Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Tirta Empul Day Trip

Monkeys in the forest, rice fields under your feet, water temples at dusk

You’ll move through Ubud’s heart: waterfalls roaring at your feet, monkeys eyeing your snacks in the forest, lunch in a local warung with stories from your guide, then rice terraces as far as you can see before ending at Tirta Empul’s holy springs. It’s not always tidy or predictable, but that’s what makes it stick with you.

Options for this experience

7 options

From US$ 20 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Private tour without entrance fees 08:30 Guide in English Entrance fees excluded: this option includes round-trip transfers but does not cover entrance fees. Includes pickup

Small Group Tour 07:30 Guide in English Entrance fee not included: guests pay the entrance fee in cash on site. Pickup is included

Private Tour (Weekend) 08:30 Guide in English Available on weekends: this option covers an English-speaking guide and entrance fees. Includes pickup

See 4 more options

Private tour with entrance fee included 08:30 Guide in English Private tour in English: this option covers an English-speaking guide and entrance fees. Includes pickup

Private Tour-Chinese 08:30 Private tour in Chinese: this option covers a Chinese-speaking guide and entrance fees. Includes pickup

Private Tour-Japanese 08:30 Private tour in Japanese: this option covers a Japanese-speaking guide and entrance fees. Includes pickup

Small group, entrance fee included 07:30 Guide in English Small group tour with entrance: the entrance fee is included in this option. Includes pickup

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
• Walk through Monkey Forest
• Enjoy authentic Balinese lunch
• Hike Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Tegenungan Waterfall 1h 15m
2. Ubud Art Market 1h
3. Tegalalang Rice Terrace 45m
4. Tirta Empul Temple 1h 15m

What’s included

Your day covers hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide leading you through every stop (from Tegenungan Waterfall to Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces) with entry fees covered (if selected), drinking water on hand, insurance throughout the journey, plus a traditional Balinese lunch before heading back in the evening.

Times

• Every day 07:30 08:30

Before you book

Group Up to 9 · max 5 per booking

Live guide English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Ages Adult (6 to 75 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by TripGuru

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Traveler reviews

4.88 ★★★★★ Exceptional 95 verified traveler reviews 95% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 90

4 ★ 2

3 ★ 1

2 ★ 1

1 ★ 1

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The experience

I thought we’d left early enough from Ubud but our driver, Wayan, just laughed when we got stuck behind a parade of scooters outside Tegenungan Waterfall. “Ceremony day,” he said, and honestly, I didn’t mind. The air smelled like wet leaves and incense. When we finally tumbled out by the waterfall, it was louder than I expected: like a hundred showers going at once. My shoes got soaked straight away (should’ve worn sandals), but nobody cared. There was this kid splashing his dad and everyone grinned at us like we were all in on the same joke.

Monkey Forest was next. If you’ve never had a monkey size you up for snacks, well… it’s humbling. Our guide Komang warned us to hide anything shiny. He wasn’t kidding. One little guy tried to unzip my backpack (I swear he winked at me). The place feels ancient somehow: roots tangling over stone statues, moss everywhere. It’s busy but not rushed. You hear laughter and Balinese greetings mixed with monkey chatter. After that we stopped for lunch, nasi campur and sweet iced tea in a roadside warung where Komang knew everyone. He told us about his grandmother’s temple rituals while we ate. I still think about that conversation sometimes.

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces looked almost too green to be real: layers on layers, with farmers waving from below. Walking along those narrow paths you can feel how soft the earth is under your feet, even through your shoes (which were still damp). We wandered quietly for a bit. It felt good to just listen to birds and let the sun dry us out.

Tirta Empul Temple was last: the holy spring where locals come to purify themselves. There was a ceremony happening so we kept to the side, watching people step into the water one by one. The smell of frangipani flowers drifted by and I caught myself whispering without meaning to. It just felt right somehow.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, at 07:30 and 08:30. In Chinese and Japanese, at 08:30.

How long is the Ubud small group tour?

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

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Ubud?

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

Are entrance fees included for all attractions?

Entrance fees are included if you choose the Private or Small Group Tour with Entrance Fee option.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

An authentic Balinese lunch is included during the day trip.

Can I join this tour if traveling solo?

Yes, solo travelers can join small groups for this Ubud day trip.

What sites are visited on this Ubud tour?

You’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall, Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, and Ubud Art Market.

Are there any physical requirements for this trip?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.