REVIEW · SEMINYAK
Ubud Hot Springs and Waterfall Private Guided Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Seminyak Tour Driver Bali · Bookable on Viator
A volcano view and a hot spring soak in one day. That is the core of this private Bali circuit, built around Ubud’s headline stops plus time to cool off at Toya Devasya and Batur Natural Hot Spring. I especially liked the volcano-view hot springs and the Mount Batur lunch view, which turns a tourist day into something scenic and calm. The only real catch is the schedule: it’s a 10-hour day, and traffic can make it feel like more.
What makes it feel genuinely practical is the door-to-door setup. You meet your guide in your hotel lobby, then ride in an air-conditioned MPV/mini bus with a friendly driver and multilingual guide, plus mineral water. The route is packed, though, so you’ll want to be flexible about timing and ready for entrance fees that may show up on the day.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually feel
- Volcano-view hot springs set the tone at Toya Devasya
- Batur lake lunch: why the meal stop is worth it
- Monkey Forest in Ubud: macaques, shortcuts, and caution
- Tegalalang rice terraces: swing views plus a gentle trek
- Tampaksiring: farming views and quick photo stops
- Batur Natural Hot Spring: panoramic relax time
- Tirta Empul purification temple: sacred focus, steady pace
- Elephant Cave: a pass-by moment, not the main event
- Tegenungan Waterfall: stairs, slippery rocks, and payoff
- Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
- Guide quality: what to look for on the day
- Who this tour suits best (and who should pick a different style)
- Should you book the Ubud Hot Springs and Waterfall private day?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the tour?
- Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Is this tour private?
- Are entrance tickets included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- What attractions will I visit?
- Do I need swim clothes?
- How will I receive tickets?
- Can I cancel for free?
Key highlights you’ll actually feel

- Toya Devasya hot springs with a volcano backdrop and that calm, soak-first vibe
- Buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur and Lake Batur, with a proper spread
- Ubud’s top sights in one run: Monkey Forest, rice terrace area, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall
- Photo-friendly stops, including Happy Swing Bali at Tegalalang and waterfall stage-style viewpoints
- Guides who help make it smoother, including well-reviewed names like Ketut, Adi, Moyo, Nyoman, and Aprio
- A realistic private-day pace, but the day is long, so plan for a slow evening afterward
Volcano-view hot springs set the tone at Toya Devasya
This tour starts by centering the day around heat and scenery, at Toya Devasya Resort & Spa. You’re not just paying to sit in a pool; you’re soaking with a view of the volcano landscape in the background. It’s the kind of stop that makes the rest of the day feel less like a checklist.
You’ll typically have about one hour here. That’s enough to relax, change into swim clothes (or just freshen up), and get a few photos without feeling like you’re being rushed. It is also one reason I recommend this tour to people who want their day to include a reset moment, not only sightseeing.
A small practical tip based on guest experience: plan your towel situation. One common suggestion is that the hot springs may provide towels, but the waterfall stop may not, so bringing your own is a safer bet.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seminyak.
Batur lake lunch: why the meal stop is worth it

After the hot spring, you’ll eat a buffet lunch with an eye on Mount Batur and Lake Batur. This is one of the smartest parts of the plan because it turns a long travel day into a break with views. The food is described as self-service and includes items like spring rolls, nasi goreng, mie goreng, chicken, and more.
The lunch window is listed as about one hour, so it stays functional even if you’re not a slow eater. What matters is the setting: Batur’s scenery makes this meal feel like a destination, not a pit stop.
One thing to watch for: the provided info also notes that lunch may be an extra personal expense (listed around $4 per person), even though the tour description describes a buffet lunch with the Batur view. When you book, it’s worth confirming exactly what’s included in your specific package so there are no surprises.
Monkey Forest in Ubud: macaques, shortcuts, and caution

You’ll spend about one hour at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This is the classic Ubud scene: tropical forest paths, macaques moving around their habitat, and lots of natural “small moments” you can watch instead of only posing for pictures.
This is also one stop where your guide really matters. Several experiences in the guide feedback emphasize good guidance and smooth navigation through the area, including help with where to stand and how to handle your time. In plain terms: you’ll have a better visit if you don’t treat it like a free-for-all photo walk.
I’d also plan to keep your focus on the moment. The monkeys are lively, and the area can feel busy with people, so go in with a calm pace and keep your belongings secured.
Tegalalang rice terraces: swing views plus a gentle trek

Next comes the Happy Swing Bali experience at the Tegalalang rice terrace area. Expect a one-hour stop where the whole point is the view lines over the green terrace landscape. One small detail I like here: some guide feedback highlights the on-site photo support using your own phone, which means you don’t have to fully rely on someone else’s camera setup.
Then you get additional time for the rice terrace itself, including a simple trekking route with friendly escort guidance. The Tegalalang time is listed around 30 minutes, which is enough to stretch your legs, walk a few paths, and get photos at a couple of angles without turning the terraces into an all-day hike.
Because this is a private tour, you can usually move at a speed that fits your legs and your comfort level. If you’re short on energy, you can keep the trekking portion light and spend more time at the viewpoint angles.
Tampaksiring: farming views and quick photo stops

At Tampaksiring, you’re in a more local-feeling zone: an authentic Bali village atmosphere with farming views. The visit is listed at about 30 minutes, which means it’s best treated as a photo and scenery break, not a deep cultural immersion.
What makes it valuable is contrast. The day moves from animal sanctuary energy to rice terrace views to temple space, and Tampaksiring acts like a reset. It also gives you time to slow down for a few pictures with volcano scenery in the background.
Batur Natural Hot Spring: panoramic relax time

Later, you’ll hit Batur Natural Hot Spring for about one hour. This stop is described as a volcanic hot spring and water park-style experience, with panoramic views over Lake Batur and the Abang Hills. The listing also mentions an olympic-size swimming setup, so it’s not only for floating and soaking.
This is a great place to do the practical stuff you might have missed earlier: rinse off after the hike-y parts, settle your body after driving, and take your time. It’s also where you can go full “vacation mode” because the views do a lot of the work.
One note from the way guest feedback talks about this day: people often describe the hot springs as peaceful and restorative. If you’re prone to feeling rushed on packed tours, this is one of the stops that can genuinely balance the day.
Tirta Empul purification temple: sacred focus, steady pace

At Tirta Empul Temple, you get around 45 minutes. This is the purification temple in north east Ubud, and the experience is described as having a strong feeling of energy as you arrive at the gate, plus temple scenery around the site. Inside, you’ll see the spring water setup used for purification.
This is a stop where you’ll benefit from listening more than taking photos. The space is sacred, and the value comes from understanding what you’re seeing. Guides like Ketut and Adi are repeatedly praised for explaining meaning and context at stops, and Tirta Empul is exactly the kind of location where that explanation makes the experience land better.
Dress and behavior matter here. You’ll likely want clothing that respects temple rules, and you should follow your guide’s direction on what’s okay during entry and near the spring area.
Elephant Cave: a pass-by moment, not the main event

You’ll also pass by Elephant Cave Temple in east Ubud. It’s described as having ancient archa or statues tied to the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Because it’s listed as a pass-by, you shouldn’t expect full exploring time. Still, it’s a useful “quick context” stop that gives you a sense of the broader spiritual landscape around Ubud.
Tegenungan Waterfall: stairs, slippery rocks, and payoff
Finally, you reach Tegenungan Waterfall for around one hour. This is described as one of Bali’s favorite waterfalls, set on the Petanu River in Kemenuh village, with a green scenery backdrop that’s ideal for photos. The stop is also framed as a stage moment for selfies.
This is the part of the day that can test your footwear. Guest experiences specifically call out steep hills and lots of stairs, along with rocks that can be tough underfoot. If you want the waterfall time to feel fun instead of stressful, wear solid waterproof shoes and consider long pants if you’re cautious about sun or bugs.
Also note the time pressure risk. One guest mention says they ran out of time and couldn’t do the waterfall at the end of the day. In other words: this is your “make sure you save energy” stop. If your schedule is running tight due to traffic, prioritize this.
Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
The price is listed at $18.12 per person, with a private tour experience and pickup from South, Middle, and East Bali, plus an air-conditioned vehicle. That low base price is appealing, but the value math depends on the extra items.
Here’s the honest breakdown based on the provided info:
- Entrance tickets may be additional, listed as around $18 USD for attractions purchased on your travel date.
- Lunch may be extra, listed as about $4 per person, even though the description talks about a buffet lunch with Batur views.
So your real budget is more like the base fee plus entrances and possibly lunch. Still, the deal can be worth it if you care about not driving yourself. Bali driving can be tiring, and this tour is designed to remove that stress with door-to-door pickup and guided routing.
The other logistics piece: this is roughly a 10-hour day, and traffic is real. Several guide feedback moments point out that timing can slip near the end, especially when returning during busy periods. You’ll have the best day if you treat this like a “long outing” rather than a precise clockwork plan.
Guide quality: what to look for on the day
One reason the ratings are so high is the human factor. The guide names that show up in the feedback include Ketut, Adi, Moyo, Nyoman, Putu, and Aprio. People praise them for being friendly, clear communicators, good at explaining culture, and helpful with logistics like pacing and photo moments.
If you want to maximize your day, do two things:
- Ask for a quick timing check early, especially if you care about seeing all the later stops.
- Tell your guide what you’d rather not skip. One experience mentions itinerary changes when time ran tight, so your preferences matter.
Who this tour suits best (and who should pick a different style)
I think this tour is a great fit for you if you:
- Want classic Ubud highlights in one private day
- Appreciate scenic breaks like Batur’s lake view lunch and volcano hot springs
- Prefer a driver/guide to handle route pressure and navigation
I’d steer you toward a different plan if you:
- Hate long days and feel drained by constant movement
- Need guaranteed, uncut time at every stop
- Want a slow, deep cultural tour without waterfall or swing time constraints
Should you book the Ubud Hot Springs and Waterfall private day?
Book it if you want a “best-of Ubud plus volcanic relax” combo and you’re okay with a full, sometimes long day. The hot spring-first flow and the Mount Batur view lunch are the strongest reasons to choose this format, and the pickup/transport setup is practical value even after you add potential entrance fees.
Skip it if you’re ultra time-sensitive or you’d be unhappy if traffic steals minutes from the last stop. If your schedule is tight, consider a shorter, more focused tour instead.
If you do book, pack like a pro: swim clothes, sunblock, sandals that work for wet areas, camera, spare clothing, and (based on real advice) a towel you trust.
FAQ
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour is listed as about 10 hours.
Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are covered for areas in South Bali, Middle of Bali, and East of Bali.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
Are entrance tickets included in the price?
The information you provided says entrance tickets may be purchased separately on the travel date, listed as around $18 USD for attractions.
Is lunch included?
The tour description mentions a buffet lunch with a view of Mount Batur, but the provided notes also say lunch is an additional personal expense (around $4 per person). Confirm what’s included when you book.
What attractions will I visit?
You’ll include stops such as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Happy Swing Bali/Tegalalang rice terrace area, Tampaksiring, Mount Batur lunch area, Batur Natural Hot Spring, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall, plus a pass-by of Elephant Cave Temple.
Do I need swim clothes?
The dress code is listed as swimming clothes, sunblock, money, camera, sandals, and spare clothing.
How will I receive tickets?
The tour includes a mobile ticket.
Can I cancel for free?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
















