Ubud, Tirta Empul & Tegalalang: Private Day Tour with Pickup

4.93

(126 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping out of the car near Tirta Empul Temple — the air smelled faintly of incense and wet stone, and there was this low hum of voices from Balinese families lining up for the holy water. Our driver Wayan grinned at us, handed over a sarong (“mandatory,” he said, with a wink), and led us through the temple gates. I’d read about the purification ritual but seeing it up close — people quietly cupping water to their faces, some laughing nervously — felt way more intimate than I expected. I didn’t go in myself (not brave enough for cold water at 9am), but just standing there watching was oddly moving.

After that we drove through Gianyar’s backroads to Batuan village. The houses here look almost like they’re part of the jungle — carved wood doors, thatched roofs, chickens darting around. Wayan explained how each family compound works (I probably butchered the pronunciation when I tried to say “angkul-angkul”; he laughed). It started raining a bit but nobody seemed bothered; kids just kept playing barefoot in puddles. We ducked into a little workshop where an old man was carving wood — his hands moved so fast it made me dizzy.

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of those places you see on Instagram but don’t really get until you’re actually there. The green is unreal. We chatted with a farmer who let us try carrying his basket (he made it look easy; my shoulder still remembers). Lunch was at a warung overlooking the terraces — fried tempeh and hot coffee while rain misted over the fields. Simple but perfect. Last stop was Tegenungan Waterfall; loud and crowded but somehow peaceful if you found a quiet rock to sit on for a minute. The spray felt good after all that walking.

By late afternoon we were tired but happy, feet muddy and camera full of rice terrace photos that honestly don’t do it justice. If you’re thinking about an Ubud tour with Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, just go for it — even if you skip the water ritual like me, there’s something about being around all that devotion and green that stays with you.