Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour

Rice terraces and a waterfall, all in one day. This Nusa Dua private guided tour turns Ubud into a smooth photo-and-culture circuit, from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to Tegenungan Waterfall, with a professional English-speaking guide. I especially like the private guide approach for getting context fast, and I like that there’s onboard Wi‑Fi so you can message, map, and plan your next shot between stops.

The one thing I’d double-check is how much time you truly get for the swing portion, since Happy Swing Bali is an activity that can be treated as an optional add-on at the site, and one traveler felt the moment didn’t match expectations. Also watch the cost details: lunch is not included (about $4), and there’s a note about possible extra entrance fees depending on what you do that day.

Quick hits before you go

• Private, English-speaking guidance for temples, customs, and what you’re looking at
• Onboard Wi‑Fi to keep you connected between busy stops
• Photo-first stops like Happy Swing Bali and Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Culture stops with names and meaning (Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple includes the story of Rsi Markandya)
• Tack-on costs to budget for lunch and possibly extra entrance fees
• A long, full-day route (about 10 hours) with a lot of heat and walking

How This Ubud Day Flows: Monkey Forest, Swings, Temples, Then Tegenungan

Think of this tour as a “greatest hits” sweep through north and central Ubud, with a waterfall finish. You’ll start with animals and old-school Balinese scenery at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then shift into the more modern, photo-friendly side of Ubud at Happy Swing Bali. After that, it’s rice terrace views, a temple with a specific backstory, a short coffee-and-flower stop at Tampaksiring, and finally the swim-worthy splash zone of Tegenungan Waterfall.

Even if you’re not chasing Instagram content, the route is still smart. You’re mixing three types of experiences: wildlife and heritage, classic Bali religious sites, and the natural scenery Ubud is famous for. That mix is the main reason this style of tour works for first-timers who don’t want to stitch together tickets and transport by themselves.

And yes, it’s a long day. At roughly 10 hours, you’ll want to pace yourself, hydrate, and accept that you’re going to move a lot and spend less time lingering than you would on a slower, single-area tour.

Price and What’s Actually Covered for $22.67

Let’s talk value plainly. At $22.67 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly private day—especially because it includes air-conditioned transport, a professional English-speaking guide, mineral water, snacks and coffee or tea, and multiple paid stops.

That said, the money picture isn’t purely one-line simple. The tour includes entrance tickets in the “included” section, but there’s also a note that for special private guided cases you may pay additional entrance tickets (listed as about $18 per person). In real life, this usually means some entries are covered while others may depend on what exact attractions you choose during the day.

So here’s the practical move: before the tour starts, confirm which sites are fully included on your package and whether any extra entrance payments apply to the specific places you’ll visit. If you don’t, lunch will likely feel like the least of your surprise costs—because lunch is clearly marked as additional (around $4).

Also budget for the fact that the swing experience may not be a guaranteed “full access” moment. The swing is listed as a stop, but the swing activity itself is described as optional at the location. If it’s your top priority, ask early at check-in what exactly you get with your ticket and how much time you’ll have on the swing areas.

Pickup, Air-Conditioned Comfort, and Staying Connected

This is a private tour for your group only, and pickup is offered. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters because the itinerary is outdoors-heavy and Ubud heat can stack up fast.

You also get onboard Wi‑Fi. That sounds small until you’re trying to coordinate photos, send messages, or even quickly check what clothing restrictions are at a temple that day. It also helps if you want to update your plans mid-route without relying on spotty mobile data.

One more practical detail: this tour uses a mobile ticket. That’s convenient when you’re bouncing between entrances, but still keep an eye on your phone battery. A power bank is a low-cost way to avoid being stuck when you need tickets at gate time.

The Itinerary, Stop by Stop (and What to Watch For)

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (about 1 hour)

You begin at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, in the heart of Ubud. The focus here is classic: monkeys, an ancient-feeling temple environment, and scenic spots for photos—including a beautiful bridge area tied to the Campuhan river scenery as described in the route details.

What you’ll like: it’s a quick hit of atmosphere. You get a living, busy environment rather than only empty ruins or staged viewpoints. A guide also helps with what to do around monkeys, which can make the experience less stressful.

What to watch: this is an animal site. Even if you’re comfortable around wildlife, you’ll want to keep bags secured and follow your guide’s instructions. The tour time is about one hour, so you’ll want to arrive ready to move.

Happy Swing Bali (about 1 hour)

Next is Happy Swing Bali, the modern “swing with views” stop. The route includes the main swing area and mentions a bird nest photo spot. There’s also dress-for-swing activity described as complimentary with the swing activities, plus you can take photos in the provided spots.

What you’ll like: this is the easiest place on the itinerary to turn scenery into a dramatic photo. If you love creative angles, this is where you’ll spend your energy.

The possible drawback: swing access isn’t always the same for everyone. The activity is described as optional at the location, and one concern raised was that the swing experience didn’t feel like it was fully explored even with the entrance ticket already covered. If swing time is important to you, ask your guide to clarify how long you’ll be able to stay in the swing areas and what you can access with what you paid.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace (about 1 hour)

Then you hit Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the north Ubud rice-view classic. The pitch here is straightforward: you’ll look out over green terrace lines and jungle views that stretch far enough to feel bigger than you expected from photos.

What you’ll like: even when you’ve seen rice terraces online, the real thing hits differently because of depth. You also get it as a guided stop rather than just a photo pull-off, which helps you understand how the terraces relate to local farming and land use.

What to watch: one hour is not a “wander slowly forever” timeline. You’ll likely walk, take photos, and move on. If you’re the type who likes to pause for a full sunrise-to-sunset view, you may want more time in the area on a separate outing. For this itinerary, it’s about hitting the highlight efficiently.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple (about 1 hour)

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is where the tour shifts from scenic stops into a clear culture-and-meaning moment. The route description includes the temple’s connection to the 9th century and the story of Rsi Markandya, who was traveling to Mount Agung and discovered this sacred place after finding water and shelter.

What you’ll like: this stop gives you something to listen to while you look. A good guide turns temple visits from “pretty photos” into “oh, that’s why it matters.”

What to watch: temples are quieter and more rules-based than swing and terraces. Plan to dress appropriately for sacred sites and follow your guide’s timing. You’ll want your camera ready, but you’ll also want to keep your movements respectful.

Tampaksiring (about 40 minutes)

Tampaksiring is a shorter break that still fits the tour’s rhythm. You’ll get complimentary coffee and tea time in a fresh-climate village area and take pictures in flower fields, with examples listed like mary gold and rose.

What you’ll like: this is a practical reset. After temples and outdoor walking, you get a brief indoor-or-shaded moment to slow down, sip something warm, and refuel.

What to watch: it’s only about 40 minutes, so treat it as a rest stop, not a full garden visit. If you want extra time for flowers, you’ll need to plan it for another day.

Tegenungan Waterfall (about 1 hour)

You close with Tegenungan Waterfall. This is described as a tropical water-splash view with green scenery around the falls, and you’ll be guided to capture good photos.

What you’ll like: water at the end is a great finisher. After hours of land-based sights, the waterfall gives you a different texture—sound, mist, and movement.

What to watch: waterfalls bring wet ground and slippery surfaces. Stick close to your guide’s advice and wear footwear that handles damp conditions. Also, be ready for spray. You’ll likely get a little wet even if you don’t plan to swim.

Craft ateliers you might also see

One part of the tour overview mentions Balinese craftsmanship at ateliers for batik, wood carvings, and silver. Since the detailed schedule list in the route info mainly names the stops above, you should treat this as something worth confirming with your guide: ask which atelier you’ll visit and what the time looks like. If it happens, it’s a strong complement to the temple visit because it connects belief and everyday skill.

Your Private Guide: When It Really Matters

For tours like this, the guide isn’t just a translator. They help you interpret what you’re seeing, keep you moving through timed entrances, and help your day avoid awkward “What now?” moments.

The best praise in the feedback centers on guides being friendly, knowledgeable, and photo-helpful, with one named guide—Adi—mentioned for being especially friendly and for taking great photos and making sure the schedule fit what people wanted to see. That lines up with what you want from this kind of tour: a person who can nudge you into better angles, keep you on track, and explain enough cultural context without turning your day into a lecture.

Still, keep a bit of common-sense awareness. It’s a long, hot route. If you notice the pace slipping or your driver seems off, speak up politely. You’re paying for a private experience, and a smooth, attentive ride is part of the value.

Photography Reality Check: Big Views, Quick Time Windows

This itinerary is built for photos: swing angles, terrace depth shots, temple framing, flower-field images, and waterfall mist. That’s the good news.

The reality check is time. With only about 1 hour at Monkey Forest, about 1 hour at the swing area, about 1 hour at Tegalalang, and about 1 hour at Tegenungan, you won’t have unlimited wandering time. So I’d plan like this:

• Start the day ready to shoot at full focus, then slow down when you find a spot with good shade.
• For swing, treat it like an activity with clear rules and timing. Ask what’s optional and what’s included so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
• For terraces and waterfall, bring a strategy: one wide shot for scale, then a few tighter shots for texture (terrace steps, water droplets, temple stone details).

If you’re traveling with a group who wants different photo styles, a private guide becomes even more useful because they can help rotate your group through the best viewpoints without losing time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour suits you if:

• you want a one-day Ubud sampler with major sights from temples to waterfalls
• you care about having a guide explain culture and customs, not just drive-by photos
• you like the mix of traditional Bali stops plus modern photo spots like Happy Swing Bali
• you want convenience: pickup, air-conditioned transport, and tickets arranged for you

You might want to choose something else if:

• you’re extremely budget-focused and want a strictly low-cost day with zero potential extra fees—because lunch is extra and there’s a note about possible additional entrance costs
• Happy Swing Bali is your #1 priority and you need guaranteed time in the swing area, not just a stop at the location
• you prefer a slower pace with long rests between sights

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and 96% recommending, the overall service quality looks strong. The main concerns raised are about cost clarity (what exactly is included) and swing time expectations—both fixable with a quick check at the start.

Should You Book the Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Tour?

I’d book this tour if you’re doing your first or second Ubud trip and you want to cover the essentials without dealing with transport and ticket juggling. The private guide, Wi‑Fi, air-conditioned ride, and the sequence of sights make it a practical value at $22.67 per person—especially if you plan around lunch being extra and you confirm entrance/ticket coverage.

I’d hesitate if you’re the kind of traveler who hates paying surprises or needs long time blocks at one place. For those needs, it may be better to build a slower day around fewer stops.

If you decide to go, do two simple things:

1) confirm which entrances are fully covered on your specific day, and

2) ask your guide what the swing add-on includes and how much time you’ll have for it.

That way, you’ll get the best of the day—rice terraces, temples with meaning, and a waterfall finish—without the “wait, I expected more” feeling.

FAQ

How long is the Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $22.67 per person.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is offered, and the package also mentions free airport pick up or drop off when booking 2-day tours.

Are entrance tickets included?

The tour says entrance tickets are included as part of a premium all-inclusive setup, but there is also a note about extra entrance ticket payments for special private guided cases. It’s smart to confirm what is covered for your exact route that day.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. It’s listed as an additional personal expense with an estimate of about $4 per person.

Is there Wi-Fi during the tour?

Yes. There is onboard Wi‑Fi to stay connected between stops.

Is this tour private?

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

Is the Happy Swing Bali activity included or optional?

Happy Swing Bali is part of the itinerary, and the swing experience is described as an optional add-on that you can choose to participate in upon arrival at the location.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.