Ubud: Private Day Tour Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul & Waterfall

Summary

Ubud culture wild monkeys temple springs rice terraces

You’ll feel Ubud’s pulse from inside local homes to jungle temples on this private day trip with hotel pickup. Meet cheeky monkeys in their forest sanctuary, walk ancient rice terraces, join a cleansing ritual at Tirta Empul Temple, and cool off by Tegenungan Waterfall—plus lunch with a view that lingers long after you’ve left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's culture and nature

• Drive to traditional Balinese house
• Learn about Balinese culture and lifestyle
• Visit Sacred Monkey Forest and see macaques
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace pathways
• Enjoy jungle swing and lunch
• Experience spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul Temple
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall viewpoint

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Ubud private tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included in the tour price.

Do I need to bring my own sarong for Tirta Empul Temple?

No, sarongs are provided for visitors at Tirta Empul Temple.

Is lunch included during the day trip in Ubud?

Yes, lunch is included at D'Alas warung restaurant overlooking the rice terraces.

Are entry fees covered for all attractions on this tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

How long does this private day trip around Ubud last?

The full tour typically takes most of the day with several stops and lunch included.

Can children or infants join this Ubud cultural highlights tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be used.

Is this Ubud tour accessible for wheelchairs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to provided information.

Will we have an English-speaking guide during the day trip?

Yes, an English-speaking driver/guide will accompany you throughout your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in a private air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for each site—including Sacred Monkey Forest and Tirta Empul Temple—a traditional Balinese lunch at D’Alas warung (with that jungle view), bottled water along the way, plus guidance from an English-speaking local who knows every shortcut through Ubud’s winding roads before dropping you back at your hotel again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Ubud was the smell—incense and wet earth, kind of sweet but sharp. Our driver, Wayan, grinned as he picked us up right from the hotel. He joked about the traffic (“Bali time is different!”) and then we were off to a Balinese house compound. I didn’t expect to be handed a cup of ginger tea by someone’s grandmother, but there she was, smiling with all her teeth. The walls were rough stone, chickens wandering around like they owned the place. Wayan explained how each part of the house had a meaning—honestly, I got lost after a while but it felt respectful just to listen.

Then came the Sacred Monkey Forest. The macaques were everywhere—one jumped right onto a guy’s backpack (not mine, thank god). It’s noisy in there: monkeys chattering, tourists squealing, birds overhead. I kept my sunglasses on tight after Wayan warned me (“They love shiny things”). There was this mossy smell under the trees and you could hear water somewhere nearby but never quite see it.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace was next. It looks almost unreal—all those green steps carved into the hillsides. We tried the jungle swing (I screamed louder than I meant to), then sat down for lunch at D’Alas warung overlooking everything. The rice was sticky and tasted faintly smoky; maybe it was just my hands still smelling like incense from earlier. I liked that nobody rushed us here—just cicadas buzzing and wind in the palms.

After lunch we drove out to Tirta Empul Temple for the spiritual cleansing ritual. Wayan showed us how to tie our sarongs properly (mine kept slipping). The water was cold enough to make me gasp and there were locals quietly praying beside us; it felt serious but not heavy—more like being invited into something old and gentle. Last stop: Tegenungan Waterfall. You can hear it before you see it—a low roar behind thick leaves—and when you finally get close, spray hits your face and everything feels cooler for a minute or two. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.