Ubud: Monkey Forest, Ceking Rice Terraces and More– Full Day

One day, four Ubud wow-stops. This full-day tour strings together Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces, and Tirta Empul so you can see the big-name Ubud highlights without spending your whole holiday in a car. I especially like the tight small-group setup (up to 9) and the fact that you finish with the holy spring at Tirta Empul instead of ending on another viewpoint.

The only real drawback is simple: it’s a busy, hot day with short guided visits plus some walking, including a rice-terrace trek. If you’re dealing with mobility limits or back issues, you’ll probably feel it by late afternoon.

Key things I’d circle on your plan

• A full Ubud highlight route in one go: waterfall, forest, market/palace area, rice terraces, and Tirta Empul
• Short, guided time with flexibility from your guide, and often lots of photos along the way (guides like Yogi, Gede, Guna, and Chris come up often in praise)
• Tegallalang isn’t just a stop. You’ll actually walk through the rice terraces, not only pose at a sign
• Tirta Empul is a real experience. You’re guided through the temple complex and holy spring area
• Good value if you pick the entrance-fee option. Hotel pickup, AC transport, guide, water, and insurance are part of the deal

Why this Ubud day works: waterfall first, temples last

Ubud can be a time-sink if you try to DIY everything. This kind of day tour fixes that by sequencing the stops so you get variety fast: nature, animals, culture, then those famous terrace views, and finally a temple finish.

I like the pacing because it’s not a “rush and skip” schedule. You get guided time at each stop, plus enough breathing room to actually look around, take photos, and reset between locations. And ending at Tirta Empul feels smart: the holy spring setting gives the day a spiritual contrast after all the green scenery.

Pickup, waiting rules, and the morning traffic reality

You’re picked up from your hotel in an included area, then moved around in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll also want to plan for the fact that Bali traffic can shift your timeline. Even if navigation apps look calm, mornings can be slow, and travel time can stretch.

Two timing rules matter a lot:

• Be ready at your pickup spot about 10 minutes before the stated time, since the guide won’t wait long
• The guide can wait a maximum of 10 minutes before moving to the next stop

This tour also runs with a small group cap (limited to 9). In some cases, it can feel more personal than “group-tour personal” because the car and guide attention depend on how many people are booked that day.

Tegenungan Waterfall: your first real break and a cool-down chance

You start with Tegenungan Waterfall, with about 75 minutes for a guided visit and sightseeing. This is the stop that helps the whole day feel like an adventure instead of a checklist.

What you’ll love here is the contrast: you go from hotel pickup and road time straight into a dramatic natural scene. You get time to look around and cool off, which is a huge quality-of-life factor in Ubud’s heat.

The practical consideration is that it’s still a waterfall area, which usually means wet surfaces and lots of sun. Wear shoes you can trust, and come with sunscreen and a hat so you’re not miserable after the first stop.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: fun distractions, plus some rules to follow

Next up is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for about 1 hour of guided exploring. This is the stop that people often remember as the most playful. You’re led through the grounds, and you’ll have time to wander and take in the mix of nature and temple-like atmosphere.

Here’s what to keep in mind: don’t assume you can treat it like a casual park visit. You’re dealing with animals in an environment that expects visitors to behave appropriately. If you see the guide coaching people on what to do, follow that immediately.

Also, plan your photos thoughtfully. Many guides in this style of tour are praised for stepping in with great photo angles and timing. If you want a clean shot, ask your guide when the best moments are, especially around the busiest stretches.

Ubud market + Ubud Palace: culture stops that also recharge you

After the forest, the schedule gives you a breather through the Ubud Traditional Art Market area (with a lunch break) and then Ubud Palace. Each part gets around an hour of guided sightseeing time.

This section is valuable because it anchors the day in everyday Ubud culture, not only scenic landmarks. The market time helps you pick up small gifts, snacks, or simple souvenirs without having to squeeze that task into the rest of your week.

For the palace, I like that it’s not just “look at a building.” With a guide, you get the sense of why these sites matter and how they fit into the broader cultural fabric of the area. It’s also a good chance to cool down inside shaded areas if the weather turns hot.

The lunch stop: where the day’s energy gets reset

You’ll get a lunch break during the market stop (about 1 hour). One thing to be clear about: meals and other drinks are listed as not included, so you should expect to pay for lunch on the day.

That said, the lunch break is still a major part of the tour’s value. It keeps the schedule realistic. You’re not forced to snack on the road while juggling temples and terraces. If you’re the kind of person who gets hangry in humid heat, this timing will help you enjoy the rest of the day instead of feeling wrecked halfway through.

Tegallalang rice terraces: the walk is the whole point

Then comes Tegallalang Rice Terraces. You’ll spend about 1 hour here with guided sightseeing, and the best part is that it includes a short hike through the terraces rather than a quick viewpoint stop.

This stop works for you if you like photography but also if you enjoy simple walking. The terrace paths give you layers of views, and the greenery looks different as you move along—so it’s not just one “pretty” picture.

The main consideration is physical comfort. The walk is short, but it’s still outdoors with uneven footing in places. Bring long pants if you can, and wear comfortable shoes that handle wet patches and steps. If it rains, you’ll be glad you packed accordingly.

Tirta Empul: the holy spring stop that gives meaning to the day

Your final major site is Tirta Empul, with about 1 hour for a guided visit and sightseeing. This is the tour’s spiritual payoff: a temple complex built around a holy mountain spring.

This stop stands out because it’s not only scenic. It’s a place with active religious meaning and specific visitor expectations. Your guide is there to keep you on track and explain what you’re seeing.

One more practical heads-up: local rules can affect access to the water rituals. A guide specifically warned that women may not be allowed to enter the water temple during certain times of the month, out of respect for local practices. If that might apply to you, ask your guide early so you know what’s possible before you arrive.

Group size and guides: why the day can feel personal

This tour runs as a small group (limited to 9) and uses an AC vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off. But what really changes the experience is the guide.

Across recent trips, certain guides get named repeatedly, and the common thread is how they handle pacing and photos. People mention guides like Yogi, Gede, Guna, Chris, Pasek, and Adi Putra, often for being friendly, adapting timing, and taking lots of photos. Some guides also respond to rain with quick fixes like umbrellas, so you don’t lose the day to weather.

Also note: some days are flexible. When the group is small, guides can adjust the order or give you slightly more time at a stop if conditions allow. Even when you’re not in a private setup, a small group makes it easier to ask questions and move at a comfortable speed.

Price and value: what you pay, what you still cover

The price listed is $37 per person for about 7 hours. That’s not just for sightseeing. You’re also paying for logistics: hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, AC transport, drinking water, and insurance.

Entrance fees are the key variable. The tour includes entrances depending on the option selected. The listed fees are:

• Tegenungan Waterfall: IDR 30K
• Monkey Forest: IDR 100,000 per person on weekdays, IDR 120,000 on weekends
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: IDR 50K
• Tirta Empul: IDR 75K

If you do the math, the main entrances alone come out to about IDR 255K on a weekday (30K + 100K + 50K + 75K) or IDR 275K on a weekend. If you choose an option that doesn’t include entrances, you’ll want to have IDR 160K–200K per person ready to cover entry fees.

Two other cost considerations:

• The optional Tegalalang swing is IDR 200K
• Meals and other drinks aren’t included, so lunch is on your budget

For value, I’d base your decision on whether your booking includes the entrance fees. If it does, this is a strong deal for covering five major Ubud-area stops with guided time.

What to bring (so you don’t have a bad day at stop three)

This is one of those tours where packing light but smart matters. Bring:

• Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for the outdoor sections
• Insect repellent
• Cash (useful for entrance fees if you’re not getting them bundled, plus optional add-ons)
• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants for comfort at temples and on terrace paths
• Comfortable shoes that work on wet or uneven ground

If you’re sensitive to heat, a light layer can also help you handle AC rides and sudden sun shifts.

Who should book this Ubud highlights tour, and who should skip it

This tour isn’t recommended for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• anyone with mobility impairments
• people with heart problems

That’s because you’ll be moving between multiple sites, spending time outdoors, and doing a short hike on the rice terraces plus walking on temple grounds.

You’ll be happiest with this tour if you want a one-day overview of Ubud and you’re okay with a packed schedule. It’s a good fit for first-time Bali visitors, couples who want an efficient plan, and anyone who prefers having a guide handle site navigation and timing.

Should you book this full-day Ubud tour?

I’d book it if your priority is seeing the headline Ubud sites in one shot: Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, and Tirta Empul. The value is strongest when entrance fees are included and when you like the idea of a guide taking care of the flow.

Skip it if you want a slow, no-pressure day. This is designed to cover a lot of ground, and it’s not built for comfort-first pacing. Also, if your body or health needs limit walking, choose something gentler.

If you do book, come prepared with the right clothing and shoes, and communicate your comfort level to your guide early. A good guide can make the difference between a day that feels rushed and a day that feels like you actually got Ubud’s variety in one long, memorable outing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It’s described as a small group, limited to 9 participants. The setup also includes pickup and a car that keeps the day organized.

What stops are included in the day?

The tour includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Tirta Empul. It also includes time around the Ubud Traditional Art Market with a lunch break.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance fees are included depending on the option selected. The listed fees include Tegunungan Waterfall (IDR 30K), Monkey Forest (IDR 100,000 weekday or IDR 120,000 weekend), Tegalalang Rice Terraces (IDR 50K), and Tirta Empul (IDR 75K).

If I book without entrance fees, how much should I budget?

You should prepare IDR 160K–200K per person to cover entry fees if you book without them.

What language is the tour guide?

The guide provides the tour in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.