One day, five classic Ubud stops. This private tour is interesting because it ties together major sights that sit outside central Ubud, with hotel pickup/drop-off and a smooth air-conditioned car so you’re not juggling rides all day. I also like how it bundles the big ticket items—your time at places like Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall—into a tight 8 to 10 hour plan.
You’ll get a simple flow: explore each stop, then you’re given time to wander Ubud’s town center on your own, plus an extra art village stop you can choose. One drawback to consider: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for a meal break yourself.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Why This Private Ubud Day Plan Works Better Than DIY
- Timing: An 8 to 10 Hour Day With Real Moving Parts
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Fast Entry, Up-Close Nature
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The View That’s Worth the Walk
- Happy Swing Bali: Fun Action, But Treat It Like a Photo Session
- Tirta Empul Temple: The Sacred Spring Stop That Changes the Mood
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Cooling Air, Steps Down, Big Rewards
- Celuk Silver-Craft Village Stop: Shopping With a Local Focus
- What’s Included (and What You Should Plan for)
- Price and Value: Why $32.95 Can Make Sense
- The Real Secret Ingredient: The Guide Makes It Easier
- Who This Ubud Private Day Tour Fits Best
- Should You Book This Tour?
- FAQ
- What stops are included on the Ubud private day tour?
- How long is the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- What’s included in the price besides the tour itself?
- Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Is this a private tour?
- Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Private transportation that makes Ubud’s spread-out sights actually workable in one day
- Entrance fees included across the main attractions, so your budget stays predictable
- Photo-friendly stops like Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the swing experience
- A real cultural pause at Tirta Empul around the sacred spring
- A waterfall finish at Tegenungan, with steps down for close-up views
- Art village time with Celuk as a silver-craft option
Why This Private Ubud Day Plan Works Better Than DIY
Ubud is gorgeous, but the best-known sights are often scattered. That’s the real problem with DIY: driving time eats your energy, and the last thing you want is to burn your day figuring out logistics.
This tour solves that by focusing on private transportation with pickup and drop-off from Ubud (and much of south Bali). You’re not waiting around for the “right” ride or hoping you can align multiple stops in a single route. You also get bottled water during the day, which sounds small until you’re walking in the heat and humidity.
Another smart part is that it’s built like a circuit. You’re not rushing between random points; you’re stacking the day with the sights people actually come to Ubud for: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali Swing, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall. Then you get breathing room with independent time back in Ubud town.
One more detail I appreciate: the tour includes entrance fees. That matters because it keeps the day from turning into surprise add-ons at each gate.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Timing: An 8 to 10 Hour Day With Real Moving Parts
This is listed at about 8 to 10 hours. That’s long enough that you should treat it like a full day out, not a casual stroll.
Here’s what that means in practice for you:
- You’ll likely spend a good chunk of time in the car between stops.
- Each attraction is allotted about 1 hour, so you’ll have enough time to see things, take photos, and move around without feeling stuck.
- There’s also a stop at an art village after the main cluster of sights.
If you’re the type who likes to wander slowly, aim to use your independent town time wisely. Bring a plan for what you want to do there—coffee, a walk, a quick look at shops—because the main sites are timed.
Also, because it’s private, you get a consistent pace with your group. In one experience shared in the feedback, a group of 8 had a great day with the guide taking lots of photos and keeping things organized. That’s the vibe: structured enough to be easy, flexible enough to enjoy.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Fast Entry, Up-Close Nature
Your day starts at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, described as a small rainforest sanctuary with monkeys and other tropical animals, located in the heart of Ubud village. It’s one of those locations where you can feel the “Ubud” atmosphere immediately—warm air, dense greenery, and the constant motion of wildlife around you.
What I like about this stop is that it’s not just a photo spot. You’re entering an environment that’s built for both animals and visitors, and that makes the experience feel more alive than a staged viewpoint.
Practical tips for enjoying it:
- Keep your phone and bag secure. Monkeys are the stars here, and their curiosity can be fast.
- Wear shoes you don’t mind getting damp. The forest setting can be slippery.
- Go in with enough time to look up and around. A lot of the fun is in noticing small animal activity in the trees, not only at ground level.
One consideration: since it’s right in Ubud’s area, crowds can happen. A private guide can help you manage the flow through the sanctuary so your group isn’t stuck waiting.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The View That’s Worth the Walk
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, famous for its sweeping rice field views—often used as a photo backdrop because the shapes and layers create a strong visual grid.
You’ll get about 1 hour here. That’s just enough time to:
- take pictures from multiple angles,
- walk along sections of the terrace,
- and get a feel for what the landscape looks like up close.
Why this stop is so popular: it’s scenery with structure. Rice terraces aren’t just pretty; they’re designed by people over time. You can see the pattern of farming and irrigation shaping the slope.
How to make the most of your hour:
- Bring sun protection. Even when the day feels mild, the terrace can feel bright.
- Plan for uneven ground. Some paths and edges can be tricky if you’re rushing.
If you’re short on time in Ubud overall, this is one of the best uses of that time because it delivers the classic view without needing extra day-trips.
Happy Swing Bali: Fun Action, But Treat It Like a Photo Session
Then comes Happy Swing Bali, described as a swing activity that feels like a child’s swing, just in a scenic setting. You’ll have about 1 hour here, which usually works out well if you want to do the activity and also enjoy the surrounding views.
This stop is worth doing if you like:
- playful experiences,
- scenic backdrops,
- and photos that look like they belong in a travel album.
One practical consideration: swing time tends to turn into a mini schedule—poses, waiting, and photo moments. If your group is on a tight pace, it helps to go in knowing it’s partly a production. (A guide who’s good at timing matters a lot here.)
If you’re not interested in the swing itself, you can still get value from the viewpoint and photos around the area, but you’ll likely feel like you’re on the sidelines. In that case, you may prefer spending more of your day in the terraces or temple stops.
Tirta Empul Temple: The Sacred Spring Stop That Changes the Mood
After the swing, you head to Tirta Empul Temple, built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring. The spring has drawn Balinese worshipers for more than a thousand years, and the temple is famous because the sacred water is part of religious life.
This is the cultural “reset” on the itinerary. The vibe shifts from active scenic fun to something slower and more respectful. I like that this stop gives your day balance. Ubud can be all photos and viewpoints, but Tirta Empul asks you to slow down and observe.
You’ll have about 1 hour here. In that time, you can:
- understand why the spring is central,
- watch the flow of people moving through the sacred area,
- and take in the temple setting without feeling rushed.
Consideration: religious spaces often come with dress and behavior expectations. Even when the tour schedule doesn’t spell it out, plan to dress modestly and act quietly. A good guide can help your group follow the local rhythm.
Tegenungan Waterfall: Cooling Air, Steps Down, Big Rewards
Next is Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the best waterfall stops in the Ubud area. The description emphasizes clean water, a cool atmosphere, and stepped access—there are various steps that go down from the stepping zone, so you’ll likely walk a bit to get closer.
You’ll get about 1 hour. That’s enough for a look from the top and a closer walk down to see the waterfall’s presence up close.
Why you’ll enjoy it:
- Waterfall sound masks city noise, so the area feels calmer.
- The walk down makes the views more dramatic than a flat viewing deck.
What to watch for:
- Steps can be slippery. Wear supportive shoes.
- If your goal is photos, give yourself time to find a stable angle before you start walking.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, conditions can change fast. Still, the stop is consistently popular because the scenery is strong even with shifting weather.
Celuk Silver-Craft Village Stop: Shopping With a Local Focus
Your day ends with an art village stop of your choice. One option described here is Celuk village, known as the center of silver crafts in Bali. Local educators work as jewelry craftsmen, and the prices are described as not so expensive, so many people come to see or buy silver jewelry.
This stop gives you something different from nature and temples. It’s a chance to watch craft work tied to local life, not just tourist decor.
A few ways to get value from it:
- Spend your time looking at how pieces are made or displayed, not just browsing.
- If you’re buying, treat it like any shopping day: compare items and don’t rush.
- Use it as a chance to pick up souvenirs that feel connected to local skills.
One consideration: “prices not so expensive” can still add up if you’re tempted by impulse buys. Decide what you want before you arrive—rings, small pendants, or gifts—and stick to a budget.
What’s Included (and What You Should Plan for)
This tour includes:
- entrance fees,
- private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle,
- bottled water,
- hotel pickup and drop-off.
What’s not included:
- lunch.
So your day is mostly covered. The part you still need to manage is meals. Since you have multiple stops and timed visits, you’ll want to grab snacks or plan a meal break that fits the schedule. If you’re prone to getting hungry between stops, pack simple snack items you can eat on the go.
Also, it’s a mobile ticket and uses group discounts. The mobile ticket is handy because you’re not hunting for paper confirmations while you’re already moving around.
Price and Value: Why $32.95 Can Make Sense
At $32.95 per person, the price feels low for a full day that includes private transportation plus several attraction entrance fees.
Here’s the value math that matters for you:
- Without included entrances, you’d pay each site separately.
- With included air-conditioned car transport and pickup/drop-off, you avoid the hidden costs of piecing together rides across far-spread locations.
- Bottled water helps keep basic needs covered.
The tour isn’t promising lunch or an all-day free-for-all. It’s a structured day. For most people, that’s exactly the point: you trade a bit of flexibility for less stress and more sight coverage.
If your group is willing to be organized for one day—show up, follow the route, enjoy each stop—you’ll likely feel good about the cost. If you want long, unstructured wandering at one or two places, you might prefer a slower plan.
The Real Secret Ingredient: The Guide Makes It Easier
Your guide isn’t just driving. The feedback highlights a guide named Eka as a strong part of the experience—he’s good at English communication, understands local culture and religion, and takes lots of photos for the group.
Even if you’re confident on your own in Indonesia, this type of guide adds value:
- You get help with pacing so your group isn’t stuck waiting.
- You get context for places like Tirta Empul, which helps you understand what you’re seeing.
- You get photo support, so everyone isn’t competing for the perfect shot.
If your comfort depends on smooth communication, this matters. Having someone like Eka can turn the day from coordination into enjoyment.
Who This Ubud Private Day Tour Fits Best
This tour is a great match if you want:
- a packed day of Ubud highlights,
- a private setup (only your group participates),
- and the convenience of included entrance fees and pickup/drop-off.
It also suits people who like a balance of nature, culture, and a fun activity. You’re not choosing between temples and viewpoints. You get both, plus a craft village stop.
Most people can participate, based on the tour description. Still, if your group has mobility concerns, think about the waterfall steps and the time spent walking around each attraction for about an hour.
Also, if your travel style is “do the big things efficiently,” this fits. If your style is “slow travel, hours at one spot,” consider whether the 1-hour windows feel rushed.
Should You Book This Tour?
I’d book it if you’re short on time in Ubud and want a one-day plan that’s built for convenience. The combination of private transport, entrance fees included, and a route that hits major hits—Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Bali Swing, Tirta Empul, Tegenungan—makes it hard to beat for stress level.
I’d skip or rethink it if lunch at a flexible time is a big deal for your group, or if you hate timed stops and prefer staying put somewhere longer.
If you’re deciding, do this: picture your ideal day. If it’s a mix of photos, culture, and a waterfall, this tour matches that exact shape. If it’s a slow, food-focused day with lots of unplanned wandering, you might want a different style of tour.
FAQ
What stops are included on the Ubud private day tour?
The tour includes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Happy Swing Bali, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, and a stop at an art village of your choice (Celuk is described as a silver-craft option).
How long is the tour?
It runs about 8 to 10 hours.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What’s included in the price besides the tour itself?
Entrance fees, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.
Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.


























