Ubud Tour: Monkey Forest – Temple – Waterfall & Rice Terrace

Exploring Bali’s cultural heart, Ubud, can be overwhelming with so many stunning sites packed into one area. This guided tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the best of what Ubud has to offer—covering iconic landmarks, natural beauty, and local art scenes in one satisfying day. From playful monkeys to serene waterfalls and lush rice paddies, it’s a great way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides make all the difference, sharing stories and insights that bring each stop to life. Second, the diverse itinerary covers everything from spiritual temples to scenic vistas, giving you a real taste of Bali’s soul. Third, the value for money is impressive — especially with included entrance fees, bottled water, and private transportation.

A potential consideration? The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours, so it’s a fairly long day. If you’re after a completely relaxed pace or prefer to explore at your own speed, some might find it a bit packed. But for most travelers eager to tick off Ubud’s must-sees in a single day, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits those craving a comprehensive, guided overview of Ubud’s top sights—perfect for first-timers, day-trippers, or anyone wanting a hassle-free adventure with plenty of authentic moments.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price offers great value, covering entrance fees, bottled water, and transport.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary and friendly service.
• Diverse stops blend culture, nature, and art, appealing to a broad range of interests.
• Comfortable transport in air-conditioned vehicles makes the long day more enjoyable.
• Flexible scheduling allows you to experience the highlights without rushing.
• Highly rated by previous travelers for professionalism and authentic insights.

What to Expect from the Ubud Tour

This guided tour is designed with your convenience and curiosity in mind. It packs in a variety of Ubud’s most famous sights, ensuring that you get the most out of your day while also learning about Bali’s traditions and artistry. Here’s a detailed look at each stop.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Your first stop is the Monkey Forest, a lush, vibrant sanctuary where hundreds of long-tailed macaques roam freely. As a protected reserve and temple complex, it’s both a spiritual site and a lively zoo. Expect to observe playful monkeys swinging through ancient trees, with some cheeky ones approaching visitors for snacks (though feeding is not permitted). The atmosphere is peaceful yet animated, often described as “a jungle adventure with a spiritual twist.”

Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledge: “Komang is excellent and treated us as first-class customers,” says one guest. Expect to spend about an hour here, wandering through well-maintained walkways, and soaking in the sights of ancient statues and temple ruins nestled amid greenery.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Next, you’ll head to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a true postcard view. These delicately terraced paddies cascade down the hillside, showcasing Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system—an UNESCO World Heritage site. The sweeping views are perfect for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Travelers describe this as “awesome,” with one noting, “The rice terrace is beautiful and well worth the stop.” Expect about an hour to walk along the terraces, enjoy the cool breeze, and witness local farmers working their fields. Some guides share insights into Bali’s rice farming traditions, making the visit both scenic and educational.

Puseh Batuan Temple

Balinese temples are an integral part of the landscape—and Batuan Temple exemplifies this with its detailed carvings and traditional architecture. Built in the classic Balinese style, it’s a peaceful spot to observe local religious practices and admire elaborate stonework.

Review comments praise the temple’s “elaborate carvings” and “authentic spiritual atmosphere.” Your guide will probably explain some of the rituals or symbols, enriching your understanding of Balinese Hinduism. Maintenance and cleanliness are evident, making this a pleasant and respectful cultural experience.

Tegenungan Waterfall

A short drive takes you to Tegenungan Waterfall, where the roar of cascading water and lush greenery create a refreshing escape. You might get a splash from the foaming falls, or simply relax on the rocks.

Guests often mention the “amazing” view and how the waterfall seems to be in the middle of a jungle setting. Expect about an hour here, taking photos, cooling off, or even dipping your toes in the natural pool. The walk down involves some stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Art Villages: Celuk and Ubud Market

For art enthusiasts, the tour includes visits to Celuk Village and Ubud’s central market. Celuk is renowned for its silver jewelry and wood-carving workshops—where you can see artisans at work, and maybe pick up a unique souvenir. The Ubud Market is a lively hub of local vendors selling everything from textiles to handcrafted trinkets.

Reviewers mention the art villages as “great for seeing local craftsmanship,” with some even trying their hand at traditional batik painting. The market offers an authentic shopping experience, where bargaining is part of the fun.

Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple

Often included in Ubud tours, the Palace is a beautiful example of Balinese architecture, with intricate carvings and a lively cultural ambiance. Just nearby, the Saraswati Temple, with its lotus pond and ornate carvings, offers a peaceful spot to observe local prayers and rituals.

Guests appreciate walking through the temple grounds, feeling the serenity and the spiritual connection. The palace’s high aesthetic value and history make it a worthwhile stop to understand Bali’s royal heritage.

Additional Cultural Sites

Most guides also include visits to other sites like the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is perfect for a peaceful stroll while observing the lush landscape and understanding Bali’s irrigation systems. The Don Antonio Blanco Museum and Neka Art Museum are excellent for art lovers, showing the evolution of Balinese art and the country’s creative spirit.

Many reviews praise guides like Juli and Ari for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness, often going beyond just sightseeing to share personal insights into Balinese culture and daily life.

Practical Details

This tour is priced at about $32 per person, which is a very reasonable price considering the comprehensive itinerary and inclusive features such as private transportation, entrance fees, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making the long day surprisingly comfortable.

Most travelers book this tour around 5 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel mean there’s no fuss about transport, and the flexible schedule allows for a leisurely pace at each stop.

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for a full day of exploration without feeling rushed. Since admission fees are included, you won’t have to worry about extra costs sneaking up on you, which adds to the overall value.

What’s Not Included

Lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring some snacks or enjoy a meal during one of the stops. Many travelers mention the convenience of having bottled water provided, but packing your own can be helpful if you’re particularly thirsty.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to Ubud’s highlights. It’s also great for families or small groups seeking an easy, guided experience with minimal planning. If you appreciate local culture, scenic landscapes, and authentic experiences, this tour hits all those points.

Final Thoughts

This Ubud tour offers a smooth, value-packed way to see the city’s most renowned sights in one day. The expert guides and well-organized itinerary help you get the most out of every stop, from amusing monkeys to serene waterfalls and vibrant art markets.

If you’re after a comprehensive, authentic, and hassle-free day trip that combines natural beauty with culture, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided experience without the stress of organizing multiple sites themselves.

While a full day might be a bit long for some, most travelers find the variety, comfort, and insights worth it. And at just $32, it’s a thoughtful investment into your Bali adventure.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price? The price covers private transportation, air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, entrance fees for all stops, bottled water, and parking fees.

How long is this tour? The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy each site comfortably.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to eat during one of the stops.

Can I customize the stops? Since this is a private tour, some flexibility might be available depending on your preferences and timing.

Are entrance fees included? Yes, all admission fees for the listed sites are covered.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, most children can participate, but consider the long duration and walking involved, especially at sites like the waterfall and rice terraces.

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand? Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views.

This full-day Ubud tour strikes a practical balance between guided ease and authentic discovery, making it a top pick for visitors eager to see Bali’s heart in one memorable day.