Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip

REVIEW · KUTA

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip

  • 5.06 reviews
  • From $50.00
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Operated by Bali View Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (6)Price from$50.00Operated byBali View ToursBook viaViator

A full day in Ubud can feel like a blur. This one is built around a tight set of sights—Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Goa Gajah, the Monkey Forest, and Ubud’s royal and market stops—so you get variety without spending your day figuring things out. I like that this is a true private outing (just your group), and I also like that many admissions are included, which makes the $50 price feel more like a package deal than a bare-bones transfer. One watch-out: the day runs about 7 to 10 hours and it asks for moderate physical fitness, so plan for some walking and time outdoors.

What makes it especially appealing is the Ubud rhythm. You start with a waterfall, then shift to rice-terrace views, and by the time you’re at Goa Gajah and the Monkey Forest, the pace feels more like wandering than racing. In the interviews from recent guests, the guides are a big part of the experience—people specifically praised punctual, trustworthy drivers (names that came up include Buddy, Agung, and Arya Kutawaringin) and said the route felt flexible when they wanted a little extra time.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, note that some stops are famous and can get busy (especially the Monkey Forest and popular viewpoints). You’ll still have a great day here, just don’t expect a quiet, empty Bali moment at every single photo spot.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Key highlights you’ll actually care about

  • Private group touring means no waiting around for strangers while you’re trying to keep your photos and snacks organized.
  • Ticket value: the waterfall, rice terrace, Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah, and the Ubud Art Market have admission included; the royal palace stop is listed as free.
  • Ubud feels like a full circuit: culture (temple/archaeology), nature (waterfall + terrace), animals (Monkey Forest), and shopping (art market).
  • Lunch is handled: you’re told lunch will be served at a restaurant in the Ubud area so you’re not hunting down a sit-down meal mid-tour.
  • Guides with personality: multiple reviews praised guides for being punctual, knowledgeable, and flexible with extra stops when possible (names like Buddy, Agung, and Arya came up).

Price and value: $50 per person that includes more than a ride

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Price and value: $50 per person that includes more than a ride
At $50 per person for a 7 to 10 hour day, this tour is best judged as a value-for-time deal. A big part of the price is not just transport from Kuta—it also covers admissions at several of the main Ubud-area attractions. When you compare that to paying one-by-one for tickets later, the math usually gets friendlier.

Another value booster is the structure. You get pickup offered, a planned order of stops, and a guide/driver who’s there to keep the day moving. Since the tour is private for your group, you’re not stuck with a pace set by other people who want to stop for 20 minutes every time a scooter zooms past.

The only reason this might not be the best fit is if your group already plans to pay for everything separately and you truly want total independence. If you’d rather not manage tickets, timing, and route decisions all day, this is the smoother option.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta

Private pickup from Kuta: where the day really starts

The tour is listed in Kuta, and it’s described as starting from your hotel. That matters more than it sounds. Getting picked up means you avoid the awkward logistics of getting yourself into the Ubud traffic pattern and then trying to re-find your way back later.

It’s also a private activity—your group participates only—so you can keep bags together and shop without the “everyone run in different directions” problem. In one review response, a guest specifically called out the convenience of having a car to keep belongings and shop comfortably. That’s not a small thing in Ubud, where you may bounce between scenic viewpoints and indoor markets.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you don’t want to worry about printed vouchers.

Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall and the Bali photo moment

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall and the Bali photo moment
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of Bali’s most famous waterfall visits, and the tour gives it a proper slot. You get about 2 hours at the waterfall area, and admission is included.

What I like about this start is that it sets the tone early. You’re outside quickly, the scenery is immediately rewarding, and you’re not yet tired from a long day of switching locations.

The main practical consideration is crowd timing and heat. Waterfall areas tend to attract lots of people because they’re easy to understand: water + viewpoints + photos. Go into it knowing it may be busy and plan to spend your time intentionally—arrive, take your key photos, then give yourself room to enjoy the sound and the view rather than treating it like a checklist.

Since the tour asks for moderate physical fitness, also be ready for some walking around the site and staying mindful on paths near the water.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace viewpoints that actually make sense

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace viewpoints that actually make sense
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with about 1 hour on the site and admission included. This is the Ubud icon most people picture when they think “rice terraces in Bali.”

Why this stop works in a full-day itinerary: it’s visually dramatic but still manageable time-wise. One hour is long enough to find a good viewpoint, take photos, and catch a calmer moment away from the busiest spots—without chewing up the entire day.

A realistic note: rice terrace viewing is not always flat and easy. Expect some steps and walking on uneven areas depending on where you want to stand. If your knees aren’t great, it’s smart to pace yourself and ask your driver/guide what viewpoint is easiest to reach first.

Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren) and the quick culture pause

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren) and the quick culture pause
The tour includes Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Ubud) with about 1 hour, and admission is listed as free.

This is a good mid-day breather. After the more outdoor nature stops (waterfall and terrace), the palace gives you something that feels more like structured heritage. It’s also located on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road and intersection, which is why it fits neatly into a route that’s constantly moving through central Ubud.

You don’t need a lot of time here to get the overall feel. The “free admission + an hour” combo is one of those practical inclusions that helps the tour feel well planned.

Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary): animals, rules, and patience

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary): animals, rules, and patience
Ubud Monkey Forest is scheduled for about 2 hours, and admission is included. The tour description notes the sanctuary spans 27 acres and is home to over 400 long-tailed macaques.

This is where the day becomes memorable in a different way. It’s not just a viewpoint; it’s a living animal place. If you like wildlife and you enjoy watching how animals move through a human landscape, this stop can be a highlight.

The main consideration is that you’ll be sharing space with monkeys. It helps to keep your belongings secure and avoid sudden moves around them—just basic common sense. Also, plan for time. Even if you think you’ll “just walk through,” you may end up stopping more than you expect when you see macaques crossing paths near you.

Stop for archaeology: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) on Bali’s western edge

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Stop for archaeology: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) on Bali’s western edge
Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is listed as an archaeological site with significant historical value. The tour includes about 1 hour here, and admission is included.

This stop adds a slower, more reflective tone compared with the waterfall and terrace. You’re in a historical setting, on the cooler western edge of Bedulu Village, about six kilometers out of central Ubud (as described). That distance is part of the value: it broadens your Ubud day beyond the most central streets.

A practical tip from how the day is designed: if you find yourself getting heat-fatigued, an archaeology stop can actually reset you. It’s still outdoors, but it’s less “stand in the sun chasing photos” and more “take your time to look.”

Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud): souvenirs with a local pace

Bali Full-Day Tours : Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip - Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud): souvenirs with a local pace
The last listed stop is Ubud Traditional Art Market, also known as Pasar Seni Ubud. It’s scheduled for about 1 hour, with admission included. It’s located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily, and the description notes it’s busy with visitors every day.

This is where your day turns into a flexible shopping moment. The trick is to shop with a plan: decide what you want (scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, and more are mentioned) before you let the sheer variety pull you in every direction.

Because you’ll likely be coming from nature and animals, it’s nice to end somewhere that’s indoor/outdoor at your own pace. You can browse slowly, try bargaining only if you want to, and still keep the day from dragging too long.

The driver matters: why Buddy, Agung, and Arya got praised

A theme that shows up clearly is how much guests appreciated their driver’s attitude. Names mentioned include Buddy, Agung, and Arya Kutawaringin—and the reasons were very practical: punctuality, trustworthiness, and cultural insight.

One guest specifically said Buddy was so lovely to talk with and that he was punctual and reliable. Another highlighted Agung’s flexibility with the route and praised him for offering insights about Balinese culture. There’s also mention of guides showing extra options beyond the core itinerary, like a coffee plantation stop, plus taking pictures that came out well.

What to do with this information: when you book, treat the driver as part of your day design. If you want a slightly different route or extra time at a stop, you’ll have a better experience asking thoughtfully—especially when you’re trying to get the best light for photos or avoid feeling rushed.

How long is really enough? (Managing a 7 to 10 hour Ubud day)

This is listed as 7 to 10 hours, depending on the day. That’s a wide window, so you’ll want to think in “phases” rather than trying to imagine every minute.

  • Start strong: waterfall + fresh energy.
  • Middle of the day: terrace + palace + lunch in the Ubud area.
  • Later afternoon: Monkey Forest + Goa Gajah + market.

The tour also says lunch will be served at a restaurant in the Ubud area. Since lunch timing isn’t pinned to a single stop in the details you have, you should assume it may land between the terrace and the later Ubud sightseeing.

Packing-wise, bring what you need for full-day comfort: sunscreen, water, and shoes that handle walking in tourist areas. And if you’re shopping at the end, keep a small bag ready so you can carry items easily.

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

This tour is ideal if:

  • you want a structured Ubud day without the hassle of planning transport and ticket stops
  • you like a mix of nature, culture, wildlife, and a shopping finish
  • your group values a private experience with pickup from Kuta

It might be less ideal if:

  • you need a very slow pace with lots of downtime
  • you dislike animal encounters or crowds at popular Ubud sites
  • your group isn’t comfortable with a day that asks for moderate physical fitness

If you’re traveling with family or mixed ages, the private format can be a real advantage because you can adjust the pace more easily than on a large group bus.

Should you book this full-day Bali Waterfall and Ubud tour?

If you want the convenience of a driver, the value of included admissions, and a classic Ubud lineup that goes beyond just one or two stops, I’d lean yes. At $50 per person, the big win is not only the transportation—it’s the fact that many of the headline sites have admissions rolled in, plus lunch is handled.

I’d only hesitate if your group plans to visit fewer than half these places on your own. In that case, a private day with the exact stops you care about might be a better match.

If you do book, go in with two smart strategies: (1) decide what you want most—waterfall photos, terrace views, monkeys, or shopping—and (2) communicate calmly with your guide about timing so you don’t feel rushed at the places that matter to you.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It’s based in Kuta, and the description says pickup is from your hotel.

How long is the Bali Waterfall and Ubud Destination Trip?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 10 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $50.00 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What places are included in the itinerary?

The tour includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Ubud), the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and the Ubud Traditional Art Market.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission ticket inclusion is listed for Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and the Ubud Art Market. Ubud Royal Palace is listed as free.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in the Ubud area.

Is the tour good for people with limited mobility?

The tour says travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time aren’t accepted.

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