REVIEW · UBUD
Private Bali swing, waterfall instagramable tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Ubud Tour · Bookable on Viator
Big Bali photos, zero group hassle. This private Ubud day strings together Tegenungan Waterfall and the famous swing at Aloha for some serious Instagram-ready moments, without you having to plan your own driving. I also like that you get an English-speaking driver and a flexible pace, with guides such as Kadek, Dewa, and Ngurah Awan known for thoughtful photo help. One thing to consider: the swing and waterfall areas can get crowded, and extra swing play costs may pop up since play is not included.
You’ll start with pickup from several possible locations, then spend the day hopping between iconic Ubud scenery and a bit of local temple etiquette. You’ll be given a sarong to wear for a village temple visit, which makes the cultural part feel easy, not awkward. If you’re hoping for a calm, empty jungle moment, plan for lines and crowds around the most photo-heavy spots.
This tour runs about 8 hours, starting around 8:30am, and includes bottled water and admission tickets for the main stops. You’ll leave with a full day of contrasts: waterfall views, rice-terrace water engineering, and that stomach-drop swing perspective over the jungle canopy.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- A Ubud day built for waterfall, rice terrace, and swing photos
- Pickup and timing: an 8:30am start you’ll actually appreciate
- Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall and the real challenge of the stairs
- Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the story of subak water
- Stop 3: Aloha Ubud Swing Over the jungle canopy
- Temple visit etiquette: the sarong makes it simple
- Photo and comfort tips that save time
- Expect crowds at the big moments
- Wear the right attitude for a waterfall day
- Use the driver for timing and photos
- Know what’s included vs. extra
- Price and value: what $48.72 per person really buys
- Who this private Bali swing waterfall tour fits best
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the private tour?
- Is hotel pickup available?
- Is this a private tour?
- What does the tour include?
- What is not included in the price?
- Do I need to buy tickets for the stops?
- Do I get a sarong for the temple visit?
Key highlights to know before you go
- Private transportation with pickup from several locations, so you’re not wrestling scooters or buses
- Admission tickets included for Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Aloha swing stop
- Sarong provided for the village temple visit, so you’re covered for local dress expectations
- An English-speaking driver who can help with photos and timing, with guides like Kadek, Dewa, and Ngurah Awan getting praised
- A full-photo circuit in one day: waterfall, rice terraces, and swing, all at a pace that can flex
A Ubud day built for waterfall, rice terrace, and swing photos

If you’re in Ubud for just a short window, this is the kind of tour that gets you value fast. Instead of doing one “big thing” and calling it a day, you stack three classic Ubud hits into one private outing: Tegenungan Waterfall, the Tegalalang rice terraces, and then the Aloha Ubud swing.
What makes it work for real life is that it’s private. You’re not stuck waiting for a big group to finish photos, and you can slow down if you’re enjoying a viewpoint. The day also has a built-in rhythm: a cooling waterfall start, a scenic walking-and-looking stop at the terraces, and then the adrenaline photo moment at the swing.
The “photo plus culture” angle is also practical. You’re not just chasing views. You’ll wear a sarong for a village temple visit, which helps you show basic respect without having to figure out what to wear at the last minute.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Pickup and timing: an 8:30am start you’ll actually appreciate

The tour starts at 8:30am and runs about 8 hours. Starting in the morning matters in Bali. The light gets better for photos, and popular stops tend to feel less chaotic earlier in the day.
You can arrange hotel pickup from multiple locations, which is a big deal in Ubud. Traffic and navigation can be frustrating, especially if you’re not used to local roads. With private transportation and an English-speaking driver, you spend your energy on the day instead of map apps.
Also, you’re in a true private setting. This isn’t a shared shuttle where you’ll be stuck with a schedule you don’t control. It’s just your group, which makes bathroom breaks, photo timing, and walking pace easier to manage.
Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall and the real challenge of the stairs

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of Bali’s more popular waterfall stops, and for good reason. The setting is fun for swimming, and the drop is the kind that turns “quick photos” into a full moment.
Still, go in with eyes open about effort. There’s a real climb involved getting down to the falls and back up again. One practical piece of advice: if your legs are not great with stairs, take it slow on the descent and plan for extra time at the bottom.
Coping with crowds is also part of the day. Tegenungan can be busy, so you’ll want to:
- Move toward spots that aren’t right at the busiest viewing areas
- Keep your swim time a bit tighter if you want fewer interruptions
- Bring a calm mindset—waterfall days are not meant to be silent
The good news is that the waterfall part is only about 1 hour here, and admission is included. That’s enough time to cool off, take your photos, and still get to your next stop with momentum.
Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the story of subak water
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s most recognizable rice-paddy scenes. You’re looking at the classic green steps of rice fields, but what makes it more than just a pretty view is the water system behind it.
You’ll learn about subak, the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. It’s the kind of local knowledge that makes the terraces feel like a living system, not a staged postcard. Even if you only remember one concept from the day, it’s worth holding onto: people organized water together so rice could thrive.
This stop is also about pacing. You have about 1 hour, which works well because walking viewpoints can add up quickly in the heat. The terraces are photogenic from many angles, so it’s easy to spend more time than planned if you let yourself.
If you’re someone who likes a quick browse with photos, you’ll be fine. If you love wandering and taking lots of photos from different levels, build in a little extra energy for walking on uneven ground.
Admission ticket is included here too, which keeps the math simple.
Stop 3: Aloha Ubud Swing Over the jungle canopy
Now for the main event: the swing at Aloha Ubud Swing. This is the part where your brain switches from sightseeing to adrenaline. The swing is suspended over dense tropical forest, giving you that dramatic view down into the jungle bellow—exactly the kind of perspective that makes people stop scrolling.
The swing stop is about 1 hour, and admission tickets are included. But there’s a key detail you should not miss: play swing is not included. That likely means the actual swing ride (and possibly add-on photo packages) can require extra payment once you’re on-site.
Also, crowds can hit hard at the swing venue. One thing I’d plan for: you might wait your turn, and the best photos sometimes come after the rush. If you’re traveling with people who don’t want to ride, you may still enjoy the views and photo opportunities from nearby spots while others swing.
That said, the staff can be helpful with photos and video support. If photo packages are offered, you’ll be able to decide on the spot rather than buying a bundle in advance.
Temple visit etiquette: the sarong makes it simple
One part I appreciate here is the sarong provided for the village temple visit. Bali has dress expectations for religious spaces, and having the sarong ready removes a common headache.
You’ll wear it when visiting the village temple, which means you’re not spending your day hunting for something suitable. It also helps you focus on the temple experience itself instead of logistics.
A small mindset tip: temples aren’t a background. If you slow down for a minute—watch how people behave—you’ll understand the place faster than if you just treat it like a photo stop.
Photo and comfort tips that save time
This tour is built for photos, but you’ll have a better day if you handle the practical stuff first.
Expect crowds at the big moments
Tegenungan and the swing area can both be busy. Plan your best shots early and don’t assume you’ll get the exact angle you want without people in frame.
Wear the right attitude for a waterfall day
If you want to swim, the waterfall is known for being enjoyable for that. But you’ll need to accept the reality of the stairs—down and up—so keep your energy for that walk.
Use the driver for timing and photos
Guides like Kadek, Dewa, and Ngurah Awan are praised for helpful English and photo support. Even if you don’t need help with directions, having someone who can nudge you toward good timing can make your photos look more natural.
Know what’s included vs. extra
Admission tickets are included for the main stops, but lunch, personal expenses, and play swing are not. Translation: budget for food on your own, and expect that the swing experience itself can have additional costs once you’re there.
Price and value: what $48.72 per person really buys
At $48.72 per person, this tour can be good value if you’d otherwise pay for transport plus individual admissions. What’s included matters:
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- English-speaking driver
- Sarong for the temple visit
- All fees and taxes
- Admission tickets included for the waterfall, rice terraces, and swing stop
In other words, you’re paying for convenience and a structured route. If you tried to DIY this with a driver or rides, you’d likely spend similar time (or more) on logistics.
The only real “value watch” is extra costs: lunch and swing play are not included. If you ride the swing and add photo packages, your final day cost could climb. But you’ll be able to decide what you want rather than being forced into a package ahead of time.
For me, the biggest value is the private setup. You’re buying back time and stress.
Who this private Bali swing waterfall tour fits best
This tour makes the most sense if you:
- Want a one-day photo circuit in Ubud without planning
- Like having a driver who speaks English and can handle timing
- Want both scenery and a bit of culture (the temple visit with sarong)
- Travel with a small group and appreciate a private pace
It can also be a good match for couples and small friend groups who want to move around without compromise. If your group includes someone who is less into photos, the pace and private nature can still work, because you can spend more time at viewpoints you actually care about.
If your group is sensitive to crowds, you’ll still be able to enjoy the day—you just need flexibility and a willingness to shoot early.
Should you book this tour?
Book it if you want a smooth, private day that hits the big three: waterfall, rice terraces, and Aloha swing—with tickets and key cultural support (sarong) handled for you. It’s especially appealing for first-timers in Ubud or anyone with limited time.
Skip it or choose a different format if you hate stairs, don’t want to deal with crowded photo spots, or you’re trying to keep costs extremely tight because swing play and lunch aren’t included.
If you’re okay with a full day and a little waiting for photo moments, this is one of those Bali experiences that turns planning into memories—fast.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:30am.
How long is the private tour?
It runs about 8 hours.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes. Hotel pickup can be arranged from several locations.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.
What does the tour include?
It includes bottled water, private transportation, sarong for the temple visit, an English-speaking driver, and all fees and taxes. Admission tickets are also included for the main stops.
What is not included in the price?
Lunch, personal expenses, and play swing are not included.
Do I need to buy tickets for the stops?
Admission tickets for the waterfall, rice terraces, and swing stop are included.
Do I get a sarong for the temple visit?
Yes. Sarong use is included for the temple visit.



























