Bali Ubud Tour: Monkey Forest, Waterfall & Rice Terrace

That long, scenic drive is part of the fun. This Ubud day strings together Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and a classic waterfall view, all with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned pickup.

I also like that it feels all-in: admissions, lunch, bottled water, and fees are included in the price, so you can focus on the places instead of doing math in your head. One thing to consider: there’s a temple visit, and the tour notes that women in a period it is not allowed to visit the temple, so plan around that if it applies to you.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Private, English-guided day through Ubud with an experienced driver and guide
• Admissions included at every major stop, so your time is spent sightseeing, not ticket-hunting
• A real mix of Ubud stops: macaques, rice terraces, coffee plantation, art market, waterfall, and Batuan Temple
• Lunch included at d’Alas Warung with authentic Balinese food
• Pick an art village option (Celuk, Mas, or Batuan) to match your interests
• Tegalalang and Tegenungan are built into the plan as the day’s two big nature/photo moments

The Value: Why $79 Feels Fair for an All-In Ubud Day

At $79 per person for a 9 to 10 hour day, the biggest question is: what are you actually paying for? Here, you’re mostly paying for time-saving logistics and a guide who can explain what you’re seeing in plain language.

The practical win is that the tour includes lunch, bottled water, and all fees and taxes (including admissions at the stops listed). In Bali, that can add up quickly if you try to self-plan. This package also includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters when you’re bouncing between Ubud-area sights for most of the day.

The other value piece is comfort and pacing. Ubud traffic can be unpredictable, and a private driver helps you avoid the chaos of waiting around for shuttles or scrambling between locations.

Timing and Where the Day Can Feel Long (In a Good Way)

Start time is 8:30 am, and the tour runs roughly 9–10 hours. That’s a full day, so think “one big outing” rather than “a few quick stops.”

In a day like this, your energy usually depends on two things:

• Whether you enjoy walking through sites like the rice terraces and temple areas
• Whether you’re comfortable with a couple of longer sits in the car between stops

The good news: the itinerary spreads the heavier moments so you’re not stuck doing everything back-to-back. You’ll have time for 1 hour at Monkey Forest, then 2 hours at Tegalalang, 2 hours at Tegenungan Waterfall, and shorter cultural stops afterward.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: A Short Visit That Sets the Tone

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (also called the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal). The sanctuary is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques, and the area is laid out with paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest.

Why this stop works early: it’s a fast opener. You get your first dose of Ubud’s nature energy and the famous macaque setting before the rest of the day turns into rice views, coffee tasting, and temples.

The main consideration is that this is a wildlife attraction. You’ll want to keep expectations realistic: you’re not going to control the animals’ behavior, and the “main event” is watching how the sanctuary works around them.

Admission is included and the time on-site is about 1 hour, which is a sweet spot for seeing the vibe without eating your whole morning.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The Ubud Postcard You’ll Actually Understand

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, typically the stop people picture when they think of Ubud. This part of Bali is known for lush green scenery, and the terraces are where you see how the landscape shapes farming life.

You’ll get about 2 hours, and admission is included. That’s long enough to:

• get a sense of the scale of the terrace layout
• take photos from different viewpoints
• slow down and actually look at how the water and slopes influence the fields

A practical tip: go into this expecting a mix of stairs, viewpoints, and uneven ground. Even if you just walk at a relaxed pace, plan for some footwork.

Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation: Tasting With a View and a Plan

Then you head to Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation for a 1-hour stop. The key promise here is that you can watch the process of making coffee and then taste it directly, while enjoying the scenery.

This is a nice change of pace after rice terraces because it’s more hands-on. Instead of just looking, you’re learning how coffee is produced and sampling what the plantation offers.

The downside to keep in mind: coffee plantation stops can be a bit sales-focused in some places. You can still enjoy it, but go in knowing the goal is part education and part tasting experience.

Admission is included, and it stays short enough that you won’t feel like you lost time to a long indoor presentation.

Lunch at d’Alas Warung: When the Meal Is Part of the Schedule

Lunch happens at d’Alas Warung Restaurant, scheduled for about 1 hour. The tour’s description emphasizes authentic Balinese food made with healthy homegrown ingredients, plus creative dishes that experiment with traditional spices and flavors from across Bali.

This stop is valuable because it solves one of the hardest parts of planning Ubud: figuring out where to eat that’s convenient, reliably open, and not a gamble for your timing. When lunch is built into the plan, you’re less likely to end up eating late or settling for something that’s disappointing.

If you’re picky about spice level, say so early. Bali food often comes with bold flavor, and a quick heads-up helps you enjoy it rather than just endure it.

Ubud Art Market: Shop With a Strategy, Not With Hope

After lunch, you visit the Ubud Art Market, known locally as pasar seni ubud. It’s described as a place where you’ll see a lot of artistic expression, with a lively marketplace atmosphere.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. For shopping, that’s enough time to browse without turning it into a full afternoon job.

My advice: treat this as a place to compare and shop with your eyes open. If you’re only going to buy one or two items, decide what you want before you arrive—wood carving, small artwork, souvenirs—so you don’t lose your bearings in the crowd.

Admission is included as part of the tour package, but your purchases are, of course, personal expenses.

Tegenungan Waterfall: The Day’s Big Nature Pause

Next is Tegenungan Waterfall for about 2 hours. The tour frames it as a great attraction for nature lovers in the Ubud and neighboring Sukawati area, with impressive green valley panorama views.

This stop is one of the most rewarding parts of the day because it shifts you from cultural sights to pure scenery. It also tends to feel like a reset—time to breathe, take photos, and slow down.

The main thing to consider is practical comfort. Waterfalls usually mean slippery spots, mist, and lots of uneven walking. If it’s been raining, go slower than you think you need to.

Admission is included, so you can focus on the experience instead of checking fees.

Batuan Temple (Pura Puseh Batuan): Culture, History, and a Clear Rule

Finally, you visit Batuan Temple, also known as Pura Puseh Batuan. It’s described as one of Bali’s most historically significant temples, and the location is in the village of Batuan, just a short drive from Ubud.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, with admission included.

Important note from the tour information: women in a period it is not allowed to visit the temple. If that applies to you, you’ll want to plan for an alternative moment during the day so the rest of the itinerary still feels worthwhile.

Also, temple visits reward a calmer mindset. Give yourself time to look closely at the grounds and temple surroundings instead of treating it like a quick stop for photos.

Choose an Art Village Stop: Celuk, Mas, or Batuan

The itinerary includes a choice of an art village experience. You can pick one of these options:

• Celuk for gold and silver smiths
• Mas for wood carving village
• Batuan for painter community

This part matters because it lets you tailor the day to what you like seeing. If you’re drawn to metalwork, Celuk can be more interesting. If you love textures and carved detail, Mas fits that. If you’re curious about how artists work, Batuan’s painter focus gives you a different angle than the rest of the itinerary.

Even with a short time slot, an art village stop gives you something the tour can’t do at the art market: you see craft tied to place.

The Guide Factor: Why English Explanations Make This Tour Better

The best version of this tour is the one where your guide doesn’t just point and drive. One highlighted part from the feedback you provided is that the driver Ketut is praised for taking time to explain cultural customs and for giving excellent answers to questions.

That kind of guidance changes the feel of a day like this. You’ll likely understand why the temple matters, what to notice on the terraces, and how the different stops connect to everyday Balinese life.

You don’t need a long lecture to enjoy Bali, but you do benefit from someone who can translate what you’re seeing into something you can take home.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Feel It’s Too Packed)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a one-day Ubud overview that hits big-name sights
• private transportation and an English tour guide
• admissions and lunch handled so you can keep the day simple
• a mix of nature and culture rather than just beaches or just museums

It might feel less ideal if:

• you prefer free time to explore by yourself for long stretches
• you don’t like being on a schedule for most of the day
• you or your group member can’t visit the temple due to the tour’s women-in-period restriction

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest, Waterfall & Rice Terrace Tour?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a practical, all-in day that covers the classic Ubud highlights without the stress of planning every ticket and route.

It’s especially worth it if you care about:

• value (because lunch and admissions are included in the price)
• comfort (air-conditioned private vehicle)
• meaning, thanks to a guide who takes the time to explain cultural customs

Skip or rethink it if the idea of a full 9–10 hour day feels exhausting, or if the temple restriction affects your group plans.

If your goal is to get the best of Ubud in one go, this tour has a solid shape. It’s structured, includes the essentials, and gives you a mix of scenery and culture that most people come to Bali hoping to see.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the Ubud tour?

It runs about 9 to 10 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $79.00 per person.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour starts at 8:30 am.

Are admission tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for the stops listed in the itinerary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included (served at d’Alas Warung Restaurant in the itinerary).

Do you get bottled water?

Yes, bottled water is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

Can women visit Batuan Temple?

The tour notes that women in a period it is not allowed to visit the temple.

What art village options can I choose?

You can choose one art village option: Celuk (gold and silver smith), Mas (wood carving village), or Batuan (painter community).

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.