Half Day Ubud Tour: Monkeys, Art Market & Petulu Herons

Summary

Private Ubud Wildlife & Culture Tour with Local Guide

You’ll get up close with playful monkeys in the forest, hunt for unique crafts at the art market, and wind down with a cold beer while watching herons return home at dusk. If you want a slice of real Ubud—nature, culture, and a little adventure—this tour’s for you.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick and earthy as we stepped into the shade of the Ubud Monkey Forest. You could hear monkeys chattering above, leaves crunching underfoot, and every so often, a butterfly would dart past. Our guide Wayan pointed out a mossy temple tucked between banyan roots—locals still come here to pray on special days. I kept my water bottle close; it gets humid fast under that canopy. Watching the monkeys up close was a mix of funny and a little nerve-wracking—they’re quick, but the staff keeps things safe if you want to feed them.

Later, we wandered through the Ubud Art Market. It’s not huge, but you’ll find handwoven baskets, silver jewelry, and those colorful sarongs stacked in neat piles. I chatted with a vendor named Made who showed me how to spot real batik patterns. The market’s busiest around midday, so if you want to browse without the crowds, go earlier. There’s this faint smell of incense from a nearby temple that drifts through the stalls—easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Our last stop was Petulu Village just before sunset. We grabbed cold Bintang beers from a tiny warung and settled onto a bamboo bench. Right around 5:30pm, flocks of white herons started gliding in—first just a few, then dozens, wings catching the gold light. The whole village seemed to pause for it. It’s quiet except for the birds and the occasional scooter passing by. Honestly, it felt like time slowed down for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud Wildlife and Culture

• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest and temples
• Explore Ubud Art Market
• Watch white herons at Petulu Village

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. We can provide strollers or infant seats if needed—just let us know when booking.

What time does the heron viewing happen?

The white herons usually return to Petulu Village around 5:30pm. We’ll time our visit so you don’t miss it.

Can I buy souvenirs at the art market?

Absolutely! The Ubud Art Market has plenty of local crafts—bring some cash for easier bargaining.

Is feeding the monkeys safe?

Yes, our guide will show you how to feed them safely. Just follow their instructions and keep your belongings secure.

What’s included

Your private tour covers all entrance fees, bottled water for each guest, comfy transport in an air-conditioned minivan, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, plus a cold Bintang beer for adults at Petulu Village. Everything’s sorted—you just show up ready for adventure.