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

Taman Sari Waterfall turns Ubud into a movie. This private day gives you swimming at a natural pool plus a classic Ubud mix of temples, rice terraces, and the jungle swing, all in one smooth route. I also like the pacing because you get time to enjoy each stop, not just rush for photos, and the main drawback is simple: it is a long 7 to 8 hours and the experience depends on good weather.

A big reason this works well is the human factor. In the best cases, guides like Nyoman, Rico, Riko, and Wayan keep things moving, explain what you are seeing, and can even help add an extra detour like a monkey forest when you want it.

You start around 8:30 am, ride in a private car with bottled water, and pay a clear price of $32 per person. If you want an active Ubud day with nature and culture, this is a strong value, as long as you go in with the right expectations for heat, walking, and swim time.

Key highlights before you go

• Swimming at Taman Sari Waterfall natural pool with a waterfall that breaks into multiple cascades over rock.
• Photo-perfect Ubud stops like Tegalalang rice terraces and the d’Alas jungle swing above jungle and rice fields.
• Temple and carving time at Puseh Batuan Temple, built in 944 and known for Bali carvings.
• Two Ubud cultural hits with no added ticket at the art market and Ubud Palace (free entries listed).
• Guides who help the day feel easy, with English speaking support and practical routing.
• A private car setup with petrol, parking, and bottled water included, so you do not have to organize transport.

How a Ubud private day works from 8:30 am to 7 to 8 hours

This is built as a full, do-it-all Ubud outing. Pickup is set for 8:30 am, and the total time is about 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and how much time you spend at the water and viewpoints.

You travel in a private car, with petrol, parking fees, and bottled water included. That matters more than it sounds. In Ubud, local roads can slow you down, and having your own transport usually keeps you from wasting time coordinating buses or multiple taxis.

The tour includes an English speaking driver or guide, and you get a mobile ticket. It is also described as a private tour where only your group participates, so you are not stuck waiting on strangers’ photo schedules.

One practical note: the day includes swimming and outdoor walking, so you should expect muddy spots around water areas and slippery footing near waterfalls. Wear shoes you can trust, and keep your phone and bag protected for the swim stop.

Taman Sari Waterfall swim: the natural pool moment

The headliner is Taman Sari Waterfall, one of the most swim friendly spots near Ubud. The waterfall begins as a single drop and then breaks into multiple cascades flowing over the rock, which is exactly why the place is so photogenic.

You get about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as included for the stop. That hour is usually just right if you want to do more than dip your toes. You can swim in the natural pool, take a few photos from different angles, and still have time to dry off before the next driving segment.

What I like about this style of waterfall swim is that it feels more real than a staged pool. You are dealing with moving water and a rocky, natural setup, so it has the feel of a local nature spot rather than an amusement attraction.

That said, go in prepared. Bring a change of clothes, consider quick drying items, and use common sense around slick rocks. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the views and take photos, and keep the water time casual.

Puseh Batuan Temple: carvings in a village setting

After the water, you head to Puseh Batuan Temple in Batuan Village. This is a village temple known for its Bali carvings, and it is described as built in lsaka 944. Translation: you are not just seeing a pretty gate, you are looking at something that has been part of Balinese religious life for a very long time.

You have about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as included for the stop. The carvings are the main reason to go. This is the kind of place where it helps to slow down and look closely at details, like decorative stonework and temple structure.

One reason temple stops can feel flat on tours is that they get treated like photo backdrops. Here, the time is long enough to actually notice textures and patterns, and that is where the value sits.

If you prefer places where the surroundings are quiet and you can appreciate craftsmanship, this is a good switch from the active swim stop. You still get culture, but in a calmer rhythm.

Tegalalang rice terraces: dramatic views and time to walk

Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s classic photo and viewpoint areas. The views spread down and away over slopes across a valley, and the terraces create that stepped, layered look that always photographs well.

You get around 1 hour at the terraces, with admission listed as included. The itinerary also hints that you will have time to walk around, not just stand at one viewpoint. That is important because different angles show different parts of the terrace system.

I like this stop for two reasons. First, it gives you a slower, scenic moment after swimming and temple time. Second, the terraces are a clear example of how Bali’s agriculture shapes daily life and the look of the countryside.

Bring water and plan your walking pace. Even when routes look short on a map, terrace paths can be uneven, and it is often hot. If you want photos, you might do best arriving ready to shoot from several points, not just one.

d’Alas Swing above the jungle and rice fields

Then you get the adrenaline and the big visual payoff: d’Alas Swing in the Tegalalang area. The description is straightforward, you soar high above jungle and rice fields and capture your best picture for sweet memories from Bali.

You have about 45 minutes at the swing area, and admission is listed as included for this stop. Forty five minutes sounds short, but it typically fits a couple of rounds, photos, and time for your group to take turns.

This is one of those activities where the guide’s role really matters. When guides are on top of timing and directions, you spend less time confused and more time in position getting the shot you want.

Safety note in plain terms: follow staff instructions for harnessing and swinging. Wear shoes that grip, and keep your hands free when you are supposed to swing.

If you are doing this just once, you will probably want to take your time with the final photo angle. The whole point is being high above the rice terraces, so you want the frame to show both height and the view.

Ubud art market and Ubud Palace: culture without extra fuss

After the big outdoor hits, you shift to central Ubud culture.

First is the Ubud Traditional Art Market. Admission is listed as free, and you have about 1 hour. This is a good stop if you want to see what people actually sell in Ubud, from small art items to handmade goods. You can browse slowly, pick up something lightweight, or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Then you visit Ubud Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung. Admission is listed as free, and you get about 1 hour. The palace is described as an old building complex with fantastic carvings and courtyards, and it is an important historical landmark for the Balinese.

I like pairing market plus palace because they give you two different types of culture. The market is everyday creativity and commerce. The palace is long standing heritage and the artistic language of carved stone and ritual spaces.

This part of the day is also a good energy reset. After waterfall humidity and rice terrace heat, courtyards and shaded areas can feel like a breather, even if you still do some walking.

Price and value: what $32 really covers

At $32 per person, this tour can be a solid deal if you want multiple major Ubud sights plus private transport. The included items are practical: private car, petrol, parking fee, bottled water, and an English speaking driver or guide.

Admission pricing is where you need to pay a little attention. The stop details list admission tickets as included for Taman Sari Waterfall, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and d’Alas Swing. But the overall tour section also lists all entrance tickets as not included. Because those two statements exist side by side in the info you receive, I suggest you confirm ticket inclusion for the specific stops when you book.

Either way, you do have a clear benefit: the art market and Ubud Palace are listed as free entry. That reduces the add ons you might otherwise have to pay at the counter.

Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are not included. So plan for at least one paid meal if you want a proper sit down lunch, or bring some snack strategy.

The value question is really about your priorities. If you want one day that hits waterfall swim, rice terraces, a swing activity, and Ubud culture spots, paying for a private route is often easier than coordinating everything on your own.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you like active outdoor time mixed with cultural stops. The day includes swimming, walking, and photo focused viewpoints, so it is a great match for couples and friends who want to move around and see a lot in one go.

It is also a good fit if you want English guidance and less stress. The reviews highlight guides like Nyoman and Rico as helpful, and one mention of Wayan specifically calls out great guidance. That kind of support matters at waterfall and terrace stops where it can be easy to feel lost.

If you do not like swimming, or if you get uncomfortable with uneven paths, you might still enjoy temples and palace, but the day is designed around the outdoor flow. Consider whether you want to pay for stops where your favorite part is not included.

It is described as suitable for most travelers, and children under 3 are free of charge. If you are traveling with kids, the length of the day is the main thing to judge, since it is still 7 to 8 hours.

Weather, water time, and simple prep that pays off

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because waterfall and outdoor viewpoints are the core of the itinerary.

Plan to dress for humidity and possible wet ground. You will be around water at the main stop, and later you are walking at terraces. Bring a bag you can keep dry, and keep your swim essentials easy to reach.

If you tend to get motion sick in curvy roads, Ubud traffic patterns and road bends can make it worse. The info confirms private car transport, which helps, but it does not guarantee smooth roads.

Finally, use your guide’s timing style. The reviews mention that guides get people around quickly and can reduce waiting. When a guide handles the flow, you can spend more time enjoying each stop instead of hovering around ticket lines or searching for the next entrance.

Should you book this Ubud waterfall and swing day?

I would book it if you want an Ubud day that is built around Taman Sari waterfall swimming, photo heavy Tegalalang rice terraces, and the signature d’Alas swing with added culture at a palace and art market. The private car and English speaking guide make it easier to enjoy without logistics headaches.

I would hesitate if you want a short, relaxed half day, or if you are sensitive to wet terrain and heat. This is more active than a museum day, and you will get the most out of it if you treat it like a full day in the outdoors.

Before you pay, do one quick check: confirm whether entrance tickets are actually included for all stops, since the info includes both included and not included phrasing. Then you can relax and just focus on the fun part, the waterfall swim and that high swing view over the rice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours (approx.).

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is offered, and you need to submit your hotel or accommodation details (name, address, and phone number).

Is this a private tour?

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

What is included in the price?

Included items are private car, petrol, parking fee, bottled water, and an English speaking driver or guide.

Are entrance tickets included?

The stop descriptions list admission ticket included for some locations, and the overall info also says all entrance tickets are not included. Because of that inconsistency, it is smart to confirm ticket inclusion for the specific stops when booking.

What is not included?

Not included items are lunch and personal expenses.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a child discount?

Child below 3 years is free of charge. Adult price applies to all travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.

Can I change the date after booking?

The info states that changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time will not be accepted. It also confirms free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.