Bamboo, temples, and holy water: a smart Ubud day. This full-day trek blends moderate hiking with real cultural stops, from Taro-area village life to Tirta Empul Temple and scenic rice terraces. It also keeps things practical with hotel pickup, bottled water, and lunch timed over the paddies.

Two things I really like about this tour are the mix of movement and meaning, and the way the day is paced for non-race-hikers. You get a long stretch through bamboo and tropical fruit plant areas, then you slow down at temples and viewpoints. The other big win is the guide: names like Wayan and Baru show up in guide stories, and the tone is personal and specific, not just a checklist.

One consideration: it’s not for you if you have back problems or serious heart issues, and the tour uses a fair amount of walking on uneven ground. Also, some key sites have tickets not included, so budget a bit extra for admissions and the optional swing.

Key highlights to look for

• A full-day structure with pickup, a long village stop, a multi-hour hike, and temple time
• Taro-area temple focus, paired with village life at Delodsema Traditional Village
• Tirta Empul holy water visit, including the option for purification rites if you want
• Tegalalang rice terrace photos, with a quick scenic stop after the off-the-beaten-path walk
• Coffee plantation + optional terrace swing, with the swing ticket sold separately
• Private group feel, since it’s run as a private activity for your group

A bamboo-and-temple day from Ubud

Ubud is great when you want more than scooters, shopping, and quick photos. This tour gives you a day that feels like you’re moving through Bali instead of just visiting it. You start in Ubud and head north, then the itinerary threads together village life, a temple setting, hiking time, and sacred water—plus a few iconic rice-terrace moments.

What makes it appealing is that it’s a real “do” day, not a long bus ride with occasional stops. The schedule includes about 7 hours 30 minutes total time, and a major chunk of that is on foot. You also get lunch included, plus bottled water, so you’re not scrambling for snacks.

Because it runs on good weather, the day depends on the sky. If weather turns bad, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That matters in the rainy season, but it also means you’re not stuck on a plan that’s guaranteed to be miserable.

Price and what your $78 actually buys

At $78, this tour can be good value if you want a guide, pickup/drop-off, lunch, and a full circuit of sights. The included basics are strong: a professional local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, bottled water, and parking fees.

Where you need to be smart is admissions and optional add-ons. Here’s what is explicitly included vs not:

• Delodsema Traditional Village area: admission ticket included
• Tirta Empul Temple: admission ticket not included
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: admission ticket not included
• Terrace River Pool Swing: swing ticket not included
• Shopping: not included, and you’ll likely be tempted while you’re there

So your all-in cost isn’t just the $78. But if you’re planning to see Tirta Empul and Tegalalang anyway, paying admissions through the tour can save time and help you avoid coordination headaches.

How fit do you need to be for the 4-hour hike?

The hike is described as moderate and lasts about 4 hours through bamboo forest and areas with tropical fruit plants. That’s not the same thing as “short and easy.” You’re on a path for long stretches, and the ground can be uneven.

If your idea of hiking is a paved walkway, adjust your expectations. Wear supportive shoes (trail-ready is best) and plan for some uphill and time on natural terrain. Also, the tour specifically says it’s not recommended for back problems, heart complaints, or serious medical conditions. Families with young kids should think carefully too: minimum age is 7, and kids under 7 must be carried by a parent.

The good news is that the day includes long breaks. You spend about 4 hours at Delodsema Traditional Village, then another hour at Tirta Empul, plus smaller photo stops. That means you’re not hiking continuously for the whole day.

Delodsema Traditional Village in Taro: more than a quick stop

This is the first major leg and it’s long. You meet your local guide, then ride about 30 minutes north of Ubud to the Taro area. The stop is called Delodsema Traditional Village (part of Taro village), and you’ll spend around 4 hours there, with the admission ticket included.

This is the leg that sets up the story of Bali for the day. The overview frames it as a way to see Bali’s oldest Hindu temple complex, tied to the Taro village tradition. Even if you’re not a history nerd, this part works because it’s not just a structure behind a fence. It’s village life plus the sacred setting that village life grew around.

One practical thing: because this portion is so time-based, you’ll have more time for unhurried looking. You can ask questions, pause for photos, and take in the rhythm of the place. If you like cultural time over speed-run tourism, this first stop is a strong match.

Potential drawback: since you’re there a long time, don’t treat it like a “grab a photo and go.” Bring patience for slower pacing and some walking even outside the main hike.

Tirta Empul Temple: sacred water with an option for purification

Next comes Tirta Empul Temple. This is where the spiritual side becomes the main event. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and the admission ticket is not included.

Tirta Empul is known for its holy water area. The tour description focuses on the ambiance—more than just sightseeing—so expect a calm, focused mood rather than a loud attraction. The best part is that you can participate in the purification ritual if you want. The wording matters here: it’s presented as an option, not a demand.

What that means for you: if you’re curious, you can step into the experience with respect and follow guidance. If you’re not comfortable with the ritual side, you can still enjoy the temple setting and the sacred water atmosphere.

Small tip for your day: plan your water and bathroom strategy around temple time. Once you’re in a place where people gather for rituals, it can be less convenient to step away whenever you feel like it.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the photo stop that actually fits the day

After the hike and temple time, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for about 30 minutes. This stop is designed for a quick reset: scenic views, great photo angles, and a chance to slow down before the final leg.

The important detail: admission for this stop is not included. So factor that into your budget if you’re visiting and want to access viewpoints tied to the terrace areas.

I like this timing because it gives you a visual reward after hours of moving through greenery. It also helps you end the trek portion with something classic. Bali rice terraces are one of the things most people come for, and this keeps it from feeling random.

Coffee plantation zone and the terrace swing

The last part builds in fun and variety. You’ll visit a coffee plantation and have a chance to sample luwak coffee. The tour description frames it as tasting some of the world’s most expensive coffee. After that, you go to the Terrace River Pool Swing area.

This is the most “adrenaline optional” segment of the day. You can do different swings with views over rice terraces and a river. The key detail: the swing ticket is not included, so you’ll pay separately if you choose it.

This leg is great for a mixed group. If someone in your party doesn’t want to swing, they can still watch and enjoy the scenery. It’s also a good moment to stretch out after hiking.

One note: swing areas tend to be busy in certain times of day, and you’ll feel it if you’re prone to queues. If you’re worried, decide early whether you’ll actually buy a swing ticket.

The lunch over rice paddies: simple, included fuel

Lunch is included, and the tour description says it’s served with views of rice paddies. That’s not just a nice perk—it helps the pacing. After hours of walking and temple focus, you’ll appreciate a meal that’s timed when you’re actually ready for a break.

Since lunch is included, you don’t have to hunt down food near each stop. Also, bottled water is included, which is helpful on a long day when you’ll likely be a bit damp with sweat even in comfortable weather.

What I’d do: eat like you’re preparing for one more active leg. Don’t go overly heavy if you know you’ll want energy for the final coffee and swing zone.

Your guide matters (and you might get a standout one)

This tour is led by a professional local guide, and the guide experience is a big part of why people rate it so highly. In the stories, guides like Wayan and Baru come up with specific praise—experienced, friendly, and focused on delivering a complete Bali day with a personal touch.

You can feel this in how the tour is built. It isn’t just, “here’s the site, move on.” It’s village time, then a temple ritual environment, then scenic terrace views, then coffee and optional thrills. A good guide helps you connect the dots so the day feels like one story instead of separate stops.

Also, the experience is run as a private activity for your group. That usually means you’re not stuck being rushed by a large crowd rhythm. It’s better for questions, slower pacing, and adjusting on the fly if someone needs a breather.

Timing, transportation, and why pickup helps in Ubud

Transportation is included with round-trip pickup and drop-off from your Ubud hotel. That matters more than it sounds. Ubud traffic and stop-start journeys can eat time, especially if you’re trying to coordinate multiple parts of the region.

With pickup handled, you can focus on the day plan: meet your guide, drive north, spend the morning and midday alternating between village and sacred sites, then finish with rice terraces and coffee.

The tour also notes “near public transportation,” but honestly, with hotel pickup included, you won’t need to worry about transit planning unless you’re staying outside Ubud’s main zones.

What to bring (so the hike feels fun, not annoying)

The tour suggests the day requires moderate physical fitness, and parts are on walking paths. So pack with the hike in mind:

• Comfortable, grippy shoes for uneven ground
• Light layers (mornings can feel cooler, especially near forested areas)
• Small towel or wipes for the temple and walking breaks
• Cash for extras since Tirta Empul, Tegalalang, and the swing ticket are not included
• Sun protection (you’ll be outside during bamboo and terrace views)

Also, consider your phone and camera strategy. You’ll want to capture rice terrace angles at Tegalalang, and you’ll also want photos during transitions between village and forest paths.

Who this tour is best for

This one fits best if you want a day with movement and culture stitched together. It’s a good option if you like:

• Temples with atmosphere, not just quick exterior photo stops
• Hiking that lasts hours, but stays in the moderate range
• A mix of scenic stops and local village time
• An included lunch so you don’t lose time hunting for meals

It may not be ideal if you want minimal walking, have mobility limitations, or you’re sensitive to crowds (even though it’s private for your group, some temple areas can still have busy ritual flow).

Families should check the age rules carefully. Minimum age is 7, and younger kids under 7 must be carried by a parent.

Should you book this Ubud trekking tour?

Book it if you’re coming to Ubud for a real day outside the usual shopping streets. The combination works: village time in the Taro area, a bamboo forest hike, Tirta Empul for holy water and optional purification, then rice terrace views, coffee tasting, and the chance to add the swing.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if your hiking tolerance is low or if health issues make moderate walking unsafe for you. Also, if you dislike paying separate site fees, you’ll want to budget for Tirta Empul and Tegalalang admissions, plus the swing ticket if you choose it.

If you want your Ubud day to feel guided, paced, and genuinely connected—this is the kind of tour you’ll be grateful you booked.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from your Ubud hotel is included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled water.

What’s included in the hike portion?

The tour includes a moderate hike through bamboo forests and areas with tropical fruit plants, supported by a professional local guide.

Is the Tirta Empul Temple ticket included?

No. Tirta Empul admission ticket is not included.

Is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace ticket included?

No. Admission for the Tegalalang Rice Terrace stop is not included.

Is the swing over the rice terrace included?

No. The swing ticket is not included.

What’s the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 7. Kids under 7 have to be carried by a parent.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.