Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Highlights: Ubud area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English.

If I had to pick one word to describe Ubud, it’d probably be soulful. There’s just something about it that gets to you – whether it's the misty green rice fields, the ancient temples, or the way the sun filters through the trees. When I experienced this tour package, I had no idea I was about to have one of the most fulfilling, action-packed days of my trip.

If you’ve never explored this part of Bali before, buckle up! This itinerary is a mix of spirituality, nature, adrenaline, and pure fun. Let me take you through it step by step, and along the way, I’ll share some tips to make your day even better than mine.

1. Pick Up at 08:00: Ready for the Adventure
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: waking up early while on vacation is tough. But trust me, the Ubud area is best enjoyed in the morning before the crowds start rolling in. Plus, that fresh morning air really wakes you up in the best way.

Our private driver arrived promptly at 8 AM, and within minutes, we were cruising through small villages and rice paddies. If you're someone who likes to gaze out the window and soak up the scenery, this drive will give you that “wow, I’m really in Bali” moment. I had my camera out almost the entire time. One thing, though: Bali traffic can be a little unpredictable, so if you're someone who gets car sick (like me), pack some ginger candies or motion sickness bands just in case.

2. Tirta Empul Temple: Cleansing the Spirit
Our first stop was Tirta Empul Temple, a beautiful and sacred water temple that’s famous for its holy spring water. Now, I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about Balinese Hindu rituals before visiting, but the guide explained everything so well. Here’s what I learned: locals and visitors come to bathe in the holy waters for purification and blessings.

The atmosphere here is so peaceful. Even if you’re not spiritual, there’s something special about watching the locals go through their cleansing rituals. Of course, I decided to join in. After all, when in Bali, right? If you’re planning to take part in the purification ceremony, remember to bring a change of clothes or a sarong (you can also rent one at the temple). I made the mistake of not bringing one, and let’s just say, wet clothes aren’t exactly comfy for the rest of the day.

A little pro tip: arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The temple is pretty popular, and by late morning, it can get packed.

3. Tegenungan Waterfall: A Natural Oasis
After leaving the temple, we headed to Tegenungan Waterfall, which was about a 30-minute drive away. I’ll be honest, I’ve seen a lot of waterfalls in my travels, but this one is something special. Surrounded by lush greenery, Tegenungan is both powerful and serene at the same time.

If you’re up for it, you can hike down to the base of the waterfall and even take a dip in the pool. The hike is steep, though, so be prepared for some leg work! I wasn’t exactly wearing the best shoes for it – flip-flops are not your friend here. Once I made it down, though, it was totally worth it. The water was refreshingly cool, and the mist from the waterfall felt amazing after the hike down.

A quick heads-up: if you want to swim, keep an eye on the water levels. During the rainy season, the current can get pretty strong. Also, make sure to bring a waterproof bag for your valuables – I nearly dunked my phone in the water while trying to snap a selfie!

4. ATV Riding: Let the Adrenaline Flow
Now, this part of the day was an absolute blast. I’d never ridden an ATV before, so I was a little nervous, but I quickly got the hang of it. After a quick safety briefing, we were off, riding through rice fields, jungles, and even a few muddy paths (which, by the way, are WAY more fun than they sound).

If you’ve never tried ATV riding, don’t worry – you don’t need to be an expert to have fun. The guides are great at making sure everyone is comfortable before you take off. Just be prepared to get a little dirty. Actually, scratch that – you’re going to get very dirty. I thought I could keep my clothes relatively clean, but by the end of it, I was covered in mud, grinning from ear to ear. If you’re like me and forgot to pack extra clothes, no worries – the tour organizers usually have showers on site where you can rinse off.

The adrenaline rush you get from speeding through Bali’s backroads is unbeatable, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of the entire tour.

5. The Famous Ubud Swing: Views, Thrills, and Instagram Gold
Okay, so by now you’ve probably seen those iconic Bali swing photos all over Instagram. Let me tell you, swinging high over the rice terraces in Ubud is every bit as exhilarating (and a little bit terrifying) as it looks.

The swings are set up high above the lush jungle, and you can choose how high you want to go. Now, I’m not a huge fan of heights, but I figured, “When in Bali…” The initial swing out over the edge took my breath away (both from excitement and fear), but once I relaxed, it was one of the most freeing experiences I’ve ever had. Plus, the views? Absolutely unbeatable.

Of course, no swing session would be complete without the classic photos. There’s usually a photographer on hand to capture the moment, and for a small fee, you’ll get some professional-quality shots that are definitely Instagram-worthy. Just make sure to hold onto your hat or sunglasses – I saw more than one person lose theirs mid-swing!

6. Back to the Hotel: Reflecting on a Day of Adventure
After the swing, it was time to head back to the hotel. And let me tell you, after such an action-packed day, I was more than ready to kick off my shoes and relax. The thing about Ubud is that it’s a place that engages all your senses. You start the day by cleansing your spirit at a temple, then move on to getting soaked at a waterfall, feeling the adrenaline on an ATV, and swinging high above the jungle.

But even though the day was packed, I never felt rushed. Each stop felt like its own little adventure, with enough time to really enjoy the moment. My biggest tip? Bring extra clothes, a good camera, and an open mind. Ubud has a way of surprising you, whether it’s through its natural beauty or the little moments you don’t expect – like the way the light hits the temple at just the right angle or how the locals welcome you with a smile.

By the time I got back to the hotel, I was exhausted in the best possible way. I couldn’t wait to go through my photos and relive each moment. And trust me, this is the kind of day that will stay with you long after you leave Bali.

If you're planning an Ubud tour, don’t hesitate. Whether you're into culture, nature, adventure, or just want to experience a bit of everything, this itinerary covers it all. Just be prepared for a whirlwind of emotions, beauty, and excitement – all in a single, unforgettable day.