Monkeys, temples, and rice views in one day. This Ubud tour strings together Sacred Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, then adds sacred water at Tirta Empul and a quieter waterfall stop at Tibumana. It’s a lot packed into about 10 hours, but it’s the kind of mix that helps you see several Ubud highlights without juggling schedules.

Two things I’d prioritize here are the small-group feel and the guide energy. A guide named Mangkok gets consistently praised for being professional and funny, and that matters when you’re moving fast between sites. Also, the core entry costs for several top stops are included, so you’re not constantly doing ticket math.

One drawback to plan for: the Ubud Jungle Swing is extra. You’ll also spend a full day on the move, so if you want long, slow hangs at just one place, this may feel a bit busy.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Monkey Forest entry included so you can focus on seeing the macaques and the sanctuary itself
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace admission included for big hillside views without extra cost
• Tirta Empul Temple water rituals at a well-known purification site
• Tibumana Waterfall time included for a calmer nature break
• Ubud Traditional Art Market stop for local shopping and souvenirs
• Jungle Swing fee not included if you want to ride it

A Ubud “greatest hits” day that doesn’t feel totally rushed

Ubud is one of those places where you can fill your calendar fast. This tour is built to give you a strong sampler: monkeys in the forest, iconic rice terraces, a famous temple with holy spring water, and another waterfall nearby. If you’re short on days, this structure is a practical way to build a full Ubud story.

The best part is that it’s not just sightseeing. You get the variety—nature, culture, and a bit of shopping—so the day stays interesting even when you’re traveling between stops. And because it’s guided in an organized route, you spend less time figuring things out and more time actually enjoying what’s in front of you.

Pickup, air-con ride, and a small group up to 15

This tour includes pickup and uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big deal in Bali heat. You’re also capped at a maximum of 15 people, so it’s not a huge bus parade where you lose the thread of what you’re seeing. For many people, small-group pacing is the difference between a “checklist day” and a genuinely enjoyable day out.

You also get bottled water, which helps you stay comfortable on a long route. The tour runs about 10 hours, so you’ll want to treat it like a full-day plan: sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag for anything you don’t want to carry around.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: the fast way to see hundreds up close

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a lush reserve in Ubud home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys. The setting is part of the appeal: you’re not just watching animals in a zoo-like scenario—you’re in a real forest environment where the monkeys roam freely.

What I’d love about this stop is the sheer immediacy. You can observe monkey behavior right in the open while your guide helps you move through the sanctuary in a sensible way. And since Monkey Forest admission is included, you don’t have to squeeze in extra errands just to start your visit.

A key consideration: you’ll be around monkeys. That means you should keep items secured and avoid dangling things like loose straps or hats that could get grabbed. Bring sunglasses on a strap if you wear them, and keep your phone in a safe pocket before you turn to take photos. The goal is to enjoy the moment, not spend the visit managing surprises.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: panoramic views, plus time for the swing area

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most recognizable rice-paddy scenes in the Ubud area. The terraces are carved into hillsides and form cascading green layers that create a strong “top to bottom” view when you find the right angles.

This stop is short on paper—about 1 hour—but it’s timed for the classic look and quick photo moments. Since Tegalalang entry is included, the hour tends to feel straightforward: walk in, find viewpoints, enjoy the irrigation terrace feel, and get your photos without extra ticket steps.

If you want the Ubud Jungle Swing, this tour also gives you time in that area. Just note the extra cost: Bali Swing fees are not included, so budget that separately if you plan to ride. If you’re unsure, ask your guide what time feels best to go for photos versus waiting, since the swing area can draw attention during peak hours.

Tirta Empul Temple: sacred spring water where people go for purification

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu water temple near Tampaksiring. It’s famous for its holy spring water, used for ritual bathing and purification. This is one of those stops where the meaning matters more than the photos, so I like that the tour gives it enough time to slow down a bit—about 2 hours.

Expect the site to feel active in a spiritual way. People come to perform rituals connected to cleansing, and the temple structure around the water is part of the atmosphere. With a guide, you’ll usually get a clearer sense of what you’re looking at and how the ritual spaces work, which makes the visit more respectful and less confusing.

Practical tip: dress for a temple setting and be ready to follow any guidance on where to stand and how to behave. Water-related areas can be slippery, so comfortable footwear is a good idea even if you’re not planning to go into any bathing spaces.

Tibumana Waterfall: a quieter nature reset at the end of the route

After temples and terrace views, Tibumana Waterfall is a nice change of pace. The waterfall cascades down a cliff into a shallow pool below, creating a calm spot surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants.

You get about 2 hours here, which is enough time to enjoy the sound of water, take a few photos, and decide whether you want to linger near the pool area. Since Tibumana Waterfall admission is included, you’re not paying another local ticket just to reach the main viewpoint.

The main consideration is comfort. Waterfalls often mean damp air and uneven ground near the pool. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and keep an eye on footing. If you’re traveling with a phone you care about, keep it protected for this stop.

Ubud Traditional Art Market + souvenir time without the chaos

Most full-day tours either skip shopping or dump you in a market with no context. Here, you get a dedicated stop at the Ubud Traditional Art Market, also known as Pasar Ubud, for about 1 hour. It’s a lively place where locals and visitors shop for goods, including options that can work as family souvenirs.

This hour can be a smart add-on because markets are easier when you’re not trying to squeeze them between major sights. You can browse for things like small gifts and local crafts, and if your guide points out what to look for, you’re less likely to overspend on the same items sold everywhere.

What I’d do: set a small budget before you walk in, and focus on items you can actually carry comfortably. If you’re shopping for art, look closely at materials and finishing rather than just eye-catching designs.

Juggling costs: what’s included vs what you may pay later

Here’s where the value math starts to matter. The price is $24.30 per person, and the included items cover several major entry fees: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall. You also get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and admission coverage for those named stops.

Not included is the Bali Swing fee and lunch. That means your final cost depends on whether you ride the swing and what you choose for food. Still, for many people, the included admissions remove a big chunk of uncertainty. Instead of paying at multiple gates, you start with a clear base price and only add extras you truly want.

Also, you’ll receive a mobile ticket and get confirmation at booking, which usually helps reduce stress on arrival days. The tour runs with a maximum group size of 15 people, which can make the day feel more manageable if you hate crowds.

What the day feels like in practice (timing + energy)

This tour is built around moving between four big “signature” stops: Monkey Forest, rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tibumana. Then you add market time and optional jungle swing time. That combination is exactly why the itinerary needs about 10 hours.

In real life, that means you should plan your energy like this: hydrate early, wear sun protection, and keep your day bag light. If you’re sensitive to heat or walking, you might feel the pace more than you expect, since you’ll be outdoors at multiple points.

The guide becomes your secret weapon on a day like this. And again, the guide name Mangkok shows up strongly in the feedback for being professional and funny, with strong on-the-ground explanations. When someone can keep you moving while still making stops feel worth it, the whole day clicks.

Who should book this Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul tour

I’d say this tour fits best if you want a structured Ubud day with major sights and minimal planning. It’s also a good match for anyone who:

• wants several iconic locations in one go
• likes a guided route and a small group setting
• values included entry fees to key attractions
• enjoys mix-and-match days (nature, culture, shopping)

If you’re the type who wants one place to dominate your day—slow photos at one viewpoint, long museum time, or lots of solo wandering—this might feel too packed. But if you’re building a first Ubud visit or you’re short on time, it’s a very efficient way to see a lot while still getting context from a real guide.

Should you book? My take on the value

At about $24.30 per person, this tour is priced like a budget-friendly way to hit multiple high-demand Ubud stops without paying gate fees one by one. The inclusion of entrance tickets for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, and Tibumana is the backbone of that value, and the air-conditioned pickup helps you stay comfortable on a long route.

If you plan to do the Jungle Swing, keep in mind that swing fees aren’t included, and lunch is on you. But even with those extras, you’re still likely to come out ahead versus piecing together multiple individual tickets on your own day.

My final advice: book it if you want a guided, high-coverage Ubud day and you’re okay with a full 10-hour schedule. Pass if you want a slow, flexible day with no pressure to hit multiple sites.

FAQ

What places are visited on this Ubud tour?

You’ll visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Tibumana Waterfall, Ubud Traditional Art Market, and you’ll have time related to Ubud Jungle Swing.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What entrance fees are included?

Entrance fees are included for Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall.

Is Bali Swing included?

No. Bali Swing fees are not included.

Does the price include lunch?

No. Lunch is not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 people.