Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour

REVIEW · UBUD

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour

  • 5.07 reviews
  • From $27.35
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Operated by Endag Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (7)Price from$27.35Operated byEndag Bali TourBook viaViator

Four Ubud icons, one easy private day. You’ll get a friendly English-speaking guide and door-to-door AC pickup around Ubud and nearby beach areas, then move through Monkey Forest, the famous rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall at a steady pace.

I love how the tour balances big-name sights with real context. The stop at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is more than a photo stop because you’ll walk among long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat, and you’ll get practical guidance before entering. I also like the private setup—it feels flexible, and the day can be adjusted to what you actually want to see.

One thing to consider: you’ll likely face crowds and stairs. The waterfall visit includes a staircase approach (the falls are known for about 90 steps), so plan for comfortable shoes and an energy check if you’re not into climbs.

Key highlights to know before you go

  • Door-to-door pickup: AC transportation across Ubud and popular areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, and more
  • Prime “starter pack” itinerary: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall in one day
  • Entrance-ticket clarity: entrances are included with the premium inclusive ticket option; otherwise expect about $15 per person for entrances
  • SUBAK irrigation context: you’ll learn why Tegalalang’s terraces matter to Bali’s water system
  • Tirta Empul ritual viewing: sacred holy spring fountains and the purification/bathing ceremony
  • Real-world advice from the guide: the day flows better when you get tips before entering Monkey Forest (Eka’s style is a good example)

Why This Ubud Private Day Works So Well

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Why This Ubud Private Day Works So Well
This tour is built for people who want Ubud highlights without spending your whole day stuck in planning mode. You’ll hit four major stops that are spread out across the area, and you’re not left to figure out transport between them.

What makes it feel good is the rhythm. Each main site gets time to walk, look, and take photos without feeling rushed, and the private guide keeps the flow moving. If you’ve ever visited Ubud and felt like you were constantly negotiating tickets, directions, and parking, this format does a lot of that work for you.

You also get a guide who can help you read what’s in front of you. At Monkey Forest and Tirta Empul, the “what am I looking at?” questions are real—having an English-speaking professional guide in your corner makes the day less chaotic and more meaningful.

Price, Value, and the Entrance-Ticket Reality

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Price, Value, and the Entrance-Ticket Reality
The price is $27.35 per person, and for a full-day private tour that usually translates into solid value—especially because transportation and guide time are included. The tour runs about 8 hours, which is a good length for covering multiple sites without turning the day into a sprint.

Here’s the key budgeting point: entrance tickets are included when you choose the premium inclusive ticket option. If you book an option that doesn’t bundle entrances, the data you’re given says you may need to purchase entrances on the travel date for about $15 per person.

So the best way to judge value is simple:

  • If you want the day to be mostly “pay once, go,” choose the premium inclusive ticket.
  • If you don’t mind handling entrances separately, you can still do the tour, just factor that extra cost in.

Also, you’re not just paying for sightseeing. You’re paying for air-conditioned private transportation, mineral water, insurance, and an English-speaking guide—those pieces add up fast if you piece everything together on your own.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud

Getting Around in Comfort: AC Pickup From Ubud to the Coast

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Getting Around in Comfort: AC Pickup From Ubud to the Coast
One of the underrated wins here is door-to-door pickup. The tour notes pickup and drop-off across Ubud and many surrounding areas, including Denpasar, Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Gianyar, and Sanur. That matters because getting started in Bali can be the hardest part—traffic, parking, and finding the right meeting point can drain your energy before you even see a temple.

The transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big comfort upgrade in Bali’s daytime heat. You’ll also get mineral water, which sounds small, but after you’ve walked and climbed a bit, you’ll appreciate having it ready.

Because it’s private, you don’t have to coordinate with strangers. Your group moves together with your guide rather than waiting around for other arrivals or photo stops. That’s where “value” turns into “a better day.”

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Macaques, Dragon Bridge, and Guide Smarts

Monkey Forest in Ubud is popular for a reason. You’ll walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can see almost 1,000 long-tailed macaques living in a real natural setting. This isn’t a zoo-style experience—it’s a forest that happens to be full of monkeys, which changes the vibe fast.

Expect two things:

  1. You’ll be looking at monkeys that behave like monkeys. They’re curious, quick, and sometimes bold.
  2. You’ll want to follow guide advice so your visit stays smooth.

The review stories you’ll likely relate to are the practical ones: guides often help you with what to do before entering, and it makes a difference. For example, Eka (mentioned as a driver in the feedback) is described as considerate and thoughtful, and part of that is sharing guidance so you don’t walk in blindly. If you’re the type who wants to photograph wildlife but also keep things calm, that kind of advice is worth its weight in snacks.

You’ll also see iconic spots like the dragon bridge. That bridge is a great “anchor point” for photos, but don’t treat it as the only thing to see. The quieter forest paths are often where you notice more behavior—babies, social groups, and the daily rhythm of a place like this.

Possible drawback: if you dislike close-up animals, Monkey Forest might feel like too much. And if you’re not used to uneven walking, wear grippy shoes. Monkeys are part of the ecosystem here, so respectful distance beats trying to outsmart them.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the SUBAK Irrigation System

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the SUBAK Irrigation System
Next comes one of the most iconic views in Bali: Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The terraces sit on a cliff about 600 meters above sea level, so your viewpoints tend to feel bigger and more dramatic than you’d expect from a “just rice fields” stop.

What I like about this stop is that it connects the scenery to how Bali actually works. You’ll get a chance to enjoy lunch with views (lunch isn’t stated as included, but you’ll have time to eat there), and you’ll also learn about the old irrigation system called SUBAK. That detail matters because it turns pretty photos into understanding.

Here’s how to make this stop work for you:

  • Go with a camera ready, but also be ready to pause. The terraces are layered—small changes in angle give different views.
  • If it’s hot, treat the mid-day time as a “slow walk, long look” moment rather than a sprint for the next photo.

You can expect about an hour here, which is enough to wander a bit and find a viewpoint. Just know that viewpoints and paths can be busy. If you hate crowds, aim to keep your head up and move with the flow rather than fighting it.

Tirta Empul Temple: Holy Spring Fountains and Purification Rituals

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Tirta Empul Temple: Holy Spring Fountains and Purification Rituals
Then the day shifts from scenery to spirituality at Tirta Empul Temple, described as a sacred holy water temple. This is the place where locals perform a spiritual bathing or purification ceremony using the holy spring fountains. Even if you don’t follow the ritual closely, you’ll feel the difference in tone the moment you arrive.

I like this stop because it gives you a way to understand Bali beyond ceremonies as “performances.” The focus is on purification—body and water element—and you’ll see people engaging with the space in a respectful, practiced way.

Also, there’s a practical bonus: there’s a market area where you can buy souvenirs. That’s handy if you want gifts without turning the day into a separate shopping mission.

Respect note: at temples, keep your behavior calm and follow your guide’s instructions. Tirta Empul is active and sacred, so it’s not the time to treat it like a casual walking tour. If you’re unsure about what you can photograph or how to move through the space, your guide can point you in the right direction.

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Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 Meters High, With About 90 Steps

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Tegenungan Waterfall: 15 Meters High, With About 90 Steps
To close out the tour, you’ll head to Tegenungan Waterfall. This one is described as about 15 meters high, with water cascading down through greenery around the Petanu River area.

The big practical point? Stairs. The feedback highlights that the falls can involve around 90 steps, which is a real workout—especially after a full day of walking. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. It just means you should show up ready.

Bring shoes that grip and don’t assume sandals will feel great on the route down. If your knees get cranky with stairs, consider pacing yourself and planning for breaks. The payoff is that once you’re down, you get that close-up waterfall view without feeling like you’re watching from far away.

Also, you’ll get about an hour at the waterfall area. That’s enough time for photos, quick resting, and a look around the surrounding cascades—without turning it into an all-afternoon hike.

How to Plan Your Day So It Feels Relaxed (Not Rushed)

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - How to Plan Your Day So It Feels Relaxed (Not Rushed)
Even a private tour can feel stressful if you show up unprepared. This itinerary is busy—four major sites in one day—so your comfort choices matter.

What I’d do before you go:

  • Wear comfortable, grippy shoes. Between forest paths and waterfall stairs, your feet will be doing real work.
  • Bring sun protection. Bali can be strong, and you spend daylight outside at multiple stops.
  • Keep valuables secure. In Monkey Forest, curiosity is real, so don’t tempt it with dangling bags or easy-to-reach items.
  • Hydrate early. Mineral water is included, but you’ll still want to drink consistently.

If you’re picky about pacing, lean on your guide. One piece of feedback highlights that Eka would take the person where they wanted to go, and if there was an option you didn’t want, you could adjust. That’s exactly what “private” should feel like: you’re steering the day, not just following a fixed checklist.

Weather matters too. The tour states it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So if you’re traveling during a rainy season, keep a flexible mindset.

Who This Tour Suits Best

Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Private Tour - Who This Tour Suits Best
This tour fits best if you want a curated “Ubud greatest hits” day and you don’t want to manage transport between separate attractions. It’s also a strong pick if you like structure—Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temple purification, and waterfall in one arc.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

  • Want private guidance in English rather than navigating on your own.
  • Prefer an organized day with AC pickup and clear stop timing.
  • Are happy doing some walking and stairs (especially at the waterfall).

It may feel less ideal if you:

  • Strongly dislike monkeys or prefer completely controlled animal experiences.
  • Have limited mobility, because the waterfall approach includes stairs.
  • Need a very quiet, uncrowded experience—these are popular Ubud sites.

On the plus side, the tour notes that most travelers can participate, and it also allows service animals. It’s described as near public transportation, which can be a helpful backup plan if your pickup plans ever change.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest Rice Terrace Temple Waterfall Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a full Ubud day that’s organized, guided, and easy to manage—especially if you’re staying in or near areas with pickup coverage. The price feels reasonable for what you get: private AC transport, an English-speaking guide, multiple major sights, and entrance tickets when you select the premium inclusive option.

But if stairs, animals, or crowds are deal-breakers for you, you should think twice. Monkey Forest and Tegenungan are both where your comfort level will show.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and where you’re staying (Ubud vs Seminyak/Canggu/etc.). I can help you decide whether the pickup coverage and likely timing will suit your day—and what to watch for at each stop.

FAQ

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

It’s listed as approximately 8 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes private air-conditioned transportation, pickup and drop-off in the listed areas, mineral water, an English-speaking professional tour guide, insurance, and entrance tickets on the premium inclusive ticket option.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are included with the premium inclusive ticket option. If you choose the option where entrances are not included, the provided information says you may need to purchase them on the travel date for about $15 per person.

Is this a private tour?

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

Do you offer pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered across Ubud and many nearby areas, including Denpasar, Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Gianyar, and Sanur.

What are the main stops during the day?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals participate?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

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