Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch

REVIEW · UBUD

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch

  • 5.09 reviews
  • From $78
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Operated by Bali Excursion · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (9)Price from$78Operated byBali ExcursionBook viaViator

Rice paddies and holy water in one day.

This Ubud full-day trek strings together Taro village culture, a moderate walk through bamboo and fruit plants, and a stop at Tirta Empul where people come for sacred spring-water rituals. You also get classic Ubud scenery at Tegalalang rice terraces, plus a coffee plantation visit where you can sample luwak coffee. It is the kind of day that feels like you are moving with Bali, not just watching it.

What I like most is how the day balances bodies and brains. I love the moderate 4-hour hike through bamboo forest and along the edge of rice paddies, with enough time to actually notice the plants and views. I also love the included Balinese lunch overlooking rice fields, so your meal is tied to the scenery, not stuck in a random stop.

One consideration: this is not a flat stroll. It is not recommended if you have back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions, and kids under 7 must be carried by a parent. If the optional swing sounds like a must, note that its ticket is not included, so budget a bit extra.

Key highlights at a glance

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Key highlights at a glance

  • Taro village culture: Traditional village time tied to Bali’s ancient Hindu settlement area
  • 4-hour moderate hike: Bamboo forest and tropical fruit plants, plus rice-terrace views
  • Tirta Empul water temple: A focused 1-hour stop where you can watch or join purification
  • Tegalalang rice terrace photos: Short scenic time for classic Ubud panoramas
  • Optional terrace swing: Big views over rice terraces and the river pool, but swing ticket costs extra

A 7.5-hour Ubud trek that connects villages, temples, and rice terraces

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - A 7.5-hour Ubud trek that connects villages, temples, and rice terraces
This is a full-day outing built around the triangle of Ubud: culture, countryside walks, and temple water. The pacing works if you like to move through the day in blocks. You get one long main hike, then structured sightseeing stops that each have a clear purpose.

The total time is about 7 hours 30 minutes, with a hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud. That matters because it keeps you from wasting a half day on transfers. You also get bottled water during the tour, which sounds small until you are sweating on a jungle path.

You are not just being transported from spot to spot. The day is structured so each section adds to the next: village setting first, then the walk, then lunch and temple, then terraces and coffee.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

Getting set up: pickup, group format, and what to expect

You meet your professional local guide at the start. From there, you head north of Ubud for the village area. The tour is described as private in the sense that it is only for your group, not a large free-for-all mixing strangers.

You may also see group discounts offered, which can be a nice value if you are traveling with friends or family. Mobile tickets are part of the package, so you typically do not need to fuss with paper vouchers.

One practical point: the day depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. That is worth keeping in mind if your Bali trip is tight and you have only one shot at Ubud.

Delodsema Traditional Village (Taro) and the slower way to see Bali life

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Delodsema Traditional Village (Taro) and the slower way to see Bali life
The first major stop is Delodsema Traditional Village, linked to the broader Taro village area. This is about a 30-minute drive north of Ubud, and you spend around 4 hours here.

This is the cultural on-ramp of the day. Instead of rushing through temples only, you spend time in a traditional village setting and get a more grounded feel for everyday Bali life. You also get context for why this area matters spiritually: Taro village is described as having around 3,000 years of Hindu settlement history, and you will later see why that continuity shows up in temple architecture and ritual spaces.

What can be a drawback is also part of the charm: four hours is a long stretch. If you prefer very short cultural stops and nonstop sightseeing, this is more time than you might expect. But if you like texture, this is where you start feeling like the rest of the day makes sense.

Also, keep an eye on what you wear. Village areas often involve uneven ground, and you will be transitioning from this setting toward the trek later.

The moderate bamboo hike: 4 hours of plants, shade, and rice-edge views

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - The moderate bamboo hike: 4 hours of plants, shade, and rice-edge views
The centerpiece of the day is a moderate 4-hour hike. You trek through bamboo forests and along paths that pass plants associated with tropical fruit, including mentions of mangoes and mandarins. The walk is long enough to feel like you are earning the scenery, but it is not described as extreme mountain climbing.

What you can expect, in plain terms, is a changing scenery loop: greenery close-up, then wider moments where rice paddies and the valley open up. This is where a good guide really matters. A professional local guide helps you pace the hike so you do not burn out before the good viewpoints, and they also help you interpret what you are seeing.

The moderate label is important. It is still a hike through natural terrain, and the tour information notes it is not recommended for people with serious medical issues such as heart complaints or significant back problems. If you know you get sore easily on uneven paths, this is one you should take seriously before booking.

Tip: wear shoes with real grip. This is Bali, not a gym treadmill.

Balinese lunch over rice paddies: why the timing works

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Balinese lunch over rice paddies: why the timing works
After the hike, you get lunch, and it is specifically described as a Balinese lunch overlooking rice paddy fields. That view is not a bonus extra. It is part of why the itinerary feels well designed.

The value here is that lunch is timed after you have worked up an appetite and before the temple segment. Your body resets, you get energy for the next stop, and you do it with the countryside in front of you instead of a covered dining room.

One thing to remember: meals are included, but shopping expenses are not. So if you see snacks, drinks, or souvenirs during or around the lunch stop, you will likely be paying for those separately.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy water rituals and the chance to participate

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Tirta Empul Temple: holy water rituals and the chance to participate
Next up is Tirta Empul Temple, a stop that lasts about 1 hour. This is the spiritual anchor of the tour, and it is framed as a holy water temple where you can feel the ambiance of spiritual Bali.

Tirta Empul is described as a place where you may do purification on holy water and blessing. In practice, that means you will be in a ritual setting. Even if you do not join the purification, the atmosphere is a big part of why the stop matters.

A key consideration: temple sites often have rules about how you dress and whether certain areas are accessible. The tour information does not spell out dress codes here, so I suggest planning to follow local norms: modest clothing and respect for the space. If you are unsure, your guide can help you understand what is appropriate.

Also note that the temple admission is not included. That is not unusual on tours, but it is good to budget a little extra so you are not surprised at the gate.

Tegalalang rice terraces: photos, viewpoints, and the tempo shift

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Tegalalang rice terraces: photos, viewpoints, and the tempo shift
After the temple and lunch segment, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is a 30-minute stop, described as a chance to visit after getting off the beaten path trekking and to take pictures.

Thirty minutes is short, but it is enough time to find an angle, take a few photos, and enjoy the view without feeling trapped. If you are the type who wants long hangs at scenic overlooks, you might wish you had more time. But as part of a packed day, it keeps things moving.

Because this is a terrace area, you will want comfortable shoes again. Steps and uneven ground are common around rice terrace viewpoints.

Admission for this stop is not included, so there may be a small additional cost depending on access areas.

Coffee plantation stop, luwak sampling, and the optional swing add-on

Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch - Coffee plantation stop, luwak sampling, and the optional swing add-on
There is also time for a coffee plantation and swing viewing in the later portion of the day. The tour description highlights sampling luwak coffee, described as among the world’s most expensive coffee. Even if you are not chasing coffee trends, it is still a chance to learn how the plantation side of Bali works.

Then comes the big adrenaline moment: Terrace River Pool Swing. This stop is about 2 hours and is described as doing different types of swings with river and terrace views.

Here is the practical catch: the swing ticket is not included. That means your real total cost depends on whether you swing, and how many of the swing options you choose. If you are unsure, treat it as an add-on. If you are excited for it, plan to pay and also plan your energy. Two hours is a long time if you are only watching, so you might want to decide early whether you are going to participate.

This section can be great value if you love that mix of scenery and action. It is less ideal if you want a quiet walk-focused day and do not care about the coffee or swing.

Price and value: what $78 buys in Ubud terms

At about $78 for a tour lasting roughly 7.5 hours, the price sits in a reasonable range for a day that includes real guiding, transport, and an included lunch. What you get for the money is not just a ride. It is:

  • Professional guide time across multiple settings
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Parking fees

You do pay extra for a couple of items: temple admission at Tirta Empul, plus the swing ticket, plus any shopping you choose to do. If you add those on, your final spend rises.

Still, the value feels fair because the day includes both hiking time and multiple named stops that are not all located in a single village. You are paying for coordination and local expertise, especially since a good guide changes the experience in a place like this where the paths and ritual context matter.

One more note from past visitors: guides like Wayan and Baru (owner of Your Bali Excursion in one account) are praised for personal touch and for tailoring the day. That kind of on-the-ground flexibility is where value shows up, because the itinerary becomes less rigid.

Who should book this trek (and who should choose something else)

This tour is a great fit if you want a balanced day: one longer hike, one meaningful temple visit, and classic Ubud rice terrace scenery. It also suits you if you like guides who explain what you see and help you make choices during the day.

Book it if:

  • You have at least moderate hiking comfort on uneven ground
  • You want rice paddies plus a spiritual temple stop
  • You are okay with a short photo time at Tegalalang in exchange for a full schedule

Consider skipping or choosing a gentler alternative if:

  • You have back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions
  • You want mostly flat walking
  • You are traveling with very young kids who may struggle with the carry requirement (the tour notes kids under 7 must be carried by a parent)

Minimum age is 7, which is also a helpful rule for families planning a day with older kids.

Quick booking checklist so the day goes smoothly

Before you go, think in two categories: comfort and expectations.

For comfort:

  • Wear grippy shoes for bamboo-and-terrace terrain
  • Bring a light layer you can manage in shade and sun
  • Use a hat and sunscreen, especially if you get sun easily

For expectations:

  • Plan for extra costs at temple admission and for the swing ticket if you participate
  • Expect a weather-dependent day since the tour requires good weather
  • Keep some room for local purchasing, since shopping expenses are not included

Also, if you like personalization, this tour is described as private for your group, and people have noted customization. If you have requests, it is worth bringing them up during the day.

Should you book this Ubud trekking and sightseeing tour?

I think you should book it if you want one well-paced day that mixes trekking, temple spirituality, and Ubud scenery without feeling like you are only sightseeing from a bus window. The included lunch with rice paddy views is a real highlight, and the 4-hour bamboo hike is the backbone of the experience.

Skip it if you are hoping for an easy stroll or if health issues make uneven walking unsafe for you. And if you are not into the swing or coffee-stop style of add-ons, you might want a more hike-only plan.

If your ideal Bali day includes countryside walking, Tirta Empul holy water ritual time, and photo-worthy rice terraces, this tour hits those notes in a single, efficient package.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Ubud trekking and sightseeing tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

It includes a professional guide, lunch, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and parking fees.

What are the main things not included?

Swing ticket and shopping expenses are not included. Tirta Empul temple admission is also not included, and rice terrace and swing-related items may have additional costs depending on what you choose.

Where does the tour start and how do you get there?

You meet your professional local guide, and the tour includes round-trip transport from your Ubud hotel.

How long is the hike, and is it suitable for everyone?

The hike is described as moderate and lasts about 4 hours. It is not recommended for people with back problems, heart complaints, or other serious medical conditions.

Is this tour for kids?

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

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