Bali Horse Riding & Ubud Tour Review 2025: An Honest Look
I was looking for a day trip in Bali that felt a little different, you know? Like, something beyond just the usual spots. The ‘Bali Horse Riding and Ubud Rice Terrace, Hidden Waterfall Tour’ for 2025 just kept popping up. To be honest, it sounded almost too good to be true, packing so much into one day. Still, I booked it, kind of curious to see if it could actually deliver on its promise. I really wanted a day that connected me to the island’s nature, not just its beach clubs. So, my hope was pretty high for a genuine experience, as a matter of fact.
The Morning Ride Along the Coast
So, the day started with a pick-up, which was pretty convenient. We drove to the stables, which were located near a quieter stretch of beach. You know, it wasn’t one of the main tourist beaches, which was a very welcome surprise. The staff there were seriously friendly, and they spent some time matching each of us with a horse that suited our experience level. I mean, since I’m not a pro rider, that was a huge relief. My horse, who I was told was named Bintang, had a very calm personality. Getting on his back, I could just feel his steady strength. It was a little bit intimidating at first, frankly.
Then we were off, moving in a line along the black sand. The feeling is almost hard to describe. You hear the rhythmic sound of hooves mixing with the constant whisper of the waves. It’s really hypnotic in a way. The air has that salty, clean smell, and you just feel this amazing sense of freedom. We trotted for more or less an hour. The guide pointed out a local temple on a cliff in the distance. He shared a few bits of information about it, which was a nice touch. It was, honestly, not a physically hard ride, just a very peaceful and beautiful way to begin the day. Seeing the island from that perspective, on horseback, is just a totally different thing, you know?
Frankly, riding along the shore with the ocean breeze in your hair feels like you’re in a movie. It’s a pretty surreal start to the day.
Wandering Through the Green Steps of Tegalalang
After the horse ride, we jumped back in the car and headed inland, toward Ubud. The change in scenery is actually quite sudden. The coastal flatlands give way to these rolling hills and deep ravines that are just covered in green. Our destination was the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Okay, I have seen photos, but they literally do not prepare you for the real thing. It’s just a sea of green, sculpted into the hillside in these incredible layers. The guide explained a little about the ‘subak’ irrigation system, which is this ancient community-based water management system. It’s a bit of a complex idea, but he made it easy to get.
We got to spend a good amount of time here, which was awesome. I just walked along the narrow pathways that wind through the terraces. You see farmers at work, their hats bobbing in the distance. You hear the sound of water trickling through bamboo pipes. It’s so quiet and organized, really. The air smells earthy, like wet soil and fresh plants. You have options to do the famous swings or zip lines for an extra fee, but to be honest, I was perfectly happy just walking around. At the end of the day, just being in that space, surrounded by all that history and nature, was more than enough for me. It’s pretty humbling, in a way, to see something so beautiful made by human hands working with nature.
Discovering a Secluded Waterfall
Next up was the part I was perhaps most excited about: the hidden waterfall. The tour company keeps the exact location sort of under wraps, which actually adds to the fun of it all. We drove for a little while longer, then parked near a small local village. From there, it was a short trek on foot. The path was slightly uneven and went down a bunch of stairs, but it wasn’t too difficult. You walk through this thick jungle environment, with massive ferns and hanging vines all around you. You can hear the waterfall before you see it, you know? It starts as a distant rumble and gets louder with every step. The anticipation is just fantastic.
And then, you round a final corner, and there it is. Seriously, the water was just thundering down into this clear pool below. The spray from it instantly cools you down. The place felt very untouched, unlike some of the more famous waterfalls that get really crowded. There were only a few other people there, which was a definite plus. I went for a swim, and let me tell you, the water is refreshingly cold. It’s the kind of cold that wakes up all your senses. Just floating in that pool, looking up at the water cascading down through the green foliage… well, it’s a moment I won’t forget anytime soon. It’s a perfect reward after the walk to get there, at the end of the day.
Is this Tour Right for You?
So, you might be wondering who this tour is really for. Honestly, I think it’s for someone who wants to see a few different sides of Bali in one efficient go. If you are short on time, this combo is actually a great way to cover a lot of ground. It’s also for people who are, you know, moderately active. There is some walking, particularly at the rice terraces and the waterfall, including some stairs. So, you should be comfortable with that. It’s not a super intense physical challenge, but it’s not a sit-in-the-car kind of tour either, which is a good thing in my book.
As a matter of fact, it seems perfect for solo travelers, couples, or even families with older children who enjoy nature. The horse riding part is pretty gentle, so you don’t need prior experience. You just have to be open to a full day of activity. You get the coast, the countryside, and the jungle all in one package. You just need to be prepared for an early start and a pretty full day. It’s more or less an all-encompassing nature experience, which is exactly what I was searching for.
What to Bring for the Day
Okay, let’s talk practical stuff. Packing the right things will definitely make your day a lot smoother. I learned a thing or two. First, wear comfortable clothes. I mean, lightweight materials that you can move in are best. For the horse riding, long pants are a pretty good idea to protect your legs. I wore leggings and they were basically perfect.
Here’s a quick list of what I would suggest you pack in a small day bag:
- Swimsuit: Obviously for the waterfall. Wear it under your clothes to make changing easier.
- A small towel: A quick-dry travel towel is sort of ideal.
- Change of clothes: Something dry to put on after your swim is really nice.
- Water shoes or sandals: These are great for walking around the waterfall area since the rocks can be slippery.
- Sunscreen and a hat: The Bali sun is no joke, especially on the beach and at the terraces.
- Camera or your phone: You will want to take pictures. Just be careful around the water.
- A little cash: For any small purchases, like a coconut water at the rice terraces, or for tipping your guides if you feel they did a great job.
Having these things on hand means you can just relax and enjoy each part of the day without worrying about being unprepared. Seriously, a little planning goes a very long way.
Key Takeaways from the Tour:
- The experience offers a great mix of different Balinese landscapes: beach, rice fields, and jungle.
- It’s a full-day tour, so be prepared for an early start and a lot of activity.
- The horse riding is generally gentle and suitable for beginners.
- You get to see Tegalalang Rice Terraces without the rush of doing it as a standalone trip.
- The “hidden” waterfall provides a refreshing and less crowded swimming opportunity.
Read our full review: [2025 Bali Horse Riding and Ubud Rice Terrace, Hidden Waterfall Tour Full Review and Details]
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