Tanah Lot – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Scenic Countryside Tour

REVIEW · TANAH LOT AND THE BALI WATER TEMPLES

Tanah Lot – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Scenic Countryside Tour

5.0 · 34 reviews From $85 Operated by Balione Vacations · Bookable on Viator
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Four icons of Bali in one long day. This private countryside loop connects Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lake, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in the jungle, UNESCO-protected Jatiluwih rice terraces, and the sea temples of Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong. I love how the scenery shifts every few hours, so the day never feels repetitive, and I love the small-group feel that gives you breathing room for photos and questions. The only real downside to plan for is that admission fees and lunch are not included, so your final total will be a bit higher.

You’re in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for about 10 hours, with bottled water included, and pickup is offered. You also get a mobile ticket, which usually means less hassle at the start of the day. Expect a full day of driving plus a few focused stops, not a slow, linger-all-day kind of itinerary.

Because it’s Bali and it’s outdoors, build in flexibility. Rain can happen around waterfalls and the lakes area, and uneven paths are common at temples and viewpoints, so I’d wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty.

Key highlights (what makes this day work)

  • Lake-temple views at Ulun Danu Beratan, with classic water-and-hill scenery
  • Banyumala Twin Waterfalls time, giving you room to enjoy the jungle feel
  • Jatiluwih rice terraces with UNESCO conservation, plus a long enough stop to actually look
  • Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong sea panoramas, great for golden-hour photos
  • Private group of up to 4, so the pace can match your comfort

Why this Bali loop feels efficient (and not rushed)

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Why this Bali loop feels efficient (and not rushed)
This tour is built for people who want the big hits in Bali without trying to connect them by themselves. Starting from Ubud, you spend the day moving through four different “Bali worlds”: cool lake air near Ulun Danu, dense jungle around Banyumala, the open-green farming terraces at Jatiluwih, and then rocky coast views for Tanah Lot.

The value here is not just the list of places. It’s the fact that all the heavy lifting is handled for you: transport, water, and a schedule that gives each stop a real chunk of time. It still adds up to a long day, but the stops are paced so you can look, walk a bit, and take photos without feeling like you’re sprinting every 30 minutes.

Also, since it’s a private activity for your group (up to 4 people), you’re not trapped in a herd. If you want to pause longer to get a view lined up, it’s easier to do. If you’d rather move on quickly, you can. That flexibility matters on days where the weather or crowds can change quickly.

Price and what you really get for $85 (per group)

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Price and what you really get for $85 (per group)
At $85 per group for up to 4 people, this pricing works out best when you’re traveling with friends or family. If you’re going solo, you might feel it more because it’s still priced as a small-group private tour.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in practical terms:

  • Private transportation (an air-conditioned vehicle)
  • Bottled water
  • Pickup offered from the Ubud area (as described)
  • A driver-guide setup where your group stays together

What you are not paying for:

  • Admission fees at the stops
  • Lunch

So yes, your day will cost more once you add entrance tickets and food. But you should still see it as value, because private driving across Bali’s sights is usually the expensive part. The extra cost of admissions is fairly standard when you’re visiting temples and UNESCO sites.

If you want to keep your total predictable, plan to budget for multiple admissions plus at least one meal during the day.

The day’s timing: what “10 hours” feels like in real life

The total duration is about 10 hours, and each stop has a defined time window:

  • Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: about 30 minutes
  • Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: about 2 hours
  • Jatiluwih Green Land: about 1.5 hours
  • Tanah Lot: about 45 minutes

That mix is smart. The waterfall gets the longest block, because it’s the kind of place where you want to stroll, take in the setting, and not just snap one photo. Jatiluwih also needs time because rice terrace viewpoints reward slow looking.

Ulun Danu and Tanah Lot are shorter, so you’ll want to arrive ready. I recommend using those stops to focus on the best viewpoints and angles quickly, then spend your energy walking around and getting shots without overthinking.

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lake (how to make 30 minutes count)

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Stop 1: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lake (how to make 30 minutes count)
Ulun Danu Beratan is the kind of Bali temple that makes you pause even if you’ve seen a few temples already. The setting is the star: the temple sits at Beratan Lake, surrounded by lush hills, so you get that classic water-and-temple composition.

With only about 30 minutes, the key is to be purposeful:

  • Start by finding the angle that shows the temple and lake together.
  • Take a few photos early, so you’re not waiting for perfect light and then running out of time.
  • Leave room for a slow walk so you get a feel for the place, not just the postcard view.

Admission tickets are not included here, so bring cash or plan for whatever payment method is accepted at the gate.

Line these Ubud trips up against each other before booking

Stop 2: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, jungle time you’ll actually enjoy

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - Stop 2: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, jungle time you’ll actually enjoy
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is your longer “nature” stop, around 2 hours. The listing describes it as a waterfall in the jungle with stunning views, and that’s exactly the appeal. This is where the day gets a bit more alive, less temple-formal, more “walk and look.”

Two hours gives you enough time to:

  • Get closer to the falls and find a few different viewing spots
  • Break up the driving fatigue with a real walk
  • Take photos without the pressure of a quick in-and-out stop

Practical tip: wear shoes that handle damp ground. Even if you only get a little splash, waterfall areas can feel slick or muddy. Bring a light layer too, because jungle shade can cool you off.

Admission is not included for this stop, so again, expect an entrance ticket.

Stop 3: Jatiluwih rice terraces in green UNESCO country

Jatiluwih is the “slow looking” part of the day. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, and it’s described as one of Bali’s most beautiful rice terrace areas, protected under UNESCO conservation.

What you get from a longer terrace visit is perspective. Terraces aren’t just pretty from one spot. They create depth, and the value of the site is in the pattern of farming steps across the hills. You’ll want to walk to viewpoints when available, then pause to let your eyes trace the different terrace levels.

Also, if you’re a photo person, Jatiluwih tends to reward good spacing. Stand back for wider shots, then step in for tighter frames of texture and rows.

Admission is not included, so budget for that entrance fee. Lunch is also not included overall, so this stop might be a good moment to plan when you’ll eat later.

Stop 4: Tanah Lot and the Batu Bolong area for sea-temple panoramas

Tanah Lot is famous for a reason. It’s a temple by the sea, and the views are panoramic. You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to get the main views, take photos, and enjoy the coastal vibe.

The overview also mentions Batu Bolong Temple, so you should expect more sea-facing scenery beyond the main Tanah Lot area. That’s a nice bonus because the coast views can be dramatic from multiple angles, especially when the water and rocks are in view.

Here’s how to use the short time wisely:

  • Prioritize the classic view that makes Tanah Lot famous.
  • Grab a few photos from slightly different spots so your set isn’t all identical.
  • Once you’ve got your key shots, slow down and just enjoy the setting. This is one of those places where standing still feels worth it.

Admission isn’t included for this stop either, so add the entrance ticket to your mental budget. Also, bring patience for uneven ground near sea cliffs, even if you’re just walking between photo spots.

The guide factor: professionalism, flexibility, and photo help

Tanah Lot - Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Scenic Countryside Tour - The guide factor: professionalism, flexibility, and photo help
This kind of day lives or dies on the guide and driver. The strongest theme you’ll see around this tour is service that feels professional and organized, plus a guide who communicates well and gives you enough time at each place.

In many cases, the guide is referred to by name, and some guests highlight Italian-speaking support, along with the ability to answer questions and explain what you’re looking at. Another standout is photo support, where the guide helps you get pictures that look natural, not just random snaps.

Flexibility also comes up. One day can run differently depending on your preferences or how the order of stops feels. If you care about getting a specific view first, it’s worth asking your guide. A good guide will try to adjust within reason, since the goal is your experience, not a rigid checklist.

So if languages matter for you, keep an eye out for Italian-speaking guides mentioned in guest feedback. If you don’t need that, you’ll still benefit from clear guidance and smooth timing.

Comfort and logistics: how to enjoy a 10-hour drive day

This tour includes bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big deal when you’re spending a lot of time in traffic. Pickup is offered, so you’re not responsible for lining up transport at the last minute.

You should still plan for the day to feel full:

  • You’ll be in transit between islands of scenery.
  • You’ll switch from lake air to jungle walks to open terrace viewpoints, then back to coastal views.
  • You’ll likely want a small bag you can keep close, since you’ll be changing locations and navigating stairs or uneven paths.

What I’d bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes with grip
  • A light rain layer or poncho for waterfall and jungle areas
  • Sunscreen and a hat, because terrace and coast stops can be exposed
  • A small cash amount for admission fees and personal snacks

Since lunch is not included, decide how you want to handle food before the day starts. If you prefer a planned meal, you’ll need to arrange it yourself or ask your guide what options are practical along the route.

Who this tour is best for

This scenic countryside tour makes a lot of sense if you:

  • Want to see Ulun Danu Beratan, Banyumala, Jatiluwih, and Tanah Lot in one day
  • Prefer a private group experience for up to 4 people
  • Like having guided structure but still want time to explore at each stop
  • Want excellent photo opportunities without doing route planning on your own

It may be less ideal if you hate long drive days or you’re the type who wants hours at each site with no pressure. With set time windows, the tour is designed for focused visits, not slow rambling.

It’s also a great fit for families and most travelers, since the tour is described as most travelers can participate. Still, keep in mind that temple and waterfall areas can involve walking on uneven ground.

Should you book this Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu, and countryside day?

I’d book it if you want one day that checks multiple dream Bali locations, and you value a private setup with an AC ride and water taken care of. The biggest reasons to say yes are the variety packed into the day and the time you get at the two “walk and look” stops, Banyumala and Jatiluwih.

I’d think twice if your budget is tight for extra costs, because admission fees and lunch will add up. Also, if you’re sensitive to long driving, this is still a 10-hour outing, so it’s better viewed as a “full day reset” than a lazy half-day tour.

If you’re planning ahead and going in with the right expectations, this is a solid way to see Bali’s lake-temple charm, jungle waterfalls, UNESCO rice terraces, and the sea-temple spectacle at Tanah Lot.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup is offered, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 4 people.

How long is the tour and how much time is spent at each stop?

The tour is about 10 hours. Time at the stops is approximately 30 minutes at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, 2 hours at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, 1 hour 30 minutes at Jatiluwih Green Land, and 45 minutes at Tanah Lot.

Are admission fees included?

No. Admission fees are not included for the stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. Changes within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.