Wonderful Ubud Monkey Forest, Waterfalls, Temples and More

Ubud can feel like a whole different planet in one day. This tour lines up Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temple water rituals, and a couple of the most famous photo-stops in the area. You get a guided route with transport so the day runs smoother than DIY.

I like how the pacing gives you real context, not just drop-offs. The guide experience can make the temples and irrigation system click fast (one guide named Doglet is noted for safe driving and clear English), and you get practical support like bottled water during the ride. I also like that the big-name sights are built into the plan with admission tickets listed for most stops—with one obvious exception.

One consideration: you’ll need to plan for extras at the end of the route. The Ubud Jungle Swing has a ticket that is not included, and lunch coverage depends on which private option you pick. If your group wants everything covered up front, double-check the option details before you go.

Key highlights worth putting on your radar

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary with long-tailed macaques and ancient temple paths
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces with panoramic viewpoints for photos and context
• Tirta Empul Temple where you can watch or take part in the holy spring purification ritual
• Tegenungan Waterfall with time to admire and, if you want, cool off
• Ubud Jungle Swing is on the route, but the ticket is separate
• Optional art stops in Sukawati (wood carving) and Celuk (silver jewelry) for local craft shopping

Ubud in One Long Day: what this 10-hour mix really gives you

This is a classic Ubud “best-of” itinerary, but it’s built for getting from place to place without friction. In about 10 hours, you hit several of the top cultural and nature stops—so you don’t spend your precious time figuring out routes, parking, and timing.

The smart part is that the tour connects themes. You start with a sacred nature sanctuary, move into Bali’s working landscape through rice terraces, then shift into spirituality at Tirta Empul, before finishing with a famous waterfall. Even the art-craft add-ons (Sukawati and Celuk) fit the same idea: Ubud isn’t just views. It’s people making things and living with traditions.

The “private tour” setup matters too. It means it’s just your group, not a shared cattle-car of strangers. That tends to make questions easier, and it helps if you want to linger a bit longer at one stop.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: what to expect around the macaques

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for about 2 hours. You’ll be walking through old paths under towering trees with around 600 long-tailed macaques in the area. There are also sacred temple elements inside the sanctuary, which is part of what makes it more than a zoo-style walk.

Here’s the practical reality of a monkey sanctuary: the animals are used to people, and that means you need to act like a calm guest, not an excited fan with open hands. Keep a close grip on anything small you carry (phone, sunglasses, bags). Don’t surprise them with sudden movements, and don’t try to feed or tease them—your guide will likely steer you away from risky behavior and keep the flow moving.

Why this stop is worth your time: the forest paths feel like a living set of ancient spaces, not just an outdoor attraction. The mix of greenery, temples, and the monkeys’ constant activity creates a “wow” factor that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in Bali.

Possible drawback: it can feel a bit touristy at peak times and you should expect some crowds. If your group hates fast foot traffic, you might want to focus on staying close to the guide and doing a slower second look where you can.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: photos plus irrigation context

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terraces for about 1 hour. Admission is listed as included for this stop, and the big payoff is the panoramic view of Bali’s stepped fields. It’s one of those places where your camera will feel like it’s doing all the talking.

What I like here is that the tour doesn’t treat the terraces like a wallpaper backdrop. You get cultural context about the subak irrigation system, the traditional water management approach that helps sustain rice farming. Even if you don’t remember every detail, it changes how you look at the scene. Instead of seeing steps and greens, you start noticing how the water and community fit together.

The photo tip that matters: pick a few spots for shots, then spend the rest of the hour actually looking for the water channels and the way the terraces are arranged. If you rush, it’s easy to miss the “how it works” part.

Possible drawback: since Tegalalang is famous, you can run into busy viewpoints. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, keep moving and use the guide’s timing to get your photos without fighting the line.

Ubud Jungle Swing: a thrill stop with a separate ticket

Then you’ll head to Ubud Jungle Swing for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the day adds an action-and-photo component. The swing area is known for views over the valley, so it’s popular for dramatic angles and that classic “swing over the greenery” look.

Important for planning: the swing ticket is not included. That means you should budget for it even if your base tour price feels low.

For your group, decide early how you want to handle this stop:

• If you want the photo experience, go in ready to pay the swing ticket and follow the staff directions.
• If you mostly want the view, you can treat it as a viewpoint break and spend your time watching others.

A mild caution: if anyone in your group is not into heights or quick photo setups, this is the one part where the activity could be a mismatch. It’s optional in spirit, even if it’s scheduled in the route—talk it through with your guide so you’re all aligned.

Tirta Empul Temple: the holy water purification ritual

After the swing, the tour shifts to spirituality at Tirta Empul Temple for around 2 hours. Here you can witness or participate in a traditional water purification ritual at the sacred springs.

This stop works well because it’s not just a building-and-photos moment. Water purification rituals are the kind of living practice that helps you understand Bali beyond scenery. You’ll get a chance to see what’s happening, and if you choose to participate, it’s an experience that feels personal rather than purely observational.

For many people, the biggest “value” of this stop is how calm it can feel compared to the earlier monkey-and-photo energy. It’s also a chance to slow down mentally. People don’t come here only to take pictures; they come to take part in a ritual space.

Practical note: the timing is long enough to watch how others approach the springs and to decide what feels comfortable for your group. Follow your guide’s lead on where to stand and when to move—temple spaces usually move with rules that protect both visitors and the ritual flow.

Lunch at D Alas Warung: when it’s included (and when it isn’t)

You’ll also have time for lunch at D Alas Warung Restaurant for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Here’s the key detail: lunch is included only if the private tour complete option is selected.

So if you’re traveling on the standard package setup, plan to pay for your meal unless you confirmed that your chosen option includes it. The tour description keeps lunch as part of the day, but the included-list language draws a line between private options.

Why the lunch stop is still useful: even if you have to pay for the meal, you get a scheduled break and you’re not hunting for food mid-route. That alone can save energy—especially in Ubud, where traffic and timing can turn “quick lunch” into a half-day detour if you’re not careful.

If you want to shop or just relax after temple time, this is the natural buffer.

Tegenungan Waterfall: time to cool off, not just look

Next comes Tegenungan Waterfall for about 1 hour, with admission listed as included for the stop. It’s one of Ubud’s most picturesque waterfalls, and the plan gives you time to admire it and, if you want, take a refreshing dip.

This is where you’ll feel the physical side of the day. You’re walking and likely dealing with wet surfaces, so keep your footing in mind. If you’re planning to swim, bring a mindset of short, refreshing time—not a long session. Your schedule depends on getting back smoothly for the rest of the route.

The best way to enjoy Tegenungan is to treat it as a reset point. After the temples and cultural stops, it lets your brain switch to simple sights and sounds: water, rock, and a quick break from serious sightseeing.

Potential drawback: because it’s famous, it can feel crowded depending on timing. If you arrive and the viewing areas look full, ask your guide where the calmer spots are so you can still get photos without feeling stuck.

Optional craft stops in Sukawati and Celuk for wood and silver

The itinerary also leaves room for local arts and crafts. If you’re interested, you can visit:

• Sukawati for wood carvings made by skilled artisans
• Celuk Village for handcrafted silver jewelry

These stops are valuable because they shift you from watching culture to seeing how products are made. You also get a chance to understand why Ubud’s craft scene matters to the local economy, not just to tourists.

Shopping at these places can be great—if you go with a plan. Decide what you want before you arrive. If your group is just “browsing,” keep that energy. If you’re committed to buying, your guide can help keep you from feeling rushed.

One caution: these craft stops are only listed as options, not guaranteed fixed points in every version of the day. That means your exact flow can depend on time and your interests.

Price and ticket logic: where the $39 value comes from

At $39 for roughly 10 hours, this tour is competing against a lot of small add-on costs. The value comes from bundling transport, guide time, and major attractions, instead of paying each stop separately.

That said, you still need to check which costs are covered under your option:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if private basic or complete is selected
• Entrance fees are included only if private complete is selected
• Lunch is included only if private complete is selected
• Bottled water and tour insurance are included
• The Ubud Jungle Swing ticket is not included

This is the part that can surprise people if they only look at the headline price. If you want the simplest day with the fewest payments at each stop, choose the option that includes entrances and lunch. If you’re okay paying a couple extras, the base setup can still work out well.

Also pay attention to how tickets are handled. This tour uses a mobile ticket, which usually means less fuss at the gate and fewer chances of losing paper.

Finally, your meeting point is set at Jl. Raya Ubud No.A3/24, Ubud and the day ends back there. If you’re not using pickup, build in buffer time to reach the start point without rushing.

What makes a good day like this actually work

A 10-hour Ubud day lives or dies by small choices. Here’s how to make it feel smooth instead of chaotic.

First, keep your bag simple. You’ll be in different environments—forest paths, temple areas, viewpoints, and a waterfall. A small day bag is easier than a bulky one when you’re walking through crowds and dealing with humidity.

Second, plan for photos, but don’t treat every stop like a photo factory. The terraces and waterfall are obvious photo targets. Monkey Forest and Tirta Empul need a calmer mindset. If you slow down at the right times, the whole day feels richer.

Third, communicate your group’s vibe early. If someone in your party wants to do the swing, confirm that. If someone prefers to watch rather than ride, the guide can help you find the right pace so no one feels stuck in the wrong activity.

In short: let the tour guide the logistics, and you guide the tone.

Quick checklist before you go

These aren’t fancy tips; they’re the ones that prevent day-trip headaches:

• Bring water for your own comfort, even though you’ll have bottled water from the tour
• Have a payment plan for the swing ticket since it’s not included
• If you care about meals and entrance fees being handled for you, confirm your private option before you book
• Keep valuables secure around the monkeys in the sanctuary
• Wear shoes you trust for wet areas at Tegenungan Waterfall

Should you book this Ubud day trip?

Book it if you want a well-paced hit list of Ubud’s major hits: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall. The price works best when you value a guide, transport, and time saved versus piecing the day together yourself.

Skip it or rethink it if your group hates extra costs at the gate, since entrances and lunch depend on the private option, and the swing ticket is separate. Also consider your tolerance for crowds at the most famous stops—this day is popular by design.

If you like structured freedom—pick your option, follow your guide, and choose where to linger—this is a solid way to see a lot of Ubud without turning the day into a stress marathon.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Jl. Raya Ubud No.A3/24, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia and ends back at the same meeting point.

What major stops are included in the tour?

The planned stops are Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Jungle Swing, Tirta Empul Temple, D Alas Warung Restaurant, and Tegenungan Waterfall. There may also be optional craft visits in Sukawati and Celuk Village.

Is admission ticket for the Monkey Forest included?

The Monkey Forest admission is listed as included in the itinerary.

Are admission tickets included for all stops?

Admission tickets are listed as included for most major stops, except that the swing ticket is not included. Also note that entrance fees are listed as included only if the private tour complete option is selected.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if the private tour complete option is selected.

Is the Ubud Jungle Swing ticket included?

No. The swing ticket is not included.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if the private tour basic or private tour complete option is selected.

What’s included besides the visits?

The tour includes tour insurance, bottled water, and fuel and parking fees. Admission fees are covered only for the private complete option.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.