Ubud Tour Review: Waterfalls, Temple, Swing & Coffee (2024)

Okay, so you are pondering a day trip to Ubud that’s jammed-packed with waterfalls, a holy water temple, that crazy swing thing, and maybe a coffee place too? That sounds pretty awesome. I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t want a bit of everything when they are checking out Bali, right? Here’s what I picked up when I was there and how to make the most of that Ubud tour that’s floating around out there.

The Lure of Ubud

Basically, Ubud used to be that quieter spot inland on Bali, but it has really taken off recently! Maybe like your favorite band right before they made it super huge, it became that spot everybody kinda knew. You will come across arts, you will find culture, and you will spot some seriously chill vibes all over this place. The reason for all this? Probably it’s because it’s not just beaches, it’s so, too, this look at the real Balinese deal, you know? You will get a real, or at least feel like it, taste of what Bali really has on offer.

Chasing Waterfalls: Which One to Choose?

Basically, alright so, Bali, especially Ubud, has seriously spoiled you with a crazy number of waterfall selections, almost like it’s some kind of nature’s game to you. What one do you pick? I mean, whatever the weather it’s easy to see why they are popular but choosing can be hard, and whatever choice you make will be fantastic because they’re all beautiful, and very different! Now, Tegenungan Waterfall, that could be your popular pick, often somewhat buzzing, which makes it alright for those Insta shots you see doing the rounds. The trade-off is just a lot of people milling about the area. If you are more after less, and could do without posing, you could check out some others a bit farther from town. Whatever it is, make certain you got something sensible on your feet because those rocks are pretty slippery.

Tirta Empul: A Bath for the Soul

Okay, this spot, Tirta Empul Temple, that is more than just a photo opp; I mean, it’s something that goes deeper, I feel. The Balinese visit it so they can do this cleansing ritual, it is really amazing, I promise you. What happens is people go into the water and pass under a line of fountains, all while they are saying a prayer or hoping for a bit of inner goodness or just plain good fortune in general. Even when you aren’t religious, so you are in some respects not really sold on that praying stuff, I bet you’ll probably agree that the entire vibe there feels so spiritual. Be very respectful, alright? Meaning, it could be respectful to cover up a bit, and, obviously, respect whatever the locals do there. Maybe get the lowdown from your tour guide about dos and don’ts just before you hit that spot, too, yeah?

Swing Time: Soaring Above the Rice Paddies

The Bali Swing. Gosh, it’s totally a thing! If you scroll around for one sec, what with people always putting pics online of stuff they do, that will literally blow your mind, I promise! People always posting stuff, you know. Anyways, those pictures of people sailing way above those rice fields? Almost definitely somewhere in Ubud. Truth is, the ride gives such a rush as you go back and forth, like when you were really little as a kid, which you probably are not any more but its nice for your inner child; what makes the spot memorable is that view, really. Just try and imagine that stunning green of the terraces spreading out underneath you as you dangle high in the sky.

Coffee, Please! (And Maybe Some Luwak Too?)

Bali, too, makes some lovely coffee, fact, and basically, any tour seems to bring you by one of those little plantations. I guess so you can buy some overpriced coffee you can get literally anywhere else, to be brutally truthful. This is where they talk you through the whole brewing process, which could be so cool for some of us. The slightly unnerving part tends to be Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee. You’ll probably see those cute little creatures that process this stuff when you are here. Still, that cup of coffee will give you so much to ponder, as that one comes with a little ethical discussion for your travel conscience if that kind of stuff bothers you. Most likely all those discussions could happen anywhere too but whatever! So the place probably won’t literally serve you the brew straight out the poor animals guts right there, you know.

Getting Around: Tours or DIY?

Okay, about your Bali tour to all of these amazing-sounding places: do you plan your travel as a coordinated trip deal with a prearranged group of strangers and buses, or do you basically try to hack it solo, do your own thing, very? Seriously think hard here. I would only want to pay more for convenience, alright? And just be done with it! The truth is if you feel pretty confident you are OK at planning and handling transportation, it’s probably fine to rent a scooter. Be careful. However, if this just is not you, that group tour will get you the spots minus any headaches or anything. Okay?

A Few Extra Tips for That Ubud Trip

• Beat the Crowds: Like with a bunch of stuff anywhere you go these days, hitting your chosen tourist sites early could save you standing in some serious lines and keep you from the busloads of tourists if this kind of thing stresses you out!
• What to Wear: Assume you should wear clothes that will probably dry quickly. You might be getting splashed from that waterfall; or getting some kind of unexpected burst of water dumped on you by your kid if that sounds more plausible for what you might be up to while you are here, in Bali.
• Haggling: As is that stuff in the touristy stands; you can haggle them to their death on pricing when it comes to souvenirs and little things like that. As is pretty often the case with items for sale in tourist traps on these sort of coordinated mass-market bus-trips. Don’t come over rude when you are talking money with the people!

All told, a trip that makes its way around Ubud might just show you some magic tucked inside Bali. The region’s landscapes, together with its feel, and everything you see and do could just grab your travel heart just a bit, very. Be safe, for sure take tons of shots, and actually relish every moment! Right?

Key Takeaways

• Waterfalls: Pick one or two. Know the risks. Enjoy the refreshing spray.
• Temples: Be aware; go respectfully; soak it up.
• Swings: Prepare to snap a bunch of photos and maybe yelp a little!
• Coffee: It could be awesome. It can definitely make you think!
• DIY vs Tours: Weigh savings against how good you really think you are when it comes to figuring things out on the fly.

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