REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall
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A long day in Ubud can still feel good. This private loop strings together Sacred Monkey Forest, the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and two waterfalls, all with a local guide and an air-conditioned ride. I like that you spend real time at each stop, not just quick photo jumps, and you also get clear included entrance coverage so the day stays smooth.
My favorite part is the human touch: guides named Mankok, Bagong, and Mawe stood out for being careful, flexible with weather, and helpful with things like getting in and out of the car and even language support. The one consideration: Bali Swing isn’t included, and the rice-terrace portion can feel overhyped if you’re not into rice-field sightseeing.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Why This Ubud Waterfall-and-Rice Day Feels Worth It
- Pickup, Mobile Tickets, and a 10-Hour Reality Check
- Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
- Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Swing-View Build-Up
- Stop 3: Happy Swing Bali (and Why Bali Swing Costs Extra)
- Stops 4 and 5: Tibumana and Kanto Lampo Waterfalls
- Tibumana Waterfall: Serene and Less Crowded by Design
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Easy Access, Big Payoff
- The Food Part: Local Lunch Ideas Without Lunch Included
- Guides Make the Difference: Mankok, Bagong, and Mawe
- Price and Value: What You Get for About $24.65
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
- What to Do With the Rice Terrace and Swing Choices
- Should You Book This Ubud Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Ubud full-day tour?
- What is the price per person?
- Is pickup offered?
- Is this tour private?
- What ticket types are used?
- Which entrance tickets are included?
- Is Bali Swing included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- What’s included for comfort during the day?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Private local guide means the pace can match your group, not a fixed crowd rhythm.
- Entrance tickets are included for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
- Bali Swing is not included, even though the day includes a swing stop, so budget for it if you want the ride.
- Air-conditioned vehicle + bottled water helps a 10-hour day feel manageable.
- Guides can help with seniors and language, based on real experiences from named guides like Mankok and Mawe.
Why This Ubud Waterfall-and-Rice Day Feels Worth It

If you’re choosing between a sampler tour and a full-day plan, this one leans into the best kind of “full day”: it connects iconic sights (Monkey Forest and Tegalalang) with waterfalls that can feel like a reset button.
The value is in what’s covered. You’re not just paying for transport and vague promises. Entrance tickets for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall are included. Add bottled water plus an air-conditioned vehicle, and you’re buying a day that’s built to keep you moving without constant extra fees.
The private format also matters. You’re not navigating parking lots and ticket lines alone. You’re also not stuck in the same rhythm as strangers. If your group wants more photo time at one stop or less at another, a good guide can adjust.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Pickup, Mobile Tickets, and a 10-Hour Reality Check

This is listed as a 10-hour (approx.) full-day tour with pickup offered. That means your day starts earlier than you might plan on your own, but it also means you’re not spending time figuring out the route, sorting taxis, or paying for separate rides between each area.
The tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you hate paper confirmations. It’s also the kind of setup that can save you time when you arrive at entry points.
One practical reality: the itinerary packs five stops across Ubud and nearby regions. You’ll have periods where you’re in the car, and periods where you’re walking and waiting your turn. If your group likes slow mornings and long lunches, plan to treat this as an active day rather than a relaxed wander.
Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
The first anchor is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village. The attraction here isn’t just monkeys; it’s the combination of lush jungle, ancient temples, and a free-roaming population of Balinese long-tailed macaques.
This is a top pick when you want something that feels alive. The forest walk is part sightseeing, part wildlife observation. You’re also getting a cultural setting that makes the monkeys feel less like a roadside gimmick and more like part of a protected space.
What I’d plan for:
- Give yourself time to watch behavior rather than only chase photos.
- Keep your phone and bags secure when you’re close to monkeys, since it’s a free-roaming sanctuary by definition.
The tour schedules 2 hours here, and with a private guide, you can usually land at good viewing spots without rushing the whole thing.
Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Swing-View Build-Up

Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous rice landscapes. It’s in the village of Tegalalang, just north of Ubud, and it’s known for its traditional irrigation system.
This stop is where the tour gives you the classic Bali moment: terraces, viewpoints, and those green-step geometry photos. If you enjoy agriculture as a living system (not just a backdrop), you’ll likely appreciate how these terraces are still actively used.
But here’s the balanced part. One review called the rice-terrace portion definitely overrated if you’re not into rice-field sightseeing. So use that as your internal checklist:
- If rice terraces are your thing, this stop can be a highlight.
- If not, treat it as a necessary visual break before the waterfalls, not the main event.
The schedule is 2 hours with the entrance ticket included. That timing gives enough room to take it in and still keep energy for later stops.
Stop 3: Happy Swing Bali (and Why Bali Swing Costs Extra)

After Tegalalang, the plan includes Happy Swing Bali. This is the part most people remember: thrilling swings set high over valleys, rivers, and waterfalls, designed for dramatic views and big photos.
Here’s the key catch. The tour includes entrances for the listed stops, but Bali Swing is specifically not included in the pricing details. So think of this as a dedicated swing stop where you can choose how much you want to pay for the ride/experience itself.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still enjoy the viewpoints without paying for every added photo package (depending on what’s offered at the swing location). If you do want the swing, build that cost into your day so you’re not surprised later.
The tour gives 2 hours at this stage, which usually means you won’t feel forced to do it instantly. Still, swing time can depend on demand, so bring a little patience.
Stops 4 and 5: Tibumana and Kanto Lampo Waterfalls

This tour turns the page after the swings with two waterfall stops, each scheduled for 2 hours and with admission included.
Tibumana Waterfall: Serene and Less Crowded by Design
Tibumana Waterfall is described as a hidden, unspoiled waterfall in Bangli Regency, known for being less crowded than some other Bali waterfalls. You get a calmer vibe here: a peaceful escape that can feel like the day finally slows down.
Even with just a couple hours, you can usually get:
- A proper look from multiple angles
- Time to enjoy the sound and mist for a while
- Photos that don’t feel like you’re racing a clock
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Easy Access, Big Payoff
Then you shift to Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Gianyar Regency. This one is described as easily accessible, with a shorter path compared with waterfalls that require long hikes.
If Tibumana is the calm reset, Kanto Lampo is the “quick reward” stop. It tends to work well when you still want waterfall views but don’t want your day to turn into a fitness test.
Together, these two stops do something smart. They cover both the serene style and the accessible style of Bali waterfalls, so you’re less likely to feel disappointed no matter what mood your group is in.
The Food Part: Local Lunch Ideas Without Lunch Included

The tour overview says your local guide will take you to a restaurant where you can taste real Balinese food. At the same time, lunch isn’t included.
So what does that mean for you? It usually means you’ll have a chance to eat at a local spot suggested by your guide, but you pay the meal cost yourself. That’s actually a good setup for many people, because it lets you decide how spicy you want it, what portion size fits your group, and whether you want something simple or a proper Balinese meal.
If you care about food that feels local rather than touristy, a guide helps you avoid the most obvious traps. If you’re picky, you can also ask for options in advance, especially since guides in this experience have shown help with translation.
Guides Make the Difference: Mankok, Bagong, and Mawe

The biggest theme from the experience is the people side. Names that came up strongly include Mankok, Bagong, and Mawe, and they were praised for very practical things:
- Safe, careful driving and attention to comfort.
- Flexibility when weather changes, with a plan adjustment that still protected the best sights.
- Help for seniors, including assistance getting in and out of the vehicle.
- Humor and friendliness, which matters more on a long day than you’d think.
- Information and guidance, including advice on places and what to focus on.
- Language support, including help with a mobile translator for Spanish-speaking visitors.
For you, that adds up to a day that feels less like a checklist and more like a guided route with problem-solving.
Price and Value: What You Get for About $24.65
At $24.65 per person, the price is often where you decide if this is worth your time compared with DIY transport and buying tickets yourself.
Here’s the value math the tour supports:
- Entrance tickets are included for four major items (Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Tibumana, Kanto Lampo).
- You get air-conditioned transport and bottled water.
- The format is private, so you’re paying for a single-group schedule rather than sharing a big group bus.
The parts not included are also clear:
- Lunch
- Bali Swing
So your true cost depends on whether you want the swing and what you choose to eat. If you’re swing-curious but on the fence, you can keep your day spend under control by deciding on-site how you feel about it.
If you’re the type who hates ticket lines, hates route planning, and wants someone to handle timing between stops, this package can be a smart move.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
This is a good fit if you want:
- A full-day itinerary in Ubud and nearby areas
- A private guide to keep the day flowing
- A mix of temple jungle + rice terraces + two waterfalls
- Included entrances so you don’t need to budget ticket-by-ticket
It may not be ideal if:
- Your group only cares about waterfalls and would rather skip the rice terrace portion.
- You want a slow, low-activity day. This is built around multiple stops and a long driving day.
- You strongly prefer that every attraction is fully included. Bali Swing isn’t, and lunch isn’t either.
If you’re traveling with seniors or people who need careful handling, the guide experience here includes specific praise for assistance, which is a big practical plus.
What to Do With the Rice Terrace and Swing Choices
Here’s a simple way to decide how much you’ll enjoy this day.
If you love iconic viewpoints and classic Bali scenes:
- Spend extra time at Tegalalang and take the swing ride.
If you’d rather be efficient and waterfall-first:
- Treat Tegalalang as a photo stop rather than a long sit-down.
- Decide on the swing only if your group really wants it, since it’s not included.
Either way, the waterfalls are the payoff. The schedule is set up so you’re not stuck on one “type” of sight all day.
Should You Book This Ubud Tour?
I’d book it if you want a private, ticket-covered day that hits Ubud’s top nature and culture stops in one push. The guide angle is a big deal, especially with the examples of Mankok, Bagong, and Mawe bringing safety, flexibility, and help for seniors.
I’d hesitate if your group is not into rice terraces, or if you know you won’t pay for the swing but still don’t want to spend time there. That rice stop has a split reaction, and swing costs can change your final budget.
Also note: cancellation is described as free, with full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. That gives you a little breathing room if plans are still shifting.
If you’re ready for an organized full-day mix, this is the kind of Ubud plan that can feel efficient without feeling rushed.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud full-day tour?
It’s listed as about 10 hours.
What is the price per person?
The price is $24.65 per person.
Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is offered.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.
What ticket types are used?
You get a mobile ticket.
Which entrance tickets are included?
Entrance tickets are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
Is Bali Swing included in the price?
No. Bali Swing is not included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What’s included for comfort during the day?
An air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are included.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.























