Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Waterfall Private Day Trip

Summary

Monkey Forest echoes, rice terraces glow and waterfalls cool your skin in Ubud

You’ll walk among cheeky monkeys in Ubud’s Sacred Forest, wander quiet trails along Campuhan Ridge, stand above Tegalalang’s layered rice fields, sip smoky coffee at a local plantation, and cool your feet at Tegenungan Waterfall — all with an English-speaking driver who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo of monkey calls — sharp, almost mischievous — bouncing around the thick green of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. Our guide, Putu, grinned when one bold macaque eyed my water bottle. “They know tourists,” he said, and honestly, I believed him. The place smelled like damp earth and incense from a nearby temple. I tried to feed a banana to one of the smaller monkeys but got outsmarted by a bigger one who swooped in. It was funny — even Putu laughed.

After that jungle chaos, we drove through narrow lanes lined with motorbikes and little warungs until we reached Campuhan Ridge Walk. The path was soft underfoot, and there was this gold haze over the rice paddies that made everything feel quiet for a minute. Locals jogged past us (some with dogs), barely glancing up; I guess it’s just their regular morning run. We didn’t rush either — just walked and let the breeze do its thing.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace came next on our day trip to Ubud from central Bali. You see photos everywhere but standing there is different: you hear water trickling between levels, smell something grassy-sweet, and realize how steep it actually is. A farmer waved from below; I waved back and nearly slipped on the muddy step (saved myself though). Lunch was simple — fried rice and satay with strong Balinese coffee at a plantation nearby where they showed us how they roast beans over firewood. The smoky smell stuck to my shirt for hours but I didn’t mind.

Last stop: Tegenungan Waterfall. You hear it before you see it — this roar behind thick leaves — then suddenly there’s spray on your face and kids laughing somewhere downstream. I didn’t swim but dipped my feet in; cold enough to make me yelp out loud (which got me some looks). On the drive back, Putu played old pop songs on the radio and told us about his own family’s ceremonies in Ubud. That part stayed with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud nature and culture

• Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Walk Campuhan Ridge Trail
• See Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Relax at Coffee Plantation
• Enjoy Tegenungan Waterfall

Top questions

How long does the Ubud day trip take?

The tour covers several stops around Ubud and usually takes most of the day.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, private pickup is included with an air-conditioned car.

Are entry tickets to Monkey Forest included?

Entrance tickets are included as an option when booking.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What should I wear for visiting Tegenungan Waterfall?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bring swimwear if you want to get in the water.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

You can choose to include lunch when booking your tour.

Will there be a local guide or just a driver?

Your English-speaking driver also acts as your guide throughout the day.

How difficult is the Campuhan Ridge Walk?

The trail is about 1 km long and easy for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup by an English-speaking driver-guide in an air-conditioned car with free Wi-Fi, entry tickets as selected (including Sacred Monkey Forest), bottled mineral water for each guest, optional lunch at a local spot near Tegalalang Rice Terrace or coffee plantation tasting session if you wish—and insurance coverage throughout your journey before returning to your hotel in comfort.