Ubud: Private Day Tour Rice Terraces, Temples & Waterfall

Summary

Bali’s green heart—rice terraces, temples, monkey forest and a waterfall day

You’ll wander Ubud’s sacred Monkey Forest (watch your sunglasses), feel cool spray at Tegenungan waterfall, walk muddy paths through Tegalalang rice terraces, and try a simple Balinese lunch overlooking green hills—with stories from your local guide along the way. End your day feeling both lighter and strangely connected to Bali’s old rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about monkeys. The morning started with our guide, Wayan, grinning as he handed us bottled water outside our hotel in Ubud. “Keep your sunglasses close,” he said, and I thought he was joking—until we actually got to the Monkey Forest and saw one little guy snatch a woman’s hat right off her head. The place is loud with monkey chatter and the smell of damp leaves. It’s somehow both chaotic and peaceful under all those banyan trees.

After that, we drove out past tiny shrines tucked into roadside corners to Tegenungan waterfall. You hear it before you see it—a low roar behind the trees—and then suddenly there’s this wall of water crashing down into mist. I dipped my toes in (freezing!) while Wayan told us how locals come here early for blessings. There were a few kids laughing on the rocks; their moms waved at us like we were neighbors. It felt less like a tourist stop than I expected.

The real surprise was Tegalalang rice terrace. It’s just so green—like someone turned up the saturation on Bali itself. We wandered along the narrow paths between paddies; my sandals kept slipping in the mud but I didn’t care much. Lunch was nearby—a plate of nasi campur with views over the fields and that sticky heat that makes you slow down whether you want to or not. Wayan explained how his uncle still works these terraces by hand, sunrise to sunset.

Tirta Empul temple came after—the holy spring where people line up for purification rituals. The scent of incense mixed with something earthy from the water. I tried to follow what Wayan showed us: step in quietly, hands together, splash three times at each fountain. Felt silly at first but honestly? It stuck with me more than I thought it would. By the time we reached Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), my feet were tired but my head felt clearer somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and temples

• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall
• Explore Ubud Monkey Forest
• See Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Have lunch with jungle view
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple
• Explore Elephant Cave Temple

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud private tour?

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

How long does it take to reach Tegenungan waterfall from Ubud?

It takes around 30 minutes by private vehicle from central Ubud to Tegenungan waterfall.

Are entry fees included for all attractions on this tour?

Yes, entry fees for all listed sites are covered in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during this Bali day trip?

Yes, a traditional Balinese lunch is included at a restaurant with nature views.

Can I do purification at Tirta Empul temple during this tour?

You can participate in water blessing rituals if you wish—your guide will explain how.

How physically demanding is walking through Tegalalang rice terrace?

The paths can be muddy and uneven but are manageable for most fitness levels.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this private tour?

Yes, your driver also serves as an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere around Ubud, all entry fees to sites like Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tirta Empul temple, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide who also drives (Wayan made sure we never missed a story), a local Balinese lunch overlooking rice fields, bottled water along the way, plus fuel charges so you don’t have to think about anything except what you’re seeing next.