Ubud Tour – Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace

REVIEW · UBUD

Ubud Tour – Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace

  • 5.03 reviews
  • From $37.00
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Operated by Bali Natural Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (3)Price from$37.00Operated byBali Natural ToursBook viaViator

Tropical calm beats cruise crowds on this Ubud route. This is a private Bali tour that keeps you moving comfortably between top sights, with an itinerary you can tweak to fit your pace and interests. I like how the day flows like a plan, not a scramble, and how entrance fees are included for each stop on the way.

Two things really stood out for me: you get that private-transport comfort for a full 8 hours, and admission is handled so you spend less time queuing and more time looking. The main drawback to consider is that this day includes outdoor highlights like the waterfall and rice terraces, so heavy rain can throw off swim plans and photo timing.

Key things to know before you go

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - Key things to know before you go

  • Private means just your group: no mixing with strangers, and you can move at your own pace.
  • Entrance fees are included across the listed attractions, which helps the value feel straightforward.
  • Start early at 8:30 am so you catch the sights while the day is still fresh.
  • Multiple Ubud art stops: Mas wood carving and Tohpati batik weaving add a cultural layer beyond temples and views.
  • Outdoor time is real time: Tegenungan and the rice terraces depend on weather for the best experience.
  • Guide support shows up in reviews: people praise guides like Gusti for being helpful with plans and practical tips.

A smart way to do Ubud in one day (without losing your mind)

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - A smart way to do Ubud in one day (without losing your mind)
Ubud can feel like two different places at once. On one hand, it’s temples, forests, and rice terraces. On the other hand, it’s traffic, ticket lines, and trying to coordinate rides. This tour solves a big chunk of that by putting you on a fixed route with private transportation and pickup/drop-off.

You also get a kind of built-in flexibility. The tour is described as private and customizable, so you’re not locked into one ultra-rigid flow. If you’d rather spend more time looking at carvings, or less time in one temple area, the structure is still there to keep the day smooth.

And yes, it’s priced like a bargain if you compare it to what you’d spend piecing together a driver plus multiple entrance tickets on your own. At $37 per person, the “hidden” value is that entrance fees and logistics are bundled: English-speaking driver, petrol, parking, mineral water, and entry are all listed as included.

One more practical point: the meeting start is 8:30 am, and the day is about 8 hours. That’s long enough to feel like you did real Ubud, but not so long that you’re dragging yourself back to the hotel at sunset with your brain fried.

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

Tegenungan Waterfall: a classic stop, with swim conditions to watch

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - Tegenungan Waterfall: a classic stop, with swim conditions to watch
The day begins at Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the more visited waterfalls near Ubud. The tour notes a height of around 15–20 meters, and it’s also described as having heavy water in a more urban-feeling area nearby. Translation: it’s not a remote, silent waterfall. It’s a lively one, and you’ll likely share the view with plenty of other people.

You get about 1 hour here, and there’s the option to swim when water conditions are clear. That “when” matters. If it’s been raining or the water looks rough, your best move is to focus on photos, walkways, and the sheer sound of the falls rather than assuming you’ll be in the water.

What I like about starting with Tegenungan is momentum. Waterfalls are immediate. You don’t need context to enjoy them. Even if later stops are more about temples and art, your day has a clear visual anchor early on.

What to consider: since it’s a popular spot and the tour is outdoors, you’ll get the best experience when the weather cooperates. One of the reviews you provided mentions it poured down at some point, which is a good reminder to pack for unpredictability even in Bali’s dry-season reputation.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples inside a busy forest

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples inside a busy forest
Next comes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You’re there for about 1 hour, and the focus is Hindu temples tucked into forest space, with gray macaques moving through the area.

This stop can be a lot of fun if you’re comfortable sharing the space with wildlife. The key is to treat it like a temple-and-forest visit, not a zoo experience. The tour’s description emphasizes that you’ll see macaques roaming among the temples, so your attention should be split: one eye on the architecture and carvings, one eye on what the monkeys are doing.

A word on expectations. Even in a “1 hour” window, this place can feel like two activities at once: quiet temple moments and more chaotic monkey moments. If you want photos, go for the views where the temples frame the forest, not only where the monkeys are the loudest.

Value-wise, the Monkey Forest stop is a good anchor in an Ubud day because it gives you something different from waterfalls and rice fields. It’s also one of those sights where a driver who knows the route saves you time and hassle.

Puseh Batuan Temple: architecture lovers get their moment

Then you head to Puseh Batuan Temple for about 45 minutes. This is a temple stop with a very specific style highlight: the tour calls out the unique black palm roof and points you toward the temple’s spiritual significance and its architecture.

Why this matters: many Ubud temple visits blur together if you rush. This one is positioned as a “look closer” stop. The black palm roof detail gives you a visual hook that makes the place feel distinct. Spend time watching how the roofline and temple structures sit in the space, and you’ll get more out of the short window.

Possible drawback: temples can be slower if you’re chasing shade or if you’re waiting for a good moment. But the tour’s timing (45 minutes) is long enough to enjoy the architecture without turning into a half-day detour.

If you like your Bali days with a mix of eye candy and cultural context, this temple is a solid mid-point before the rice terrace views.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: views plus a peek at traditional irrigation

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: views plus a peek at traditional irrigation
After temples comes the stop most people plan Ubud around: the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You get about 45 minutes here, and the tour description highlights rice-level fields that help you cool down, plus the chance to see farmers planting traditional paddy when you’re lucky.

It also mentions the traditional irrigation system in Bali, which is important because it adds meaning beyond the photo views. Rice terraces aren’t just pretty. They’re engineering and routine and water management, done in a way that shaped farming for generations.

Here’s the best way to use your time. Don’t try to do every viewpoint in one quick loop. Pick one or two vantage spots, enjoy the layered lines, and then take your time reading the space: where the water is moving, how the terraces step down, and how the fields fit into the valley.

Weather note: rice terraces are also outdoors, so rain can limit visibility or make surfaces slippery. If it’s clear, you’ll appreciate why this stop is so often recommended. If it’s not, your approach should be about atmosphere rather than “perfect view.”

Here's some more things to do in Ubud

Mas Carving Center: wood art meets village life

Then it’s a shift from nature and temples to hands-on creativity at the Mas Carving Center. This is connected with Mas village, described as traditional Balinese countryside in the south part of Ubud, known particularly for wooden arts.

You get about 30 minutes. That short slot is perfect if you want to see the craft without turning the day into a woodworking workshop. Look for shops or craft displays that show styles of carving, not just finished products. If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re buying, spend those 30 minutes asking questions through your driver—who can help you interpret what you’re seeing, based on the tour’s setup.

In the reviews you shared, people mention liking coffee and temple stops, and another review highlights art markets and souvenir moments. This stop fits that same “use your senses, buy something meaningful” energy.

Practical tip: bring smaller bills if you can. It’s easier for shopping stops like this, and it keeps your bargaining smoother (especially if you’re buying multiple items).

Tohpati Village: batik weaving and handicrafts

Ubud Tour - Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, and Rice Terrace - Tohpati Village: batik weaving and handicrafts
The last cultural/art stop is Tohpati Village, also for about 30 minutes. This village is described as known for handicraft and handweaving batik, plus scenery that you’ll notice as you move through the area.

This is where you can steer the day toward what you actually want to take home. If wood carvings aren’t your thing, batik usually hits a different taste: fabric, pattern, and the slow skill of weaving.

The tour description also notes that you’ll have the chance to shop some of the Balinese t… (the listing cuts off there), but the intent is clear: you’re not just passing through. You’re meant to see the craft and have a shot at buying.

I like that the tour ends on this creative note. By the time you reach Tohpati, you’ve already seen temples, monkeys, water, and rice terraces. A batik stop lets you end the day with a tactile memory, not only photos.

Price and value: why $37 can work (when entry is included)

Let’s talk money in plain terms. $37 per person for an 8-hour private tour with pickup/drop-off, private transportation, petrol, parking, a driver who speaks English, mineral water, and entrance fees included is not a bad deal at all.

The value isn’t just the headline price. It’s that the costs that usually sneak up on you are already handled. If you tried to match this day yourself, you’d likely pay separately for a car/driver time and multiple entrance tickets across different stops. Bundling them into one package keeps the day predictable.

One more value factor: you’re given the option to customize, plus the structure is built around a “well-rounded” set of sights. That’s useful if you’re traveling with kids or if your group has mixed interests, because you don’t have to compromise on everything.

In reviews, people specifically praised guides for being helpful with tips for souvenir purchases and bargaining, and also praised safe driving. That matters because in Bali, good pacing is part of comfort, and comfort is part of value.

Timing, weather, and what to bring for an all-day Ubud route

This is an 8-hour day with multiple stops, including outdoors. That’s why weather matters.

You can do everything “right” and still get rain. One of the provided reviews mentioned it started pouring down. When that happens, you’ll want flexibility. For outdoor stops, think in terms of Plan A and Plan B:

  • Plan A: Enjoy views and, if conditions are good, swim options at the waterfall.
  • Plan B: Focus on viewing from sheltered areas, enjoy slower temple moments, and keep shopping for batik and carvings in mind.

What to bring (practical, not fancy):

  • Light rain protection if the forecast looks sketchy.
  • Comfortable shoes for uneven ground.
  • Sun protection, because rice terraces and waterfall areas are exposed when it’s clear.
  • Basic cash for small purchases at craft stops.

Also keep in mind the day includes food not listed as included. You’ll want to plan for snacks or a lunch stop on your own, or bring easy options you’re comfortable eating.

Who this tour suits best (and who might prefer a different plan)

This works especially well if you want:

  • A private day in Ubud without coordinating multiple drivers.
  • A “great hits” mix: waterfall, monkeys, temples, rice terraces, and two art/craft stops.
  • Included entry fees, so your budget stays under control.

It also makes sense for families. One review praised a guide named Gusti for handling the day well with two small kids. Even with the busy stops, the structure and driver support can take the stress out of keeping everyone moving.

You might consider a different approach if your priority is deep, long temple study or if you prefer a slow, DIY wandering day with lots of unplanned detours. This is built as an efficient route, not a free-form day.

And if you’re mainly chasing quiet, empty nature, remember that Tegenungan and Monkey Forest are described as popular. This is about smart access and time savings, not escaping every crowd.

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, waterfall, temple, and rice terrace tour?

If you want an easy Ubud day that hits the landmarks and still includes meaningful cultural stops, I’d book it. The strongest case is simple: private transportation plus included entrance fees across a route that balances nature and local craft.

Book it if:

  • You value comfort and time efficiency.
  • Your group wants a mix of sights rather than one theme.
  • You like guided pacing, but still want the freedom to move independently at each stop.
  • You want souvenir options built into the itinerary, including wood carving at Mas and batik at Tohpati.

Skip it (or at least consider a different format) if:

  • You’re only interested in one or two sites and don’t want an all-day schedule.
  • Bad weather would ruin your day. This tour is outdoor-heavy, so rain can affect the most fun parts.

Overall, this feels like a solid “one day in Ubud” plan. You get a full slice of what most people come for, plus craft stops that make the day more than just sightseeing snaps.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Ubud tour?

The tour is approximately 8 hours.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The tour includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Mas Carving Center, and Tohpati Village.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

Does the tour price include entrance tickets?

Yes. Entrance fees are included for each attraction on the route.

Is this a private tour or a shared group?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What is not included in the tour price?

Food and drinks are not included, and souvenir photos (if you purchase them) and donations are also not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, no refund is provided.

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