Ubud Monkey Forest, Holy Water Temple & Waterfalls Tours

Ubud packs a lot into one day. This private tour strings together Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul’s sacred springs, and two very different waterfalls, so you get both Bali’s Hindu culture and its postcard scenery in one smooth route. I especially like pairing the Tirta Empul purification ritual with the outdoor stops afterward, and you’ll like the fact that it’s truly private with pickup from your Bali address, not a stressful patchwork of rides.

The only real trade-off is time. At about 10 hours with multiple 1-hour stops, it’s built for seeing a lot, not for lingering for hours in just one place.

Key things I think you’ll notice

• Private guided route: your group only, with pickup from Ubud and several nearby areas
• A real temple ritual stop: Tirta Empul’s holy water blessing at the sacred springs
• Two waterfall styles in one outing: Tukad Cepung’s cave photos plus Tibumana’s swim time
• Tickets and lunch are optional add-ons: you’ll want to pick the right option for what you hate dealing with
• Comfort basics included: bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and English-speaking support

A private Ubud day built for culture plus waterfalls

This is the kind of Bali day that makes sense when you want variety without having to plan every turn yourself. The focus is Ubud’s cultural core: macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, rice farming knowledge at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and a Hindu water blessing at Tirta Empul. Then you switch gears into nature with Tukad Cepung and Tibumana.

What I like most is how the day balances “human stories” and “natural scenery.” The temple stop gives you a clear cultural anchor, and the waterfalls come afterward while you still have energy to enjoy the outdoors. That order matters, because it keeps the day from feeling like a random checklist.

Also, the tour is run as a private activity. That means you’re not waiting around for a different group’s pace or trying to interpret instructions while traffic and time pressure stack up.

Price and what $33.25 really covers

The base price is $33.25 per person, and this is the part I always tell people to double-check: some of the biggest “comfort” items are tied to upgrades. The core tour includes transportation and the guided timing across the stops. Entrance tickets are included only if you choose the option that lists tickets as included.

Lunch works the same way. There’s a set menu lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni, but it’s included only if you select the option that adds lunch. If you’re the type who hates paying entrance fees one by one, the upgrade can feel like a money-saver because it removes friction.

For context, this kind of packed day usually costs more once you add transport time, a private vehicle, and guide support. Here, you get bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and private transport as part of the experience baseline. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you prefer one driver who keeps things moving, that’s where the value tends to show.

One more practical note: the average booking window is about 39 days in advance. If you have a specific date and you want a clean pickup schedule, booking early is smart.

From pickup to a tight 10-hour rhythm

Your day starts around 9:00 a.m. and runs about 10 hours total. The itinerary is timed in hour-long blocks, which is both a benefit and a reality check. It’s a benefit because you don’t have to wonder what comes next. It’s a reality check because you’re not touring at a slow museum pace.

Pickup is offered from Ubud plus these areas: Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran. That matters because it helps you avoid the “How do we get there?” problem, especially when you’re staying outside central Ubud.

The car is air-conditioned, and you get bottled water. That’s a small thing that pays off in Bali, because even if you’re excited, the heat and walking add up fast. I like that the tour’s built with basic comfort in mind.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at 9:00

You start at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary around 9:00 a.m. The tour includes about an hour to walk around and, yes, play with the friendly monkeys. Admission is included for this stop.

This is a fun opener because it shifts your Bali day from logistics into atmosphere right away. Monkey Forest is one of those places where the details change fast—people move, monkeys hop, and you’ll notice the space feels like a living ecosystem instead of a fenced exhibit.

The one consideration: if you dislike animal encounters or you want a very calm start, go in expecting energy. The experience is designed around interaction and active sightseeing, not quiet strolling only.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and irrigation lessons

Around 10:00 a.m., you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You get about an hour here, with admission included, focused on seeing the rice plantation and learning how the irrigation system works.

I like this stop because it adds meaning to the view. Yes, you’re there for the classic terrace views, but you’re also there to understand how people make agriculture work on a hillside landscape. That turns the photo moment into something you’ll remember later, like a mini classroom with scenery.

One practical thing: rice terraces are outdoor stops. That means you’ll want comfortable shoes and expect some walking on uneven ground. The tour’s pacing keeps it to around an hour, so you’re not trapped there if you’re tired—but you’ll still get the core perspective.

Stop 3: Tirta Empul Temple purification at 11:00

At about 11:00 a.m., you arrive at Tirta Empul Temple. This is the culture anchor of the day. You take part in purification on the holy water and learn about Balinese culture tied to the ritual at the sacred springs. Admission is included for this stop as well.

This is where the tour feels most meaningful. Ubud isn’t only about sights—it’s also about belief and daily life. The water blessing isn’t treated as a quick photo stop; it’s framed as a ritual experience with learning attached, and that’s a big difference.

A simple consideration: temple settings often come with rules about how you behave and dress. The tour doesn’t list dress code details here, so I’d plan to show up with respectful, modest clothing and follow your guide’s directions on the day.

Lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni: reset at 1:00 p.m.

Lunch is scheduled around 1:00 p.m. at Waroeng D’Yoni. The tour includes about one hour for a set menu Indonesian meal, and the restaurant is described as recommended by both tourists and local people.

I like set menu lunches on tours like this because it keeps time tight. You’re not hunting for a restaurant while traffic and daylight do their thing. And because it’s an Indonesian restaurant, the food fits the day’s cultural theme.

Vegetarian travelers have an option too—you can request it at booking. If you’re picky about meals, this is one of the upgrades I’d prioritize so lunch stops being a hassle.

Stop 4: Tukad Cepung waterfall inside the cave at 3:00 p.m.

Around 3:00 p.m., the tour heads to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. You’ll spend about an hour here. The walk includes passing through a small forest with coconut trees and bamboo, and then you get the chance for spectacular photos inside the cave setting. Admission is included.

Tukad Cepung is a different kind of waterfall experience from the temple and rice terrace stops. Here, the setting is part of the spectacle. The “inside the cave” element is exactly why this stop is worth it: it changes how you take pictures and how the waterfall feels—more like a discovery than a roadside view.

The practical thing is to be ready for a slightly more involved walk. The cave area implies slippery and uneven ground is possible, so wear shoes you trust. And keep in mind that this is an hour-long window, so you’ll want to pace your photos and enjoy a moment without rushing.

Stop 5: Tibumana waterfall and time to swim at 4:00 p.m.

Your last waterfall stop is Tibumana Waterfall at about 4:00 p.m. You get around an hour to enjoy the waterfall and pamper yourself while swimming, with time for the best Instagram photos. Admission is included here too.

Tibumana works as a closing chapter for this kind of day. You’ve already seen the cave waterfall and walked the nature path—now you get an experience that’s more relaxed and water-centered. The tour explicitly includes swimming time, so if water play is your idea of a satisfying finish, this is the right match.

A consideration: swimming adds uncertainty about how you personally feel about water time and conditions. The tour frames it as part of the fun, but you should bring your own comfort level to the plan and follow your guide’s lead on safety.

A tour that feels tailored, not cookie-cutter

One reason this tour gets top marks is that it feels tailored to what you want to do during the day. People specifically talk about a flexible approach and a driver/guide who makes the experience feel worth it.

That kind of responsiveness matters on a tour like this because you’re juggling multiple “big ticket” stops. A good guide helps you keep the flow without skipping the parts you actually care about—temple learning, waterfall time, and the rice terrace education.

You also get strong support from the logistics side: private transportation, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide. If your Bali days typically involve language friction, having clear guidance can make the whole day feel smoother.

Who this private tour is best for

This is a good fit if you want a single guided day that covers the classic Ubud mix: monkeys, rice farming, a sacred Hindu water ritual, and two waterfalls. It also makes sense if you’re staying in or near Ubud but don’t want to handle tickets and transport planning yourself.

It’s private, so it works well for couples and small groups. The minimum is 2 people per booking, and the tour includes only your group.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling vegetarian, you can request a vegetarian option at booking. That’s a helpful detail because lunch is already built into the day.

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, Holy Water Temple & Waterfalls Tour?

Book it if you want one planned, private day that connects Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul purification, and two waterfall experiences without needing to coordinate tickets and rides. The value improves if you choose the option that includes entrance tickets and the set menu lunch, because that removes the most common hassle points.

Consider your priorities if you’re the kind of traveler who hates tight timing. This is a 10-hour, hour-block schedule designed to see a lot. If you want long stays, this may feel a bit fast.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, and waterfalls tour?

It’s about 10 hours in total.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $33.25 per person.

Is pickup included, and where does it pick up from?

Pickup and transfers are offered from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran addresses.

Is the tour private?

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

Do I get bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle?

Yes. Bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Are entrance tickets included?

All ticket fees are included only if you select the option that includes tickets.

Is lunch included?

Lunch (a set menu Indonesian meal) is included only if you select the option that adds lunch. Lunch is at Waroeng D’Yoni.

Which sites and waterfalls are included?

The tour covers Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple (holy water purification), Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and Tibumana Waterfall.

Do you offer a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.