REVIEW · SEMINYAK
Private Tour Ubud: Swing at Rice Field with Temple and Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by VIC Tour And Transport · Bookable on Viator
A day in Ubud, planned for big photos and real culture. What makes this one worth your time is the mix: Aloha Ubud Swing for sky-high views, plus Tirta Empul Temple for a spiritual, hands-on moment. I like that the route moves smoothly and still gives you time to slow down and look, not just rush through stops.
One thing to factor in: the swing ticket isn’t included, and the day runs about 8 to 10 hours, so it helps to have solid shoes and decent energy.
This is also a tour that pays attention to details. The English-speaking driver is part of the experience, and named guides in past trips like Victor and Hendra were praised for helping with photos, keeping things on track, and explaining local religion and culture in a way that actually sticks.
If you’re coming from Seminyak but meeting at Denpasar, you’ll want to budget time for the ride—yet the air-conditioned vehicle helps a lot.
Finally, the “waterfall + rice terraces” combo can be weather-dependent. The tour notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund—so plan this for a flexible day on your Bali calendar.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During This Day
- How the Day Flows: 10:00am Start, 8–10 Hours of Ubud Hits
- Stop 1: Aloha Ubud Swing Over the Rice Valleys
- Stop 2: Tirta Empul Temple and the Cleansing Ritual
- Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace Walk (UNESCO Views, Real Footpaths)
- Stop 4: Waterfall Time for a Cool-Off (Manuaba Listed, Ulu Petanu Mentioned)
- Optional Art Market Area: Jalan Raya Andong
- Lunch at D’Alas Warung: Local Food, Your Choice
- Price and Value: What $36.23 Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)
- Best For Who? Who Will Love This Route Most
- Small Logistics That Matter on This Tour
- Should You Book This Tour?
- FAQ
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What’s the starting time and where do I meet?
- Is pickup offered?
- How long is the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to pay for tickets at the stops?
- How physically demanding is the day?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Is this really a private tour?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During This Day

- Photo-ready swing views over jungle and rice valleys, with a driver who helps you time shots at each stop
- Tirta Empul Temple’s water-cleansing ritual included, a meaningful cultural moment beyond scenery
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace walk at a UNESCO World Heritage site, with time to wander and take it in
- A waterfall stop for a cool-off after temples and terraces (listed as Manuaba Waterfall in the route)
- Optional lunch at D’Alas Warung if you want a simple, local-food break without overthinking the day
How the Day Flows: 10:00am Start, 8–10 Hours of Ubud Hits
Your day starts at 10:00am, with the meeting point at Living World Denpasar (Jl. Gatot Subroto Tim., Tonja, Denpasar). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out returns after a long, muddy, photo-heavy day.
The total time is listed as about 8 to 10 hours. That matters because Ubud traffic and walking time can stretch faster than you expect, especially around popular photo spots. The good news: you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle, and it’s a private tour customized to your group.
Each major stop is allotted about 1.5 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a day like this: long enough to walk, take photos, and soak up the vibe, but short enough that you’re not tired out by mid-afternoon.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Seminyak
Stop 1: Aloha Ubud Swing Over the Rice Valleys

The day kicks off with the swing experience at Aloha Ubud Swing. This is the part most people book for the views: you’re elevated above jungle and rice valleys, with classic Bali scenery that photographs well from multiple angles.
Here’s the practical bit: the swing admission/activity ticket is not included. So when you budget, plan for that extra cost and buy or pay on-site as the tour indicates. If you’re traveling with someone who gets nervous around heights, this is the moment to set expectations early—because you’ll want both of you to feel comfortable before you start climbing the steps.
I also like that the route places the swing first. Getting it early usually makes the rest of the day easier. After the swing, you move straight into quieter, slower cultural stops, so your energy doesn’t drop too hard by the time you reach Tirta Empul and the terraces.
In reviews, named guides like Victor were praised for helping with pictures in different locations, and Hendra was noted as accommodating and helpful with photos. That matters here: small timing and positioning changes can make your swing shots look dramatically better.
Stop 2: Tirta Empul Temple and the Cleansing Ritual

Next up is Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring. This is a Hindu water temple tied to the ritual of cleansing. Admission is listed as included here, which is a nice relief after the swing, since you’re not paying extra at every stop.
What you’ll experience is spiritual and interactive in a way that scenery stops usually aren’t. Devotees participate in the cleansing ritual using sacred water springs, and you’ll be there to observe the flow of the ritual and the setting around it.
Two practical tips for this part:
- Bring extra respect for the space. This is not a theme park moment. Dress and behavior should match the sacred setting.
- Expect some waiting and movement. Even if your time block is 1.5 hours, rituals take their own pace.
I also like that the tour doesn’t treat Tirta Empul like a quick photo backdrop. The temple is listed as a full stop, and guides in past trips (again, Victor and Hendra come up a lot) were praised for giving explanations about local religion and culture. That turns the visit from I saw it into I understood it.
Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace Walk (UNESCO Views, Real Footpaths)
After Tirta Empul, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admission is listed as included.
This part is about walking, not just looking. The terraces are the kind of place where you’ll want to follow paths at your own pace, find angles, and take breaks to breathe. If you only stop for ten photos, you’ll miss what makes it special: the layered fields, water channels, and the way the whole area changes as you move.
A realistic note: Tegalalang is popular. That means crowds can be part of the deal. This tour’s private format helps because you’re not stuck with the same exact group pace. And because your driver is English-speaking and asked-for time is possible, you can slow down for the shots you care about most.
Also, this is a good moment to think about footwear. You may deal with uneven ground and stairs. Your moderate physical fitness note isn’t about hiking for hours—it’s about being comfortable walking around temple and terrace terrain.
Stop 4: Waterfall Time for a Cool-Off (Manuaba Listed, Ulu Petanu Mentioned)
The route includes a waterfall stop, listed as Manuaba Waterfall in the itinerary. But the overview also mentions Ulu Petanu Waterfall, so there’s a name mismatch between the two parts of the description.
That’s important enough to handle smartly: before you go, confirm with the provider which exact waterfall you’ll visit. You don’t want to get to the wrong place after a long day.
What you can expect at the waterfall stop is nature-focused and refreshingly different from temples and terraces. The description sets the tone as a lush jungle surroundings break, and it even mentions the option to cool off with a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. If you plan to swim, bring a practical plan:
- Water shoes or sandals that can handle slippery surfaces
- A way to secure your phone/camera
- Quick-dry clothing after
Even if you don’t swim, the waterfall itself is a rewarding reset. It’s one of the few parts of the day that feels like it belongs to the island’s outdoors rather than its cultural landmarks.
From a value perspective, the itinerary lists admission as included for this stop. Still, double-check what you’ll need on arrival, since activity costs and ticket rules can vary.
Optional Art Market Area: Jalan Raya Andong

The route includes a possible pass through Jalan Raya Andong in Ubud. This is noted as an artistic street and connected with the Ubud Art Market.
Here’s what this means for you: this is a low-pressure chance to buy small crafts, browse local art, and pick up souvenirs without detouring too far from the main sights. It’s also a helpful buffer area—if you want a quick snack or a restroom break before the last stretches, this is where it can fit.
Don’t expect this to replace time at the temples or terraces. It’s an extra stop if it fits the route, not the center of the day. Use it for browsing and light shopping, not a second major attraction.
Lunch at D’Alas Warung: Local Food, Your Choice
Lunch is optional. The plan includes D’Alas Warung as a food break, and it’s described as a place for authentic Balinese flavors.
The key detail: lunch is not included in the tour. So you’ll pay for what you order. If you like the idea of eating without hunting for a restaurant in between muddy walking stops, this option is convenient.
If you’re trying to keep the whole day easy, I’d treat lunch as part of the tour’s value—not because it’s included, but because it reduces decision fatigue when you’re already moving between several busy locations.
Price and Value: What $36.23 Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)

The listed price is $36.23 per person for a private tour with pickup offered. That’s surprisingly competitive for a private day in Bali—especially with an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, and insurance included.
But the value really depends on how you read what’s included and excluded:
- Included: private customized tour, air-conditioned transport, English-speaking driver, insurance
- Included tickets: Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terrace are listed as admission included, and the waterfall stop is also marked with admission included
- Not included: swing activities/attraction site activities, lunch, and other expenses
So your total day cost is the swing ticket plus any food and personal purchases. For many people, that’s still a good deal, because you’re essentially paying for transport + guide + ticket planning across multiple major sights.
When does this feel best?
- If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want flexibility
- If you care about photos and explanations
- If you’d rather not drive yourself in Ubud traffic
Best For Who? Who Will Love This Route Most
This is a strong match if you want a Bali day that’s both scenic and culturally grounded. You’re getting the thrill-and-views moment (swing), a spiritual stop (Tirta Empul), a iconic landscape walk (Tegalalang), and then a nature break (waterfall).
It’s also a good choice if you like a guide who can adapt to your pace. Past trips praised Victor and Hendra for being accommodating, patient, and responsive to interests—especially when it came to helping with photos and giving context about local religion.
It’s less ideal if:
- You hate long days. The schedule is about 8 to 10 hours.
- You want a highly structured, no-walking day. There is walking at terraces and temple areas.
- You’re counting on the swing being included. The swing ticket is not included.
Small Logistics That Matter on This Tour
A few practical things make your day smoother:
- Bring a little patience for popular stops like the rice terraces. Your private setup still helps, but you can’t fully escape crowds.
- Wear shoes you can walk in on uneven ground.
- Plan for weather. The tour requires good weather, and if it doesn’t happen you’ll need to shift plans.
Also, confirmation happens unless you book very close to travel date. If you’re traveling in the next few days, check timing so you know you’re set.
Should You Book This Tour?
Yes—if you want one organized day that blends photos with meaningful Bali culture. The combo of Tirta Empul plus the Tegalalang Rice Terrace walk gives the day depth, while the swing and waterfall keep it fun and varied. The private vehicle and the fact that the guide is English-speaking make it easier to understand what you’re seeing and get better photos without constantly asking for directions.
I’d book it especially if you value:
- A guide who helps with pictures and timing
- Context about local religion and culture
- A day that doesn’t leave big gaps for decision-making
Before you confirm, do two quick checks: confirm the exact waterfall name (Manuaba vs Ulu Petanu) and plan for the swing ticket cost since it’s not included.
FAQ
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a private customized tour, an English-speaking driver, and insurance. Admission is listed as included for Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, while the swing activity ticket is not included.
What’s the starting time and where do I meet?
The tour starts at 10:00am. The meeting point is Living World Denpasar on Jl. Gatot Subroto Tim., Tonja, Denpasar Utara, Bali 80235, Indonesia.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered. The tour also lists a specific meeting point in Denpasar for the start of the experience.
How long is the tour?
It’s listed as 8 to 10 hours approximately.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is optional, and it’s listed as not included. The D’Alas Warung lunch option is suggested during the day.
Do I need to pay for tickets at the stops?
Some tickets are included. Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang Rice Terrace are listed as admission included. Aloha Ubud Swing activities/admission are listed as not included.
How physically demanding is the day?
You should have a moderate physical fitness level. The tour includes walking at cultural sites and terraces, plus a waterfall stop.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is this really a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

























