Ubud Monkey Forest, Waterfall, Temple and Rice Terrace Tour

Monkeys, temples, and waterfall stairs in one day. This Ubud tour gives you a smart mix: Ubud Monkey Forest plus the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace views, without you hunting for transport or planning time gaps yourself. I love that the day is guided at each major stop, so you’re not just walking and hoping. I also like the included coffee plantation moment, where you can taste Balinese coffee as part of the route.

The tradeoff is physical and budget-related: Tukad Cepung involves a few hundred stairs, and entry fees and food aren’t included. Still, if you’re okay with an early start (pickup is around 8:00–9:00am depending on where you’re staying), it’s a very efficient way to see the best of Ubud in one go.

Best things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off across Bali areas: Kintamani, Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua
• Guided time at the key sights: about 1 hour at Monkey Forest, 1 hour at Tegalalang, and 1 hour at Tirta Empul
• Tirta Empul is the real ritual-water temple: holy spring water and purification spaces
• Tukad Cepung waterfall is cave-style: stairs down to a curtain waterfall with an open-sky view above
• I Ketut Armada’s guidance style: friendly, helpful, good explanations, and practical tips during the day

How the private Ubud route works with hotel pickup

This is built as a full-day private experience, starting with pickup from your hotel. Pickup timing is typically between 8:00 and 9:00am, depending on where you’re staying, and you’ll also get drop-off back to your hotel at the end.

What you’ll feel right away: fewer logistics headaches. Instead of juggling ride-hailing, ticket lines, and timing between Ubud’s spread-out sights, you follow one plan with a guide and your own car.

One practical note: the tour is described as private transportation, but the day still moves like a classic highlights loop. That means you should wear comfortable shoes and expect a “go-go” rhythm, especially once you get to the more active spots like Monkey Forest and Tukad Cepung.

Stop 1: Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal

Your first main stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal, Ubud. This sanctuary is home to about 1,260 Balinese long-tailed macaques, which is why it’s such a magnet for visitors every month.

The guided portion is about 1 hour, which is a useful sweet spot. You get time to walk the paths, look at the greenery and temples inside the forest area, and still have enough energy left for the rest of the day.

Here’s how to make the most of it: bring your camera, but also be ready for quick moments. Monkeys are part of the scenery here, so plan for fast photo opportunities and don’t waste time trying to stage the perfect shot.

A consideration: Monkey Forest can feel crowded at peak times, and it’s a real animal habitat. Keep your phone and bag secure, move calmly, and let your guide point out the best areas to look first.

Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple and ritual purification water

Next up is Tirta Empul, also called the Holy Spring Temple. It’s a Hindu Bali water temple near Tampaksiring, and it’s known for its petirtaan bathing structure and a holy spring that flows regularly.

This stop is guided for about 1 hour, which matters because the temple isn’t just a viewpoint. It’s tied to purification rituals, so having context helps you understand what you’re seeing instead of treating it like a random photo stop.

What I like about this part of the day is the contrast. After Monkey Forest’s “nature with animals” vibe, Tirta Empul feels more grounded and spiritual. You’re watching a functioning place of worship and daily practice, centered on water and ritual cleansing.

Practical tips: temples often have rules about dress and behavior. Wear clothing that covers appropriately, and follow what your guide says on the ground. If you’d rather just observe, that’s usually perfectly fine—focus on respectful viewing, not rushing.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace viewpoints and a clean photo strategy

Then you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s most photographed places for a reason. The terraces sit in a valley with sweeping views over layered rice fields, and the whole area is built for looking out and taking pictures.

Your guided time here is about 1 hour. That’s enough to see the classic viewpoints and also do a little wandering without turning it into a long, tiring stop.

A useful way to approach it: start from the higher lookout area first to lock in your bearings and photos. After that, the terraces are also accessible from different angles, and the info notes that you can even cross a small stream to reach rice field areas on the other side. If you want more varied pictures for social media, this is where you’ll likely get them.

One consideration is practical ground conditions. Rice terraces are outdoor paths—so bring sunscreen, stay aware of uneven footing, and don’t plan on wearing brand-new slippery shoes.

Coffee plantation stop: tasting Balinese coffee the smart way

Between the temple and the waterfall portion of the day, you’ll have a stop at a coffee plantation. The key benefit here is simple: you get the chance to try Balinese coffee as part of the outing, not as a separate side mission.

This kind of stop can sometimes feel touristy on other tours, but having it slotted into a full-day route is what makes it feel worthwhile here. You’re already moving through Ubud’s highlights, and this is an easy cultural add-on with a sensory payoff.

If you do like coffee tastings, ask questions. Your guide’s job is to help you understand what you’re tasting and what’s special about the process, and the day’s overall vibe seems to be that your questions are welcome.

And if you don’t drink coffee? No panic. You can still use this stop as a quick rest break—shade, water, and a chance to reset before the stairs at Tukad Cepung.

Tukad Cepung waterfall: cave stairs and the open-sky moment

The last major highlight is Tukad Cepung waterfall, a waterfall near Ubud known for a unique setting. It’s described as a curtain waterfall hidden inside a cave in Tembuku village, with circular cliffs that make you feel like you’re inside.

You’ll need to go down a few hundred stairs to reach the waterfall area. It’s worth it when you arrive, because the waterfall appears framed by the cave’s shape. Then, right where the water emerges, you get an open-sky view that changes the whole mood.

This is the part of the day where good planning pays off:

• Wear shoes with grip.
• Go slowly on stairs.
• Bring dry layers or be ready to get wet.

Even if you’re not trying for viral-level photos, Tukad Cepung tends to be memorable because of how the environment funnels your attention. The cave feel plus the curtain water is a different experience than a typical roadside waterfall.

One more consideration: water places can get slippery. Take your time. Your guide will likely help you navigate the best spots once you’re there.

Price and value: is $35 a fair deal for this full Ubud day?

At $35 per person, this tour sits in the “budget-friendly but not bare-bones” category. For that price, you get round-trip hotel transfers, bottled mineral water, and guided time at multiple main sights spread across Ubud.

The value math depends on one thing: entry fees and food. Entry fees are listed as not included, and personal expenses and food aren’t included either. So you should mentally add a little extra for tickets and lunch, plus any drinks you want along the way.

Still, private transport plus a full-day guide is what keeps this efficient. Instead of paying multiple separate costs for drivers and spending time planning between distant sights, you’re buying a structured day with a route that’s already figured out.

If you’re traveling with someone, the “per person” price can feel even more reasonable because you split the cost of your own vehicle. If you’re solo, it can be a strong way to avoid the typical hassle of piecing together multiple attractions yourself.

What to bring for a 10-hour Ubud day (and where people trip up)

The day is listed as 10 hours, so pack like it’s a working day in the outdoors. Here’s what you should bring, based on the tour’s guidance:

• A change of clothes (especially useful if you get wet at the waterfall)
• Towel (helpful for Tukad Cepung)
• Camera (this route is photo-heavy)
• Sunscreen
• Cash (useful for entry fees and small purchases)

Also, plan for the reality that you’ll be walking at least a bit at every stop. Monkey Forest involves outdoor paths, rice terraces involve uneven viewpoints and walking, and Tukad Cepung asks for the staircase commitment.

One small mindset tip: don’t treat this as a “sit and relax” day. It’s a highlights day, so aim to enjoy the movement and the changing scenery.

Language, guide style, and how to get more out of every stop

The guide language options are English and French. So if your group needs one of those, you’re covered.

What makes a guide matter on a day like this is pacing and context. The tour is built around guided visits, and the tone you’ll get from I Ketut Armada (the provider behind this experience) is described as friendly, helpful, and open to questions, with good explanations and even humor during the day.

That’s not a small thing. At places like Tirta Empul, where purification rituals are central, having someone explain what you’re seeing can turn a quick photo moment into a real understanding. And at photo-heavy spots like Tegalalang and Monkey Forest, a guide can help you aim for the best angles without wasting time.

If you want extra stops for lunch or drinks, the tour notes that you can discuss it with your guide during the trip. That flexibility is useful if you get hungry earlier than planned or want a quick break without derailing the overall day.

Who this tour suits best in Bali

This is a great match if you want a well-structured Ubud highlights day with minimal planning. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you like mixing nature + culture + scenery in one loop.

It also suits you if you prefer private transportation and a guided experience. The day’s route is built around key sights—Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tirta Empul, Tegalalang, coffee plantation tasting, and Tukad Cepung—so it’s a good option for first-time Ubud visitors who want an efficient “see the core” day.

If you dislike stairs or don’t do well with steep walking, Tukad Cepung is the main challenge. The waterfall requires descending a few hundred stairs, so take that seriously and consider alternative tours if mobility is a concern.

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, Temple and Rice Terrace Tour?

I’d book it if you want a single-day plan that hits Ubud’s most recognizable experiences, with a guide who makes explanations and questions easy. The private hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the guided time at major stops, is what makes the $35 price feel practical rather than gimmicky.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re hoping for a gentle, slow-paced day or if you’re not willing to climb back up after a cave waterfall. Also, remember to budget for entry fees and food since those aren’t included in the package details.

If you’re the type who likes photos but also cares about understanding what you’re seeing, this route is a strong way to spend one day in Ubud.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Ubud tour?

The tour duration is 10 hours.

What time does pickup usually happen?

Pickup time is typically between 8:00am and 9:00am, depending on where you stay.

Does the tour include hotel transfers?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers are included, with pickup and drop-off in selected Bali areas.

Where do you pick up and where do you drop off?

Pickup options include Kintamani, Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. Drop-off locations include Sanur, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Canggu, Kintamani, and Ubud.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled mineral water is included.

Are entry fees included?

No. Entry fees are listed as not included.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food is listed as not included. You can discuss lunch and drink breaks with your guide.

How long is the guided time at each main stop?

Monkey Forest Sanctuary has a guided tour of about 1 hour, Tegalalang has about 1 hour, and Tirta Empul has about 1 hour.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is listed as English and French.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Is it refundable if I change my mind?

The experience states free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve and pay later?

Yes. Reserve now and pay later is offered, so you can book without paying immediately.