Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour

This 10-hour private Ubud tour packs Bali’s green north into one long day: monkeys and temple paths, a swing over the trees, rice terraces, a holy water temple, coffee in Tampaksiring, and Tegenungan Waterfall. You get hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and an English-speaking guide.

I like the private format, since your guide can adjust the pace and take photos instead of herding you through a fixed group schedule. I also like the mix of famous sights and local stops, especially Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple and the flower-and-coffee break in Tampaksiring. The main catch is that the advertised price of $22.67 does not cover every possible expense, and the swing itself may be an optional add-on.

Key points to know before booking

• Six stops in one day: You visit the Monkey Forest, Happy Swing Bali, Tegalalang, Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Tampaksiring, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
• A private guide changes the feel: You travel only with your own group, with an English-speaking guide and an air-conditioned vehicle.
• The Bali Swing may cost extra: The basic entrance is included, but the actual swing activity is described as optional at the site.
• Lunch is not included: Plan on about $4 per person for a local restaurant lunch, though the final cost can vary.
• Adi received especially warm praise: One strong account singles out guide-driver Adi for answering questions, showing the main sights, and taking good photos.
• The schedule is full: Stops are generally limited to 40 minutes or one hour, so this suits sightseeing more than slow exploration.

What you get for $22.67

At first glance, this is a low-cost private tour. The price includes pickup, drop-off, transport, entrance tickets under the premium all-inclusive description, mineral water, a snack, coffee or tea at a rest stop, insurance, and a professional English-speaking guide.

That is a useful package for a couple or small family. You avoid arranging separate taxis between Ubud-area sights, and a private vehicle is far more comfortable than piecing this day together with public transport. Onboard Wi-Fi is another practical touch, especially if you need to check maps, send photos, or stay in touch between stops.

There are two money points to check before you go. Lunch is extra, with an estimated cost of about $4 per person. The details also say that special private guided entrance tickets may cost roughly $18 per person if you visit all attractions. That wording does not sit neatly with the promise that entrance tickets are included, so ask the operator exactly which tickets the $22.67 covers and what the $18 charge means.

The Bali Swing needs the same careful reading. The entrance ticket may be included, but the swing ride itself is presented as an optional activity at the venue. If the swing is your main reason for booking, confirm the price and access before setting out.

Starting with monkeys and old temple paths

The first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud, with about one hour allotted. You can expect tropical paths, old temple features, a bridge near the Campuhan River, and macaques moving around the forest.

The guide is useful here. A private guide can help you frame photographs at the temple and bridge, explain local customs, and keep the visit moving. The forest is not only a photo stop. It gives you an early look at how nature, shrines, and daily Balinese religious life sit close together.

Keep your expectations sensible. One hour is enough for a taste, not a full study of the sanctuary. The monkeys are part of the setting, but this is still an active public attraction, not a quiet forest walk. Follow local instructions around food and personal items, and let your guide handle the route.

Happy Swing Bali and the important fine print

Next comes Happy Swing Bali, also scheduled for one hour. This is the most openly photo-driven stop, with a swing, bird-nest photo spots, and complimentary clothing available with swing activities.

The setting is designed for memorable pictures, and your guide can help with timing and photographs. A private guide is especially handy here because you do not have to rely on strangers to capture the shot.

But read the inclusions carefully. The description says the swing experience is optional and can be selected on arrival. One dissatisfied customer reached only the area near the entrance and could not explore the swing properly despite having paid for an entrance ticket. The operator explained that the swing activity was an extra choice, not part of the basic admission.

That makes this stop a possible weak point. If you only want to see the site, the included entry may be enough. If you specifically want the swing, ask these questions in advance: Is the ride included? Which photo areas can you use? Is the complimentary dress included with the ride only? Is there a separate charge for different swing packages?

Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with lunch on your own

The tour then heads north to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for about an hour. This is the classic Bali view of green stepped fields and jungle scenery, with rows of rice terraces running through the hills.

I like the fact that the tour gives this stop a full hour rather than treating it as a quick roadside photograph. You can walk a little, take in the views, and let your guide explain the local setting. Still, one hour is not enough for a long terrace hike, so think of this as a viewpoint visit with a short walk.

Lunch is available at a local Balinese restaurant, but it is an additional personal expense. The estimated price is about $4 per person. That makes the meal sound reasonably priced, but you should still bring some spending money and ask whether lunch is taken at the terrace stop or at another point nearby.

This is also where the day can begin to feel rushed. The tour covers a lot of ground, and the rice terraces are only one part of a six-stop route. If you want time for a long meal or a relaxed walk through the fields, tell your guide early and be ready to shorten another stop.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple and Balinese custom

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is the most culturally focused stop on the route, with roughly one hour to look around. The explanation provided links the temple to the ninth century and to the holy man Rsi Markandya, who was traveling toward Mount Agung in hot weather when he found the place.

This stop gives the day more substance than a string of photo locations. You can ask about temple customs, local beliefs, and the meaning of the site rather than simply taking pictures and moving on. Wear something suitable for a temple visit, and listen to your guide about local behavior.

The tour description also refers to learning about Balinese culture at a Batuan Temple and a local home, plus visits connected with batik, wood carving, and silver craftsmanship. Those places are not listed among the six timed stops, so do not assume every one will be included in this exact route. If crafts or a home visit matter to you, confirm the final schedule with the operator.

Tampaksiring coffee and a short pause

After the temple, you get about 40 minutes in Tampaksiring for complimentary coffee and tea. This is a useful pause in a long driving day, and the cooler village setting offers a change from the main attractions.

The stop includes a flower field with marigolds, roses, and other varieties. It is another picture-friendly break, but it also gives you a chance to sit, drink something, and reset before the waterfall.

I would treat this as a pleasant rest stop rather than a major cultural visit. Forty minutes goes quickly, especially if you want coffee, photographs, and time to look around. The value is in the change of pace and the chance to see a smaller village setting between bigger attractions.

Tegenungan Waterfall closes the day

The final listed stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, with about one hour. You can see the falling water, feel the spray, and photograph the green surroundings with your guide’s help.

The waterfall is a good finale because it adds sound, movement, and a chance to stretch your legs after the vehicle rides. The tour promises the main view and time near the falls, but the supplied details do not say how much swimming or walking is included. Ask your guide about the exact route if you want more than a viewpoint visit.

An hour should let you see the waterfall and take photographs, but it may not allow a long stay. Since this comes after five other stops, you may also be tired by then. Comfortable footwear and a willingness to get a little wet are sensible, though the tour information does not promise swimming time.

The private guide and vehicle matter

This is not a shared coach outing. Only your group takes part, and transport is by air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup is offered, and the tour is described as suitable for most people and close to public transportation.

The best part of that setup is control. You can ask questions about the temples, request a photo, and speak up if you need a short pause. One particularly positive account names Adi as the guide-driver and praises his friendly manner, local explanations, willingness to answer questions, and photography.

The driver also has a major safety duty. One serious account describes the driver appearing to fall asleep while driving during the middle of the day. That is not a minor complaint. If your driver seems tired or unsafe, say so immediately and ask for a break or a change in the plan. A long day on Bali roads demands alert driving.

The tour includes insurance, but that should not replace ordinary care. Keep your valuables secure at the Monkey Forest, follow temple rules, and make sure the vehicle is comfortable before leaving.

Is this good value for a full day?

For $22.67 per person, the tour can be strong value if you want many Ubud-area highlights with transport and a private guide. Pickup, air-conditioning, water, Wi-Fi, a snack, and guide service reduce the number of small arrangements you need to make yourself.

The value drops if you count on a fully included lunch, a guaranteed swing ride, or extra craft and home visits. Those points either cost more or need confirmation. The day is also busy, with most stops limited to one hour and Tampaksiring limited to 40 minutes.

I see this as a sightseeing sampler. It works well for a first Bali visit, a short stay, couples who want private transport, and families who prefer one vehicle and one guide. It is less suitable if you want a slow day, a long rice-terrace walk, extended temple time, or a dedicated waterfall visit.

The tour is booked on average about five days ahead, so you do not need to reserve months out based on the supplied booking pattern. Still, popular dates can change, and free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a low-priced, private day that covers many classic Ubud sights and you value help with transport, local explanations, and photos. The strongest reasons are the flexible private format, the cultural stop at Gunung Kawi Sebatu, and the convenience of fitting six different places into one day.

Before paying, get written confirmation about the $18 possible entrance charge, lunch, and the Bali Swing ride. If the swing is essential, do not treat the basic entry ticket as proof that the ride is included. I would also make driver safety a clear priority during the day.

Skip it if you prefer slow travel or if one attraction matters far more than the rest. For a first overview of Ubud and the surrounding area, though, this is a practical package at a modest price, provided you understand what is and is not included.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered as part of the experience.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Which places are included in the route?

The listed stops are Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Happy Swing Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, Tampaksiring, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is an additional personal expense, estimated at about $4 per person.

Is the Bali Swing included?

The entrance ticket is described as included, but the actual swing activity is optional and may require an extra payment at the location.

Is a guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a professional English-speaking tour guide.

What transport is provided?

Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. Onboard Wi-Fi and a mineral water bottle are also included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.