Trekking and Sightseeing tour with lunch

Imagine stepping into a world where lush rice paddies stretch endlessly, ancient temple complexes whisper stories of centuries past, and vibrant bamboo forests sway gently in the breeze. For travelers eager to see Bali beyond its beaches, this full-day trekking and sightseeing tour from Ubud offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and authentic local life—all for around $52 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience promises a comprehensive taste of Bali’s spiritual and natural beauty in approximately 7.5 hours.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to walk through Taro village, a Hindu settlement with a 3,000-year-old history and Bali’s oldest temple complex. Second, the opportunity to hike through verdant bamboo forests and Tegalalang rice terraces—some of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. We also love the inclusion of a Balinese lunch overlooking rice fields and a visit to the sacred Tirta Empul Temple, where many find spiritual renewal.

A potential consideration? The tour’s moderate 4-hour hike requires a decent level of physical fitness and comfort with uneven terrain. Travelers with certain medical conditions, such as back or heart issues, might want to assess their suitability.

In general, this tour is perfect for those who want a well-rounded, authentic Bali experience—ideal for active travelers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike who want to see Bali’s countryside away from the crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visit an ancient Hindu village and the oldest temple complex.
• A Mix of Nature and History: Trek through bamboo forests and rice terraces, then explore sacred temples.
• Local Cuisine Included: Enjoy a Balinese lunch with scenic views.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Hotel pickup, drop-off, bottled water, and parking fees are covered.
• Flexible, Private Experience: Only your group participates, with the option for group discounts.
• Price-Value Balance: At just over $50, it’s a comprehensive experience offering excellent value.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Upon booking, you’ll be greeted by a professional guide who is well-versed in Bali’s sights and stories. The tour begins with hotel pickup in Ubud, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free. A short drive of about 30 minutes takes you northward into the Delodsema Village, which is part of Taro. Here, you’ll spend approximately 4 hours exploring the peaceful surroundings, learning about local Bali life, and enjoying the natural beauty.

Taro village is notable for its ancient Hindu roots and the presence of Bali’s oldest temple complex. While the specific temples aren’t detailed, the ambiance of this spiritual settlement offers a glimpse into Bali’s deeply religious culture. As one reviewer put it, “We had an amazing time! Wayan is an experienced guide who gives you a complete Bali experience with a very personal touch.” This touch of personalized storytelling and local insights truly enhances the experience.

Next, the tour transitions into sightseeing at Tirta Empul Temple, the famous holy water temple. Here, for about an hour, visitors can feel the spiritual energy of the sacred springs—some choose to do a purification ritual or blessing, adding a meaningful layer to their visit. Admission isn’t included, so you might want to budget a small extra fee if you wish to partake in the purification.

The adventure then takes you to Tegalalang rice terraces, a UNESCO-worthy landscape. This stop is brief—about 30 minutes—but allows for memorable photos of Bali’s iconic terraced fields, with some reviews highlighting how picturesque and “awesome” this area is for photos.

Following this, the tour offers a swing over rice terraces at a Terrace River Pool Swing. It’s an adrenaline rush with breathtaking views—perfect for those craving a bit of adventure—and an opportunity to sample specialty coffee and healing teas at a nearby plantation. The swing ticket is not included, but many find it worth the extra expense and fun.

The Lunch and Additional Stops

A highlight of the tour is the Balinese lunch overlooking the rice paddies, a chance to savor local flavors in a scenic setting. This thoughtful inclusion provides a satisfying break and a chance to discuss the morning’s sights.

The tour concludes with a drive back to your hotel, leaving you with a well-rounded day of cultural discovery and natural beauty.

What Travelers Are Saying

Authenticity and guided expertise are the hallmarks of this tour. Jessica L shares, “We liked him so much that we booked him for another excursion,” referring to guide Wayan’s personal touch. Another reviewer, Kathryn G, says, “The sightseeing was really enjoyable, and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable,” reinforcing the value of a professional and personable guide.

The emphasis on local guides who are both informative and personable really elevates the experience. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the customization and personalized attention—a testament to the tour’s intimate nature.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

This is a private tour, meaning it’s exclusively for your group, which adds comfort and flexibility. The tour is priced at $51.83 per person, which is quite reasonable considering all included elements—transportation, lunch, water, and park fees. The pickup and drop-off from your Ubud hotel simplifies logistics, making it easy to relax and focus on the sights.

The moderate physical activity mainly involves a 4-hour hike over uneven terrain and some walking in markets and temple grounds. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels, but those with back problems or heart conditions should consider their comfort level beforehand.

The tour operates with confirmation at booking and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility should your plans change.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This experience offers excellent value for travelers interested in Balinese culture and natural landscapes. The combination of hiking, temple visits, rice terraces, and local food makes it a rich, immersive day. The inclusion of hotel pickup and private group arrangements ensures comfort and personalized attention, which many travelers find enhances their overall experience.

The reviews highlight how guides like Wayan create memorable moments, blending education with personal stories. The stunning views of rice terraces and forests are a consistent theme in traveler feedback, making this a great choice for those who want more than just a sightseeing tour—they want a connection to Bali’s soul.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy walking and exploring outdoors. It’s perfect for culture enthusiasts eager to see Bali’s ancient temple sites and traditional villages. Nature lovers will appreciate the bamboo forests and rice paddies, while foodies will enjoy the balinese lunch and coffee tasting.

If you’re looking for a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers that in abundance. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a private, flexible schedule over large group excursions. Those with a moderate level of fitness will get the most out of the hiking, but the scenery and cultural insights make it worthwhile for most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to be ready for the tour?
Pickup is arranged from your hotel, so you’ll be advised of the specific time. It’s best to be ready at the designated pickup time to start the day smoothly.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from your Ubud hotel is part of the package, making logistics easy.

What’s the difficulty level of the hike?
The hike is described as moderate and lasts about 4 hours. It involves walking through bamboo forests and rice terraces, so a decent level of fitness is recommended.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, a Balinese lunch with scenic views is included, along with bottled water throughout the day.

Can I participate in temple purification rituals?
While the temple visit is included and you’re welcome to experience the ambiance, the purification ritual at Tirta Empul involves an extra fee, as the ticket isn’t included.

What should I wear for the hike?
Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing are best. A hat and sunscreen are advisable for sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 7. Kids under 7 must be carried by a parent, and the physical activity level should be considered.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are there any additional costs not covered?
Yes, swing tickets and shopping expenses are not included. If you want to try the swing, expect an extra fee.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The personalized guidance, authentic cultural encounters, and stunning scenery are what travelers repeatedly praise, making it a memorable Bali experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trekking and sightseeing tour from Ubud offers an authentic taste of Bali’s spiritual and natural wonders. Combining walking through ancient villages, exploring sacred temples, and taking in breathtaking rice terraces, it’s a well-balanced adventure for those who want more than just a surface-level visit.

The tour’s strength lies in its local guides and personalized touch, along with carefully curated stops that highlight Bali’s cultural depth and scenic beauty. While it involves some moderate physical activity, the rewards are well worth it, especially if you love learning about local traditions while enjoying stunning landscapes.

Best suited for active, culturally curious travelers who appreciate expert guidance and authentic experiences, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Bali’s true spirit.

Embark on this journey if you’re eager to see Bali beyond the beaches and resorts, and want a day filled with history, nature, and genuine local culture.