A turtle release and a ride on black sand. This full-day Bali outing mixes sea turtle conservation with a peaceful horseback ride and a classic waterfall stop, so it feels more meaningful than a standard sightseeing loop. You’ll move through nature, learn what matters, then end with time to cool off and take photos.

I like the hands-on turtle release, especially the educational session first at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation. I also like that you get a real rhythm to the day: the calming horse ride along Saba Beach, then lunch, then Tegenungan Waterfall with enough time to relax. Plus, the experience is driven by strong English-speaking guides and friendly drivers—people have praised guides like Ajik, Wayan, and Eggy for making the day feel easy and well-run.

One thing to consider: the price depends on which option you choose. If you go with the exclude package, the horse riding ticket and meal are at your own expense, so your final cost may be higher than it looks on the first glance.

Key things to know before you go

• A conservation-first turtle session at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation before the release moment
• Scenic black-sand horseback riding along Saba Beach in a slower, calmer setting
• Tegenungan Waterfall with photo and rest time, not a rushed stop
• Lunch options depend on your package, so check what you’re actually paying for
• Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle helps you avoid Bali traffic fatigue
• The day needs good weather, since the tour can be adjusted or refunded if conditions are poor

Sea turtles at Saba Asri: more than a feel-good moment

This is the part of the day that has the most emotional punch, and it’s set up the right way. You don’t just show up and release turtles. You start with an educational session at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation where you learn about the sea turtles’ life cycle and the local protection work. That matters because it turns the release from a quick spectacle into something you understand.

Then comes the release itself—described as heartwarming and run professionally. The key for you: go in with a calm, respectful mindset. Even if you’re not an animal person, you’ll feel the difference between releasing turtles as an activity and releasing them as part of an actual conservation effort.

One practical note: because this involves nature and ocean conditions, the experience is weather-dependent. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a reason to plan with flexibility (and pack a little patience).

Horseback riding on Saba Beach black sand

After the conservation time, the tour shifts gears to a slower kind of adventure. You’ll go to Bali Horse Riding and get welcomed with a refreshing drink, then take your ride along the scenic black sand shores of Saba Beach.

What makes this segment work is pacing. You’re not being rushed through a ten-minute loop. You’re placed in a quieter environment where the ride feels like a break from city noise. If you’ve ever done Bali “see everything” tours, you’ll appreciate the calmer tempo here.

Also, don’t overlook the small practical details. The tour notes that equipment and facilities are provided for the horse riding and turtle activities. Still, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own comfortable footwear if you have it. The idea isn’t to gear up like a mountaineer—it’s just to help you feel steady and comfortable, especially if you prefer sandals, boots, or other personal basics.

Cost-wise, double-check your package. The tour includes admission fees depending on your choice:

• If you pick the include package, the horse riding ticket is covered.
• If you pick the exclude package, you’ll pay for horse riding on your own.

If you want the simplest day, choose the option that wraps those core costs in.

Lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh: refuel without losing the mood

By the time lunch arrives, you’ll probably feel it: sun, travel time, and two active segments (turtle education and horseback riding) add up. That’s why the lunch stop is valuable, even if you’re not a foodie.

You’ll eat at Bebek Uma Menuh Restaurant. You get a relaxing lunch with a mix of Balinese, Indonesian, and Western dishes, so you can usually find something that suits your taste even if your group differs. The setting is described as serene, which makes a difference. This isn’t lunch where everyone is staring at their phones and checking the clock every ten seconds.

Just keep in mind how lunch changes with your option. The tour says:

• With the include package, lunch is included.
• With the exclude package, you’ll pay for your meal at your own expense.

If you’re trying to budget tightly, pick your package based on what you already know you’ll eat and what you’ll be okay paying separately.

Tegenungan Waterfall: a classic stop with real downtime

After lunch, you’ll head to Tegenungan Waterfall. This is the part of the day that’s all about cooling off, taking photos, and slowing down again. You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes at this stop, which is long enough to enjoy the view and still have time to move around at a relaxed pace.

A practical way to use that time: treat it like a photo-and-rest window rather than a sprint. Bring water, watch your footing around slick areas, and plan for the fact that the “best moment” can mean different things—some people want wide scenic shots, others want a quiet spot for a breather.

Also, since the tour requires good weather, the waterfall segment can be affected by conditions. If it’s raining or visibility is poor, the day may be adjusted. That’s normal for outdoor nature tours in Bali.

Pickup, timing, and group feel (it’s private, so use it)

A big quality-of-life factor here is transportation. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location, based on where you’re staying. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps a lot in Bali’s heat and traffic. For many people, that’s the difference between an enjoyable day and a tired one.

The tour is also listed as private—only your group participates. That matters more than you might think. Private tours usually mean you can ask basic questions, get clearer instructions, and move at a comfortable pace instead of spending your day negotiating with a bigger crowd.

The overall duration is about 8 hours. That’s a full day, but the structure keeps you from feeling trapped in the car for long stretches:

• turtle education + conservation session
• horseback riding
• lunch
• waterfall time

One more detail worth noting: you’ll likely use a mobile ticket, and there are group discounts available. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to optimize cost, this can make the price more friendly.

Value and pricing: when $64 makes sense

At $64 per person, this is priced like a mid-range “activity day,” not a cheap bus tour. Here’s where the value comes from: you’re paying for a full day with transport, admission items tied to the conservation stop and waterfall, plus a horseback riding experience that may or may not be included depending on your package.

Think of it in two scenarios:

If you choose the include package

You’re more likely to feel like you got a complete day for one price—horse riding ticket covered and lunch included. That’s the option that tends to reduce surprise costs and lets you focus on enjoying each stop.

If you choose the exclude package

Your starting price looks lower, but you’re still doing horseback riding and eating lunch. The tour says horse riding and meals become your own expense. If you’re okay with that, it can work. If you want predictable budgeting, the include package is usually the calmer choice.

Either way, I’d treat this as a day where you pay for experiences, not just “getting out of town.” The sea turtle release component is the headline, and it’s the type of experience that can’t be replicated cheaply elsewhere.

Who should book this, and who might prefer something else

This is a great fit if you want a Bali day with meaning, not just checklists.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you like nature and conservation education
• you want an animal-related experience that starts with learning
• you’re okay with a full day schedule (about 8 hours)
• you want a quieter, calmer horseback ride moment
• you prefer a private group setting rather than a crowded day

It may not be ideal if:

• you’re very strict about strict cost control and don’t like add-ons (because horse riding ticket and lunch vary by package)
• you hate weather uncertainty (since the tour requires good weather)
• you’re hoping for a long “hands-on” horse lesson—your main focus here is the ride along the shoreline, not training

One more vibe check: this can work well for couples who want a peaceful, reflective day. It can also work for families, since it’s both educational and nature-based—just keep expectations realistic about time in the sun and walking around outdoor spaces.

Should you book Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach?

If you’re choosing between a standard Bali day trip and something with a strong conservation story, I’d lean toward booking. The mix is smart: turtle education and release first (so it lands with meaning), then a calm black-sand ride, then lunch, then Tegenungan Waterfall downtime.

Book it if you want a day that feels intentional rather than random. And when you book, do one simple thing that pays off: choose the package that matches what you want to spend. If you want zero surprises, the include option is usually the better value because horse riding and lunch are handled for you.

If the weather looks iffy in your travel window, plan to stay flexible. Outdoor nature tours in Bali run on the conditions, not on your calendar.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or location, based on your area of stay.

Is lunch included in the price?

It depends on the package you choose. With the include package, lunch is included. With the exclude package, you pay for your meal on your own.

Is the horse riding ticket included?

It depends on the package. If you pick the include package, the horse riding ticket is covered. If you pick the exclude package, you pay for horse riding yourself.

What admissions are included?

Admission fees are included for the turtle conservation session and the waterfall stop. The horse riding admission depends on your package selection.

What is the turtle release like, and is it educational?

You’ll get an educational session about sea turtle conservation at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation, including learning about the life cycle and protection efforts, followed by the turtle release experience.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.