Ubud: Private Day Tour Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Waterfall

Summary

Monkey Forest, rice fields, jungle swing and sacred waters in Bali’s heart

You’ll wander among cheeky monkeys in Ubud’s forest sanctuary, swing high above Tegalalang Rice Terrace, taste lunch surrounded by green fields, and watch locals at Tirta Empul Temple perform ancient rituals before cooling off at Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s a day full of small surprises—some loud, some quiet—that’ll stick with you long after you leave Bali.

What’s the experience like?

Hands still sticky from the banana I’d tried to hide in my pocket (rookie mistake), I watched a macaque size me up at the Ubud Monkey Forest. Our guide Wayan just grinned—he’s seen it all before. The air was thick with that earthy, leafy smell you only get in a real jungle. You hear birds, but it’s mostly monkey chatter and the sound of flip-flops on mossy stone. I’m not sure who was more curious—me or them.

The drive to Tegalalang Rice Terrace felt longer than I expected, but maybe that’s because we kept slowing for scooters and ceremonies spilling into the road. When we finally got there, those layers of green were almost too bright to look at straight on. Wayan explained how the subak system works—honestly, I only half understood it but loved how proud he sounded. We did the jungle swing (my stomach dropped out somewhere over a palm tree) and then lunch nearby—rice so fresh it tasted sweet, with satay skewers and lime so sharp it made my eyes water.

I didn’t expect Tirta Empul Temple to feel so peaceful with all those people around. There was this hush under the banyan trees; incense smoke drifted sideways in the heat. Locals moved quietly through their purification rituals while we watched from behind—felt like we were borrowing someone else’s sacred moment for a bit. After that came Tegenungan Waterfall, loud and cold enough to wake you right up after a long day in Bali sun. Some folks swam; I just let my feet dangle in the spray and tried not to think about heading back yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
• Experience the Jungle Swing
• See Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Enjoy lunch by rice fields
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple
• Relax at Tegenungan Waterfall

Top questions

How long is the Ubud private day tour?

The total duration is about 10 hours including travel time between stops.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Are entrance tickets covered?

If you choose the price option with entrance tickets, they are included.

Is lunch provided during this Ubud tour?

Lunch is included if you select that price option when booking.

What are the main stops on this Ubud day trip?

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

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

How much time do we spend at each destination?

You’ll spend about 6 hours total at destinations; 4 hours are spent traveling between them.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off around Ubud, bottled water to keep you cool between stops, entry fees if you select that option when booking, plus a local lunch served among rice fields before heading back as evening sets in.