Swimming At Taman Sari Waterfall & Visit The Best Site Of Ubud

A waterfall swim, then rice views. This Ubud day strings together a Taman Sari natural-pool swim, a d’Alas Swing photo moment, and classic cultural stops that feel very Balinese without making the day feel rushed.

I really like how the tour mixes action and scenery: you get wet at the waterfall, then you get high above the jungle and rice fields for those big postcard shots. I also like the private-car setup with an English-speaking driver/guide, and the way people talk about guides such as Nyoman and Rico (or Riko) for keeping things fun and moving smoothly.

One consideration: this kind of plan depends on weather, and a waterfall day can also mean slippery rocks and a body that will be damp for the rest of your trip.

Key highlights

• Taman Sari natural pools: a single-drop waterfall that splits into multiple cascades over rock
• Dramatic Tegallalang views: terraced rice down the valley, plus time for wandering
• d’Alas Swing overhead: a jungle-and-rice swing made for photos
• Puseh Batuan Temple carvings: a village temple known for detailed Balinese carving
• Ubud Palace and art market: courtyards, carvings, and lots of handmade art to browse
• Private, pickup-based day: only your group, with bottled water in the car

A 7–8 Hour Ubud Day That Actually Feels Balanced

This is the kind of Ubud day that works because it alternates moods. You start with nature (the waterfall swim), then you switch to hands-on culture (temple carving, palace courtyards, art market browsing), and you end with views and photos (rice terraces and the swing).

The schedule is built around a 8:30 am start and an easy-to-follow flow of stops across the Ubud area. You’re not doing marathon sightseeing. You’re doing a sequence that feels like a great day plan: water, views, and people-watching in Ubud.

Swimming at Taman Sari Waterfall and Natural Pool

Stop 1 is the anchor of the trip: Taman Sari Waterfall and Natural Pool. The waterfall begins as a single drop, then divides into multiple cascades as it spills over rock. That detail matters because it makes the scene more interesting than the typical straight-down waterfall photo.

You’re given about an hour here, and that hour is the difference between just standing there and actually feeling the place. The natural pools are part of the point, so plan for the fact that you’re going to swim, not just look.

Practical tips so your swim hour goes smoothly:

• Bring swimwear you don’t mind getting wet and staying wet in afterward.
• Wear water-friendly footwear you can trust on uneven surfaces.
• Have a dry change of clothes ready for the next stops (especially once you’re done with water time).

One more thing: because it’s a waterfall setting, the conditions can change. If you’re sensitive to slippery footing, take your time moving around.

Puseh Batuan Temple: Carvings From a Village Landmark

After the swim, the day shifts to a calmer pace at Puseh Batuan Temple in Batuan village. This temple is noted for its Balinese carvings, and it’s described as having been built in 944. That year gives the visit a sense of depth without turning the day into a lecture.

You get about an hour, which is long enough to slow down and actually look at the details. The carving work is the headline here, so don’t rush. Temples like this are best when you give your eyes time to move across the surfaces rather than trying to capture everything in one quick photo.

If you’re the kind of person who likes your culture stops to be visual and tangible, this is a good fit.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Big Views and Time to Walk

Next comes Tegallalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s best-known scenic areas for a reason. The terraces stretch down the slope and away to the rice fields across the valley, creating a dramatic view from multiple angles.

You’ll have around an hour here. That time matters because it lets you do more than one photo angle. You can also walk around and take in how the terraces sit on the hillside—much better than viewing everything from one spot.

Photo strategy that usually works:

• Start with the classic overlooks, then move along the terraces for a second set of perspectives.
• If you want less crowded-looking moments, try to time your favorite shots when you’re not stopping at the widest viewpoint.

You’ll be glad you have time here, because the next stop is where you’ll be high above the scene.

d’Alas Swing Over Jungle and Rice Fields

Then you head to d’Alas Swing in Tegallalang. This is the “so high” stop: you soar above jungle and rice fields for a photo opportunity that turns the whole valley into your background.

You get about 45 minutes. That’s enough time to try the swing and still move on without losing the day. If you care about photos, this is one of the most efficient spots on the schedule because it’s designed for pictures.

A small reality check: you’ll likely spend part of that time waiting your turn or getting situated. The benefit is that once you’re up there, you’re set for that wide-angle look down over terraces.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace Courtyards

After the viewpoints, the tour returns to Ubud center for two culture-heavy stops: the Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung).

Browsing Ubud Traditional Art Market

You get about an hour at the art market. This stop is less about a single “main attraction” and more about atmosphere. The market is where you’ll find lots of art works, and it’s a chance to browse without committing to anything.

This is also a smart place to slow down and reset after outdoor time. If you’re shopping, you’re in the right area for it. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the energy and the variety of pieces on display.

Walking the Ubud Palace Complex

Then you move to Ubud Palace, described as an old building complex with fantastic carvings and courtyards. It’s also known as Puri Saren Agung and is an important historical landmark for the Balinese.

You get about an hour, which is enough for a careful look around the carvings and courtyards. This stop adds contrast to the day. After waterfall water and rice-field views, the palace brings you back to architectural detail and a sense of Ubud’s cultural center.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For

The tour is listed at $32 per person and runs about 7 to 8 hours starting at 8:30 am. It’s a private tour/activity, so it’s only your group, not a shared bus shuffle.

Here’s what the price includes:

• An air-conditioned private car
• Petrol and parking fees
• Bottled water
• English-speaking driver or guide

That’s a big part of the value. In Bali, time spent in transit can feel like wasted time. A private car with an English-speaking guide tends to reduce friction and keeps you from spending your day negotiating directions.

One important detail to check before you go: entrance tickets show mixed info. The itinerary notes admissions included for certain stops, while the overall pricing notes that entrance tickets are not included. Because that’s inconsistent, I recommend you confirm what’s covered for your exact dates and stops when you book—especially for the waterfall and temple.

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Personal expenses

You’ll want to budget for food on your own, either by buying something nearby or planning a meal with your schedule.

When the Guides Make the Day: Nyoman and Rico (or Riko) Style

A big theme from what people experience on this route is that the guide can shape the whole vibe of the day. Names like Nyoman and Rico (also written as Riko) come up with the same pattern: helpful guidance, lots of laughter, and a feeling that the day is organized.

People also describe the guide as flexible—adding extra sights when time allows, including a Monkey Forest visit upon request. That’s a real advantage of a private format. Instead of sticking rigidly to a checklist, you can sometimes steer the day toward what you actually want.

If you’re choosing between this tour and a more fixed option, that flexibility plus local navigation is often the difference between a “saw a few places” day and a “that was fun” day.

What to Pack for a Waterfall + Swing + Temple Day

This is one of those tours where what you bring matters. You’ll be swimming, then you’ll be walking on varied surfaces, then you’ll be getting photos over a valley.

I’d pack:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• A small towel
• Water-friendly footwear
• A dry bag or plastic pouch for your phone and wallet
• Cash or a card for lunch and personal expenses (since lunch isn’t included)
• Any essentials for comfort in the morning heat, since the day starts at 8:30 am

Also, bring patience for transitions. Going from waterfall to rice terraces to a swing involves stopping, moving, and getting ready for the next environment.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Not)

This is a strong match if you want a “best of Ubud” day that includes:

• A real nature swim at a natural pool waterfall
• Rice terraces with dramatic valley views
• A swing that gives you that high-above-the-jungle photo
• A mix of art browsing and a palace/temple stop

It may not be your best choice if:

• You hate getting wet or don’t like slippery footing
• You want only one type of experience (all temples, or all nature, or all shopping)
• You’re not comfortable with a schedule that runs a full 7 to 8 hours with multiple short stops

If you do like variety, this one is a good fit.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, if you like structured variety—waterfall swim, rice-view photography, and Ubud center culture—within one day. The private car setup and the presence of English-speaking guides add real convenience, especially if you want your day to run smoothly.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very weather-sensitive or you’re uncomfortable with active stops. And before you confirm, double-check the entrance-ticket situation so you’re not surprised about what’s actually included for your specific date.

FAQ

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours and starts at 8:30 am.

Is pickup included, and is it a private tour?

Pickup is offered, and it’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the tour price?

The price includes a private car, petrol, parking fees, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver or guide.

Are entrance tickets included?

The itinerary indicates admission ticket included for some stops, but the pricing notes say entrance tickets are not included. I suggest confirming exactly which entrances are covered when you book.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, and personal expenses are also not included.

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.

What is the cancellation cutoff for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.