ATV mud runs and a waterfall swim—this one works. In Ubud, you’ll tackle an ATV quad-bike track through rice paddies, jungle hills, and river-crossing scenery, then shower up and head to Goa Raja Waterfall in a green valley for a natural-pool stop and photos. It’s a full 5–7 hours of action without feeling like you’re sprinting from one random thing to another.

I love the mix of active time and real scenery: the ride is your main event, with choices for solo or tandem. I also love the photo support—many guides (like Donny, Teo, and Rio) are praised for helping capture memorable shots, including taking photos/video for you on your phone.

One drawback to plan for: the tour runs rain or shine, and the ATV route gets wet and muddy. If you hate getting dirty, this may not feel relaxing—more “adventure first, cleanup later.”

Key highlights

• Solo or tandem ATV riding so you can match your comfort level (or ride together)
• Gorilla Face Cave area + tough terrain options if you ask for more adrenaline
• Real time outdoors through rivers, rice fields, jungle hills, and temples
• Shower, changing room, lockers, and towel after the ride (you’ll want them)
• Goa Raja Waterfall plus a walk down to the valley for a green, photo-friendly pool

The “ATV first, waterfall next” rhythm that keeps the day fun

This is built like a good day should be: you start with momentum and end with something slower and cooler. Your ATV portion is the main physical payoff, and it usually feels like the whole day revolves around that energy—then you freshen up and shift gears to the waterfall.

That order matters. By the time you reach Goa Raja Waterfall, you’re not still thinking about gears, dust, and who’s behind you. You can focus on the walk down, the pool moment, and the photos. It also means you’re not trying to fight your way through muddy terrain right before a swim.

Also, plan your expectations around the 5–7 hour timing. It’s not a quick “pop out and return” trip. You’re outdoors for a while, you’ll have some transitions, and the waterfall walk has its own pace.

Picking up your gear: safety briefing, protection, and ride options

You’ll get picked up from your hotel or meet at the activity office (depending on the option you choose). Either way, you start with a safety briefing and the equipment you need for the ride. The tour includes insurance, which is reassuring when you’re about to bounce around on a quad bike.

Then comes the fun part: choosing how you ride. You can usually:

• Ride solo (drive your own ATV), or
• Ride tandem (one ATV with a companion)

That choice is more important than it sounds. If you’re a confident driver, solo gives you control and a smoother line through the terrain. If you just want the experience (or you’re not sure how your body handles bumps), tandem can make the day feel way less stressful.

From the rides people describe, you should expect protective equipment like a helmet and padded protection (knee and elbow pads show up in multiple accounts). Still, you’ll want to dress with the understanding that getting wet is part of the deal.

The ATV track: rice paddies, river runs, and Gorilla Face Cave vibes

The ATV ride is about variety, not just speed. You move through rivers, rice fields, jungle hills, and temple-adjacent areas. That variety is why the track feels like more than a “ride in the dirt.” You’re constantly switching your attention—one moment you’re watching the trail, next you’re soaking in the scenery, and then you’re navigating water or uneven ground.

The tour also includes the Gorilla Face Cave area experience. Even if you’ve seen photos online, the real-time version is usually more interesting because you get context: the cave/face-area stops feel like part of the valley system, surrounded by the hills and greenery around Ubud.

Want more challenge? Let your guide know. Some routes get more technical, with steeper hills where you can go faster. It’s a good option if you want the thrill to match your energy level. On calmer terrain, the day still feels active—just less “white-knuckle.”

A practical heads-up from the overall vibe: expect your shoes and clothes to take a hit. People describe getting wet and muddy. The good news is you’re not expected to stay dirty all day—you’ll have a shower and changing facilities after.

How guides shape the day: pacing, driving style, and phone photography

This tour is full of small moments where the guide matters. The ride isn’t just about being taken from A to B. A good guide:

• Keeps you safe on uneven ground
• Sets a pace that works for the group
• Helps you get the best angles for photos

A pattern shows up in the feedback: guides are often praised for English communication, patience, and stepping in at the right times. Donny, Alberth, DekWah, Wawan, Sun, Midiana, and Teo are repeatedly named in connection with keeping people comfortable and helping with photos and videos. Some guides even take photos using your phone so you don’t have to juggle a device mid-ride.

So here’s my advice: don’t just bring your camera—bring a sense of humor about mud, and ask for photo stops at points you care about. If you want mountain-valley shots, say so. If you want a quick group picture before the waterfall walk, ask. Guides who are comfortable doing photos tend to make those requests easy.

Also, pacing is real. Some groups mention no feeling of being rushed, and that you can take time where you want it—especially at the waterfall. That makes the day feel less like a checklist.

Lunch, showers, and changing rooms: the underrated part of ATV days

After the ATV portion, you’ll freshen up with showers. The tour includes a shower room, changing room, locker, towel, and bottled water. It’s one of the best-value parts of the package because ATV tours often skip the “how do I feel human again” step.

For lunch, you get a buffet-style meal with fried rice or fried noodles (the choice depends on what’s offered that day). The tone of the food comments is generally positive—people call it tasty, and veg options appear in at least one account.

One consideration: portions might feel smaller if you’re on the vegetarian option. If that matters to you, you can bring a snack (but note the tour doesn’t mention snacks being included, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed). A small protein bar for later can save your mood if lunch runs light.

Practical tip: change clothes before the waterfall stop. Even if the ride doesn’t soak you completely, being damp can make the waterfall walk feel colder and more tiring than it needs to be.

Goa Raja Waterfall: walking down, swimming in the pool, and dealing with stairs

The waterfall portion is the payoff for all that motion. Goa Raja Waterfall sits in a natural jungle valley. The walk down the valley is part of the experience, not just a quick viewing stop.

Once you reach the waterfall area, you can enjoy the natural pool and get your photos. This is the moment when the day stops being adrenaline and becomes “wow, look at that.”

But don’t ignore the practical reality: the route back up can be tiring, and the waterfall area can be crowded at times. If you’re someone who hates stairs, consider pacing yourself on the way back. Take breaks. You’re already dressed for water; it’s not a race.

Swimwear helps. The tour data explicitly tells you to bring it, and the existence of a natural pool makes that advice make sense. If you don’t want to swim, at least you’ll have the option and won’t feel awkward if the water is calling.

Coffee and local tastings: when the route adds flavor

Some versions of this day include coffee/tea plantation tasting stops, including mentions of Luwak-type cat-poo coffee and other local drinks. Durian shows up in one story too.

These stops aren’t listed in the core included items, so treat them as a “you might get this added experience depending on your day” rather than guaranteed. Still, if you’re the type who likes to learn what people grow and how they drink it, these add-ons are usually worth it. They also help break the day into chapters: ride, shower and lunch, then waterfall.

Price and value: why $33 feels reasonable for this mix

At about $33 per person, the value comes from bundling several costly-feeling items into one package:

• 1.5 hours of ATV riding
• Safety equipment and a guide
• Waterfall entrance ticket
• Shower and towel facilities
• Lunch (fried rice or noodles)
• Insurance

If you tried to book ATV + waterfall separately, you’d likely end up paying more in time and money. Here, the big win is that you get a full active day with support, and you’re not coordinating multiple providers.

Is it “cheap” in the sense of “low quality”? No. The rating is strong (4.6 across 220 ratings), and the repeated themes are safety, organization, and guides who help you enjoy the moment. You’ll still need to accept the trade-off: the day is active, wet, and muddy.

Who should book this ATV and Goa Raja Waterfall day

This tour fits best if you want:

• A high-energy ATV experience in Ubud’s green setting
• A guided day with photo help
• A waterfall stop with a natural pool moment
• A shower and changing facilities built in

It’s also a good “different from the usual” day. Bali can be heavy on temples and rice terraces. This adds hands-on movement: rivers, tracks, and that cave-area feel near Gorilla Face Cave.

You might want to skip it if:

• You’re pregnant
• You have back problems
• You want a totally dry, relaxed itinerary

And if you’re traveling with teens or friends who want action, this kind of day often lands well because there’s room for different comfort levels (solo vs tandem).

Quick booking checklist so you don’t regret anything

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you will get them dirty or wet)
• Swimwear (for the natural pool)
• Change of clothes (seriously—don’t skip this)
• Camera

Wear:

• Something you’re okay sacrificing to mud

Remember:

• The tour happens rain or shine.
• Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

If you plan around those points, the day feels like it flows.

Should you book this tour?

If you want one Bali day that mixes adrenaline with a real waterfall payoff, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of ATV time, shower facilities, lunch, and a Goa Raja Waterfall walk makes it feel like a complete experience rather than a scattered set of stops. And the repeated praise for guides—often including standout photo help from people like Donny, Teo, and Rio—means you’re more likely to leave with memories you didn’t have to fight for.

Skip it if mud and wet terrain will ruin your mood, or if you need a low-impact day. Otherwise, book it, pack a change of clothes, and enjoy the fact that Bali doesn’t always have to be quiet.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Ubud Gorilla Cave Track ATV and Waterfall tour?

The duration is listed as 5 to 7 hours.

What does the ATV part include?

You get a 1.5-hour ATV ride. You can usually choose to ride solo or tandem depending on the option selected.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. Areas covered include Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani. Outside coverage may cost extra, paid directly to the driver.

Where do I meet if I don’t choose pickup?

You meet at the activity provider’s office and are greeted by staff. The ATV is at Gorilla ATV Adventure, and the waterfall is Goa Raja Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as fried rice or fried noodles.

Are showers and towels provided after the ATV?

Yes. The tour includes a shower room, changing room, locker, and towel.

Do I need swimwear for the waterfall?

Yes, swimwear is listed as something to bring because you visit Goa Raja Waterfall and there is a natural pool.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, change of clothes, and a camera. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.