Review · WATERFALL TRIPS FROM KUTA

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls – Private Tour

5.0 · 7 reviews From $24 Operated by Driver Ubud · Bookable on Viator
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Ubud is a full-day mood. This private tour strings together rice terraces, a jungle swing, and sacred water rituals plus two waterfalls without making the day feel rushed. I like that the route is built around big visuals and local meaning, from Tegalalang’s farming scene to Tirta Empul’s holy spring water.

Two things I especially like: you get private transportation for a smooth flow between stops, and several major entrance tickets are already included (Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana). One possible drawback: Ubud Jungle Swing and lunch are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those add-ons once you see the day’s pace.

If you want a day that covers the Ubud best-of list with a bit of adventure, this is a solid match. Just keep in mind it’s about 10 hours, so plan for a lot of time outdoors and a few moments where you’ll be in the sun and water.

Key highlights that make this tour worth it

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Key highlights that make this tour worth it

  • Private group and private transport, so you control the timing within the day
  • Mobile ticket convenience, plus bottled water included for the ride
  • Tirta Empul Temple for the holy spring water purification ritual, with your guide able to advise you
  • Jungle Swing time in the middle of the day when you’ll still have energy for photos and views
  • Two distinct waterfall stops, Kanto Lampo and Tibumana, each with its own feel

The big picture: culture, cliffs, and a swing over the trees

This tour is built for people who like seeing a lot in one day, but not just collecting checkpoints. The order matters. You start with a classic rice-terrace view, then go for a high-energy jungle swing, then shift into a quieter, more spiritual setting at Tirta Empul Temple. Later, the day turns practical and playful again with lunch, then two waterfall visits.

Because it’s private, you’re not stuck pacing with strangers or waiting for a large group to move. You also tend to get better value from a full day like this, since you’re paying for transport and tickets once, then using that to hit multiple paid sights.

The price is listed at $24.65 per person, and the structure helps make it feel reasonable: the tour includes private transportation and several entrance tickets, not just transport and a driver. Your main extra costs are lunch and the Ubud Jungle Swing, since those are not included.

Getting the day rolling with pickup and a comfortable ride

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Getting the day rolling with pickup and a comfortable ride
The tour offers pickup, and you’ll have private transportation for the full day. That matters in Ubud because travel time between sites can add up fast, especially when roads slow down or you need to reposition.

You’ll also get bottled water, which sounds basic, but it’s one of those small comfort wins that keeps the day smoother, especially when you’re outside for long stretches.

One detail I pay attention to with tours like this is driver consistency. In past experiences, the tour’s drivers were described as punctual and welcoming, with strong English. Names that came up include Made, Arlan, and Mangok, and I like that your trip can feel like it has a friendly human anchor, not just a hired car.

Stop 1: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where the views are the point

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Stop 1: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where the views are the point
You’ll begin at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most recognizable areas north of Ubud. This stop is included with an admission ticket, so you can focus on what you actually came for: the layered green fields, the traditional farming setting, and the feel of a working landscape.

The best way to enjoy Tegalalang is to take your time at a few viewpoints rather than sprinting to the next photo spot. The terraces reward slow looking. You’ll see how the irrigation and farming shape the valley view, and you’ll also get a sense of how local agriculture stays central to daily life around Ubud.

Timing can matter here, but you can plan for being outside for a while. Bring sun protection and expect that your camera will get used.

Stop 2: Ubud Jungle Swing, the add-on that turns photos into a moment

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Stop 2: Ubud Jungle Swing, the add-on that turns photos into a moment
Next up is Ubud Jungle Swing, and this part is not included in the listed ticket set. That’s normal for Bali swing experiences, but it changes how you plan: you’ll want to decide what swing option you want ahead of time when you’re there, so the day stays smooth.

What makes the swing stop appealing is the perspective. Instead of looking at the scenery from the ground, you get a high view over jungle and water features below. It’s the kind of stop that feels fun even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, because the main payoff is how different the view looks.

Practical tip: if your camera or phone is your main tool, bring something secure. You’ll likely be moving, waiting your turn, and then shooting quickly while you have the best angles.

Stop 3: Tirta Empul Temple, sacred water and a chance to participate

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Stop 3: Tirta Empul Temple, sacred water and a chance to participate
Tirta Empul Temple is where the tour changes tone. This is a Hindu water temple known for its holy spring water and purification rituals. Admission is included, so again you’re not paying extra just to enter and see what’s going on.

The tour notes that you can tell your guide if you want to be part of the purification water ritual. That’s a big deal, because it means your guide can help you figure out what to do without you guessing. If you do choose to participate, treat it respectfully. This isn’t a theme park activity.

What I think you’ll enjoy most here is the contrast. You go from swing photos and outdoor energy to a setting that feels focused and ceremonial. Even if you don’t join the water ritual, watching and learning the purpose behind it can make the stop feel meaningful instead of just scenic.

If you plan to participate, you might want to plan your clothing for getting wet and changing back afterward. The details can depend on the ritual flow, so ask your guide what to expect before you step in.

Lunch break: how to keep the afternoon from dragging

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Lunch break: how to keep the afternoon from dragging
Lunch is not included, and it usually happens around noon. This timing is smart because it splits the day into two energy phases: morning sightseeing, then afternoon waterfalls.

Because lunch is your only planned food break in the day, choose something simple that won’t sit heavy in your stomach if you’re heading to water in the next stops. The tour includes guidance via your driver, so you can use that time to ask for a good local option near your next route.

If you’re sensitive to heat, consider staying hydrated before lunch too. You already have bottled water from the tour, but Bali heat can still surprise you.

Stop 4: Kanto Lampo Waterfall, easy access and photo-friendly rocks

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Stop 4: Kanto Lampo Waterfall, easy access and photo-friendly rocks
Later you’ll head to Kanto Lampo Waterfall, included with admission. This one is known for being relatively accessible compared to waterfalls that require long hikes. That accessibility changes the experience. You spend more time at the waterfall itself, and less time stressed about the climb or path.

Kanto Lampo is visually dramatic because of how the water drops onto rock formations. The result is a place that’s naturally good for photos, with enough structure to make your pictures look interesting even if you’re shooting casually.

If you want better shots, arrive with a little flexibility. Waterfalls look different based on how people spread out, where the light hits, and how busy the area feels at the moment you arrive. Your guide can help you find a good spot without you constantly moving around.

Stop 5: Tibumana Waterfall, quieter nature time

Tirta Empul temple, Jungle Swing and Waterfalls - Private Tour - Stop 5: Tibumana Waterfall, quieter nature time
The last major stop is Tibumana Waterfall, also included with admission. This is positioned as a more peaceful choice, with a less crowded feel compared to some other Bali waterfall areas.

Why this is a good way to end the day: after active sightseeing and a cultural stop, you finish with a more relaxed nature experience. Tibumana’s appeal is that it lets you breathe, look longer, and enjoy the sound and movement of the water.

You’ll still be outdoors, and you’ll want your camera ready, but it’s the kind of stop where you might just sit for a bit and let the scene take over.

What the private format changes for you (in a good way)

A private day tour can be a big upgrade, and here you see it in a few practical ways:

  • Your schedule is not tied to a large group rhythm
  • Your driver can manage timing based on your energy level
  • You can ask questions and get context on what you’re seeing

The driver feedback from past experiences highlights this “human” benefit. People shared that Koman was helpful and knowledgeable, Made was punctual and welcoming, and Mangok went above and beyond with service and local storytelling. Even when the sightseeing list is set, a good guide turns it from watching things into understanding what you’re looking at.

If English support is important to you, that also matters. Several accounts called out drivers with very good English, which makes the day feel easier when you’re asking questions or trying to follow cultural rules at temple sites.

Price and value: where your money goes

At $24.65 per person with a 10-hour duration, this tour can be strong value if you use what’s included well.

Included items you can count on:

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance tickets for Tegalalang Rice Terrace
  • Entrance ticket for Tirta Empul Temple
  • Entrance tickets for Kanto Lampo and Tibumana Waterfall

Not included:

  • Lunch
  • Ubud Jungle Swing

So the value depends on how serious you are about the swing and how you handle lunch. If you were going to pay for swing anyway, you’re basically paying for add-on fun on top of a ticket-covered day. If you’re trying to keep costs low, you could treat the swing as optional, or choose to reduce your spending elsewhere.

Either way, the big value lever is that multiple attraction entrances are handled for you, so you’re not constantly pulling out tickets and fees mid-day.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good match if you want:

  • A full-day Ubud sampler that covers culture and water
  • The convenience of private transportation and a guided pace
  • A day that includes major photo stops like the terraces and waterfalls, plus a fun adrenaline moment with the swing

It may not be ideal if you hate long outdoor stretches. This is a 10-hour day in Ubud region, with temple time and then multiple nature stops. You’ll need comfortable shoes and you should expect sun exposure and a bit of moisture.

Tips to make the day smoother

These are the practical things that help with tours like this:

  • Wear comfortable, grippy shoes for waterfall paths and temple areas
  • Bring sunscreen and something for rain, since weather can change quickly in Bali
  • If you’re considering the Tirta Empul purification ritual, ask your guide what to prepare for, especially around clothing and getting wet
  • Budget extra for lunch and Jungle Swing, so you don’t hit the day with surprises

Should you book this private Ubud day?

I’d book it if you want one organized day that hits the main sights around Ubud with enough variety to feel like more than a checklist. The combination of Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, Kanto Lampo, and Tibumana, plus optional swing fun, makes it a balanced mix of meaning and scenery.

I would think twice if your top priority is avoiding added costs, since the swing and lunch are not included. I’d also be cautious if you prefer slow travel. This tour is designed for momentum, even though it’s private.

If you like a day that’s structured enough to be easy, but flexible enough to ask questions and adjust on the spot, this private tour is a strong option.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup is offered as part of the experience.

How long is the tour in total?

The tour duration is approximately 10 hours.

Are the entrance tickets included?

Yes for Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Tibumana Waterfall. Entrance to Ubud Jungle Swing is not included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Does the price include Ubud Jungle Swing?

No. Ubud Jungle Swing is not included in the listed inclusions.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the experience’s local time.