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

Summary

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the group throughout the day.

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.

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.