Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour

If you like photos with a plan, this day fits. It strings together Ubud landmarks, temple culture, and big green scenery in one smooth route.

I love the private guide setup because the stops feel paced for your group, not a rushed bus herd. I also like that the tour includes onboard Wi‑Fi, plus water and snack breaks along the way.

My favorite part is how the day balances classics with calmer moments, especially around Tegenungan Waterfall and the quieter temple stop. On my notes, the guide Adi is called out as friendly and good at answering questions and taking strong photos.

One thing to consider: the “swing” portion can feel confusing if you expect a full exploration of the attraction area. The swing experience is described as optional, and some people report they didn’t get to do quite what they expected—so ask on arrival what’s included and what is extra.

Key things to know before you go

• Private guide, private day: only your group, with an English-speaking guide
• Photo-heavy stops: monkey forest bridges, rice terraces, and waterfall viewpoints
• Swing is optional: you may only get the look if you skip the add-on portion
• Tickets and extras are mixed: entrance tickets are listed as included, but some attractions/add-ons can cost more
• Air-conditioned comfort: transport plus water, snack, and coffee or tea stops

A Ubud day that connects temples, terraces, and Tegenungan

This isn’t a “sit on the beach, then hope for the best” kind of tour. It’s built like a photo-and-culture circuit: sacred sites in the morning, rice terrace views mid-day, then a waterfall finish. You’ll move through north and central Ubud, then down to Tegenungan for the water spectacle.

The best value here is how much is packed into a single private schedule. At 10 hours and around $22.67 per person, you’re paying for transport, a guide, and multiple major stops. That’s often where tours like this feel worth it—especially if you’d otherwise spend time coordinating taxis between scattered locations.

Getting from Nusa Dua and what the timing really means

The tour starts from Nusa Dua and runs about 10 hours. You’re not stuck figuring out timing yourself, because pickup is offered and the vehicle is air-conditioned. That matters in Bali, where midday heat can hit hard when you’re walking and waiting for photos.

The route is also designed with a rhythm: you start with an active, shaded-feeling stop (monkeys and temples), then you move into open views (swing and rice terraces), and later you slow down with coffee and flowers before finishing at the waterfall. If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s smart to bring a cap and something for sun protection—some stops are very exposed.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Campuhan River bridge photos

The day begins at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for about 1 hour. It’s described as tropical and temple-based, and you’ll have guide support for the photo moments—especially around the ancient areas and the Campuhan river bridge area within the monkey forest complex.

Why this stop works:

• You’re starting early enough to get photos before crowds build too much.
• You get the “Bali must-do” vibe without needing to plan your own entry and navigation.

Practical note: monkey areas are unpredictable by nature, so keep your bags zipped and don’t treat wildlife like a photo prop. A guide helps you judge what’s safe and where to stand for good shots.

Stop 2: Happy Swing Bali and the swing add-on reality check

Next is Happy Swing Bali for about 1 hour, including the famous “Instagram spot” feel. The plan mentions a main swing area, plus a bird-nest-style picture spot, and even complimentary dress for swing activities.

Here’s the key consideration: the swing experience is called an optional add-on in the tour messaging. People who were expecting a full experience of the swing area sometimes felt limited—like they could see the swing location from near the entrance rather than doing the activity itself. So it’s worth confirming on arrival what you’re doing today:

• Do you want the bird-nest photo spot, the swing ride, or just the viewpoint?
• What’s included in your package vs. what has extra cost?

If you’re paying for “private guide + swing,” you’ll get the most satisfaction by clarifying the plan immediately. Ask your guide to explain the available options at the site, then decide. That single conversation can save you from a mismatch between expectations and what’s actually available at that moment.

Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace for wide green views

Then you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace in north Ubud for about 1 hour. This is one of Bali’s most recognizable terrace viewpoints, and the description leans into the “as far as the eye can see” green scenery.

What you’ll enjoy here:

• Long view lines that make photos easier (you’re not boxed in as much as at smaller terrace spots).
• A straightforward visit length—enough time for pictures and a slow look without making you late for the rest of the day.

Drawback to plan for: rice terrace areas often mean uneven ground and lots of stairs or footpaths. Wear shoes you trust, and expect it to be warmer when the sun hits the terraces.

Stop 4: Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple for a cooler, historic-feeling break

After the terraces, the tour shifts to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple for around 1 hour. It’s positioned in the north Ubud area, and the story shared includes a 9th-century reference—where a holy man named Rsi Markandya is mentioned as part of the temple’s background.

Even if you don’t care about every detail, you’ll feel the change in pace here. Temples tend to slow you down: you look, you listen to the guide’s explanations, and you take photos that feel more “spiritual Bali” than “photo set Bali.”

Why this stop is worth keeping:

• It breaks the day up between open-air viewpoints.
• A temple guide moment helps you understand what you’re seeing beyond architecture.

Quick consideration: follow local etiquette at temples. Keep voices low, dress appropriately, and listen when your guide gives do/don’t instructions.

Stop 5: Tampaksiring coffee and flower fields pause

At Tampaksiring, you get a shorter stop—about 40 minutes—with a complimentary coffee and tea time. The tour also mentions flower field photo moments with mary gold, rose, and other flowers.

This is a smart mid-day reset. After terraces and temple walks, the café-style pause gives you hydration and a breathing space. It also helps you manage energy before Tegenungan, which is the most dramatic “finish-line” stop.

If you’re someone who needs to keep momentum, 40 minutes is just long enough for photos and a drink without turning into a long sit-down meal.

Stop 6: Tegenungan Waterfall for the final big payoff

The last stop is Tegenungan Waterfall for about 1 hour. The emphasis is on the view and the feeling of fresh tropical water splash with green surroundings.

Why it works as a tour ending:

• It’s the sort of location where you remember the day, even if your earlier photos weren’t perfect.
• You’re already in the right region by the time you get here, so you’re not fighting long transfers at the end of the day.

Practical tip: waterfalls can be slippery around the viewpoints. Wear footwear that grips and watch footing near misty edges.

Also, if your goal is photos, tell your guide you want a couple of specific angles (wide shot vs. closer viewpoint). With a private guide, you can often get better positioning than a random quick stop.

Price and value: what $22.67 per person covers, and what might cost extra

At about $22.67 per person, the headline value is strong. The included list mentions:

• Professional English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All entrance ticket on premium all inclusive
• Mineral water
• Snack and coffee or tea at a rest area
• Onboard Wi‑Fi
• Insurance

So why might you still face extra costs? The “not included” section mentions additional entrance tickets—notably if you visit all attractions, estimate around $18 per person—and lunch is listed as an additional personal expense, around $4 per person.

That mismatch can happen with Bali tours that have optional activities or site-based add-ons. The swing portion is a good example: even if access to the area is handled, the ride and certain photo experiences can be treated as optional add-ons.

My advice: before you commit, ask the guide (or the booking chat) what is fully included for your exact route today. If you’re doing every stop plus swing ride plus any extra photo spots, budget a little extra so nothing feels surprising.

Lunch, snacks, and staying comfortable through the heat

You’ll get snack and coffee or tea at a rest area, plus water during transport. Lunch is not included in the price as a fixed item, and it’s listed as an extra expense estimate of around $4 per person.

This matters for your day planning. If you skip lunch and just snack, you’ll feel it by late afternoon—especially after walking rice terraces and moving between temple sites. If you tend to eat lightly, plan a quick Balinese lunch stop that you can actually stomach, not just a drink break.

Also, bring cash for small purchases at stops. The tour includes some refreshments, but temples and photo spots often have small “on-site” payments or optional extras.

Guides and photos: why private pacing matters

A recurring theme in the guide feedback is that a friendly, competent guide changes the whole feel of the day. In the positive feedback, the guide Adi is described as knowledgeable on local spots, answering questions, and taking excellent photos.

That’s not a small thing. When you’re moving between sacred sites and viewpoints, the difference between a good photo and a great one is often:

• where you stand,
• the timing of where the sun hits,
• and whether you understand the best angle without blocking others.

With private guiding, you also get more flexibility to adjust pace if someone in your group needs more time for pictures or a shorter walk.

There’s also a caution flag from a negative experience: one review mentioned the driver sleeping mid-day, which created concern. That’s not something you can fully control, but it’s a good reminder to set expectations early—if anything feels off, speak up right away so the driver can refocus.

Onboard Wi‑Fi and transport comfort: small perks that help

This tour includes onboard Wi‑Fi between stops. That’s a surprisingly useful add-on when you’re:

• checking maps for your own planning,
• sharing photos quickly without hunting for signal,
• or updating family back home.

Couple that with the air-conditioned vehicle, and the day feels easier to manage. Bali heat can turn “just one more photo” into “I’m done.” A comfortable ride helps you reset between walking areas.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A full day that hits major Ubud highlights plus Tegenungan Waterfall
• A guided explanation at temple stops
• Photo stops planned in a logical route
• A private group experience rather than a crowded join-the-tour

You might rethink it if:

• You only care about one or two locations and don’t want a full 10-hour circuit
• You expect the swing experience to be fully included without any add-on decisions (swing is optional, and you should clarify on arrival)
• You’re very price-sensitive and don’t want any chance of extra entrance or lunch charges

Should you book the Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall private tour?

Yes, if you want a straightforward, private, photo-friendly Balinese day that mixes culture and scenery without you coordinating every ticket and transfer. The value looks especially good on paper: guide, transport, water, snack, coffee/tea, Wi‑Fi, and a stack of major stops.

Before booking, do one practical thing: confirm exactly what “swing” includes for your group. Ask what portion is optional add-on vs. fully covered. Also decide in advance whether you’ll budget for lunch and any extra entrance fees if your plan expands beyond what’s strictly included.

If you do that, you’ll get what this tour is built for: a packed day of Ubud highlights, guided temple moments, wide terrace views, and a satisfying end at Tegenungan Waterfall.

FAQ

How long is the Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is in the Ubud area of Bali, with the tour base listed as Nusa Dua.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle.

Does the tour include entrance tickets?

Entrance tickets are listed as included as part of the premium all-inclusive package, but the details also note that some attractions may require additional entrance ticket payments depending on what you visit.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included as part of the fixed price. It’s listed as an extra personal expense, with an estimate of around $4 per person.

Do you have Wi‑Fi during the tour?

Yes. The tour lists onboard Wi‑Fi between stops.

What about the swing at Happy Swing Bali?

The swing activity is described as an optional add-on that you can choose to participate in upon arrival. Complimentary dress is mentioned for swing activities.

What’s included besides the guide and transport?

Mineral water, snack, coffee or tea at a rest area, mobile ticket, insurance, and an English-speaking professional guide are listed as included.

What is the cancellation window?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.