Private Bali Tour 2025: Waterfall, Temple & Volcano Review

So, you are probably thinking about booking one of those all-in-one private day tours in Bali, right? I mean, they show you photos of a massive waterfall, a sacred temple, an actual volcano, super green rice fields, and a forest full of monkeys, all packed into one single day. Honestly, it sounds almost too good to be true. The big question is that, is it really possible to see all that stuff without feeling completely rushed? I actually took this exact trip to find out for myself. It’s pretty much the classic Bali itinerary, and you get a private car and a personal guide for the whole day. As a matter of fact, having your own driver in Bali’s sometimes-chaotic traffic is a huge plus. Anyway, I’m here to give you the real story on what this kind of day trip feels like, from the early morning start to the final, playful encounter with the local wildlife, so you can decide if it’s the right move for your trip.

A Morning Dip at the Tegenungan Waterfall

Our day started really early, with a pickup from our hotel around 8 a.m., which honestly is a great idea to beat the traffic. First on the list was the Tegenungan Waterfall, and let me tell you, arriving before the main crowds is just a brilliant strategy. It is, like, a fairly popular spot, so it can get crowded later in the day. You walk down a whole lot of concrete steps to get to the base of the falls, and you can literally hear the thundering sound of the water getting louder as you go down. As a matter of fact, the sound is so powerful, you can sort of feel it in your chest. The waterfall itself is seriously impressive; it’s this huge, wide curtain of water crashing down into a pool below. The air is filled with this fine, cool mist which feels absolutely amazing, especially since Bali gets pretty warm very quickly.

Of course, you can take a swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, but you just need to be a little careful with the currents. I basically chose to just wade in the shallows and enjoy the view. To be honest, there are some great photo spots around the area, including some little nests and signs that are very popular on Instagram. My guide, you know, was super helpful and pointed out the best angles for pictures. Wearing good walking shoes is something I’d really recommend, as the steps can be a bit steep and sometimes slippery from the mist. You also probably want to bring a change of clothes or wear your swimsuit under your outfit if you are thinking about going for a swim. In short, it was a very refreshing and beautiful way to begin the day’s adventure.

Finding a Sense of Calm at Tirta Empul Temple

So, after the powerful energy of the waterfall, our next location was the Tirta Empul Temple, and the mood completely shifted. This place has a very different kind of feeling; it’s incredibly peaceful and has a deep sense of spirituality about it. Basically, Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple that is famous for its holy spring water, where local people go for purification rituals. You see families and individuals, all dressed in traditional attire, making their way through a series of fountains in a large pool, praying at each one. Frankly, it’s a very moving and authentic cultural experience to observe, and you can just feel the deep respect everyone has for the site. Our guide explained the meaning behind the ritual, which really helped us appreciate what we were seeing.

To enter the temple grounds, we, like everyone else, had to put on a sarong, which they provide right at the entrance, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re wearing. Strolling through the complex, you will definitely notice the intricate Balinese architecture and stone carvings that are pretty much everywhere. The smell of incense hangs in the air, and there are these small, colorful offerings, called canang sari, placed all over the temple. You know, you can actually participate in the purification ritual yourself, if you like. You would just rent the proper attire and a locker, and your guide can typically walk you through the process respectfully. Anyway, even if you just watch from the side, the whole atmosphere at Tirta Empul is something that feels very special and is a bit of a reset for the soul.

Lunch with a View of Mount Batur Volcano

Next up, it was time for lunch, and this was literally the part of the day I was most excited about. We drove up into the mountains to the Kintamani region, and the temperature actually drops a little, which is a nice break from the heat. The main attraction here is, of course, the absolutely breathtaking view of Mount Batur and the caldera lake beside it. I mean, you are basically sitting in a restaurant perched on the edge of a massive, ancient volcano crater. It’s a very dramatic and completely unforgettable setting. Mount Batur is still an active volcano, and you can sort of see the dark lava fields from its past eruptions scarring the landscape, which is really cool.

The lunch itself tends to be an all-you-can-eat buffet, and pretty much every restaurant along that ridge offers a similar deal. Honestly, the food is fine—it’s mostly Indonesian dishes like mie goreng, nasi goreng, satay, and some fresh fruit. It’s not a gourmet meal, but it’s definitely decent enough, you know. But really, you are not there for the food; you are there for that incredible view. It is one of those experiences where the backdrop makes the entire meal special. We just sat there, eating and staring out at the volcano, feeling pretty small in comparison. It is definitely one of the top highlights of this entire Bali day tour experience.

Getting Lost in the Greenery of Tegalalang Rice Terraces

So, you have obviously seen photos of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces; they are on every postcard and travel blog about Bali. Yet, seeing them with your own eyes is a completely different thing. After lunch, we drove down to this famous spot, and it’s just a sea of the most intense green you can imagine. The rice paddies are built into the side of a valley, creating these beautiful, flowing steps that are almost hypnotic to look at. Our guide gave us a quick rundown of the ‘subak’ irrigation system, which is this amazing, centuries-old cooperative system that the Balinese use to water the fields. Apparently, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, which just shows how special it is.

You can actually walk down into the terraces and explore the little pathways, which is pretty cool. At the same time, you have to be just a little cautious because the paths can be narrow, a bit muddy, and quite steep in some areas. A lot of people were there taking pictures, and frankly, you can’t blame them because every angle is just stunning. By the way, this is the area where you’ll find those huge ‘Bali swings’ and ‘nests’ you have probably seen online. You have to pay an extra fee to use them, but if you want that perfect Instagram shot soaring over the green terraces, this is basically the place to do it. Even if you don’t go on a swing, just sitting at one of the little cafes at the top, sipping a fresh coconut and taking in the view, is a more or less perfect way to spend an hour.

A Playful Encounter at the Ubud Monkey Forest

Alright, the final stop on our very packed day was the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. And let me tell you, this place is just as wild as it sounds. You’re essentially stepping into this ancient temple complex that looks like something out of a movie, with mossy statues and massive, old banyan trees. And there are, seriously, hundreds of long-tailed macaques everywhere. They are jumping from tree to tree, chasing each other, and just kind of hanging out. It’s a little bit of organized chaos, in a good way.

Now, the monkeys are totally used to seeing people, but you really have to follow the rules, seriously. Our guide gave us the lowdown, which was super helpful: no plastic bags or water bottles, as the monkeys will think it’s food. Keep your sunglasses and hats secure, and whatever you do, don’t bring any food into the park. Honestly, it’s just not worth the risk of getting swarmed. The main thing is to just keep your belongings secure and admire them from a slight distance. It’s pretty fascinating to just watch their social interactions; you’ll see mothers with tiny babies clinging to their bellies, and teenagers playing and squabbling. In short, it was a really fun and memorable way to wrap up a day that had already been full of incredible sights.

Read our full review: Private Full-Day Tour: Waterfall, Temple, Volcano, Rice Terrace & Monkey Forest Full Review and Details

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