Bali: Ubud Day Tour with Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Waterfall

Summary

Walk ancient temples, watch macaques in Ubud, taste mountain air

You’ll wander through Ubud’s sacred Monkey Forest, walk among Tegalalang’s rice terraces with local farmers, share lunch facing Mount Batur’s volcanic rim, explore Kehen Temple’s quiet courtyards, and end at Tukad Cepung Waterfall—where sunlight cuts through jungle mist. It’s not just sights—it’s moments that linger long after you leave Bali.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look them in the eye,” Wayan grinned as we stepped into the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. I tried to act casual but those long-tailed macaques know when you’re nervous — one darted past and I swear it sized up my sunglasses. The air was thick and green, moss on every stone, incense drifting from some tucked-away shrine. Wayan pointed out carvings half-swallowed by roots. I kept thinking how old everything felt here — like even the monkeys had stories.

Driving up to Tegalalang Rice Terrace was quieter than I expected. You see those photos everywhere but standing there — it’s just layers and layers of green, almost too much for your eyes at first. We met a farmer named Kadek who showed us how he checks the water between his toes (literally). My shoes got muddy and he laughed. There’s something about that sticky heat and the smell of wet earth that stays with you. Lunch came after — Kintamani, overlooking Mount Batur and Lake Batur. The wind up there is cooler; you can hear it moving through the bamboo while you eat. I probably ate too much rice but honestly, that view makes you forget everything else.

I didn’t expect Kehen Temple to feel so peaceful — barely any other visitors, just a few locals lighting incense and chatting softly. The stone steps are uneven and cool under your hands if you touch them (I did — superstition maybe). Our guide told us about royal ceremonies held here ages ago, but mostly I just remember the quiet and the way sunlight hit all those little shrines at weird angles.

The last stop was Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Getting down there means ducking under vines and feeling spray before you even see water — it’s hidden in this open cave where light falls straight down like a spotlight. My shirt stuck to my back from the climb but I didn’t care; everyone just stood there for a second listening to water echo off the rocks. We didn’t talk much on the drive back to our hotel in Ubud — tired in that good way when your head’s still full of new things.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud and natural highlights

• Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud
• Drive to Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Walk and take photos at rice terrace
• Have lunch overlooking Mount Batur
• Visit Kehen Temple in Bangli
• See Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Bali day trip from Ubud?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup in Ubud and returns by evening.

Is lunch included on this Bali highlights tour?

Yes, buffet lunch is included overlooking Mount Batur and Lake Batur.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Ubud area.

Are entrance fees covered on this Bali day trip?

All entry fees and taxes are included in the price of the tour.

Can children join this Bali waterfall & temple tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available; children can join with adult supervision.

How difficult is the walk to Tukad Cepung Waterfall?

You’ll need moderate fitness—there are stairs and some uneven paths down to the waterfall.

Will we see monkeys up close at Sacred Monkey Forest?

Yes, you’ll walk among free-roaming macaques in their natural habitat at Sacred Monkey Forest.

What should I wear for this Bali day trip?

Wear comfortable walking shoes (they might get muddy), light clothes for warm weather, and bring a hat or sunscreen.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Kehen Temple and Tukad Cepung Waterfall, bottled water throughout the trip, plus a buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur before heading back to your hotel in Ubud by evening.