Ubud: Hidden Gems and Waterfalls Private Tour

Three waterfalls in one day make this a lively way to see the greener side of Bali: Goa Raja’s cave setting, Tukad Cepung’s enclosed rock walls and Kanto Lampo’s broad cascade each offer a different scene. I like the private format, which gives you room to ask questions, pause for photos and take the day at a more comfortable pace.

I also like the mix of nature and local detail: you can walk through rice fields, hear about Balinese plants at a plantation, and taste tropical fruit and locally made drinks. The main drawback is physical, not complicated: waterfall visits involve stairs, and the full-day version can mean a lot of walking in heat.

At a glance

• Three distinct waterfalls: Goa Raja, Tukad Cepung and Kanto Lampo, with swimming at some stops.
• Private transport and guiding: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available, with an English-speaking guide and driver.
• Rice fields and plantation: Add Tegallalang’s terraces and a stop to learn about useful plants and sample local products.
• A long, active day: The tour is listed at 330 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the option and route.
• Price starts at $43 per person: Check which meals and entry tickets are included in the option you select.
• Bring shoes for wet ground: Comfortable shoes, water shoes, a towel and a change of clothes will serve you well.

Three waterfalls, three different visits

The appeal of this tour is not simply the number of waterfalls. Each stop has its own character, and seeing them together gives you a fuller day in the countryside than a quick trip to one popular cascade.

At Goa Raja, the waterfall is set in a cave. Expect a walk through a green, watery setting, with the chance to swim in a natural pool. Some of the route can involve shallow streams and rocky footing, so water shoes are useful. You can choose how much of the wet walk to take on, but the cave and river setting are part of what makes this stop different.

Tukad Cepung is known for its clear water and rock walls. The tour includes time to visit and walk around, and the activity description says swimming may be possible. The more enclosed setting gives this stop a distinct feel from an open cascade, though conditions and the route can vary. Take your time on the approach, especially if the ground is wet.

At Kanto Lampo, water runs over a broad, stepped rock face. The listed cascade is about 50 feet high, and this is another stop where you may swim. It is also a popular photo spot, so the timing can make a difference. Some guides have started early to reach the falls before the busiest period. You can ask your guide about departure timing when confirming the pickup.

The waterfall visits are listed at about an hour apiece. That sounds generous, but walking down, taking photos, changing and getting back to the car all use time. There are stairs at the falls, and no elevator access. One itinerary includes a walk through cave streams and shallow rivers over rocky ground, so be ready for uneven footing rather than a paved stroll.

Rice fields at Tegallalang

The tour also visits Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where you can walk among the green fields and look across the stepped rice-growing area. It is a welcome change of pace after the waterfall paths, and a useful place to see how much of Bali’s countryside is shaped by farming.

The terraces are described as a UNESCO site in the tour information. Entry tickets are included only if you select an option that covers them, so check before booking rather than assuming every package has the same inclusions. The walk involves steps, and you will want comfortable shoes even if you have already changed out of wet gear.

I like this stop because it gives the day more than a string of photo stops. The plantation visit explains how plants are used, while the rice fields give you a view of cultivation on a larger scale. Your guide can help put the setting in context. Past guides such as Krisna and Adi have discussed rice growing and local farming along the way, but your assigned guide may be someone else.

A plantation stop with tastings

At the Cantik Balinese plantation, you can learn about the traditional and present-day uses of local flora. The visit includes tastings of tropical fruits and Balinese beverages, with coffee and tea among the products sampled on some tours.

This is a good counterpoint to the physical part of the day. You can slow down, try unfamiliar flavors and hear how plants fit into daily life and local production. The tastings are included in the activity description, while the plantation entry ticket is listed as included only if your selected option covers it. The tour does not require you to buy products, and there is no need to treat the stop as a shopping obligation.

The exact order of the plantation and other stops can vary with the route. The tour information describes different sequences, and the day can also include a meal break around Kintamani or Ubud. Treat the route as a plan rather than a promise that every stop will occur in precisely the same order.

Lunch, Kintamani and the shape of the day

Meal arrangements depend on the option you book. Some choices include a buffet lunch or a Balinese dish, while others may not. If lunch is included, the tour information places a break in Kintamani, and some full-day outings have included views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur from a restaurant. That is a notable bonus, but do not assume the same restaurant or view is part of every option.

The schedule also lists a break in Ubud, so check the exact package details if meal timing matters to you. The stated duration ranges from 330 minutes to 10 hours, a wide span that reflects different tour options and pickup locations. A half-day option is limited to pickups and drop-offs in Ubud and Gianyar Regency, with return around 2:30 or 3 p.m. A full-day option can serve places farther afield and may return much later.

For the full-day route, stated return times are about 4:30 p.m. for Ubud and around 7:30 or 8:15 p.m. for places such as Sanur, Legian, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. Traffic affects the journey. If you are staying in Ubud, the operator recommends it as a base because the stops are closer together. That can mean less time in the car and more time on foot.

A private car makes the long day easier

Pickup and drop-off are available at listed areas including Ubud, Sanur, Gianyar, Payangan, Sukawati, Tampaksiring, Abiansemal and Tegallalang. The precise areas depend on the option you choose. Confirm your accommodation location and tour length before booking, particularly if you are outside Ubud.

Private transport is a practical strength here. You do not have to coordinate with a large group at each stop, and you can ask your guide questions as you travel between sites. The car also gives you a place to rest, cool off and change clothes between wet activities. The transport has a strong reputation in the tour information, and the guide and driver roles may be separate.

Guides named on past outings include Kadek, Krisna and Adi. Their reported strengths include clear English, cultural explanations, safe driving and help with photos. Those names are useful examples of the style of service to expect, not a guarantee of who will lead your trip. If taking photos matters to you, ask your guide for help at the start of the day. Some guides have suggested photo spots and waited patiently while couples or solo visitors took pictures.

How hard is the walking?

You do not need to be an athlete, but this is more active than a drive-by sightseeing tour. Expect stairs at the waterfalls, slippery or rocky sections near water, and additional steps at the rice terraces. One account of the route estimated roughly 500 stairs across the day, plus about 50 more at the paddies. That is an individual estimate, not a fixed count, but it gives you a fair sense of the effort.

There are places to pause and catch your breath, and some water walks are optional. Still, heat, humidity and wet stone can make the route tiring. Wear shoes with a secure grip for stairs, and bring water shoes or sandals for the streams and pools. Pack a towel, sunscreen and a full change of clothes. Eat breakfast before pickup, as recommended, and avoid bringing luggage or large bags.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under two. If you have concerns about stairs or uneven ground, ask the operator about the specific route available on your date before booking. The experience runs rain or shine, so a wet day may mean more slippery paths and less comfortable swimming.

What the $43 price does and does not tell you

At $43 per person, the starting price can be strong value for a private outing that combines several nature stops, transport, an English-speaking guide, water or Coke, and fruit and beverage tastings. The cost is easier to justify if you want a full day of varied stops without arranging separate drivers and tickets yourself.

But the starting price is not enough to compare packages. The included items are conditional: rice terrace, waterfall and plantation entry tickets may depend on the option selected, as may buffet lunch or a Balinese dish. Check the inclusions on your exact choice and factor in any entry fees or meal costs not covered. That small check can prevent a cheap-looking option from becoming less of a bargain.

The flexibility of a private group matters too. You can keep the day more personal than a shared bus outing, ask for explanations and spend time on photos. The trade-off is that the day still depends on road traffic, weather and the number of stairs at each site. A high transport rating is reassuring, but it cannot make Bali traffic predictable.

Who should book this tour?

This suits you if you want waterfalls and countryside in one outing, value a private guide, and are comfortable walking on stairs and uneven ground. Couples, families with children over two, and solo visitors can all make use of the private format, provided everyone in the group can manage the physical demands.

It is less suited to anyone seeking a gentle, mostly seated day or a short visit to a single attraction. The full-day option can stretch well into the evening for pickups outside Ubud, and the half-day version has a narrower pickup area. If your priority is swimming, check which falls permit it on the selected route; the tour describes swimming at Goa Raja and Kanto Lampo, with the option also noted at Tukad Cepung.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded day in Ubud’s countryside and are ready for stairs, damp paths and a long ride. The combination of three waterfalls, rice fields, plantation tastings and a private guide is a lot of variety for the starting price.

Before paying, confirm the tour length, pickup area, lunch choice and entry tickets. Choose the half-day option if you are based in Ubud or Gianyar and want an earlier finish. Pick the full-day version if you want the broader route and are comfortable with a later return, especially from coastal areas. Pack for water and walking, eat breakfast, and leave large bags at your accommodation.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 330 minutes to 10 hours. The exact length depends on the option and pickup location.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The activity is described as a private group with an English-speaking guide and driver.

Which waterfalls does the tour visit?

The named stops are Goa Raja, Tukad Cepung and Kanto Lampo.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Swimming is listed at Goa Raja and Kanto Lampo. The activity description also says you may swim at Tukad Cepung, depending on the visit.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select an option that includes it. The choices listed include a buffet lunch or a Balinese dish.

Are entry tickets included?

Entry tickets for the rice terrace, waterfalls and plantation are included only if your selected option says they are.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a change of clothes, a towel, water shoes and sandals. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Are there many stairs?

Yes. There are stairs at the waterfalls, no elevator access, and additional steps at the rice terraces. Some walking surfaces may be rocky or wet.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.