Best of Ubud Tour: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Waterfall

Ubud’s best-known sights fit into one long day here: monkeys in an old jungle sanctuary, rice fields cut into a green valley, a holy spring temple, and a small waterfall north of town. You travel by private car with an English-speaking local driver-guide, so the day can feel more personal than a large bus tour.

I like the private hotel pickup and drop-off, especially because Ubud’s sights are spread across several roads and villages. I also like the mix of nature and culture: Tirta Empul gives the day spiritual meaning, while Tegalalang and Ulu Petanu keep it outdoors and scenic.

The main consideration is that this is a packed 8 to 10 hours, and admission tickets are not included. The advertised $25 price is attractive, but your final cost rises with entrance fees, lunch, optional stops, and any extra pickup charge from outside Ubud.

Key points to know before booking

• Four major stops in one day: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, and Ulu Petanu Waterfall form the core route.
• Private transport matters: Your own vehicle and hotel pickup make it easier to adjust the pace and avoid joining a large group.
• Temple etiquette is part of the experience: A sarong is provided, but you still need clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Swimming may be possible: Bring a towel and extra clothes if you plan to enter the waterfall pool.
• The route can be customized: You may be able to add a Barong and Keris dance, artisan villages, a coffee plantation, or a Bali swing.
• Plan for extra costs: Entrance tickets, personal spending, tips, and some optional activities are outside the base price.

What this Ubud day tour actually feels like

This is a sightseeing day built around variety. You are not spending hours at one museum or temple. Instead, you move between jungle, farmland, sacred water, and a waterfall, with a local driver handling the roads and transfers.

That variety is the strongest reason to book. If this is your first time in Bali, you get a useful introduction to several sides of the island in one outing. The tradeoff is pace. Each main stop lasts roughly 40 minutes to one hour, so you will see the highlights rather than explore every corner at leisure.

The tour starts at about 9:30 a.m. The exact order can change, particularly if you choose one of the alternative itineraries. Some versions include the Barong and Keris dance or artisan villages such as Celuk, known for silver work, along with batik, painting, or wood carving.

Ask for the confirmed route before you pay or before pickup. The core description names four stops, while the itinerary allows a choice of four or five routes. That flexibility is useful, but you should know exactly what is included in your version.

Monkey Forest, where temples share the trees

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is more than a place to watch monkeys. The grounds include old temple areas, a dragon bridge, a river canyon, and thick tropical forest. The setting gives you a sense of how Balinese religious sites often sit within nature rather than apart from it.

You get about one hour here. That is enough for a good walk through the sanctuary, but not a slow visit if you stop often for photographs. The monkeys are part of the appeal, yet you should treat them as wild animals and keep a close eye on your belongings.

Admission is not included. That matters because the $25 headline price does not cover all the places you enter. Carry cash for tickets and small purchases, as the practical information for the tour specifically recommends having money on hand.

I would place this stop early if you want cooler walking conditions, though the actual order may vary. Wear shoes with a secure grip and expect some uneven paths. The forest setting is shady, but Bali’s heat and humidity can still make a one-hour walk tiring.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the Subak system

Tegalalang is the classic Ubud rice-field stop. The terraces sit in a valley, giving you views across layered paddies and the surrounding green hills. The best part is not simply taking a photograph. Your guide can explain the Subak irrigation system, a traditional Balinese method of sharing water among farming communities.

You have about one hour here. That gives you time to enjoy the viewpoints and walk a little, but it is not a full farm visit. Paths can be sloped, and comfortable walking shoes will make the stop easier.

This is also one of the places where optional extras may appear, including a swing. A swing can add a memorable photo, but it is not part of the base tour and should be treated as an extra cost. The same applies to coffee plantation visits and artisan stops.

I like having this stop paired with Tirta Empul. Tegalalang shows how water supports daily farming life, while Tirta Empul shows its sacred role. That contrast adds more meaning than visiting a rice viewpoint alone.

Tirta Empul, Bali’s holy spring temple

Tirta Empul is the cultural heart of this route. The temple complex dates to around 960 AD, during the Warmadewa Dynasty, and its name refers to the holy spring within the site. Water flows through bathing pools used for a Balinese purification ritual known as Melukat.

You receive about one hour here. Your guide can explain what the spring and ritual mean, and you may have the option to take part. Participation is not something you should rush. If you choose the ritual, follow local instructions and observe the setting respectfully.

A sarong is provided for the temple visit, but you still need modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. The site is sacred, not merely a photo stop. The information provided also notes that women may not enter the sacred grounds during menstruation, in keeping with temple rules.

This is a good place to slow down mentally, even if the overall day is busy. I would not book this tour only for quick photographs. Tirta Empul is most rewarding when you allow time to listen, watch, and understand why the spring matters to Balinese Hindu practice.

Ulu Petanu Waterfall, a short jungle escape

Ulu Petanu is in Manik Sawang, Kedisan, in the Tegallalang area, around 30 minutes north of Ubud. The waterfall drops about 15 meters into a setting of tropical greenery, with a broad pebbly area below and a plunge pool where you can cool off.

The stop lasts about 40 minutes. That is enough to see the falls, take photographs, and possibly enjoy a quick swim, but it is not a long nature walk. Bring slippers or sturdy footwear for wet areas, plus a towel and extra clothes if you plan to get in the water.

The waterfall gives the itinerary a welcome change of pace after temples and viewpoints. Still, conditions can affect how enjoyable it is. You may find slippery stones or limited time for changing, so keep your belongings simple and pack swimwear where you can reach it.

Entrance is not included. Again, the low base fare needs to be viewed as transportation and guiding value, not as an all-inclusive admission package.

Optional stops that can change the day

The tour may include more than the four core stops. You can select from several route ideas, including a Barong and Keris dance, artisan villages, a coffee plantation, a Bali swing, or other local stops.

The Barong and Keris performance is a classical Balinese dance drama based on a tale of good and evil. The itinerary places one version at a 9:30 a.m. start, so it may affect the rest of your schedule. Confirm the timing before choosing it, since a performance can make the day less flexible.

Celuk Village is listed as a 30-minute artisan stop with no admission charge. It can add a useful look at Balinese craft production, including silver, batik, art painting, and wood carving. The practical question is shopping. If you do not want to buy anything, tell your guide how much time you want to spend there.

The coffee plantation and Bali swing were also part of a wider combination of activities described by the operator. They can suit you if you want photo stops and commercial attractions mixed with culture. If you prefer the most focused version of the day, keep the four main Ubud sights and skip extras.

Because this is a private tour, you have a better chance of shaping the balance. Still, more additions mean less time at Monkey Forest, the terraces, the temple, or the waterfall.

How good is the $25 value?

At $25 per person, this is an inexpensive way to arrange a full day around Ubud. The price includes private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking local driver-guide, bottled water, a sarong, parking fees, and an optional local lunch stop.

The private car is the biggest value. Ubud’s attractions are not clustered around one central square, so arranging separate rides can be awkward and costly. Having one driver for the day also means you do not need to negotiate a new transfer at every stop.

But budget for the extras. Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, and Ulu Petanu list admission as not included. Personal expenses and gratuities are also separate. Lunch is described as optional, so confirm if you want a meal stop and whether you will pay for it directly.

Pickup is available in Ubud. Sanur pickup is possible, but an additional charge applies for an outside-area pickup. If your hotel is elsewhere in Bali, confirm the supplement before booking.

For a private full-day outing, the base price is strong. It becomes less of a bargain if you add several paid attractions or expect all entrance fees and meals to be covered. I would compare the total price, not just the advertised rate.

The driver-guide can shape the experience

The tour uses an English-speaking local driver who also acts as your guide. That arrangement is common in Bali and can work well when the driver explains the places rather than simply delivering you to them.

The available feedback gives particular praise to a guide named Ketut, who is described as speaking very good English, having a strong grasp of Balinese culture, and bringing a good sense of humor. It is not clear that Ketut is assigned to every booking, so ask if you specifically want him.

One small detail from the feedback is useful: the driver allowed music to play in the car. That suggests the experience can feel relaxed and personal, but you should still set the tone you want. If cultural explanation matters more to you than a casual ride, say so at the start.

A private tour also lets you ask for more time at a favorite stop, within the limits of the route and opening times. Do not assume every optional activity is automatically included. Confirm the plan with the operator and guide.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it for first-time Bali visitors who want a broad introduction to Ubud without arranging several separate taxis. It also suits couples, families, and small groups who value a private vehicle and the ability to choose optional stops.

It is a good fit if you want a balance of scenery and culture. Monkey Forest and Ulu Petanu provide nature, Tegalalang gives you Bali’s famous rice terraces, and Tirta Empul offers a more meaningful temple visit.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long car days, or changing locations often. The schedule is full, and each stop has a short window. You may also prefer a dedicated temple tour or a slower rice-field walk if depth matters more than variety.

The waterfall requires extra care for anyone with mobility concerns because wet stones and the plunge pool area may be difficult. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information, so ask before booking if you need step-free access or special assistance.

What to bring and how to dress

Pack light, but bring the items that make the day easier:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Cash for admissions and personal expenses
• A camera or smartphone
• A towel and extra clothes if you plan to swim
• Slippers or footwear suitable for wet ground

The car includes bottled water, but Bali’s heat makes it sensible to stay hydrated. A sarong is supplied for the temple, yet it does not replace respectful clothing.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

FAQ

How long does the Best of Ubud Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours and starts at about 9:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Private hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the stated service area. Pickup from Ubud is available, while Sanur pickup may require an additional charge for an outside area.

Are entrance tickets included in the $25 price?

No. Admission to the listed attractions, including Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Ulu Petanu Waterfall, is not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and private transportation is provided.

What is included besides transportation?

The price includes an English-speaking local driver-guide, bottled water, a sarong for the temple visit, parking fees, and an optional local lunch stop.

Can I take part in the purification ritual at Tirta Empul?

You may have the option to take part in the Melukat purification ritual. You must dress modestly, and women may not enter the sacred grounds during menstruation under the temple’s rules.

Should you book this Ubud tour?

Book it if you want an affordable private day that covers Ubud’s headline sights with a local driver, without spending time planning every transfer. The combination of Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, and Ulu Petanu offers a satisfying first look at Bali’s nature, farming traditions, and spiritual life.

Before committing, confirm your exact itinerary, the pickup fee if you are outside Ubud, the entrance-ticket costs, and which optional stops are paid extras. If you accept a full schedule and budget for those additions, this tour offers very good value at $25 per person.