Ubud is a feast for the senses, and this tour keeps it efficient. You get door-to-door hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus a full route that hits the big hitters like Celuk Village, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tirta Empul.
Two things I like a lot: the private format (your group sets the pace) and the guides’ Bali know-how. I’ve seen how guides such as Krisna, Sammy, Raka, and others can explain culture and customs in plain language, and still make time for you to relax and enjoy the stops.
One consideration: it’s an 8–9 hour day with several 1-hour blocks, so it can feel busy if you prefer lingering for hours in one place. And the optional swing stop costs extra.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day
- How the private Ubud day is paced (and why that matters)
- Celuk Village: gold and silver craft work you can buy directly
- Tegenungan Waterfall: a roaring stop in Ubud’s jungle zone
- Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals and holy spring water
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: UNESCO views and a chance to walk
- Monkey Sanctuary plus the optional Happy Swing Bali
- Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace: your own time in the center
- Price and value: what $58.34 includes (and what to budget for)
- Who this tour suits best (and who should adjust expectations)
- Should you book this Ubud private full-day tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the private full-day tour?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Is the Happy Swing Bali ticket included?
- Where do you pick up from?
- Are admission fees included for the main stops?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day
- Hotel pickup across much of Bali (Ubud/Gianyar, Sanur, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Denpasar) to start without fuss.
- Entry fees are included for the main sights, so you’re not constantly checking prices at the gate.
- Real craft time in Celuk Village with gold and silver artisans working and direct buying.
- UNESCO-listed Tegalalang Rice Terrace with scenic views and a guided walking option.
- A strong guide factor: people specifically praised guides for being friendly, easy to talk to, and for sharing practical ideas for more Bali on your own.
How the private Ubud day is paced (and why that matters)
This is set up as a private full-day experience with an English-speaking guide who also drives. That combo is the secret sauce. You spend less time coordinating and more time looking at what’s in front of you.
The day starts at 8:30 am and usually runs 8–9 hours. Most stops are about an hour each, which keeps things moving and helps you fit in a lot—gold and silver craft work, a waterfall, a Hindu temple built in the 11th century, UNESCO rice terraces, a monkey sanctuary, and then Ubud’s market and palace.
Here’s the trade-off: you’re not doing a slow “one neighborhood per day” style tour. If you love lingering, you’ll want to plan mentally for quick hits. If you want variety—fast—this works.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Celuk Village: gold and silver craft work you can buy directly
Celuk Village is famous for silver and gold handicrafts, especially jewelry. What I like about this kind of stop is that it’s not just a photo moment. You get to see artisans at work, which makes the things you buy feel more real.
You’re scheduled for about 1 hour, and the focus is on watching how the craft happens, then shopping direct. That matters because you’re not stuck with only tourist-marked items or vague explanations. You can ask questions and get a better sense of what you’re paying for.
Practical note: since this is a shopping-friendly stop, decide ahead of time what kind of souvenir you’re after. Jewelry, or small craft items? That way your hour doesn’t turn into an endless browsing loop.
Tegenungan Waterfall: a roaring stop in Ubud’s jungle zone
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of those places where the name alone doesn’t do the full job. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, and the water is described as roaring, with a calmer feel around it too.
You’ll get about 1 hour, and admission is included. That’s a good length for a waterfall stop: enough time to take photos, enjoy the sound and the view, and then move on before you feel drained.
A consideration: water stops tend to get slippery and humid fast. If you’re wearing shoes that hate wet conditions, you’ll feel it. Keep that in mind and keep your day comfortable.
Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals and holy spring water
Tirta Empul Temple is a traditional Hindu site connected to purification. It’s known for holy spring water and is described as being built in the 11th century, set in a garden-like setting.
This stop also runs about 1 hour, with admission included. What makes it valuable is the context: instead of treating the temple like a generic viewpoint, you’re there to understand the temple’s role as a purification place.
If you want a cultural stop that isn’t just temples-for-photos, this is it. You get a chance to see how a living tradition shapes the space and the visitor experience.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: UNESCO views and a chance to walk
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. The tiers of rice fields give you that classic Ubud look—scenic, layered, and photogenic even when the light isn’t perfect.
You’ll have about 1 hour here, with admission included. The tour includes time to explore the area, and there’s also the option of a guided trek to learn about traditional rice farming practices.
This is a great stop for you if you like scenery but also enjoy learning how locals use the land. Just remember: “1 hour” means you can either do more viewing or more walking. Pick what you enjoy most and let your guide match the pace.
Monkey Sanctuary plus the optional Happy Swing Bali
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is where Ubud gets cheeky. This sanctuary is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed monkeys that roam freely among trees and temples.
You get about 1 hour and admission is included. This is a very hands-on type of visit—watching monkeys behave naturally is a whole show by itself. It’s also why a guide matters: they can help you understand how to behave around the animals and how to move through the space without turning it into a stress test.
Then there’s the optional Happy Swing Bali. It’s described as being in a palm-tree setting on a terraced hillside, with you soaring over the valley for wide scenery. The entry ticket is not included and costs IDR200,000 per person.
My take: only add the swing if it’s a must for you. Otherwise, spend your energy staying on foot at the monkey sanctuary and rice terraces, where you’re already getting the natural drama of Ubud.
Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace: your own time in the center
After the big sights, the tour leaves room for you to slow down in the Ubud center. You’ll get free time at two places:
- Ubud Art Market (1 hour): handmade goods made locally in Ubud, a classic place for hand-carry souvenirs.
- Ubud Palace (1 hour): a royal palace that still preserves original Balinese architecture.
Both are set up as self-exploration blocks, and both are included with free time. This is helpful because shopping and browsing need a human pace, not a timed tour pace.
If you want a souvenir that doesn’t feel like a random impulse purchase, use this time like a mini mission. Choose two or three items you truly like, then stop. Your future self will thank you when you’re packing.
Price and value: what $58.34 includes (and what to budget for)
At $58.34 per person, this tour can be good value if you plan to pay for multiple attractions anyway. Why? Because it includes:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off in listed areas
- An English-speaking guide who also serves as the driver
- Entry/admission fees
- Bottled water
- Parking fees
What’s not included is straightforward: lunch (available for purchase), tips (optional), and the Happy Swing Bali ticket if you choose it.
So the real question is whether the tour matches how you like to spend your day. If you want to tick off major Ubud sights with minimal coordination, this price starts looking sensible. If you’re hoping to sit longer in fewer places, you might feel the per-hour value is lower, since several stops are capped at about an hour.
Who this tour suits best (and who should adjust expectations)
This private full-day tour is a great fit if you want a structured Ubud overview without needing to plan the route yourself. It’s especially appealing for you if:
- You want multiple top sights in one day
- You prefer a private guide who can answer questions on the spot
- You like craft, culture, and scenery mixed together
It might not be the best match if you’re the type who hates time limits. The day is full, and the format leans toward covering a lot, not savoring one place for half a day.
Also, if swing photos are your main goal, remember that the swing ticket is extra at IDR200,000. Decide early so you don’t spend your day thinking about it.
Should you book this Ubud private full-day tour?
I think it’s worth booking if you want a high-success day: craft in Celuk, a waterfall stop, a real temple with purification meaning, UNESCO rice terraces, monkey time, and then Ubud’s market and palace—all with hotel pickup and admission fees handled.
If you’re the slow-travel type, or you hate schedules, consider treating it as an inspiration-packed day and leaving yourself mental flexibility. You can always treat one stop as optional in your own mind—especially the Happy Swing Bali—if you’d rather keep the day lighter.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour start time is 8:30 am.
How long is the private full-day tour?
It runs 8 to 9 hours (approx.).
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s private, meaning only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, pickup and drop-off in listed areas, an English-speaking guide/driver, entry/admission fees, bottled water, and parking fees.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, but you can purchase it during the day.
Is the Happy Swing Bali ticket included?
No. The swing entrance ticket is not included and costs IDR200,000 per person.
Where do you pick up from?
Pickup and drop-off are offered in Ubud/Gianyar, Sanur, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Denpasar.
Are admission fees included for the main stops?
Yes. Admission fees are listed as included, and the main sights on the route include admission.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.





















