REVIEW · MONKEY FOREST TOURS

Bali ATV Quad Adventure – Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall

5.0 · 261 reviews From $47 Operated by Smile Bali Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Bali gets wild on four wheels. This Ubud quad adventure strings together a 2-hour ATV ride plus Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegenungan Waterfall for a full day of change of scenery.

What I like most is the way the day is built around real experience, not just check-the-box stops. The included gear and guidance help you feel set up for safety from the start, and the day also treats you well after the mud, with shower facilities and a buffet lunch.

My only real caution is the weather. It is an outdoor, mud-friendly activity, and rain can affect track conditions, and in some cases the waterfall may be limited when conditions are poor.

Key highlights to know before you go

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Key highlights to know before you go

  • 2 hours of ATV time on challenging terrain, with a mix of hills, dirt, sand, and mud
  • Safety gear and insurance coverage are included, so you are not improvising
  • Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary gives you up-close wildlife watching in an iconic Ubud setting
  • Tegenungan Waterfall is a big visual payoff, with steep stairs back for photos
  • Shower facilities and buffet lunch keep the day comfortable after you get muddy
  • Private transfer and private setup mean you travel with just your group

Why this Ubud ATV day feels like a real Bali sampler

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Why this Ubud ATV day feels like a real Bali sampler
This tour makes a smart choice for people who want Ubud without spending the entire day in one neighborhood. You get a high-energy outdoor activity, then a cultural nature stop with monkeys, then a classic waterfall viewpoint. The pacing works because each part hits a different mood: adrenaline, wonder, and then scenery.

I also appreciate that it is not just an ATV ride dumped on a timetable. You get a guided, structured experience with equipment standards, built-in recovery time (shower), and an included meal. For many visitors, that combo is what turns a fun day into a zero-stress day.

And yes, you will get dirty. Plan around that, and the mud becomes part of the story, not a problem.

Getting ready: pickup, gear, and the safety briefing that keeps it fun

The day starts with pickup offered in Ubud, and you travel with a private transfer. Once you arrive at the ATV base, you do the safety basics before you touch the track. You will use safety equipment, including boots, and you will get directions from experienced instructors.

That pre-ride instruction matters more than people think. Quad biking is not driving a scooter, and the terrain can change quickly. The tour is designed around having a guide and rules up front, so you can focus on control and not worry about what comes next.

A nice detail is that insurance coverage is included. I do not see that as a reason to take reckless risks, but it does add peace of mind when you are heading into outdoor, bumpy terrain for a couple hours.

The 2-hour ATV session: jungle tracks, hills, and mud power

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - The 2-hour ATV session: jungle tracks, hills, and mud power
The core of the day is the ATV quad adventure, which runs for about 2 hours. This is where the tour earns its reputation, because it is described as fun up and down terrain, including a high hill segment and track action that is tough enough to feel like a real ride.

This is not a gentle cruise through flat paths. The track experience is built around changes in ground and grip, and you can expect the kind of conditions where a car would struggle. That is why they emphasize proper footwear and safety guidance.

What about solo versus passenger? The experience offers options, so you can choose to ride solo or ride as a passenger depending on what you booked. If you want to treat this like hands-on adventure, pick the solo option. If your goal is to do the day but keep things calmer for your body, the passenger option can make the same scenery feel more relaxed.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: watching Bali’s cheeky locals with guardrails

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Monkey Forest Sanctuary: watching Bali’s cheeky locals with guardrails
After the ATV adrenaline, the day shifts into something a lot more mind-catching: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This stop is about being close to monkeys in a protected sanctuary setting, not just passing by for a photo.

The best way to enjoy the Monkey Forest is to treat it like you are sharing space, not visiting a zoo. Move with awareness, keep bags controlled, and let the monkeys approach curiosity on their schedule. That mindset keeps the visit fun instead of stressful.

I also like that the day includes time here because it balances out the physical chaos of the ATV ride. You can slow down, get perspective on Ubud, and enjoy the jungle feel before heading to the waterfall.

One practical note: monkey sanctuaries can be busy, and this one pairs that wildlife excitement with classic Ubud foot traffic. If you are sensitive to crowds, plan to keep your pace flexible.

More Quad Bike Rides in Ubud

Tegenungan Waterfall: big views, steep stairs, and the reality of crowds

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Tegenungan Waterfall: big views, steep stairs, and the reality of crowds
Then you go to Tegenungan Waterfall. This is the kind of stop where the visuals do the heavy lifting, and the photos usually look better than you expect, especially when you get the angle right.

There is a tradeoff. The waterfall can be crowded, and getting around takes some effort. One detail that came up clearly is that the stairs back after the visit can be steep, so you will want decent traction and a little patience with your legs.

Also, this is a look-and-walk stop. The tour is built around arrival, viewpoints, and time to enjoy the area, not a long swim session. If water play is your main goal, you might find the experience more about the waterfall itself than getting in the water.

Still, if you want a classic Bali moment that feels like nature, this stop delivers. It is also a great pause from the mud, even if the climb reminds you you have a body.

Ubud time: guided perspective beyond the main sights

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Ubud time: guided perspective beyond the main sights
The day includes a stop labeled Ubud after the waterfall. That part is where you can feel the difference between a rushed tour and a guided day that tries to make sense of what you are seeing.

You will often get a guide who talks through the area and helps you connect daily scenes to local life. In the real-world experience of this tour, names like Adi, Win, Denny, Bagus, Maya, Wayan, Putu, Ketut, Agung Wah, Dika, Vitho, Bayu, and Dewa show up in guidance roles, and the consistent theme is that they help you understand where you are and how things work in the Ubud area.

Some groups also get extra little add-ons during the day, such as a coffee plantation style tasting or a photo-focused swing stop in the Ubud region. Those extras are not listed as core inclusions, so treat them as a possible bonus if your guide has time and your group wants it.

Lunch, showers, and what to pack so the day stays enjoyable

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Lunch, showers, and what to pack so the day stays enjoyable
After the ATV ride, the tour sets you up for recovery: you can prepare to take a shower, because you will be full of mud. That shower facility is included, which is a big deal. It means you can go from sweaty and muddy to presentable without paying extra or improvising.

Then you get buffet lunch. The lunch is included, and it is described as catered to vegetarians in at least one group, which is helpful if you are eating with mixed dietary needs. If you have strong preferences, it is smart to think ahead and bring patience, because buffet setups can vary day to day.

What should you wear? Ride gear can take care of some of the needs, but you still want clothing that handles mud and fast drying. Closed-toe shoes with grip are your friend, and you should bring a change of clothes for afterward since you will likely be muddy at pickup time.

Photos and videos are not included. If you want the official photo package or a VCD, you will need to pay for those separately. If you are trying to keep costs down, just remember to plan your own phone photos during the stops.

Price and value at about $47.50 per person

Bali ATV Quad Adventure - Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfall - Price and value at about $47.50 per person
At $47.50 per person, the value is pretty strong for what you get. You are paying for a full day window of experiences that usually cost more when you book parts separately: ATV ride time, admission tickets, insurance coverage, international standard riding equipment, shower facilities, and a buffet lunch.

Most tours that include a meal and gear still charge extra for admission, and a lot of separate ATV deals do not bundle insurance or shower access. Here, those items are packaged together, which helps you budget more confidently.

Also, private transfer is included. Even though you are grouped with people at the ATV base, the transportation side matters because it reduces the hassle of connecting local taxis and timing. You start your day simpler and finish with less logistics stress.

The downside is that weather can force changes, especially when rainfall affects track conditions. If you want a perfectly predictable waterfall stop, you should accept that nature makes its own rules.

Who should book this ATV and waterfall combo in Ubud

This is a strong match if you want:

  • Adventure plus nature in one long day
  • A tour that includes the basics you would otherwise pay for (gear, shower, lunch, tickets)
  • A guided experience that helps you handle safety and pacing

It can also work for families, including teens and kids who meet the safety requirements set at the ATV site. One family mentioned doing the day with a 7-year-old and having it all function as a family outing, which suggests the operator aims to make it workable for more ages than just adult riders, as long as everyone follows the rules.

I would reconsider if:

  • You hate getting dirty and do not want to handle muddy boots and gear
  • You want a quiet, low-crowd nature visit at the waterfall
  • You have mobility limits that make steep stairs hard, since the return climb at the waterfall can be steep

If you are an active walker with a practical attitude, you will likely find the day worth the effort.

Should you book Bali ATV Quad Adventure with Monkey Forest and Waterfall?

I would book this if you want an action-packed Ubud day with ATV fun you can actually feel, followed by two of the area’s most well-known nature stops. The big win for me is the pairing: you get adrenaline first, then iconic wildlife, then a classic waterfall, all with practical comfort built in through shower access and lunch.

If you are chasing a super polished, dry, minimal-effort day, look at other options. Weather can affect how conditions play out, and you should expect mud as part of the bargain.

If you do book, pack for the mud, wear shoes with grip, and ask your guide about any extra stops your group is interested in, like coffee tasting or swing-style photo moments, when time allows.

FAQ

How long is the ATV ride?

The included ATV ride adventure is 2 hours. The overall experience runs about 10 hours in total.

Does the tour include pickup and private transport?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and a private transfer is included, so you travel with your group.

What safety gear and coverage are provided?

You’ll get international standard riding equipment, and the tour includes insurance coverage. You also receive instructions from experienced guides before riding.

Is lunch and a shower included?

Yes. There is a buffet lunch included, and the tour provides shower facilities after the ATV ride.

Is this tour private or shared?

It is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, refunds are not available.

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