Ubud: Bali Swing, Koi Boat Photos & Monkey Forest Day Tour

Summary

Ubud jungle swings, koi boats, monkeys and waterfall escapes

You’ll feel your heart race on the Bali Swing above Ubud’s jungle, float among colorful koi for photos you’ll actually want to keep, wander shaded paths with monkeys in ancient temples, then cool off at Kanto Lampo Waterfall before heading back with sand still between your toes.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of the car in Ubud when our guide Wayan handed us cold water and grinned like he already knew we’d be nervous about the Bali Swing. He was right. The swing looked way higher than it does in photos — I could feel my stomach flip just watching someone else go first. The air smelled like wet leaves and incense from a little shrine nearby. When it was finally my turn, Wayan shouted something encouraging (I think?) over the noise of cicadas. My hands were sweating so much I almost slipped off the rope, but honestly, once you’re up there above all that green, it’s just… quiet for a second. I didn’t expect that.

Afterwards we did the koi boat photo thing — which sounds cheesy but was actually kind of peaceful. The pond was packed with these bright orange fish swirling around underfoot, and our driver snapped about a hundred photos while we tried not to laugh too hard at our awkward posing. There was this little breeze that kept blowing my hair into my face. Not very Instagram-perfect but whatever — it felt real.

The Monkey Forest came next. I’d heard stories about grabby monkeys but most of them just sat around picking through fruit or grooming each other like old friends. One baby monkey tried to untie my shoelace; Wayan just shook his head and said they’re “cheeky” (he wasn’t wrong). The temples inside are covered in moss, almost hidden by giant roots — you can smell damp stone and flowers everywhere. It’s quieter than I expected except for bursts of monkey chatter echoing through the trees.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall was last — you get there down these slippery steps cut into rock, and suddenly it’s all rushing water and sunlight bouncing off black stone. We took turns standing under the spray (it’s cold!) while Wayan offered to hold our bags so nothing got soaked. Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home staring at my phone screen instead of real water moving past my feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud nature and photo tour

• Hotel pickup at 08:00
• Visit Bali Swing and Koi Fish Boat
• Lunch and Afternoon Tea
• Explore Monkey Forest sanctuary
• Visit Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Return to hotel at 17:30

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Ubud day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with private transportation.

How long does the Bali Swing & Monkey Forest tour take?

The full day trip lasts around 9 hours including all stops from pickup to return.

Are entrance fees for Bali Swing and Monkey Forest included?

Yes, entrance tickets for all main attractions are included in the price.

Can I swim at Kanto Lampo Waterfall during this tour?

You can cool off or stand under the waterfall; bring a change of clothes if you want to get wet.

Is lunch provided on this Ubud tour?

Lunch is optional and at your own expense; afternoon tea is included after lunch time.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to uneven paths and stairs.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

You’ll have an English-speaking driver/guide who also helps take photos at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud or nearby areas, entry tickets for all main stops like Bali Swing and Monkey Forest sanctuary, bottled water to keep you going between adventures, help with photos (yes—even those awkward koi boat shots), plus time for lunch on your own before afternoon tea together with your guide before heading back home again.