All Inclusive: Monkey Forest, Rice terrace, Holly Spring Temple

A full day in Ubud, without the guesswork. This private tour strings together the big-name sights—plus a couple of stops that make the day feel local. I like that you go with a private guide and driver (so the timing actually works), and you get entrance fees included for the core places.

What I really like for planning is the photo-friendly pace. There’s time to walk at the Monkey Forest and Tegalalang rice terraces, and you’re not stuck rushing one spot into the next. For extra fun, there’s also an optional Instagram-style stop at a giant swing.

One thing to consider: the day packs a lot in around 8 hours, and lunch isn’t included. Also, the Tirta Empul temple stop is very short, so if you want a longer look at the holy springs, you may wish you had more time there.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

Private car + guide in Ubud for one group only

Admission tickets included (and sarong provided for temple time)

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: around 700 long-tailed macaques

Tegalalang rice terraces with a real walking/photo break

Tirta Empul holy spring temple visit for Lord Indra rituals

Optional giant swing stop for the classic photo moment

A full Ubud day that strings the right stops together

Ubud is great because it’s compact, but that also means it can be a stress-test if you try to self-tour. This is built for people who want a lot of stops without spending the day fighting traffic, maps, and ticket lines. You get a private car and guide who can move you between areas while explaining what you’re actually seeing.

The best part is the balance of nature + culture. You start with the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then shift to the Tegalalang rice terraces (farming you can walk through), then take a quick breather at Tegenungan Waterfall, and finish at Tirta Empul Temple with its holy spring bathing rituals. It’s a logical route for first-timers because each stop changes the mood: animals, agriculture, jungle water, then ritual water.

You also get control. It’s private, so your guide can adjust the order a bit within the general plan, and your group can take photos without feeling like you’re holding up a big tour bus. And if your group includes kids, this day is designed to be family-friendly rather than “only for adults.”

What you actually pay for: value at $67.24 per person

At $67.24 per person, the value mostly comes from what’s included—not just the transportation. Your entry fees are included for the stops listed in the experience, and a sarong is provided. That matters in Bali, where you can lose time hunting down what you need at each temple.

Here’s what you’re covered for:

• Private transportation
• Private guide/driver
• All fees and taxes
• Entrance fees for the included sites
• Sarong
• Mobile ticket support

What’s not included is simply lunch. So the “real” cost depends on where you eat afterward, but you won’t have extra hidden ticket charges eating into your budget.

Compared with piecing everything together yourself, the price makes sense if you’re the type who wants to see multiple areas in one day. If you only care about one or two sites, a smaller tour could be cheaper. But for a first Ubud checklist day, this one is built to get you moving efficiently.

The 8-hour flow: how to keep the pace comfortable

The experience runs about 8 hours. That sounds long until you realize the stops are structured with short, usable windows—walk, photos, then move on. You’re not stuck in one place all day, and that’s good because Ubud’s heat and humidity can turn even a fun walk into a chore.

A practical way to enjoy the tempo:

• Plan for a few photo moments per stop rather than trying to do everything at once.
• Bring small water and keep it with you when you’re out of the car.
• Think of Tegenungan and Tirta Empul as “meaningful stop, quick time,” not long sightseeing marathons.

From the itinerary timing, you can expect:

• Monkey Forest: about 1 hour
• Rice terrace: about 1 hour
• Waterfall: about 1 minute (a quick viewpoint break)
• Tirta Empul: about 1 minute (a brief temple/spring look)

Those last two being very short is the trade-off for packing in several major sights. If you’re the type who loves slow temple time, you may wish the day had more breathing room at the end.

Stop 1 in Ubud: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary walk (12.5 hectares)

This is the classic Ubud attraction, but it’s not just a zoo. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary covers about 12.5 hectares and you can expect around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques in the wild.

What to expect on the walk:

• You’ll be moving through a forest area where monkeys are part of the setting, not just fenced exhibits.
• The main experience is watching how the animals behave and how the area functions as a sacred space.
• Your guide can help you understand what you’re seeing so it doesn’t feel like a random animal encounter.

The biggest practical takeaway is to treat the forest like it’s their home. That means staying alert and giving them space. If you go in expecting a calm nature stroll, you might be surprised. But if you like watching wildlife up close in an active environment, this stop is the reason many people choose Ubud in the first place.

At around an hour, you get enough time to walk the grounds and take photos without feeling rushed out the gate.

Stop 2: Tegalalang rice terraces and the real farmer rhythm

Then you head north of Ubud to the Tegalalang rice terrace, one of the most famous rice-growing areas in Bali. The point here isn’t just the views from above. It’s the sense of how farming happens day to day.

You’ll get:

• A drive to the terrace area
• A short walking break among the rice field views
• Time to take photos

For me, rice terraces are one of those places where the photos can look similar to a thousand postcards. But walking a bit changes it. You start noticing the shapes of the terraces, how the paths connect, and how the water management affects what grows where.

If you want something more than a viewpoint selfie, this stop hits the sweet spot. It’s not a long hike, but it’s also not a two-minute drive-by.

One consideration: rice terrace areas can be slippery in places depending on weather. Keep your footing careful, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

The quick break at Tegenungan Waterfall: water views, not a long hike

After the terraces, you get a fast stop at Tegenungan Waterfall. The waterfall sits around green tropical jungle, and you can either see it from a hill viewpoint or go down to the water for closer views.

Timing here is short—about 1 minute listed for the stop. That doesn’t mean you won’t see the falls. It means the experience is designed as a snapshot moment: arrive, look, take photos, and then continue.

If you’re hoping for a long swim-and-stay afternoon, this isn’t that. But if you want the waterfall checkbox with minimal stress and maximum day coverage, it works.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy springs, sarong included, short but meaningful

You finish at Tirta Empul Temple, one of Bali’s well-known temple complexes tied to holy springs. This is a worship site for Lord Indra, described as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu (the god of water).

Here’s what makes this stop special:

• The temple is centered on holy springs and ritual water use.
• You get a sarong included, which matters because you need to dress appropriately for temple spaces.
• Your time here is short (about 1 minute), so you’ll get the core impression rather than an extended ceremony.

Because Tirta Empul is a place of worship, respect is the real “tour skill” here. You’ll want to follow your guide’s lead on where to stand and when to move. Since you’re only there briefly, the best strategy is to slow down for a moment, watch what’s happening, then take photos only when you can do it respectfully.

If you’re a person who loves deep temple details, you might wish for more time. Still, as part of a packed Ubud day, this ending lands the cultural theme of water and worship.

Optional giant swing: a classic photo add-on

If you want the popular social-media style photo moment, your guide can add an optional stop at an Instagram-friendly giant swing. It’s framed as optional, which is the right way to include it. Not everyone wants a swing, and not everyone wants to spend time waiting around for photos.

Think of it as:

• A quick detour for the photo
• A change of pace from temple and forest walks
• A choice for people who want the iconic Bali shot in one day

If your main goal is calm sightseeing, you can skip it and stick with the core stops.

The real win: going private with a guide who keeps it easy

A private car tour only works well if the guide actually guides. One standout detail from the experience is the way Eka keeps the day smooth—described as kind, friendly, professional, and good at explaining what you’re seeing. When a guide explains clearly, the day becomes more than a checklist. You start understanding why these places matter and how the culture connects to what’s happening in each site.

Also, the private format helps with timing. You don’t have to wait for strangers to finish photos. You can take a beat when the light is right or when someone needs a restroom break.

If you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a small group, this format is a big upgrade over shared tours in Ubud.

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

This is a good fit if you want:

• A first-time Ubud day with major landmarks
• A private setup where your group moves together
• A photo-friendly pace rather than a rushed bus schedule
• A day that mixes nature, agriculture, and religious water culture
• Kids included in a structured day

It may not be your best choice if:

• You want slow, long stays in temples and waterfalls
• You plan to rely on the tour day for lunch
• Your group only cares about one site and would rather avoid a packed schedule

Simple tips to get the most from each stop

You’ll enjoy this day more if you plan for the kinds of time each stop is built around.

• For Monkey Forest: expect active wildlife energy and give animals room. Your guide’s instructions matter here.
• For Tegalalang: slow down for a few composed photos, then keep moving so you don’t get stuck in one spot.
• For Tegenungan: treat it as a fast viewpoint/water break, not a long adventure.
• For Tirta Empul: follow sarong needs and temple etiquette since you’ll have only a short window.

Also, since lunch isn’t included, decide in advance whether you’ll eat near the last stop or plan a late meal back in Ubud. That choice can make the day feel relaxed instead of rushed at the end.

Should you book this Ubud all-inclusive day?

Book it if you want a smart first Ubud overview with private comfort, included entry fees, and enough photo time to make the day feel worth it. The big value is that you get the core sites in one go—Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and Tirta Empul—with transportation and essential extras handled.

Skip or consider a different option if your group’s style is slow sightseeing. Tirta Empul and Tegenungan are short stops, so people who want long ceremony time or extended waterfall viewing should plan something more focused.

If you like structure, respect temple timing, and want to see multiple iconic places without the logistics headache, this one is an easy yes for a first Ubud day.

FAQ

What does the price include?

It includes private transportation, a private drive/guide, entrance fees, sarong, and all fees and taxes. Mobile ticket support is included as well.

Where does the tour start and is pickup offered?

The tour is in Ubud, Indonesia, and pickup is offered from your accommodation.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Which stops are included?

The included stops are Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tirta Empul Temple.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is the giant swing part of the tour?

It’s optional, described as an Instagram-friendly giant swing add-on.

Do I need to bring a sarong for the temple?

A sarong is included, so you don’t need to bring one for that part of the visit.

How long do I spend at each main site?

Monkey Forest is about 1 hour, Tegalalang rice terrace is about 1 hour, Tegenungan Waterfall is listed as about 1 minute, and Tirta Empul Temple is also listed as about 1 minute.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before start time isn’t refunded.