Waterfall swimming near Ubud changes your pace. This private day blends Taman Sari cascades, an iconic jungle swing, and classic Ubud culture into one organized 7–8 hour loop.

I love the chance to actually swim in the natural pool as the falls split into multiple cascades over rock. I also like the hands-on guidance from drivers/guide-team members like Nyoman and Rico (and sometimes Wayan), including smart route help and quick changes when you ask.

One thing to consider: the tour depends on good weather, and with a packed schedule from the 8:30 am start, it’s not a slow-and-lazy day.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Natural-pool swim at Taman Sari with a waterfall that divides into several cascades
• Tegallalang views plus d’Alas Swing for high photo angles over jungle and rice fields
• Batuan Village Temple (Puseh Batuan) known for detailed Bali carvings
• Ubud Center culture: art market atmosphere and Ubud Palace courtyards and carvings
• English-speaking driver/guide + private car so you get a smoother day than public transport
• Weather-dependent timing, so plan to be flexible if rain shows up

The big idea: swimming, swinging, and Ubud culture in one day

This is a classic Ubud mix, but with one big twist: you start with water, not temples. The day is built around three “wow” moments—Taman Sari waterfall swimming, a swing over rice terraces, and scenic time in Tegallalang—then it tops off with the kind of Ubud stops that make the town feel like a place, not just a backdrop.

You’re in a private car with an English-speaking driver or guide, and the tour is scheduled for about 7 to 8 hours starting at 8:30 am. The price is $32 per person, which is fairly solid for a full-day private route as long as you’re okay with a structured itinerary and no lunch included.

The most useful mindset: think of it as a guided highlights tour with time to enjoy each stop, not a museum marathon. If you want to wander for hours with zero schedule, this won’t be that day.

Stop 1: Taman Sari Waterfall and the natural pool swim

The day begins at Taman Sari Waterfall, one of the closest places near Ubud where you can swim in a natural pool. The description is the key detail: the waterfall starts as a single drop, then splits into multiple cascades flowing over rock. That split matters because it changes the visual “feel” of the falls—less like one wall of water, more like layered motion.

For your comfort, the main thing to know is that this is a real swim stop, not just a viewpoint. You’ll want to be ready to get in the water, then dry off enough to enjoy the next driving segments and photo stops.

Also, weather matters here more than people expect. Rain can change access and conditions at waterfall areas, and the tour notes it requires good weather. If you’re booking during a rainy stretch, keep your expectations flexible and go with the day’s plan.

Stop 2: Puseh Batuan Temple and its carved Bali details

After the swim, you shift from nature to culture at Puseh Batuan Temple in Batuan Village. This temple is noted as being built in lsaka 944, and it’s famous with visitors for the Bali carving running throughout the temple.

What you’ll likely enjoy most is the craftsmanship. Ubud temples can feel same-same from far away, but carved details give you something to look at close up—patterns in stone, decorative elements in courtyards, and the kind of work that rewards slow glances.

This stop is about 1 hour. That’s long enough to walk the grounds, pause for photos, and still not feel like you’re rushing through. If you’re a person who likes temple architecture and not just scenic names, this is a strong inclusion.

Stop 3: Tegallalang rice terraces for viewpoints and walking time

Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most photographed rice areas near Ubud. The description focuses on dramatic views: the terraces spill down and away across the valley, which is why the photo angles are so good. It’s also a place where your feet get involved, since you’ll have time walking around the terraced area.

Expect a mix of viewpoints and pathways. You’ll get that classic Bali “step-like” effect as you look over the slopes, and you’ll also see how the terraces sit with the surrounding jungle.

This is again about 1 hour, which is a good length. It’s long enough to enjoy the scenery and grab photos without feeling like you need to plan an entire hike day. If you hate crowds or tight schedules, you might still feel some busyness during the walk, but the timing here is short by design.

Stop 4: d’Alas Swing for a high-angle picture moment

Then it’s time for d’Alas Swing, the jungle swing above Tegallalang. The pitch is simple: soar high for a memorable picture over jungle and rice fields, then you’re back on the road.

This is a great stop if you want your Ubud photos to look a little different from the usual “standing on a terrace” shot. The swing gives a height advantage, and that’s the point.

Practical consideration: it’s a timed chunk at about 45 minutes, so it works best when you’re ready to follow the guide’s instructions and keep things moving. If you’re the type who gets nervous in height moments, decide before you arrive how you feel about it—because it can’t be a “maybe later” stop.

Stop 5: Ubud Traditional Art Market for browsing and real atmosphere

Your next stop shifts from scenery to shopping and local color: the Ubud Traditional Art Market. The schedule gives about 1 hour, and the focus here is atmosphere—lots of art works, plus that lively center-of-Ubud feeling.

I like this stop because it’s an easy way to understand what people are buying and how art fits into daily life. It also helps you avoid the trap of only doing big-ticket “experience photos” all day; here you can slow down and browse.

Budget note: the tour price doesn’t list lunch, and the market is where small purchases can quietly add up. If you want souvenirs, set a rough target before you walk in.

Stop 6: Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) for carvings and courtyards

The day ends at Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. It’s described as an old building complex with fantastic carvings and courtyards, and it’s described as an important historical landmark for Balinese culture.

Even if you don’t know the details of royal history, courtyards and carvings tend to hold attention. This is also a stop that feels more grounded after all the jungle-and-water scenery: you return to town, walk through the palace grounds, and get a sense of Ubud’s artistic and ceremonial center.

This stop is listed at about 1 hour, which is the right scale. You can see the highlights without burning your energy for too long at the end of a full day.

How the tour price stacks up (and what to watch)

The headline cost is $32 per person with a private car included and an English-speaking driver/guide. On a day like this—swim stop, swing stop, rice terraces, temple, palace, and art market—that’s usually a value-for-time structure, especially if you don’t want to piece together transportation yourself.

One tricky detail: the itinerary pages list admissions as included at several stops (like the waterfall, Batuan Temple, rice terraces, and the swing), but the general “Not Included” section also says all entrance tickets aren’t included. So here’s the practical move: confirm the ticket situation for your specific booking right before you go.

What is clearly included:

• Ac private car
• Petrol
• Parking fee
• Bottled water
• English speaking driver or Guide

What isn’t clearly included:

• Lunch
• Personal expenses
• Entrance tickets status needs confirmation based on the mixed details above

If you book this tour, plan on handling your own lunch. If you’re okay with that trade—pay a fair price for the route and keep food separate—you’ll likely feel good about the value.

The guide experience: Nyoman, Rico, and Wayan show the pattern

A big reason this tour earns such strong feedback is the way guides handle the day. Names that stand out in the guide stories include Nyoman and Rico, and Wayan also shows up as an excellent guide. The consistent theme: they’re friendly, quick to help, and comfortable adjusting the route when you ask.

For example, one review story includes adding Monkey Forest when the group requested it. That matters because it tells you this isn’t a rigid “just follow this script” operation. If you want one extra Ubud classic—within reason—your guide may be able to make it happen.

A good private-day hint: when you start, ask for a short plan for what you care about most (swim photos, rice terrace views, temple carvings, shopping). Good guides can tighten the day based on your priorities.

Timing and logistics: what a 7 to 8 hour day really feels like

This tour starts at 8:30 am and runs about 7 to 8 hours. In Ubud, travel time can shift with traffic and weather. So treat the schedule as a framework: you’ll visit the planned stops in order, but exact timing may breathe depending on conditions.

Also, the tour is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That’s valuable because you can move at a pace that works for you—especially at the waterfall swim and the swing/photo moments.

If you’re the type who needs to rest mid-day, you might want to eat something before you go (since lunch isn’t included) or carry small snacks if that fits your plans. The tour does include bottled water, which helps.

Best fit: who should book this Ubud swim, swing, and palace day

This tour fits you if:

• You want classic Ubud highlights without planning transport yourself
• You like a day that mixes scenery + culture
• You’re comfortable following a schedule for about a full workday
• You want guided help at multiple stops, not just a pickup and drop-off

It might feel less ideal if:

• You want a slow Ubud day with long free time
• You hate weather-dependent plans
• You want lunch handled for you (it’s not listed as included)

Should you book this Taman Sari and best-site Ubud tour?

Yes, if your ideal day looks like swimming at a natural waterfall, getting high for swing photos, and ending with Ubud’s art and palace atmosphere—all with a private car and a guide who can adapt when you ask.

Before you commit, do two quick checks:

• Confirm whether entrance tickets are truly included for your booking, since the details show mixed information.
• If you have a tight schedule or a late-day commitment, remember this is an 8:30 am start with a full-day run.

If you’re flexible and you like structured variety, this is a strong value way to see a lot of Ubud in one go.

FAQ

What’s the tour price for this Ubud experience?

The price is $32.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup offered, and what time does the tour start?

Pickup is offered, and the start time is 8:30 am.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s included in the cost?

Included items are an air-conditioned private car, petrol, parking fee, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver or guide.

Are entrance tickets included?

The itinerary lists admission tickets included for several stops, but the general details also state that all entrance tickets are not included. It’s smart to confirm for your specific booking.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Can most travelers participate?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.

What’s the cancellation option if plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.