Bali Pura Taman Ayun Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Excursion

Bali Pura Taman Ayun Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Excursion — a detailed review

If you’re planning a day in Bali that mixes cultural sights, playful wildlife, and stunning sunsets, this tour offers a solid package for a reasonable price. While we haven’t personally joined this specific trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a vibrant picture of what travelers can expect. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a mix of Bali’s key attractions with the convenience of hotel pickup and small-group intimacy.

What we love about this tour? First, the chance to visit two of Bali’s most gorgeous temples — Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot — each with their own unique charm. Second, the Sangeh Monkey Forest promises a fun, up-close experience with Bali’s mischievous macaques, many of whom are calmer than their Ubud counterparts. Third, the inclusion of a local snack break in a traditional pavilion really adds a taste of authentic Bali life. A potential drawback? The tour can feel quite rushed, especially during busy days, with some reviews mentioning long travel times and crowded sights.

This tour is best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive half-day adventure that touches on Bali’s spiritual sites, wildlife, and scenic vistas — all in one go and with a knowledgeable guide. If you prefer quiet, less touristy experiences or a leisurely pace, this may not be the ideal choice. But if you’re after a good blend of culture, nature, and photo opportunities, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Visit two iconic temples: Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot, with their striking architecture and ocean views.
• Interact with monkeys in a well-maintained, less crowded forest setting.
• Includes local snacks: fried sweet potato and tapioca, served in a traditional pavilion.
• Comfortable transportation: air-conditioned minivans with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Tour is approximately 8 hours, providing a full half-day of sightseeing.
• Pricing offers good value at around $66.67 per person, considering the entrance fees, guided service, and transport.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Convenient Pickups in Bali

The tour begins around 12:30 pm, with hotel pickups from most hotels in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. This makes it easy to start your adventure without the hassle of navigating Bali’s busy streets on your own. The small-group format, capped at about 99 travelers, keeps things manageable and allows for more personalized attention.

Scenic Drive and Rice Paddies Stop

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive through Bali’s lush countryside. We love the way guides often stop briefly at rice terraces — a classic Bali photo op. Reviewers mention that these stops provide excellent opportunities to snap shots of Bali’s famous terraced fields and hear about traditional farming techniques. One guest noted a stop in Gulingan village where they could take a 300-meter walk through coconut groves and tropical plantations, which added a peaceful, authentic touch to the trip.

Snack Break in a Balinese Pavilion

One of the unexpected delights is the tasting session with fried tapioca and sweet potato. Sitting in a traditional Balinese pavilion, travelers can relax and enjoy a simple but tasty snack, along with tea, coffee, or mineral water. Several reviews mention this as a highlight, appreciating the chance to mingle with locals and experience Bali’s everyday hospitality. It’s a small touch that makes the day feel more genuine, rather than just rushing through sites.

Taman Ayun Temple — Bali’s Royal Heritage

Next, the tour visits Taman Ayun, a 17th-century royal temple built by the Mengwi kings. The complex, surrounded by scenic moats and featuring multi-tiered shrines, offers visitors a chance to step into Bali’s regal past. The intricate wooden gates and carvings are a feast for the eyes, and the peaceful atmosphere is often appreciated. Visitors report that the structure’s layout and beautiful gardens make it an ideal spot for photos and quiet contemplation.

Monkey Forest Encounter

After Taman Ayun, you’ll head to Sangeh Monkey Forest, a less commercialized alternative to Ubud’s busy sanctuaries. The forest is dominated by towering trees and is home to hundreds of macaques. Reviewers note that the monkeys are generally calmer here, making it a good experience for families or animal lovers. Some mention that the guide will carry a stick to ward off any aggressive monkeys, which adds a layer of safety. Several guests enjoyed feeding the monkeys bananas — a fun, close-up moment, especially for kids.

However, some reviews warn about the overly commercial feel of other monkey forests in Bali, and that guides may direct you to purchase souvenirs or feel a bit pushy. One reviewer said the forest isn’t in the best condition, but the playful monkeys and cool environment still make it worthwhile.

Tanah Lot — Bali’s Sunset Icon

The final stop is Tanah Lot, arguably Bali’s most famous temple for sunset photos. Built on a lava rock offshore, the temple offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. While visitors love the dramatic setting and the chance to see the sun set beyond the iconic black lava towers, many mention it’s quite busy — so arriving early helps. Several reviews say this is the highlight of the trip, with the tide pools and rock formations offering excellent photo opportunities.

A few guests noted that they arrived just in time before sunset, making the experience even more memorable. The temple’s beauty and the ocean vistas are truly special, but be prepared for crowds and the need for patience.

Return Journey and Reflection

After soaking in Tanah Lot’s views, the group heads back to the hotel, with some guests mentioning that the drive back can be lengthy due to Bali traffic. The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, allowing for a full day of sightseeing, but some reviews reflect that it can feel a bit rushed, especially with traffic delays.

Overall Value and Practical Tips

This tour provides a well-balanced mix of Bali’s cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and scenic vistas. The inclusion of entrance fees, guided narration, and transport at the price point of around $66.67 makes it an attractive option for travelers wanting a comprehensive day without breaking the bank.

Transport quality is high — air-conditioned vans and hotel pickups are standard, making the experience comfortable. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often add a personal touch, although some reviewers mention language barriers or moments of rushed explanations.

Food and souvenirs are not included, so bring some extra money if you want to buy locally made crafts or additional snacks. Several reviews point out that the marketplace stops can be a bit pushy, so approach shopping with a smile and haggling skills.

Considerations for Travelers

• The long journey and traffic delays mean patience is key. If you’re sensitive to long drives, this might not be the best fit.
• The crowds at Tanah Lot require early arrival if you wish to beat the rush.
• The Monkey Forest can be a mixed bag — some find the macaques adorable, others are wary of their behavior.
• This tour is ideal for those interested in Bali’s temples, wildlife, and scenic landscapes but less suited for travelers seeking solitude or a slow pace.

Who should consider this tour?

If you want a compact, guided experience that covers Bali’s top sights with good value, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a snapshot of Bali’s spiritual and natural highlights without planning every detail. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and photo lovers will particularly enjoy the stops, especially the monkey forest and Tanah Lot sunset.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded experience or have specific interests, you might want to explore other options or customize your day. Still, for a well-rounded introduction to Bali’s iconic sites, this tour offers a practical, engaging, and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off in most hotels around Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.

How long does the tour last?
The entire excursion takes around 8 hours, starting with pickup at 12:30 pm and returning in the evening.

What is the group size?
It’s a small-group tour, capped at 99 travelers, ensuring more personal guidance.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the ticket for Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, and Sangeh Monkey Forest are covered in the price.

Will I see a sunset at Tanah Lot?
Most likely, yes, as the tour concludes with the iconic sunset view, although arriving early helps beat the crowds.

Is food included?
No, food and beverages are not included, but you can purchase snacks and souvenirs at various stops.

What should I bring?
Bring water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, and extra cash for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the monkey forest is noted as a good place for kids, but keep in mind the monkeys can be unpredictable.

How is the transportation?
Air-conditioned minivans provide comfortable travel, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

Final thoughts

This Bali excursion offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s temple architecture, playful wildlife, and scenic vistas, all at a fair price. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free day that hits the highlights without the need for detailed planning or extensive walking. The knowledgeable guides, stunning photo spots, and authentic experiences — like sampling local snacks — make it a worthwhile choice.

While some may find the pace a little quick or the crowds overwhelming, the overall value and the diversity of sights make this tour a solid addition to your Bali itinerary. For those eager to tick off Bali’s must-see spots while enjoying the comfort of a guided trip, this one’s a good bet.