Bali Ubud Tour: Monkey Forest, Waterfall & Rice Terrace

Monkey, waterfall, rice, temples, all in one day. This is a smart way to see Ubud’s top highlights in a single sweep, mixing Sacred Monkey Forest nature time with the famous Tegallalang rice terraces views, plus coffee, market browsing, and waterfalls. What I like most is the private air-conditioned ride with pickup and the fact that admission tickets and lunch are built into the day.

The main thing to consider is the pacing. You’re out for about 9 to 10 hours, and several stops are around an hour, so it’s best if you’re fine with move, see, and move again.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Over 700 long-tailed macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• 2 full hours at Tegallalang rice terraces, with time to slow down for views
• Bali Pulina coffee plantation experience with process viewing and tasting
• Tegenungan Waterfall for a nature break and big scenery time
• Batuan Temple plus an art village choice (Celuk gold and silver, Mas wood carving, or Batuan painting community)

Ubud in one day, with a clear 8:30 am start

This tour is built for people who want the Ubud “greatest hits” without stitching together buses, tickets, and rides on your own. You start at 8:30 am, then spend most of the day in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private transportation setup, plus bottled water.

A key value here is that you’re not guessing how long each stop will take. The day is structured around set time blocks, so you get a plan that feels realistic, not a rushed scavenger hunt. The downside, as with any full-day Ubud route, is the clock. If you tend to like long, wandering visits, you may find the shorter sites (about an hour) a bit “watch the clock” at the end.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and how to enjoy macaques safely

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal, home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques. It’s a natural sanctuary with paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest, and the whole point is to experience this unusual wildlife setting while you walk at a comfortable pace.

I like this start because it gets the energy out early. When the day is still fresh, it’s easier to handle crowded photo moments and keep your focus on the experience, not the logistics. The time you get is about 1 hour, which is usually enough to walk the key paths, observe behavior, and snap pictures without needing to sprint.

Practical tip: keep your belongings secured and avoid sudden movements around monkeys. Even if you see lots of people acting casual, your best plan is to stay calm, keep distance, and let the animals come to you. If you have small items like phones and sunglasses on a lanyard, secure them before you step into the busiest sections.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace, where the views come with walking time

Next is Tegalalang Rice Terrace (often spelled Tegallalang), one of Ubud’s signature landscapes. You get about 2 hours here, plus admission ticket included, which matters because you don’t have to plan payments on the fly.

What I like about booking time into the rice terraces is that it changes how you see Ubud. This is not just “look from one spot and leave.” The longer slot gives you a chance to walk and reposition for different angles of the valley, and to notice how the farms shape the hillsides. You also get a bit of breathing room for photos that are not rushed or awkward.

Bring for this stop: comfortable shoes. Paths can be uneven and you’ll likely spend more time standing and moving than you expect, especially if you want a few different viewpoints.

Bali Pulina coffee plantation, coffee tasting without the fake theme park feel

After the terraces, you head to Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation, an agrotourism stop where you can watch the process of making coffee and then taste it directly. Your time here is about 1 hour, and it’s also set up with admission ticket included.

This is a great middle stop in the day because it gives your eyes and legs a break. You’re still outdoors, but the pace is calmer. You also get a more grounded look at how coffee goes from plant to cup, rather than just sampling something in a shop.

How to get the most out of the tasting: take the first cups as a baseline, then ask about what you’re drinking and what’s different between options. Even if your Indonesian is limited, a good guide can connect the story of the beans to what you can actually taste.

Lunch at d’Alas Warung, a solid reset between sightseeing legs

Then you sit down for lunch at d’Alas Warung Restaurant. Lunch is included, and the time block is about 1 hour. The restaurant positioning here is clear: authentic Balinese food with ingredients described as healthy homegrown and of high quality, plus dishes that experiment with traditional spices and flavors from across Bali.

This stop is more valuable than it sounds. Between jungle paths, terraces, and waterfall steps, you need real food that’s not just snacks. A dependable lunch also keeps your energy stable so you enjoy the rest of the day, not just endure it.

Simple move: hydrate before and after lunch. The day includes bottled water, but Ubud can still feel warm, especially if you’re walking in sun between stops.

Ubud Art Market time, pas ar seni Ubud for real shopping

Your next culture hit is Ubud Art Market, known as pasar seni ubud. You get about 1 hour and admission is included.

This is a useful stop even if you’re not a serious shopper. It’s one of the most direct ways to see everyday Balinese creativity in action, from the kinds of items people buy to the way stalls are arranged. You can also use it as a strategy stop. If you want gifts for friends back home, you can compare styles and prices while your driver is still nearby.

Shopping tip: don’t be in a hurry. Set a small goal, like one craft item or a small art print, and then stop. Market shopping can expand fast if you don’t put a cap on it.

Tegenungan Waterfall, big scenery with a 2-hour nature pause

Next comes Tegenungan Waterfall, with about 2 hours on site and admission ticket included. This is the nature break in the itinerary, and it’s especially good if you want a contrast after temples and markets.

The standout here is the green valley panorama around the waterfall area. Two hours gives you enough time to take photos, enjoy the viewpoint, and still have time to breathe if the area is busy.

What to expect: this is an outdoor scenery stop. Dress for walking and bring a plan for comfort around uneven ground and possible mist. If you’re sensitive to humidity, this is also where your morning water habit matters.

Batuan Temple, Pura Puseh Batuan with cultural rules you should respect

After the waterfall, you visit Batuan Temple, also called Pura Puseh Batuan. It’s described as historically significant and visually captivating, located in the village of Batuan just a short drive from Ubud. Your time is about 1 hour, and admission ticket is included.

A key consideration is the rule for temple visits: women in a period it is not allowed to visit the temple. That means if this applies to you, you should plan ahead and confirm what your best option is for that day. Don’t assume there will be an easy workaround, because this is tied to local customs.

How to make the most of the visit: treat it as a respectful cultural stop, not a quick “check the box.” Even within an hour, your guide can help you understand what you’re looking at and how locals think about the space.

Pick one art village, Celuk, Mas, or painter community in Batuan

One of the nicest touches is the art village choice later in the day. You’ll choose one option:

• Celuk for gold and silver smith work
• Mas for wood carving village craft
• Batuan for a painter community

Each option reflects a different kind of Balinese craftsmanship, and this makes the day feel less like a string of random stops. You’re seeing how skills are practiced and passed along in specific places.

I like that you get choices here. If you love jewelry and metalwork, Celuk fits. If you care about carving and design, Mas is better. If your eye goes to art style and painting, the painter community in Batuan gives you another way to understand the region.

Price and value: is $79 a good deal for this kind of day?

At $79.00 per person, this tour is positioned as a value-packed full-day plan. Here’s what’s included based on the experience details:

• Lunch
• All fees and taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Admission tickets included at the main stops

That “fees included” part is the big reason the price can feel fair. You’re not trying to estimate entry costs while also negotiating rides. You also avoid the hassle of managing multiple payments across multiple locations in one day.

What’s not included is personal expenses. That’s normal, but it’s worth planning a small budget for souvenirs, extra drinks, or any snacks you decide you want along the way.

Also, the tour description includes pickup offered and group discounts, and it uses mobile ticket convenience. Those aren’t the headline, but they reduce friction a lot.

When this tour fits best, and when it might not

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want to see multiple Ubud highlights in one day without planning
• Like having an English tour guide to explain what you’re seeing
• Prefer private transport over shared shuttles
• Are happy with a mix of wildlife, scenery, culture, and shopping

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate long days (it’s about 9 to 10 hours)
• Really want deep time at each site, because some stops are about 1 hour
• Need to visit the temple even if you’re affected by the restriction for women during a period, since the temple visit is described as not allowed

One more note on guiding: an experienced guide can make or break a day like this. In one highlight from past guests, the driver-guide named Ketut was praised for taking time to explain local customs and answering questions clearly. That kind of guidance is exactly what helps you get more meaning out of places that could otherwise feel like photo stops.

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, waterfall, and rice terrace tour?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, well-fed, organized Ubud day that hits the big sights and keeps costs predictable. The combination of Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces, a coffee plantation, lunch at d’Alas Warung, Ubud Art Market, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Batuan Temple, plus an art village choice, is a lot for one day, and the included tickets and fees help make it feel worth it.

Don’t book it if your ideal Ubud day is slow, quiet, and flexible with lots of unplanned time. This tour is designed for structure, and that’s the trade you’re making.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Bali Ubud tour?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Yes. The tour includes admission tickets at the stops listed, including Monkey Forest, the rice terrace, the coffee plantation, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Batuan Temple.

What stops are included in the day?

The included stops are Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation, d’Alas Warung Restaurant for lunch, Ubud Art Market, Tegenungan Waterfall, Batuan Temple, and one selected art village option.

Which art village options can be selected?

You can choose Celuk (gold and silver smith), Mas (wood carving village), or Batuan (painter community).

Are there any restrictions for visiting the temple?

Yes. Women in a period it is not allowed to visit the temple.

What is not included in the price?

Personal expenses are not included.

Recommended: (Booking guidance)

If you want a structured day that covers monkeys, rice terraces, coffee tasting, waterfall views, temples, and art shopping, this is a strong match. If you prefer slow, solo pacing, or if the temple restriction affects your plans, you might want to choose a different Ubud day setup.