Ubud: Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing, Rice Terraces & Waterfall

Summary

Ubud’s sacred temples rice terraces jungle swing and waterfall in one full day

You’ll wander sacred forests alive with monkeys, swing high above Tegalalang’s green rice terraces after lunch, watch quiet rituals at Tirta Empul temple, then cool off by Tegenungan waterfall before browsing Ubud’s lively market streets. This private full-day tour connects you to Bali’s rhythms in ways that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through Ubud’s narrow roads when Wayan, our guide, pointed out a family of monkeys darting across the path. I could smell incense from a nearby shrine mixing with the damp earth after last night’s rain. The Sacred Monkey Forest was alive — not just with monkeys (who are bolder than I’d guessed) but birds and tiny lizards too. There was this moment where an old woman placed an offering at one of the shrines and smiled at us; I tried to return it but probably looked awkward. It’s hard to explain — something about that mix of chaos and calm sticks with you.

The drive north to Tegalalang rice terraces felt like a slow exhale. Green everywhere, layered in a way that almost tricks your eyes. We watched farmers moving along the narrow ridges — their hats like little boats floating above the stalks. Wayan told us about his own childhood helping in these fields, which made me see it differently. Lunch came with a side of adrenaline: the jungle swing over the valley. My hands were sweating so much I nearly chickened out, but the staff laughed and gave me a gentle push (literally). The view from up there — honestly, my stomach dropped — is something I still think about.

Tirta Empul temple was quieter than I expected; people moved slowly through the pools for blessings, water trickling over stone worn smooth by centuries of prayers. The air smelled faintly of flowers and wet stone. We didn’t join the ritual but stood back and watched families laugh and splash each other before stepping into silence again. After that we hit Tegenungan waterfall — loud, misty, crowded in places but somehow soothing too. Some folks swam; we just sat on warm rocks and let our feet dangle in the cool water until it was time to go.

The last bit was wandering through Ubud Art Market and peeking into Ubud Palace as dusk crept in — colors everywhere, people bargaining gently or just chatting about daily life. I bought a small wooden frog that makes a sound when you drag a stick across its back (the vendor demonstrated three times; I still can’t do it right). The whole day felt both packed and strangely peaceful at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit sacred monkey forest
• Stop at Tegalalang rice terraces
• Have lunch at jungle restaurant with swing
• Visit Tirta Empul holy spring temple
• See Tegenungan waterfall
• Explore Ubud Traditional Market
• Visit Ubud King Palace

Top questions

How long is the Ubud full-day tour?

The tour lasts around 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can you swim at Tegenungan waterfall on this tour?

Yes, there’s time to relax or swim at Tegenungan waterfall during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this Ubud tour?

Lunch is included if you select that option when booking.

What age do you need to be for the jungle swing?

The minimum age for joining the jungle swing is 9 years old.

Are entry fees covered in this private tour?

All entrance fees and taxes are included in your tour price.

Does this day trip visit Tirta Empul temple?

Yes, you’ll visit Tirta Empul holy spring temple as part of the itinerary.

How many people are on each group tour?

The maximum group size for this Ubud day trip is 15 travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, all entrance fees and taxes covered ahead of time, bottled water throughout the journey, tickets for the jungle swing experience during lunch overlooking lush jungle views—and if you choose that option—a local lunch before heading back in the evening.