beach Time: Kuta, Pandawa, Padang Padang, and Geger Options
- Finns Beach Club and Other Photo-Friendly Stops in Canggu and Nusa Dua
- What Makes This Tour Work for Your Trip
- Should You Book Bali Highlights? My Practical Take
- FAQ
- How long is the Bali Highlights tour?
- What is the price per person?
- Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Are entrance tickets included?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need a sarong for temples?
- Is this a private tour?
- Where is free pickup available?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things I’d expect from this Bali Highlights day

- Tegenungan Waterfall with real jungle views (and a chance to go down to the water)
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace walking time for photos and seeing daily farm life
- Mount Batur viewpoint in Kintamani with optional lunch at your own cost
- Temple and craft stops built around Ubud culture (like Batuan Temple and Celuk gold/silver work)
- A wide sweep that can include major South Bali beach icons after the Ubud highlights
- Optional add-ons like jungle swings that you pay for separately
Bali Highlights in One Long Day: Waterfall, Rice Terraces, Volcano Views
This is the kind of Bali day that’s built around “big nature hits” rather than museums or slow city wandering. You get the waterfall, then the famous rice terraces, then you climb to the Kintamani highlands for a volcano look at Mount Batur. It’s a smart mix for first-timers because the variety is immediate.
Timing matters, though. Even though each main stop might be around an hour on paper, the real day includes transit, photo queues, temple entry time, and getting everyone to the right meeting point again.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta.
Price and Value at $37.23: What’s Included vs Not
At $37.23 per person, the main value is logistics. Your hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you’re traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and parking fees covered. That matters a lot in Bali because time and traffic can eat your day.
Here’s the important split:
- Entrance tickets are included, but it depends on the package you book.
- Tegenungan Waterfall specifically notes admission not included.
- Lunch is not included, and you’ll likely want to budget for it—especially if you plan to eat during the Mount Batur/Kintamani stretch.
If you’re trying to control costs, this pricing structure is actually helpful. You can plan for lunch and any optional activities, while most other core sites won’t require extra ticket wrangling on the spot.
Getting Around and Pickup Zones From Kuta
Your day starts with pickup in a bunch of common Bali bases: Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Canggu, Legian, Denpasar, and Benoa Harbor. The driver meets you at your hotel or villa lobby, and the pickup time is according to your booking.
This is described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That’s a big deal if you want fewer interruptions than big group shuttles and if you’re hoping your guide can take more time with photos.
Tegenungan Waterfall: Jungle Views and the Swim Option
Tegenungan Waterfall is the classic “green Bali” scene. It’s surrounded by tropical jungle, and you’ll have two main ways to enjoy it: you can take in the view from the viewing platform, or you can head down toward the water.
Admission isn’t included for this stop, so check your ticket coverage before you go. Also plan for practicality: the area can be slippery, and if you choose to go down closer to the water, you’ll want shoes that handle wet surfaces.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Walking the Paddies and Capturing Farm Life
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is famous for a reason. You’ll see green rice paddies from angles that make for strong photos, and you also get time to stroll through the fields. More than the scenery, this stop is about everyday rhythm—how farmers work and how the terraces shape local life.
The best way to enjoy it is to slow down for your photos. Don’t just snap and move. Take a minute to look at irrigation channels and the way the paths cut between paddies, because those details are what make the photos look like more than a postcard.
One practical note: your time here is about an hour. That’s enough for a walk and pictures, but not enough to wander endlessly. Wear sun protection and keep water handy.
Mount Batur and the Kintamani Highlands: Volcano Panorama and Where Lunch Fits
Mount Batur is where the day shifts from lush jungle to dramatic highland views. From the Kintamani highlands, you’ll enjoy a big panorama over Mount Batur and the valley below.
Lunch can be served here, but it’s listed as own cost. That gives you two options:
- If you want something simple and convenient, buy or eat at the available places near the viewpoint.
- If you’re picky, you can plan what you’ll do at that stop time.
This is also the point in the day where weather matters most. Even in the same trip, cloud cover can change the clarity of the volcano view, so I’d aim to treat the viewpoint like a “get the best possible moment” stop rather than waiting for perfect light that may not come.
Batuan Temple: Ornate Stone Carvings From 1020 AD
Batuan Temple is an easy step up from generic temple sightseeing. It’s described as nearly 1,000 years old, founded in 944 saka (1020 AD). What you’re going for is the ornate look—elaborate carvings, decorative ornaments, and shrines.
This is also where the tour’s temple planning helps. Sarongs for entering Balinese temples are included, so you shouldn’t need to worry about renting one last minute.
Try to treat this stop as more than a photo stop. If you take even a few minutes to watch how people move through the space and where they pause, the temple starts to feel like a living place rather than a backdrop.
Celuk Village: Gold and Silver Craft Culture in One Stop
Celuk Village is Bali’s craft lane for fine metalwork. It’s famous for producing high-grade gold and silver handicrafts, particularly jewelry. You’ll get about an hour here, which is perfect for seeing how artisans focus on details without turning it into a long shopping marathon.
If you enjoy craft watching, this stop can be one of the most satisfying parts of the day because the work is tangible. You can see what’s being made, ask basic questions if your guide supports it, and understand why some pieces cost what they do.
If you’re not into shopping, you can still use this hour to watch the process and take a few photos of workshop scenes from respectful angles.
Ubud Market and Palace Area: Pasar Ubud and Puri Saren Agung
After the craft stop, the day can shift into central Ubud’s classic landmarks.
Pasar Ubud sits opposite Ubud Palace and is open daily. It’s the kind of market where you’ll find paintings, silk scarves, lightweight shirts, and handmade woven bags. Even if you don’t plan to buy, it’s useful to walk through for the color, texture, and sense of what people actually sell locally.
Ubud Palace, officially Puri Saren Agung, is described as the official residence of the royal family of Ubud. This stop gives you that context: you’re not just browsing shops; you’re standing where the region’s older identity was centered.
Mas Village and the Wood-Carving Center Feel
Mas village is the center of Bali wood carving. In a short visit, you can still catch what makes the carving style distinct and why so many pieces come out of this area.
This is a good stop if you like Bali as a craft culture, not just nature. It pairs well after Celuk because you’re seeing two different materials and design approaches—metal jewelry versus carved wood.
Gunung Kawi: The Rock-Cut Temple Complex by the Pakerisan River
Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century temple and funerary complex spread across either side of the Pakerisan River. It’s made up of 10 rock-cut candi, which means your brain will likely spend part of the visit just mapping how the site is laid out along the river.
Expect a calmer feel than the market areas. If you like temples with a sense of place—rather than a single main gate photo—this is worth your time.
Jungle Swing Over the Ayung River: A Fun Photo Moment at Your Own Cost
One of the more modern, high-energy parts of the day is the jungle swing option. You’ll ride a swing that soars over palm jungle and the Ayung River, and it’s built for memorable photos.
The catch is simple: it’s listed as something with personal expenses, so it’s not included in the base set of included items. I’d treat it like an upgrade, not a requirement.
If you’re booking for the scenery more than the activity, you can still appreciate the jungle views nearby. But for the swing experience itself, budget for it.
Also, wear clothes that let you move comfortably, and expect it to be a bit of a “get ready fast” moment since the day is moving.
Pura Taman Saraswati and the Water Temple Details
Pura Taman Saraswati is a beautiful water temple in central Ubud. A stop like this is a nice change of pace because it mixes temple culture with a watery setting feel.
The key practical point is again sarong etiquette. Sarongs are included for temple visits, so you’re covered there, but it’s still worth dressing respectfully. Light layers work well so you’re comfortable in the heat.
Bali Beach Time: Kuta, Pandawa, Padang Padang, and Geger Options
This is where the day can turn into a “South Bali highlight tour.” The route list includes multiple beach stops, including:
- Kuta Beach, with its golden-white sand and blue water
- Pandawa Beach, described as picture-perfect with white sand and sparkling clear water
- Padang Padang Beach, a small sandy bay with clear blue water and corals, plus a view from a cliff
- Geger Beach in Nusa Dua, noted as a golden-white sand beach that can be great for families and honeymoons
A big reality check: in an 8–10 hour day, beach time usually means short stays. So plan for photos, a walk, and a chance to feel the ocean air, not a full beach day with a long lounge setup.
If you’re coming from inland or Ubud-side heat, you’ll likely appreciate the quick reset by the water.
Finns Beach Club and Other Photo-Friendly Stops in Canggu and Nusa Dua
The tour information also points to more “stop-and-stare” locations that are easy to photograph and fun to experience briefly. For example, Finns Beach Club on Berawa Beach in Canggu is described as chic, with a blue-tiled freeform infinity pool and a bamboo structure.
There’s also mention of:
- Canggu’s coastal stretch (Berawa to Cemagi) and a “hipsters love it” vibe
- Tanjung Benoa for water sports and shallow-waters beach time
- Bali’s cultural park with a huge Vishnu statue at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)
- Sukawati Art Market as a long-standing art market option
The way I’d use these stops: treat them as add-ons if the schedule fits. They’re good for variety—beach + culture + modern Bali—without forcing you into a full-day activity.
What Makes This Tour Work for Your Trip
This experience is a strong match if you want Bali highlights without planning. It’s also good if you’re staying in the common pickup zones and you don’t want to rent a scooter or coordinate separate drivers.
You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:
- Like mixing nature stops with culture stops
- Want a guide who can explain what you’re seeing
- Care about getting photos at each main location without fighting logistics
It may be less ideal if you hate long days or if you want unhurried time. This is the kind of itinerary where you’ll get meaningful sights, but you won’t have “wander all afternoon” freedom.
Should You Book Bali Highlights? My Practical Take
Book it if you want a single day that covers waterfall + rice terraces + volcano views with pickup and included temple items. The $37.23 price is especially attractive given transport and the number of core stops, and I’d bet you’ll appreciate the guide’s ability to share info and help with photos.
Skip or adjust expectations if you:
- Want a slow pace or a guaranteed full lunch
- Are hoping every single stop listed will feel like a long stay (it won’t)
- Don’t want extra-cost add-ons like the jungle swing
If you book, set yourself up for success: bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a plan for lunch and any optional activities. That way, the day feels like a highlight reel instead of a rush.
FAQ
How long is the Bali Highlights tour?
It runs about 8 to 10 hours.
What is the price per person?
The price is $37.23 per person.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle.
Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance tickets are included depending on the package you book. Tegenungan Waterfall specifically lists admission ticket not included.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. Lunch can be served around the Mount Batur/Kintamani highland area, but it’s listed as your own cost.
Do I need a sarong for temples?
A sarong for entering Balinese temples is included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group will participate, and it’s listed as private transportation.
Where is free pickup available?
Free pickup is listed for Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Canggu, Legian, Denpasar, and Benoa Harbor.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours of the start time is not refunded.

























