All Inclusive: Monkey Forest, Rice terrace, Holly Spring Temple

One day, three iconic Ubud stops. This private all-inclusive loop hits the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang rice terrace, and Tirta Empul Temple, with an optional stop at the Instagram-friendly giant swing when you want photos. The big win is that a driver and guide handle the “how do I get there” part, so you can focus on seeing.

I love how tightly this tour packs major landmarks into one smooth car day, instead of bouncing around the island and losing hours to logistics. I also love the built-in breathing room for photos, not just a quick point-and-shoot shuffle through each site.

One thing to consider: the schedule is efficient, and some moments are brief (the waterfall stop is about 1 minute). If you want long stays and slow wandering, you may feel a little rushed.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private guide + driver in one car, so the day flows without transit stress
• Monkey Forest time in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 700 long-tailed macaques in the area
• Tegalalang rice terraces walk, focused on real farmer activity and a short stroll among the fields
• All-in entrance bundle with fees included and a sarong provided for temple needs
• Optional giant swing add-on for the photo seekers who still want to keep the tour moving

One-car Ubud day: what makes this tour work

Ubud can be a grab bag: traffic, ticket lines, and “wait, where is that again?” moments. This tour is designed to remove those headaches. You get picked up, ride in a private vehicle with your guide and driver, and bounce between four major cultural stops—plus the option of an extra photo stop—inside about 8 hours.

The price is $67.24 per person, and the tour includes more than you might expect for that total. Entrance fees, sarong, and private transportation are part of the package, with lunch left as the one obvious blank you’ll need to handle on your own. In practical terms, that means less time figuring out what to pay at each gate, and more time actually being in the places.

This is also a smart format if you’re traveling with kids. The tour specifically notes that kids are welcome, and since it’s private, you’re not stuck with strangers who want to move at a different pace. If you’re a first-timer, it’s a good “get your bearings” day. If you’ve been to Bali before, it still works because it connects several iconic sites without you having to string together separate trips.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: monkeys, rules, and good photo timing

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the kind of stop that can feel like pure chaos from the outside—then you step in and realize it’s an organized, walkable forest set aside for wildlife and visitors. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, which is a realistic window: long enough to see the setting and take photos, short enough that you’re not exhausted before the next drive.

You’re in an area described as 12.5 hectares, home to around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques. That matters because it explains what you’re really signing up for: this is not a zoo-style exhibit with a couple of monkeys behind glass. It’s a large outdoor sanctuary, and you’ll see the animals in the wild-style environment of the forest.

Practical tips so you enjoy it more:

• Keep your phone and camera secured and avoid holding food if that’s part of your routine. Monkeys are curious by nature.
• Think about what you want from the photos. If you want less chaotic shots, aim to step back and frame the forest and monkeys without getting too close.
• Wear shoes you’re comfortable getting a bit dirty in. It’s a forest walk, not a museum floor.

The biggest “value” of this stop within the tour is timing. One hour is enough to enjoy the novelty without it eating your whole day. And since your guide is with you, you’re more likely to spend time at the right spots instead of wandering randomly.

Tegalalang rice terrace walk: see the working fields, not just the view

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and this part has a very specific promise: you’re seeing traditional farming activity, not only a scenic overlook. You’ll get about 1 hour here, including a short walk among lush green rice fields.

This stop is valuable for a simple reason: rice terraces are living landscapes built and maintained by local farmers. Even if you’ve seen terrace photos before, seeing how people move through the area and working fields changes how you understand the pictures. It’s one of the best ways to connect Bali’s postcard look with day-to-day life.

What to expect during your time there:

• A short walk, so you don’t need marathon stamina.
• Photo opportunities from multiple angles, since the terraces create natural levels and perspectives.
• A chance to slow down a bit compared to the faster “drive, park, repeat” rhythm.

A small consideration: rice terraces can be slippery depending on the weather and foot traffic. If it’s damp, take your time on the paths. This is also a good moment to ask your guide what you’re seeing—terrace farming and water management can sound like an abstract concept until someone points out what’s going on around you.

Tegenungan waterfall stop: quick payoff, quick time

Then comes Tegenungan Waterfall. The listed time is around 1 minute, which signals something important: this is a stop for views and photos, not a long hike or a full swim break. You’ll see the waterfall with green tropical jungle around it, and you’ll likely have a viewpoint where you can photograph from above.

The information also says you can go down to the water or just view the scene from the hill. With the time being so tight, your experience here will depend on your comfort level and the flow of the day. If you’re hoping for a long break at the waterline, plan on adjusting expectations and moving decisively when you arrive.

My practical advice: treat this as a “snap, breathe, and frame the shot” moment. If you want the waterfall to be your main event, you may prefer a different tour with more time allocated. But if you’re happy collecting a waterfall photo and keeping the day moving, it’s a fun visual punctuation mark.

Tirta Empul Temple and holy springs: what you’re actually visiting

At Tirta Empul Temple, you’re stepping into Bali’s spiritual culture, not just touring scenery. This is one of the famous temple complexes in Bali known for its holy springs.

Here’s the key context: Tirta Empul is a place of worship for Lord Indra, and the description also explains that Lord Indra is the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, the god of water. That gives the stop more meaning than a simple “pretty temple” checkmark. You’re there because water, ritual bathing, and worship are tied together in this place’s identity.

Your tour includes a sarong, which is helpful because temples commonly require appropriate covered clothing. Since you’re not responsible for figuring out what to buy at the last second, you can show up ready.

A few ways to make this visit feel respectful and worthwhile:

• Take a slower pace once you’re in the temple area. It’s easier to understand what’s happening when you stop rushing.
• Ask your guide what the springs symbolize and when people might be doing rituals (your guide can point you to what’s going on during your visit).
• If you want photos, aim for angles that include the setting without blocking or disrupting worship.

The value here is that this tour doesn’t treat temples like backdrops. It frames the reason behind the place, so you leave with a clearer understanding of what you saw.

The optional giant swing: photo power with an added decision

The tour overview includes an optional stop at an Instagram-friendly giant swing. This is the kind of add-on that can make or break your mood for the day. If you like big, dramatic photos, it’s probably worth choosing. If you want a calmer cultural focus, you can skip it and keep the schedule tight for the more meaningful sites.

Because the swing is described as optional, you’ll likely decide based on:

• Your comfort with heights and quick “photo moments”
• Whether you’d rather spend that time on the forest, terraces, or temple areas
• How the day’s energy feels with kids or anyone with limited mobility

One practical thought: giant swing photo stops can change the flow of the day. If your group hates waiting, ask your guide how the timing works in practice during your visit. You want to keep the tour feeling smooth, not stressful.

Pickup, private car, and your guide: how the day stays easy

A private car tour in Bali is often the difference between “we saw a lot” and “we actually enjoyed the process.” This one includes private transportation and a private drive/guide, plus all fees and taxes. There’s also pickup offered, which matters because Ubud traffic can be unpredictable and parking can be a hassle.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, and the tour is described as private—meaning only your group participates. That matters for two reasons:

• You can ask questions without holding up strangers.
• Your guide can adjust pacing if someone needs a bathroom break or wants an extra photo minute.

A quick mention of the guide experience: one featured guide name you may hear is Eka. In the descriptions tied to this tour style, Eka is presented as kind, friendly, and professional, and the day is described as easy and fun. That’s exactly what you want on a packed cultural itinerary—someone who explains what you’re looking at and keeps the logistics calm.

If you’re traveling with family, the tour’s private format helps a lot. You’re not trying to corral everyone through crowded entry points. And since the tour specifically notes that kids are welcome, the pacing is likely designed to keep the group comfortable.

Price and value: what $67.24 includes (and what doesn’t)

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At $67.24 per person for a day around Ubud, what you’re getting includes:

• Private transportation
• All entrance fees
• Sarong included
• Private drive/guide
• All fees and taxes

That’s a big deal because entrance fees add up fast when you’re hopping between sites. Bundling them means fewer surprises and less time collecting tickets.

The only notable missing item is lunch, which is not included. That’s not unusual for tours, but it does affect how you plan your day. You’ll want to budget for lunch and water/snacks, especially because the schedule mixes short stops with drives.

If you’re comparing options, this is where the tradeoff sits: you’re paying for fewer headaches. If you rented a car and drove yourself, you’d likely save on guide cost but spend more time managing navigation, parking, and ticketing. For many people, that’s a fair swap.

Also, the tour averages about 51 days booked in advance. That tells me this isn’t a last-minute-only plan. If you have fixed dates, lock it in earlier rather than hoping something similar will appear last-second.

Who should book this Ubud highlights loop

This tour fits best if you want:

• A one-day Ubud hit list: monkeys, rice terraces, and a major temple
• A tour with your own guide and driver, so the day feels smoother
• Time for photos at multiple stops, not just quick photo flashes
• A format that works with kids

It may be less ideal if:

• You want to spend half a day at one place (this itinerary is efficient)
• You dislike short photo-view stops, especially at the waterfall
• You’re someone who hates structure and prefers wandering without a set sequence

If you’re traveling with mixed interests—someone wants culture, someone wants photos, someone wants animals—this tour does a good job balancing them in a single car day.

Should you book this Monkey Forest, rice terrace, and Holy Spring Temple tour?

I’d book this if you want a stress-light, high-coverage day in Ubud. The mix of Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang rice terrace, and Tirta Empul gives you animal energy, working fields, and spiritual depth, all in one private ride. The included entrance fees and sarong reduce friction, and the guide-driven pacing helps you spend time where it matters.

Skip it or adjust your expectations if you’re chasing slow travel. This route moves, and the waterfall stop is very short. In that case, you might prefer a tour built around longer time at fewer sites.

If you’re aiming for a first Ubud day that covers the big names without turning into a logistics project, this one is a solid bet.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Which sites are included on the tour?

The tour includes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul Temple. An optional stop at the giant swing is also mentioned.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is a sarong provided?

Yes, a sarong is included.

Can kids join this tour?

Yes, kids are welcome and most travelers can participate.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, mobile ticket is listed as a feature.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded.