Ubud Monkey Forest, Temple, Rice Terrace and Waterfall Tour

Monkeys, terraces, and temples in one day. I like how the Ubud Monkey Forest opener sets the tone, then the Tegalalang Rice Terraces stop shifts the day into big views and real Balinese farming life. You also get a dose of adrenaline with optional swing and zipline style activities.

The whole flow is built for people who want variety without stress. A good driver and guide keep the timing workable, so you actually have room to wander, not just rush through photo stops.

One thing to plan for: the tour price does not include entrance fees, and you may want extra cash for any paid add-ons along the way.

Key highlights you will feel fast

• Private pickup in air-conditioned comfort, from Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary time to look, not just snap and run (about 1 hour)
• Tegalalang rice terraces with optional thrill activities like Flying Fox, Superman Zipline, and swings
• Ulu Petanu waterfall break with a cool, refreshing swim option
• Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple for a calmer, spiritual pause
• Coffee plantation tasting, including the famously controversial Luwak coffee made from animal poo

Private minivan, smart timing, and why it matters in Ubud

This is the kind of Bali day tour that works best when roads are busy and time matters. You start with pickup in a personal minivan, then you stay with the same private driver and guide through the day instead of hopping between random shuttles.

Several reviews point out how the driver managed traffic well and still gave enough time at the sights. That sounds small, but on an 8-hour schedule it can be the difference between enjoying the moment and feeling like you are always late for the next stop.

Because you have a private vehicle, you also get some flexibility around what you choose to do at the terraces. If you want the adrenaline options, you can add them. If not, you can stick to a slower walk and just soak up the view.

Entering Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: up close, but keep it calm

The day’s first big moment is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Plan on walking through the forest with long-tailed macaques around you, and yes, there is plenty of opportunity for photos.

What I like about this stop is the structure. You get about an hour at the sanctuary, which is long enough to actually move at a comfortable pace, spot the monkeys, and watch how people and animals share the space. It is not a quick roadside look.

A practical note: monkey sanctuaries can mean unpredictable behavior. Keep your hands and pockets secure, avoid dangling snacks, and treat the animals with respect from a little distance. This is especially important when you feel like getting that one perfect selfie.

Also, the sanctuary can be shaded and slippery depending on the ground. Closed shoes help, and a light layer can be useful if the weather flips while you are walking.

Tegalalang rice terraces: walking views plus optional swings and ziplines

Tegalalang rice terraces are the Bali postcard you came for, but the value here is how you experience them. You get a leisurely stroll through the paddies and the surrounding area, which is where you can actually understand how the terraces shape farming life and daily routines.

This stop is also where the tour adds fun. If you want more than walking views, you can choose among activities such as Flying Fox, Superman Zipline, Single Swing, Couple Swing, and others.

Here is how to think about it for your own trip. If you are the kind of person who likes adrenaline even on a cultural day, the terraces become a two-track experience: beautiful scenery plus a physical thrill. If you prefer photos and quiet, you can skip the add-ons and still have a full, satisfying visit.

One more reason this works well in a half-day style schedule: it pairs well with lunch. After time on the terrace paths, you will likely feel ready to eat and actually enjoy a meal with a view instead of just grabbing something and moving on.

Ulu Petanu Waterfall: the refreshing reset you will want

After the terraces, the tour heads to Ulu Petanu Waterfall, described as a hidden spot. Expect a calmer change of pace from rice view talking points into nature time.

What you should know is that this stop is built around cooling off. The tour includes time to take a dip in the cool, refreshing water, and then you emerge feeling reset.

Waterfall visits have an obvious reality check: footing can get slick and the area can be damp. Wear shoes that handle wet surfaces, keep phones protected, and avoid rushing. Even if you do not swim, the walk and the break from hot sun can be the highlight of the day.

This is also a great moment for photos that look less posed. In a forest and waterfall setting, you naturally get more “real scene” type shots without trying too hard.

Lunch with a view, plus the kind of food you will remember

After working up an appetite, you stop for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the rice terraces. In one review, the meal included nasi goreng, which is a big comfort win when you want something tasty without guessing at menus.

Whether lunch is included or costs extra can vary by operator, and the tour’s included list only calls out mineral water. My advice: assume you will pay for lunch at the restaurant, and bring a bit of spending money just in case.

If you like food that feels local but still familiar, this kind of setting is a strong match. You get a meal that does not feel like airport food, and the view helps you slow down and enjoy the day between active stops.

Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple: a quieter, spiritual stop

Next comes Tirta Empul, often called the Holy Water Temple. This part of the tour shifts from adventure and scenery into spiritual and cultural heritage.

The tone here is meant to feel different. You explore the temple grounds and take in the serene ambiance, which helps balance the more “active” parts of the itinerary earlier in the day.

Temple visits in Bali usually come with some simple guidelines, like being respectful and dressing appropriately. Even though the tour description does not spell out dress rules, it is smart to plan with covered shoulders and a lower layer you can adjust if needed.

If you are the type who likes understanding meaning behind places, this stop gives you that. Even if you are not deep into religious travel, the setting makes it easy to notice how daily life and spiritual practice overlap in Bali.

Coffee plantation tasting: tea and coffee production, including Luwak

After Tirta Empul, you move to a coffee plantation for tasting. You should expect an explanation of how coffee and tea production works, then a chance to taste several blends.

The highlight people talk about is Luwak coffee, described as made from animal poo. The tour presentation frames it as part of the tasting experience, and that alone is enough to make this stop memorable.

How to handle this if you feel uneasy about the story: treat the tasting as education. You do not have to order every cup. You can sample, learn what you are trying, and decide what you actually want to buy based on taste, not hype.

If you are buying souvenirs for yourself or friends, this stop is also where you might find coffee and tea products. Bring cash or a card you are comfortable using, and taste before you decide, because the flavor differences can be significant.

What you get for $24, and what costs extra

At $24 per person for an 8-hour day, this is priced like a value-packed sampler. The big reason is transportation: you get private round-trip transport from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus an English speaking driver and tour guide.

Mineral water is included, which sounds minor, but it matters when you are moving between humid places and walking in heat.

What is not included is where the real planning happens. Entrance fees are explicitly not included, so expect additional charges once you arrive at sites. Also, personal expenses are not covered, so plan for spending on things like paid activities at the terraces (if you choose them) and meals if lunch is not included in what you pay.

One more budget tip: if you want the swing and zipline options, those can add cost on top of entrance fees. If you prefer a more budget-friendly day, you can keep the terraces as a walking and photo stop and still get the core experience.

Guided by people who know the schedule, not just the script

A standout theme in the reviews is the quality of guiding and driving. One review highlights Eka as an exceptional tour guide and driver, with the day arranged around swings, Tegalalang rice paddies with zipline, a secluded waterfall, then lunch at a local restaurant with nasi goreng overlooking the rice paddies. The same review also points to tea and coffee plantation tasting, then the holy water temple.

Another review praises WIRA for being kind, attentive, and making the excursion feel smooth and pleasant.

So what does that mean for you? On a day like this, having someone who manages timing and traffic well is not a luxury. It directly affects your comfort, your ability to enjoy each stop, and whether the schedule feels rushed.

Who this tour suits best in Bali

This tour is a strong fit if you want a classic Ubud day with variety. You get wildlife, nature, cultural sites, and a food-focused break, all in one moving itinerary.

It is also a good choice if you are staying across Bali from where many tours start. Pickup options include Nusa Dua Beach, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud, so you can avoid complicated meeting points and save time.

If you are traveling as a couple or small group, private transport can feel especially worthwhile. You are not negotiating around other people’s pace, and you can decide on the terraces activities with fewer headaches.

If you are the type who hates crowds, note that places like monkey sanctuaries and popular terraces can get busy. This tour gives you a private ride, but it cannot control how crowded the sites feel at peak times. Consider going earlier in the day when available.

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

Book it if you want one practical day that hits the Ubud highlights without forcing you to plan every hop yourself. The combination of Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang rice terraces, Ulu Petanu waterfall, Tirta Empul, and coffee tasting is exactly the sort of itinerary that makes a limited Bali visit feel complete.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you are trying to keep spending super tight. Entrance fees are not included, and you may want to pay for optional terrace activities or any costs related to lunch and personal shopping.

If you are excited by the idea of mixing nature and culture, and you appreciate a guide who can keep the day running smoothly, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Temple, Rice Terrace and Waterfall Tour?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $24 per person.

Where can the tour pick me up in Bali?

Pickup is offered from Nusa Dua Beach, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.

What is included in the price?

Included are private round-trip transportation from your hotel, an English speaking driver and tour guide, a private air-conditioned car, and mineral water.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included.

What places will I visit during the day?

You will visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ulu Petanu Waterfall, Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, and a coffee plantation.

Can I take part in activities at the rice terraces?

Yes. The day includes options for activities such as Flying Fox, Superman Zipline, Single Swing, Couple Swing, and more.

What language will the guide use?

The tour guide is listed as Indonesian and English.