Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Temples Day Tour

Ubud’s sacred monkeys, rice fields and quiet temples in a single day

You’ll meet Ubud’s famous monkeys up close in their forest sanctuary, walk among Tegalalang’s layered rice terraces, and join locals for a hands-on canang sari offering at a jungle temple. With hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included, this Bali day trip lets you feel both the energy and calm of Ubud in one full day.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees covered for sites like Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, bottled water throughout the journey, floral setup for any purification ritual at Mengening Temple, plus guidance from an English-speaking local who really knows their stuff.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's temples and landscapes

• Hotel pick-up and scenic drive
• Visit Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
• Explore Ubud Monkey Forest sanctuary
• Tour Ubud Royal Palace and courtyard
• Free time in Ubud market and lunch
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces viewpoint
• Walk along rice terraces and take photos
• Experience Mengening Temple and canang sari
• Optional purification ritual at temple
• Return drive to hotel

The Experience

The first thing that hit me was the smell—sort of sweet and earthy—when we stepped into Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave. Our guide, Kadek, pointed out faded carvings on the stone entrance. I remember running my hand along the rough wall, still cool from last night’s rain. Kadek told us stories about old kings and monks who’d once prayed here. The air felt heavy but not in a bad way—just thick with something I couldn’t name. Maybe history? Or incense? I’m not sure.

After that, we headed to Ubud’s Monkey Forest. I’ll admit it: I was nervous about the macaques after hearing stories (someone said they steal sunglasses). But mostly they just watched us with these curious eyes while we wandered through mossy temples and roots twisting everywhere. Kadek showed us how locals leave little offerings for the spirits—canang sari, he called them—and even let us try making one later (mine looked like a lopsided salad; he laughed but said it was “full of good intention”).

Lunch was somewhere near Ubud Palace—I lost track because I got distracted by all the colors at the market stalls outside. There was this woman selling tiny banana-leaf snacks; I bought one and it tasted like coconut and palm sugar. We had some time to just sit in a café and watch people go by before driving out to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The green there is almost too much—it sort of hums in your head if you stare too long. Walking along those narrow paths between paddies, I nearly slipped twice (don’t wear flip-flops).

The last stop was Mengening Temple, tucked away in what felt like proper jungle. It was quiet except for water trickling somewhere nearby. We did a small purification ritual—Kadek explained each step so gently that even though I’m not religious, it felt respectful to join in. By then my clothes were damp from humidity but honestly, I didn’t care anymore; everything just slowed down for a bit there. On the drive back to our hotel, I kept thinking about that silence at Mengening—still do sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Top questions

How long does the Ubud Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces tour last?

This is a full-day tour from morning until late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bali day trip?

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

What temples are visited on this Ubud tour?

You’ll visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Ubud Palace, and Mengening Temple.

Can I participate in a purification ritual during the tour?

Yes, there is an optional purification ritual at Mengening Temple with no extra charge.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entry fees for attractions are included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No set lunch is included but you’ll have free time to eat at local cafés or restaurants near Ubud Palace.

Are children allowed on this Ubud day trip?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How physically demanding is this Bali tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels but some walking on uneven paths is required.