Day Trips from Ubud: Waterfalls, Rice Terraces & Hidden Temples

We chose Ubud as our base not for the town center, but for the exits. Every morning for ten days, we drove in a different direction and found something extraordinary — a waterfall hidden in a bamboo gorge, a rice terrace system older than the Magna Carta, a temple complex that covers an entire mountainside. Ubud sits at the intersection of Bali’s interior roads, which means no day trip is longer than ninety minutes.

The challenge is not distance. It is deciding which wonder to see first. Our complete Ubud cultural guide covers the town itself. Our Tirta Empul temple guide has the deep dive on Bali’s most sacred water temple. This is the surrounding territory — the five day trips we took with our children, ranked not by convenience, but by the depth of what they revealed.

Why Ubud Is the Perfect Base

Ubud’s central location is its greatest practical advantage. The town sits at the confluence of three major road networks: the northern route to Kintamani and Mount Batur, the eastern route to Tirta Empul and Besakih, and the southern route to the waterfalls and rice terraces of Gianyar. A private driver costs $45–$60 for a full day and can be booked the night before through your hotel or a local contact.

The distances are short enough that children do not melt down in the car, but the destinations are diverse enough that no two days feel the same. We structured our trip around one major outing each morning, returning to Ubud by 14:00 for pool time and naps. This rhythm worked for our six-year-old and our eight-year-old, and it will work for any family that respects the afternoon heat.

Trip 1: Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is the closest waterfall to Ubud — twenty minutes by car — and the most accessible for families. The entry fee is $2 per person. Children under ten are usually free. The waterfall drops fifteen meters into a wide pool that is shallow enough for wading and deep enough for swimming near the base. A concrete stairway leads down from the parking area to the pool, and the return climb takes five minutes at a slow pace.

We arrived at 08:00 and had the pool to ourselves for forty minutes. The water was cool, the spray was heavy, and the rocks were slippery — water shoes are essential. By 09:30 the first tour buses arrived, and by 10:00 the concrete platforms were crowded with selfie-takers and drone operators. The magic evaporates quickly at Tegenungan. The solution is simple: arrive early, swim for an hour, and leave before the crowds.

There is a small warung at the top of the stairs selling fresh coconut and grilled corn. The facilities are basic — changing rooms and toilets near the parking area — but functional. For families with young children, Tegenungan is the best introduction to Bali’s waterfall culture. The walk is short, the water is calm, and the exit is easy.

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Trip 2: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is ninety minutes northwest of Ubud, and the drive itself is part of the experience. The road climbs through jungle, passes volcanic ridges, and emerges into a valley of cascading green that genuinely takes your breath away. The terraces are part of the subak irrigation system — a UNESCO-recognized cooperative water management network that has shaped this landscape for over a thousand years. The entry fee is $5 per person.

Unlike Tegallalang, which is commercialized with swing sets and bird nests, Jatiluwih remains a working agricultural landscape. The farmers plant, weed, and harvest by hand. The only tourists are a handful of cyclists and the occasional photography group. We walked for two hours along the concrete paths that trace the terrace edges, stopping every ten minutes to let the children watch a farmer transplant seedlings or guide a water buffalo through a flooded paddy.

Cycling tours are available through local operators and cost $25–$35 per person including bike rental, helmet, and a guide. The route is mostly flat and suitable for children aged eight and up. Our six-year-old managed on a tandem bike attached to my rental. The tour includes a stop at a village warung for lunch — nasi campur, fresh fruit, and sweet tea for $3 per person. Book Klook Jatiluwih cycling tours for guided rides with hotel pickup from Ubud.

Trip 3: Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)

Besakih is Bali’s largest and most important temple complex — a sprawling collection of over eighty individual temples built across six terraced levels on the slopes of Mount Agung. The drive from Ubud takes two hours, climbing through volcanic foothills that turn from jungle to scrub to bare rock as the altitude increases. The entry fee is $10 for international visitors and includes a mandatory local guide, sarong rental, and a one-way electric shuttle from the parking area to the temple entrance.

The dress code is strict. Shoulders and knees must be covered. The provided sarong and sash are mandatory. Women who are menstruating are not permitted to enter — this is a general rule for all Balinese Hindu temples, enforced respectfully but firmly at Besakih. The temple complex is not wheelchair accessible — hundreds of uneven stone steps connect the terraced levels, and recently installed ramps are reportedly too steep for safe use.

Our guide — included in the entry fee — led us through the outer and middle courtyards, explaining the function of each shrine and the significance of the annual ceremonies. The inner sanctums (Jeroan) are strictly reserved for Hindu worshippers. We observed from the doorways, watching priests prepare offerings and pilgrims pray at the central shrine. The view of Mount Agung from the upper terraces is spectacular on clear mornings. Arrive before 09:00 to see the peak before clouds obscure it.

Children aged six and up can manage the steps with supervision. Younger children should be carried in a backpack carrier. The altitude is higher than Ubud — approximately 1,000 meters — so the air is cooler and thinner. Bring a light jacket and water for everyone. The full visit takes two to three hours.

Trip 4: Hidden Waterfalls — Tibumana, Tukad Cepung & Kanto Lampo

These three waterfalls are less famous than Tegenungan but more rewarding for families who want nature without the crowds. They are spread across the Gianyar regency, east and northeast of Ubud, and can be combined into a single day trip with a private driver.

Tibumana Waterfall

• Distance from Ubud: 30–45 minutes
• Entry fee: $1.50 per person
• Walk: 10–15 minutes on a well-maintained jungle path with 140 easy stairs
• Swimming: Yes — calm natural pool, 1.5 meters deep
• Best time: 08:00–10:00
• Family note: The easiest and most peaceful waterfall near Ubud. Suitable for all ages. The symmetrical single-drop fall creates a photogenic scene without the chaos of Tegenungan. Avoid swimming directly under the waterfall — falling branches and rocks are a hazard.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

• Distance from Ubud: 40 minutes
• Entry fee: $1.50 per person
• Walk: 15–20 minutes including 100+ steps and a river wade
• Swimming: Limited — the pool is shallow and rocky
• Best time: 10:00–12:00 for the famous sunbeams through the falls
• Family note: The most unique waterfall in the area — the falls are hidden inside a cave, and at mid-morning sunlight penetrates the opening and creates beams that illuminate the falling water. The path involves wading through knee-deep water and climbing over rocks. Wear water shoes. Not suitable for children under five or anyone with mobility issues.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

• Distance from Ubud: 20 minutes
• Entry fee: $1.50 per person
• Walk: 5 minutes from parking
• Swimming: Yes — shallow pools at the base
• Best time: 08:00–09:00
• Family note: A stepped waterfall that creates natural infinity pools. Very popular on Instagram, which means crowds arrive by 09:30. The rocks are slippery and the current can be strong after rain. Hold children’s hands at all times.

We combined Tibumana and Tukad Cepung into one morning, leaving Ubud at 07:00 and returning by 13:00. The driver waited at each parking area while we explored. The total cost for the driver was $45 for the half-day. The entry fees for four people were $12 total. It was the best-value day of our trip.

Trip 5: Kintamani & Mount Batur

The Mount Batur sunrise trek is the most physically demanding day trip from Ubud — and the most rewarding. The drive to the trailhead takes ninety minutes, and the hike to the summit begins at 03:30 in darkness. The climb takes two hours and is moderate in difficulty — steep in sections but manageable for anyone with basic fitness. Children aged eight and up can complete it with encouragement. Younger children should not attempt it.

At the summit — 1,717 meters above sea level — you watch the sunrise over Lake Batur and the surrounding volcanic landscape while your guide cooks breakfast using the natural steam vents in the mountain. The breakfast is simple — banana sandwiches, eggs, fruit, and hot coffee or chocolate — but eaten at 06:00 on the rim of an active volcano, it tastes extraordinary.

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After descending, most tours include a stop at the Batur Natural Hot Springs — a series of mineral pools overlooking the lake and Mount Abang. The hot springs cost $15–$20 per person and are the perfect recovery after four hours of hiking. The water is warm, the views are panoramic, and the children’s legs stop aching within twenty minutes.

The full tour — including hotel pickup, guide, breakfast, hot springs, and return transport — costs $50–$70 per person through Klook Mount Batur sunrise trek packages. For families who do not want to hike, the Kintamani viewpoint offers the same panoramic views without the 03:30 alarm. The viewpoint is accessible by car and has warungs serving lunch with a view.

How to Book Your Transport

The day trip is only as good as the driver. We used three methods over ten days and learned quickly which suits a family with children.

Private Driver

• Cost: $45–$60 for a full day (8–10 hours) including fuel
• Best for: Families who want flexibility, multiple stops, and the ability to leave when the children are tired
• Pros: Air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, flexible itinerary, help with temple dress codes
• Cons: More expensive than group tours; requires advance booking in peak season
• Our experience: Our driver for the Besakih trip knew the priests at the temple and arranged a private blessing for our children. That does not happen on a bus.

Group Tour

• Cost: $35–$50 per person depending on destination
• Best for: Single-destination trips like Mount Batur or Jatiluwih where logistics are complex
• Pros: Hotel pickup, fixed itinerary, no navigation stress, included lunch
• Cons: Rigid schedule, crowded viewpoints, limited time at each stop, tourist-oriented lunch
• Our experience: The Mount Batur group tour was efficient but rushed. We had forty minutes at the hot springs. We would have stayed two hours.

Self-Drive Scooter

• Cost: $8 per day plus fuel
• Best for: Experienced riders with international licenses and mountain road confidence
• Pros: Total freedom, cheapest option, stops at any warung or viewpoint
• Cons: Dangerous on mountain roads, no cultural context, police checkpoints, children on the back of a scooter for two hours is uncomfortable
• Our experience: We rented a scooter for the Tegenungan trip and regretted it for the longer journeys. The roads to Jatiluwih and Besakih are steep, winding, and unpredictable. We hired a driver for every trip after that.

For families, the private driver is the only serious option. The extra $20 per day is less than the cost of one dinner at Mozaic, and the knowledge you gain — about temple etiquette, about the subak system, about which waterfall has a ceremony on which day — is worth far more than the price. Book Klook Bali private car charters for vetted drivers with English skills and air-conditioned vehicles.

Tips for a Successful Family Day Trip

Leave by 07:00

The morning light is better, the crowds are absent, and the children are fresh. By 10:00 the tour buses have claimed every viewpoint. By 12:00 the heat is oppressive. A 07:00 departure means you are back at the hotel pool by 14:00, which is the perfect rhythm for children.

Pack Swimwear and a Sarong

Every day trip in Bali involves either water or a temple. Swimwear for the waterfalls. A sarong for the temples. Bring both, every day, even if you are not sure you will need them. The temples require covered legs and shoulders — a sarong is mandatory. The waterfalls require quick-dry clothes — cotton shorts will stay wet for hours.

Bring Cash for Village Donations

Most waterfalls and temples accept only cash. The entry fees are small — $1.50 to $5 — but they add up across multiple stops. Village donation boxes at smaller waterfalls expect $0.50–$1. Warungs at remote stops do not have card machines. Carry $40 in small bills and replenish at an ATM in Ubud every two days.

Download Offline Maps

Cell signal drops between Ubud and the interior, especially near Tukad Cepung and Tibumana. We use Maps.me, which has better trail mapping than Google Maps for the waterfall paths. The offline map also works inside the narrow gorge at Tukad Cepung where there is no signal at all.

Bring Snacks for the Car

The drives are short but the children will be hungry by 10:00. We packed bananas, crackers, and water bottles every morning. The driver appreciated the extra snack too. A fed child is a cooperative child.

Respect the Farmers

At Jatiluwih and the smaller rice terraces, you are walking through someone’s workplace. Do not step on the planted paddies. Do not pick the rice. Do not photograph farmers without asking. Our children learned to wave and say “suksma” before taking any photograph. The farmers always waved back.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Jatiluwih from Ubud?

Jatiluwih is approximately 90 minutes northwest of Ubud by car. The road is winding and scenic, climbing through jungle and volcanic foothills before emerging into the terrace valley. A private driver costs $45–$60 for the full day including Jatiluwih and other stops. Cycling tours with hotel pickup cost $25–$35 per person.

Can you swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?

Yes. The pool below Tegenungan is shallow enough for wading and deep enough for swimming near the base of the falls. The water is cool and the rocks are slippery — water shoes are essential. Arrive before 09:00 for the best experience; the pool becomes crowded and less pleasant after 10:00.

Which trip is best for culture?

Besakih Temple is the most culturally significant day trip from Ubud. It is Bali’s largest temple complex, active for over a thousand years, and still the center of major Hindu ceremonies. The included guide explains the mythology, the architecture, and the ritual calendar. For a less demanding cultural experience, Tirta Empul — covered in our Tirta Empul temple guide — offers a hands-on purification ritual that children can participate in.

Can young children do the Mount Batur trek?

Children aged eight and up with basic fitness can complete the Mount Batur sunrise trek with encouragement and frequent breaks. The climb takes two hours and involves steep sections. Children under eight should not attempt it. The pre-dawn start (03:30) is tough on young bodies. For families with younger children, the Kintamani viewpoint offers the same panoramic views without the hike.

How much does a day trip from Ubud cost?

A private driver for a full day costs $45–$60 including fuel. Entry fees range from $1.50 per person at the smaller waterfalls to $10 at Besakih. A group tour to Mount Batur costs $50–$70 per person including guide, breakfast, and hot springs. A family of four can expect to spend $60–$100 per day including transport, entry fees, and lunch at a warung.

Book Your Ubud Day Trips

Book Klook Jatiluwih cycling tours for guided rides through the UNESCO rice terraces with hotel pickup from Ubud.

Reserve GetYourGuide waterfall tours for guided visits to Tibumana, Tukad Cepung, and Tegenungan with transport and local guides.

Book Klook Mount Batur sunrise trek packages for the full hiking experience including guide, breakfast, and hot springs.

Related Ubud Guides

• Our complete Ubud cultural guide covers the temples, rice terraces, and dance performances within the town itself.
• Our Tirta Empul temple guide has the deep dive on Bali’s most sacred water temple and purification ritual.
• Our Ubud family itinerary structures Tegenungan, Jatiluwih, and the silver workshop into a three-day plan for children and parents.

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