Ubud: Private Day Tour Rice Terraces, Temples & Waterfalls

Summary

Ubud’s rice terraces temples monkey forest and hidden waterfalls

You’ll wander rice terraces at Tegalalang with a local guide explaining Subak’s secrets, join families at Tirta Empul Temple’s holy springs, dodge cheeky macaques in Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and cool your feet at Tegenungan Waterfall—all with easy hotel pickup included. It’s those small sensory moments that will stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You can hear the water before you see it,” Wayan said as we walked along the edge of Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and he was right — there’s this faint trickle that gets louder when you stop talking. The air was thick and green, if that makes sense, and I kept brushing little bits of wet grass off my ankles. Wayan explained how Subak worked, tracing the lines in the mud with his finger. I didn’t expect to care about irrigation but honestly, it made the whole place feel alive. We’d started early from Ubud (hotel pickup is a lifesaver), still half-awake when we met him, but by then I was wide awake — maybe it was the smell of woodsmoke or just seeing people actually tending the fields.

Tirta Empul Temple was next. There were families in bright sarongs queuing for the holy springs, laughing quietly and splashing each other — not what I pictured for a sacred ritual but somehow it felt more real. Wayan handed me a flower and told me to toss it in after making a wish. I tried to pronounce “Tirta Empul” properly; he grinned and shook his head (“Close enough!”). The incense hung heavy in the air and my shirt stuck to my back — Bali humidity is no joke. After that, we stopped at Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary where one bold macaque tried to steal my sunglasses (I won that round). The monkeys are everywhere, darting between mossy statues and tourists who mostly pretend not to be nervous.

Lunch was simple—rice, chicken satay—at a roadside spot Wayan liked. He talked about his family while rain started tapping on the roof. We squeezed in Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) and Tegenungan Waterfall after; both felt quieter than I’d expected. Maybe because it was late afternoon or maybe just luck. At Tegenungan, you could feel mist on your face before you even reached the bottom steps. I didn’t swim but dipped my feet in—cold enough to make me yelp.

I keep thinking about those little moments: wet grass between my toes at Tegalalang, incense at Tirta Empul, laughter echoing under trees full of monkeys. A day trip in Ubud isn’t just ticking off places—it’s all these tiny things stitched together by someone who knows every shortcut and story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
• See holy purification at Tirta Empul Temple
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace views
• Visit Elephant Cave temple and relics
• Enjoy Tegenungan Waterfall scenery
• Pass Ubud Art Market
• Pass Ubud Palace
• Pass Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Pass Saraswati Temple
• Pass Neka Art Museum
• Pass Batuan Temple

Top questions

How long does the Ubud private day tour last?

The tour lasts around 8-10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off depending on your location.

Is hotel pickup included in this Ubud day trip?

Yes, door-to-door hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

What are the main stops on this Ubud private tour?

Main stops include Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah), Tegenungan Waterfall, plus arts villages and markets.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

If you choose the Full Ubud Tour option they are included; otherwise for custom trips they’re not included.

Can I customize my own itinerary for this day trip?

Yes, there is an option for an Ubud Custom Trip where you choose which places to visit within 10 hours of private car hire.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is not included but your guide can recommend local spots along the way.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome; kids 2 years old and under join free with an adult.

Does this tour include visits to waterfalls near Ubud?

The standard itinerary includes Tegenungan Waterfall; other waterfalls like Tibumana or Kanto Lampo can be added on custom trips.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide who picks you up from your hotel or port in Ubud or Benoa area. Depending on your choice of package (Full Tour or Custom Trip), entrance fees may be covered. Local tax is always included so you don’t have to worry about extra charges for basic services during your journey through rice terraces, temples, monkey forests and waterfalls.