REVIEW · TANAH LOT AND THE BALI WATER TEMPLES
Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace and Waterfall Day Tour
Four Bali icons in one day. I like how this route strings together Tanah Lot sea-temple drama, UNESCO Jatiluwih rice-terrace views, and two calmer nature-and-temple stops, all inside an 8-hour loop. My favorite part is the private setup, with guides like Putu and Arta showing up to share local context and help with the best angles for photos.
The main thing to weigh is the pacing. You spend about 4 hours on the road, and entrance tickets for all four sites are not included (listed at IDR 275,000 per person), plus lunch is on your own.
In This Review
- Key points I’d plan around
- How the 8-hour loop works from Ubud
- Tanah Lot Temple: ocean views and the sea-temple mood
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: UNESCO views you can actually walk
- Banyumala Waterfall: a quieter break for photos and cooling off
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Lake Beratan serenity and mountain views
- Price and value: what you pay, what you still owe
- Private guides matter more than you think (Putu, Arta, and the photo coaching)
- Timing, crowds, and how to get the most out of your hour
- What to bring for a smooth day
- Who this tour suits best
- Should you book this Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih and Waterfall day tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace and Waterfall day tour?
- Where does this tour start from?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- What stops are included?
- Are entrance fees included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Does the tour include pickup and air-conditioned transportation?
- How much does the tour cost and how many people can join?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key points I’d plan around

- Private door-to-door pickup and air-conditioned car makes the day feel easier in Ubud traffic
- Tanah Lot gives you ocean views from a rocky sea temple, often the photo highlight
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is UNESCO territory, with time to walk and take lots of pictures
- Banyumala Waterfall is a calmer break, with a multi-tier waterfall and time to relax and cool off
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits on Lake Beratan, with mountain views that look good in overcast or sun
Other terrace walks and swing platforms we have been through
How the 8-hour loop works from Ubud

This is one of those Bali days where you want variety but also want zero stress. You get a private vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off from designated areas, and the day is built around four major stops. Total time is about 8 hours, with roughly half the day at the destinations and half in transit.
That split matters. If you hate sitting in a car, plan to treat the travel time as the tradeoff for seeing Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih, a waterfall, and a lake temple in one day. If you’re fine with that, you’ll love the “check off real variety” effect, especially if this is your first or only shot at West and North-west Bali landmarks.
You also get photography opportunities at each destination, which is a big deal on a day like this. A good guide does not just point and go, they help you time the stop and choose angles so you actually leave with usable photos, not just a camera full of “we were there” shots.
Tanah Lot Temple: ocean views and the sea-temple mood

Tanah Lot is the classic Bali sea temple, perched on a rocky outcrop above the water. It’s one of those places where the setting does half the work, since the ocean views frame everything around the temple.
You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough time to:
- take photos from the main viewpoints
- walk at an easy pace around the area
- soak in that sea-temple feeling without feeling rushed
One practical note. Tanah Lot is especially beautiful at sunset, but this tour does not promise a sunset clock time in the info you provided. So manage expectations: you might catch the best light, or you might get earlier daylight vibes. Either way, the dramatic coastline setting is the point.
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: UNESCO views you can actually walk

Jatiluwih is where the day turns from “icon” to “slow down.” This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for vast, lush terraced rice fields. The terraces roll across the countryside like a green patchwork, and the views stretch far enough that your photos don’t feel cramped.
You get about an hour here, and the time is used well when you do two things:
- walk a loop or out-and-back at a comfortable pace
- pause often so the terraces can fill your frame
I really like the idea of spending real time in the rice fields, instead of just passing by from a roadside viewpoint. The walk makes the whole thing feel human-scale. You see how the terraces step down, and you get plenty of chances to photograph the texture of the fields.
One consideration: rice terrace paths can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes you trust on slopes. If you come in flip-flops, you’ll feel it fast and you’ll lose some time to adjusting.
Banyumala Waterfall: a quieter break for photos and cooling off

After temples and fields, Banyumala brings you back to nature. It’s described as a serene, tropical area with a multi-tier waterfall. The focus here is less on monuments and more on the sound of water, the surrounding foliage, and a chance to relax.
You’ll have about an hour. That’s usually enough time to see the waterfall, take pictures, and settle in for a bit. The tour description even points to the chance to swim, so bring swimwear if you think you’ll want to try it. Even if you skip swimming, the option changes how you plan your time, and it makes the stop feel more than a quick photo stop.
One practical caution, without getting dramatic. Waterfall areas can mean slick surfaces. Take it slow and watch your footing. This is the part of the day where you’ll be grateful for shoes with decent grip.
More temple visits around the coast and the lakes
- Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic Journey★ 5.0 · 3,620 reviews
- Half-Day Ubud Electric Cycling Tour to Tirta Empul Water Temple★ 5.0 · 315 reviews
- Melukat Ceremony and Temple Tour at Tirta Empul Temple★ 5.0 · 218 reviews
- Skip the Line Tirta Empul Temple Entrance Ticket All Inclusive★ 5.0 · 198 reviews
- Private Tour: Ubud and Tanah Lot Day Tour★ 5.0 · 126 reviews
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Lake Beratan serenity and mountain views

The last stop is Ulun Danu Lake Beratan Temple, on the shore of Lake Beratan. The temple is dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu, and the setting is the big draw: water in the foreground, plus mountain views in the background.
You get about an hour. I like ending here because it feels like a calmer, more scenic finish than a second high-energy landmark. It’s a good spot to let the day settle, especially after the walk in the rice terraces and any time near the waterfall.
If the weather is cloudy or hazy, don’t panic. Lake-and-mountain views often look soft and atmospheric then, and the temple’s placement on the shoreline still reads beautifully.
Price and value: what you pay, what you still owe

The tour price is $90.54 per group, up to 5 people. That’s the part that can make this a smart deal, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and you split the group cost.
But you should budget for entrance fees. The tour lists entrance tickets for Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, Banyumala Waterfall, and Ulun Danu Temple at IDR 275,000 per person. Lunch is also not included.
So how do you judge value?
- If you want a single day that covers four different wow-stops without coordinating transport yourself, the private vehicle and pickup are worth paying for.
- If you’re a solo traveler, it can be better value when you compare against the cost of separate taxis and paid guides. Since this is private and includes an air-conditioned car, it usually still feels practical.
- If you already plan to see only one or two sites, then the entrance fees and travel time might feel like too much.
My rule for this kind of day: if you’re okay with a packed schedule and you value comfort and photo help, you’ll probably feel good about the price.
Private guides matter more than you think (Putu, Arta, and the photo coaching)

This is where the experience tends to shine. I keep seeing the same theme with guides such as Putu and Arta, and it’s not just about driving you between stops.
The guides are described as friendly and focused on local storytelling and cultural context. They help explain what you’re looking at, not just where to stand. One review-style pattern also mentions that the guide actively helps with photos, like they are thinking about angles and timing, not leaving you to figure it out alone.
That matters at places like Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih. The setting is stunning, but getting a photo that looks like the setting takes more than luck. With coaching, you can walk to the right viewpoints and frame your shot quickly.
Another nice touch from the guide pattern: humor and personality. That’s not a small thing on an 8-hour day. If you’re traveling with kids or you just want the day to feel lighter, a guide with good storytelling can make the whole schedule easier to enjoy.
Timing, crowds, and how to get the most out of your hour

This day is built on four one-hour stops. That’s a tight but workable rhythm if you:
- arrive ready to move
- keep your packing simple
- don’t overdo the time at any one viewpoint
Here’s how to make the most of your hour at each place without feeling frantic:
- Tanah Lot: start with the main viewpoint photos first, then do the slow wander for atmosphere
- Jatiluwih: do a short walking loop, then find a spot where you can hold the camera steady and let the terraces do their thing
- Banyumala: decide early if you want to swim or just relax, since it affects how you pace yourself
- Ulun Danu: take a couple of wide scenic shots first, then circle back for more temple-and-lake composition
If you’re the kind of person who wants lots of photos, bring a power bank. One hour disappears faster than you expect when you’re reviewing images.
What to bring for a smooth day
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are. For this tour, I’d bring:
- comfortable shoes for uneven paths (rice terraces and temple areas can be tricky)
- a light layer (temples and lakeside breezes can feel cooler)
- swimwear if you plan to use the waterfall water option
- sunscreen and a hat
- cash or a card ready for entrance fees (since they are not included)
Also, temple visits in Bali usually mean dressing with respect. If you have a sarong or a light cover-up, pack it. If not, you might be able to buy or borrow something at the destination, but the details are not listed here, so treat it as a “plan now” item.
Who this tour suits best
This tour fits best if you want:
- a private Bali day from Ubud
- a big hit list of stops: sea temple, UNESCO rice terraces, a waterfall, and a lake temple
- a guide who helps with photos and cultural context
It may be less ideal if:
- you hate long driving days
- you only care about one stop, and you’re trying to keep your schedule light
- you want lunch included, since it is not part of the package
If you’re traveling with family, the private format is often a win because you can move at the pace your group needs. If you’re a couple or small group, splitting the group price up to 5 people can make it feel efficient.
Should you book this Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih and Waterfall day tour?
If your Bali wishlist includes Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih and you want a waterfall and lake temple in the same day, I’d seriously consider booking. The private vehicle plus pickup saves you from the mental load of coordinating transport and timing.
The only reason to pause is if you’re sensitive to time. You are signing up for an 8-hour day with about 4 hours on the road, and you’ll pay entrance fees plus handle lunch yourself. If that sounds manageable, this is a strong way to see a lot of Bali in one shot, with guides who seem to care about explaining what you’re seeing and helping you get good photos.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace and Waterfall day tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours total, with roughly 4 hours spent at the destinations and about 4 hours for travel between locations.
Where does this tour start from?
It’s based in Ubud, and hotel pickup and drop-off are offered from designated areas.
Is this tour private or shared?
This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.
What stops are included?
The tour includes Tanah Lot Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and Ulun Danu Lake Beratan Temple.
Are entrance fees included in the price?
No. Entrance tickets for Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, Banyumala Waterfall, and Ulun Danu Temple are not included, and the listed fee is IDR 275,000 per person.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to budget for it personally.
Does the tour include pickup and air-conditioned transportation?
Yes. It includes air-conditioned vehicle transport and hotel pickup and drop-off from designated areas.
How much does the tour cost and how many people can join?
It costs $90.54 per group, for groups of up to 5 people.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Temples on Water, More to Visit
Terraces and Swings, Keep Looking
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