Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour

Monkeys, terraces, and waterfalls in one day. This tour is a practical sampler of Ubud’s best nature sights, with a Sacred Monkey Forest visit plus Tegallalang rice terraces, then time at Ulu Petanu Waterfall and a stop for Balinese coffee making. I like how the day is stitched together without wasting hours in transit, and I like that the private transport makes it feel easy and comfortable. One catch to plan for: entrance tickets and food and drinks are not included, so you’ll spend a bit more than $19.

Pick-up is flexible across Bali, and the guide-driven flow matters here. In good hands, guides like Eddie are punctual, friendly, and even help with photos at the best spots, which makes the day feel smoother and safer. Just know the schedule can change if a site is closed, so keep a little flexibility in your expectations.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Private air-conditioned minivan + private driver-guide: fewer logistics headaches, more time at the sights
• Sacred Monkey Forest with a safety briefing: structured time with the macaques, not just wandering
• Tegallalang rice terraces on foot: scenic stops plus walking time for better photo angles
• Ulu Petanu Waterfall includes free time and swimming: bring swimwear and a change of clothes
• Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation includes tasting and a short class: you learn the process, not just drink coffee

A Ubud day that feels efficient, not rushed, and priced like a deal

For $19 per person, you’re getting an entire Ubud-style highlight circuit: forest, terraces, waterfall, and coffee. The real value is that you’re not trying to stitch this together with separate tickets and taxis all day. You ride in a private air-conditioned minivan with a private driver who also acts as your guide, and that changes the vibe fast. Less arguing with maps. Less waiting around.

Timing is also built around a workable day. The tour runs about 6 to 10 hours, depending on your starting time. That range is important: if you’re trying to fit it between other plans, your pickup time matters. If you want a calmer pace, pick a start that doesn’t force you into a late-night squeeze afterward.

Pickup is offered across Bali with no extra charge, including big areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Denpasar City, Canggu (and more). That means you’re less likely to lose the best part of the day to getting to the first stop.

One practical note: this tour does include bottled water, but it does not include entrance tickets or food and drinks. So think of $19 as the transport-and-guide price, and plan an extra budget for tickets and meals.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: the cheeky macaques come with rules first

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary stop is set for about 75 minutes, and that matters because you get a guided structure instead of just a free-for-all. The flow is a photo stop, then a guided visit and walking time, plus a safety briefing before you head deeper in.

What I like about it for you is simple: the macaques aren’t a random “maybe we’ll see them” situation. This is a sanctuary with hundreds of grey long-tailed macaques, so you’re going to spend real time observing the animals in their home area while a guide keeps things organized.

Also, the tour is honest about the character of the place: the monkeys are described as playful and mischievous. That’s exactly why I’d treat the safety briefing as the main event. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep your attention up around you, and don’t assume you can ignore the briefing and still have a stress-free experience.

When the Monkey Forest is closed

Here’s the kind of real-world detail that helps you plan: if the Sacred Monkey Forest is closed, the guide can swap to other activities instead. One alternative mentioned is silver making classes and shops. So you’re not automatically stuck with a wasted block of time.

Still, don’t assume every replacement will match what you wanted most. If monkeys are your top priority, keep your schedule flexible enough to absorb a change.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: the emerald views are better when you walk

Next up is Tegallalang Rice Terrace for about 75 minutes. This is one of those stops where the scenery does a lot of the selling, but walking is what makes it click. You get a guided tour, sightseeing on the way, and time to walk around for panoramic views.

The terraces here are described as being sculpted by hand over generations, which is more than a pretty phrase. It helps you see the terraces as a living system, not just a photo backdrop. You’ll notice the patterns and layers up close, and the viewpoints give you angles you can’t get from one static spot.

How to get the best value from your terrace time

Wear comfortable shoes. The route includes walking, and you’ll want to move without worrying about slipping or sore feet. Bring your camera, too. You’ll have multiple photo angles, and the tour’s pace gives you time to actually frame shots instead of sprinting from viewpoint to viewpoint.

If you’re the type who enjoys cultural landscapes through what people actually do day to day, this stop hits a sweet spot. You’re looking at agriculture shaped by human hands, right where it’s still practiced.

Ulu Petanu Waterfall: cooling spray, a swim option, and a reason to pack right

Then comes the part most people remember: Ulu Petanu Waterfall. You get a photo stop, a visit, free time, walking, and the chance to swim, all in about 75 minutes.

The highlight is that you’re not just standing at a viewpoint. The tour is designed for you to feel the place—cool spray on your face and time near a natural pool at the base. You’ll also be surrounded by lively greenery and birdsong vibes, based on how the stop is presented.

What to pack so the waterfall feels fun, not annoying

Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. You can swim here, and the tour encourages it, so plan like you’ll actually want to go in. Wear shoes you can handle on uneven ground, and bring your camera—but keep it protected.

If you don’t want to swim, you still get walking and free time to take in the waterfall from different spots. Just keep in mind that your “best photos” and your “best comfort” might not be the same place at the same time.

Lunch at Waroeng De Koi: a planned break, but don’t assume meals are fully covered

Lunch happens at Waroeng De Koi. The schedule includes it as a stop, and it also notes scenic views on the way. That’s good news for energy management: after terraces, you’ll likely welcome a proper sit-down.

Now the part you need to check in your mind: the activity info lists Food & Drinks as not included. That means even if lunch is on the program, you should treat lunch costs as your responsibility unless the provider confirms otherwise in writing.

So here’s my practical advice: have some cash or a credit card ready, and ask your guide what you can expect at the lunch stop. This avoids that awkward moment of hoping lunch is included and then learning it’s not.

Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation: learn the process, then taste what you learned

The last major activity is Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation for about 1 hour. You get a guided visit, time to walk around, and a chance for coffee tasting, plus shopping and a class.

What makes this more useful than a quick roadside coffee stop is the process focus. The tour highlights a traditional flow: harvesting the beans, then roasting and grinding. If you’ve ever wondered why coffee tastes different from place to place, this kind of step-by-step explanation gives you a mental map you can take home.

How to enjoy the coffee tasting part

Go in with curiosity, not just a caffeine craving. Even if you don’t buy anything, the class-style explanation helps you understand what you’re tasting. And because shopping is part of the plantation visit, you’ll likely have chances to browse local coffee items afterward.

Bring a credit card and some cash, since the included info suggests carrying both. That way you’re ready if you decide to take something home.

Price and logistics: what $19 really buys you (and what to budget)

Let’s talk value like adults.

You pay $19 per person, and you get:

• a private air-conditioned minivan
• a private driver as tour guide
• pickup included in many Bali areas
• bottled mineral water
• information booklets
• guided experiences at each stop (Monkey Forest, rice terraces, waterfall visit, coffee plantation)

What you do not get:

• entrance tickets
• food and drinks

So the right way to budget is: $19 covers the structure and transport, and you add money for the on-site entrances and any meals you want. If you’re traveling with a tight budget, this still can be a strong deal because you’re getting multiple highlights in one day without paying separate transportation costs for each stop.

Also consider this timing detail: it says duration is 6 to 10 hours, so choose a starting time that fits your energy level. If you’re prone to getting tired from driving and walking, a shorter window is your friend.

Choosing this operator: punctual guides are the difference-maker

Most tours are only as good as their first hour. Here, the pickup process is designed to reduce stress: you’re asked to wait in the hotel lobby at least 15 minutes before pick-up, and the driver will contact you before arriving.

In the best examples, guides are very on time and genuinely helpful. One named guide, Adi, is described as friendly and flexible, especially when plans change. Another, Eddie, is described as punctual and very invested in getting photos at the best spots.

And yes, there is one serious caution flag in the real-world mix: a report exists of a guide not showing up, labeled as a scam. I can’t smooth that away, so use sensible safeguards. Confirm your pickup time ahead of day, keep your phone charged, and be ready at the hotel lobby when they arrive. You should not have to chase people down, but being proactive protects you.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a single-day Ubud checklist:

• you like nature sights
• you want culture-lite stops like coffee making
• you prefer private transport instead of sharing a bus with strangers

It’s also a solid option if you’re short on time and want a schedule that hits the biggest Ubud-style attractions without you planning route logistics.

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or visually impaired people, based on the tour’s stated limitations.

If you want a super slow, detailed hiking day, this might feel a bit structured, since each stop has a set time block. But if you want variety and photos and a cool-down waterfall moment, it hits the mark.

Should you book the Ubud Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces tour?

I’d book it if you want the classic Ubud blend in one smooth private day, especially if you appreciate someone who handles the timing and gets you to photo-friendly spots. The $19 price is hard to beat when you consider you’re covering multiple regions and activities with a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

I’d hesitate if you know you’ll be upset by extra costs for entrance tickets and meals, or if you’re the kind of traveler who needs zero flexibility in your schedule. And if Sacred Monkey Forest is a non-negotiable for you, choose your day wisely and be ready for a possible substitution if it’s closed.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 10 hours.

What areas are pickup and drop-off available in?

Pickup and drop-off are available in multiple Bali locations, including Ubud, Gianyar, Sanur, Denpasar City, Seminyak, Kuta, Kuta Selatan, Sideman, and Candi Dasa. Pickup is available across Bali without extra charge as stated.

Is the transportation private and air-conditioned?

Yes. It includes a private air-conditioned minivan, plus a private driver who acts as tour guide.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. Entrance tickets are not included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch at Waroeng De Koi is part of the itinerary, but food and drinks are listed as not included, so you should plan for meal costs.

Does the tour include coffee tasting?

Yes. The Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation stop includes coffee tasting along with a guided visit and class.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Swimming is included in the schedule for Ulu Petanu Waterfall, and the tour asks you to bring swimwear and a change of clothes.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a camera, credit card, cash, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for mobility impairments or visual impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or for visually impaired people.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option.