Balinese Traditional Food Cooking Class with Ubud Monkey Forest and SPA

Planning a day in Ubud that combines culinary delights, cultural encounters, and relaxation? This comprehensive tour promises all three, woven into a well-paced 10-hour experience. From exploring vibrant markets to making your own authentic Balinese dishes, then spending time among playful monkeys and finally unwinding at a luxurious spa, this tour offers a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

What we love about this experience are the small group setting, which ensures personal attention and interaction; the diverse itinerary that offers cultural insights and fun; and the included transportation and spa treatments, which make it an all-in-one value-packed day. The only thing to consider is that the cooking class isn’t private, so you’ll be sharing the experience with other travelers, but the private vehicle and spa are exclusive.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a well-rounded day that combines learning, fun, and relaxation. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to explore Ubud beyond the usual sightseeing, this experience might just be what you’re after.

• Authentic Cooking Experience: Learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes with fresh ingredients.
• Cultural Insights: Visit a local market and farm, gaining a deeper understanding of Balinese food sources.
• Wildlife Encounter: Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest and observe the antics of hundreds of macaques.
• Relaxation Focus: End your day with a 2-hour spa treatment using natural, locally sourced products.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, meals, and spa are covered, making for a stress-free day.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Personal attention from guides enhances the overall experience.

Starting Early with Hotel Pickup

The day begins at 7 am when a private driver arrives at your hotel—an ideal way to start early and maximize your day. The private nature of the transport means you won’t be stuck with large groups or unpredictable schedules, allowing a relaxed and personalized morning. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide eager to share insights about Bali’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Market and Farm Exploration

By around 8:30 am, you’ll head to a bustling traditional market. This is where the heart of Balinese cuisine begins—vibrant stalls full of fresh produce, spices, and local specialties. The guide will help you navigate the market, explaining the significance of ingredients, some of which are used in ceremonial rituals or have sacred status.

Following the market visit, your guide will introduce you to local farmers where you’ll learn how rice is cultivated—an essential ingredient in Balinese cooking. The opportunity to see the rice fields and understand traditional farming techniques adds a layer of appreciation for the ingredients you’ll work with later. Reviewers mention the guide’s patience and expertise, with one noting how “the cooking class was exceptional,” thanks to the clarity and friendliness of the instructor.

Balinese Cooking Class

Next, you’ll head to the cooking venue, where you’ll get hands-on experience preparing a variety of traditional dishes. The recipes are authentic, using ingredients sourced from the morning’s market visit, ensuring freshness and local flavor. You’ll learn how to cook multiple dishes, making this a comprehensive culinary lesson.

Expect to prepare dishes that reflect classic Balinese flavors—think fragrant spices, coconut, and fresh herbs. The class is suitable for all skill levels, with small groups (up to 15 travelers) ensuring personalized guidance. Many reviews highlight the quality of instruction and the chance to taste your own creations afterward, which turns the cooking activity into a true highlight.

Visit to Ubud Monkey Forest

By around 1 pm, your driver will take you to the Ubud Monkey Forest. This lush, tranquil sanctuary is home to approximately 900 long-tail macaques living among sacred trees and ancient temples. The monkeys are playful but should be observed with caution—many visitors enjoy watching their antics, especially the curious interactions with travelers.

The forest itself is a cultural site with significance in Balinese tradition, given the sacred trees and ritual use of some flora. Reviewers mention the peaceful ambiance of the woods and the amusing monkey encounters. It’s an enjoyable stop that offers a break from more structured activities while immersing you in local nature and culture.

Spa Treatment: Relaxation at its Best

After the monkey forest, your private driver will transport you to a spa for a 2-hour treatment. This includes a 1-hour body massage and a 1-hour body scrub, both performed with natural ingredients like herbs, spices, and pure oils. The reviews praise the therapists’ skill and the quality of the products, describing the spa as “beautiful” and “luxurious,” perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.

The spa experience provides a perfect balance after the more active parts of the day, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. The use of locally sourced, natural ingredients enhances the sense of authenticity and connection to Bali’s wellness traditions.

End of the Day and Drop-off

Following the spa, your driver will return you to your hotel, completing a day packed with cultural, culinary, wildlife, and wellness experiences. The tour’s overall duration of approximately 10 hours ensures you have enough time to soak in everything without feeling rushed.

Value for money is apparent, given that the price of $135 covers a full day of activities, all transportation, meals, and spa treatments. When compared to the cost of booking these elements separately, it’s a convenient and economical option, especially for travelers who prefer a guided experience.

Small group sizes mean you’ll get plenty of individual attention, and the guide’s familiarity with Balinese cuisine and culture adds depth to each part of the tour. From navigating the market to assisting with cooking, their insights enrich your understanding and appreciation.

The culinary aspect is particularly engaging—learning to prepare authentic Balinese dishes is both fun and practical, especially for food lovers eager to recreate flavors back home. The opportunity to taste your own handiwork makes the experience even more satisfying.

The Ubud Monkey Forest stop adds a playful element, giving you a chance to observe and interact with Bali’s iconic macaques in a natural setting. For many, this is a highlight, especially considering the forest’s cultural significance.

Finally, the spa treatment caps off the day beautifully, allowing total relaxation. Many reviewers rave about the quality of the massage and body scrub, describing the environment as peaceful and rejuvenating.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day in Ubud—combining culinary skills, cultural sights, playful wildlife encounters, and genuine relaxation. It suits foodies, culture lovers, and those interested in wellness or seeking a break from more physically demanding tours.

Since the tour includes transportation, meals, and spa, it offers extreme convenience—perfect for visitors unfamiliar with Ubud’s layout or those who prefer an organized experience. The small group size makes it a welcoming setting, perfect for solo travelers or couples.

If you’re after a fun, engaging, and memorable day that captures the essence of Bali’s food and natural beauty, this tour checks all those boxes.

Is the cooking class private?
No, the cooking class itself isn’t private, but the tour and spa treatments are. You will be sharing the cooking experience with other travelers.

What is included in the price?
For $135, you get the cooking class, lunch, a 2-hour spa treatment, private transportation, a tour escort, hotel pickup and drop-off, and bottled water.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 10 hours, from 7 am pickup to around 5 pm drop-off.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses are not included, so souvenirs or extra drinks are on you.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
While not explicitly stated, most traditional Balinese recipes are plant-based or can be adapted. It’s best to confirm ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

How many people participate in the tour?
A maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, typically about 19 days ahead on average, to secure your spot.

What is the best time to book?
Booking early guarantees availability, especially during high travel seasons.

This all-in-one Ubud experience offers a wonderful blend of culinary discovery, culture, wildlife watching, and relaxation. The guided visits to the local market and farm provide authentic insights into Balinese ingredients and food sources, which enrich the cooking class. Making your own traditional dishes in a friendly environment is both educational and rewarding, especially when you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

The Ubud Monkey Forest adds a playful twist, giving you a chance to relax among nature and observe local wildlife in a sacred setting. The spa at the end ties the day together, offering a well-earned moment of tranquility after a busy morning.

For travelers looking for a value-packed, enriching day that combines Bali’s flavors, sights, and serenity, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences, small group intimacy, and a focus on authentic, locally sourced elements.

If you’re after a balanced day that leaves you with new skills, delightful memories, and a sense of rejuvenation, this tour in Ubud is a fantastic choice.