Ubud: Private Day Tour with Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces & Jungle Swing

Summary

Monkey Forest to rice fields, sacred water temple and jungle swing in Ubud

You’ll wander through Ubud’s wild Monkey Forest (watch your bag!), walk Tegalalang’s steep rice terraces with local farmers nearby, dip your toes into Bali’s sacred Tirta Empul Temple rituals, and try that famous jungle swing over green valleys. With lunch included and hotel pickup sorted, you’ll feel both looked after and totally swept up in Bali’s rhythms.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the monkeys to be so bold in Ubud’s Monkey Forest — one of them actually tried to unzip my backpack while our guide, Putu, just grinned and handed me a peanut to distract it. The forest itself smells like wet moss and incense, with all these little shrines tucked under roots. You hear birds, but mostly it’s the monkeys chattering or just staring at you like they’re sizing you up (they probably are). I still laugh thinking about how Putu warned us not to make eye contact with the big ones — “They think you’re challenging them,” he said. I believed him.

After that we drove north out of town for maybe half an hour — windows down, air thick with that sweet green smell from the rice paddies. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is steeper than it looks in photos; walking along those narrow muddy paths felt almost like balancing on a tightrope, except you’re surrounded by this insane patchwork of green. We saw a couple of farmers in those pointed hats waving as they worked. There was a moment where the sun broke through and everything just glowed for a second. It’s hard to explain but it felt peaceful and kind of ancient at the same time.

Tirta Empul Temple was next — Putu showed us how locals come for purification rituals, lining up quietly at each spring. He told us each fountain has its own meaning (I honestly forgot half of them but I remember feeling the cool stone under my feet and smelling sandalwood everywhere). Lunch was included at this open-air spot overlooking more rice fields; simple food, nothing fancy, but after walking around all morning I swear that chicken tasted better than any restaurant meal back home.

The last bit was Tegenungan Waterfall — loud and misty, with people wading into the pool below or just sitting on rocks watching the spray. My shoes got soaked but I didn’t really care by then. Oh, and yes — we did the jungle swing thing. I screamed (not proud), but Li got a photo right as my hair went everywhere so now it lives on forever in our group chat. The whole private day trip from Ubud felt less like ticking off sights and more like being let in on some local secret… even if everyone else had their phones out too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
• Walk Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Tour Tirta Empul Temple
• See Tegenungan Waterfall
• Enjoy lunch
• Take photos at giant swing

Top questions

How long does the private Ubud day tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Ubud highlights tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant overlooking rice fields during the tour.

Are entrance fees covered for Monkey Forest & other sites?

All entrance fees are included for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Does this day trip from Ubud include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided from areas including Seminyak, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Canggu, Gianyar, Denpasar and Kuta Bali.

Can infants join this private day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available if requested in advance.

Is there much walking involved during this tour?

You’ll do some walking at Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace (on uneven ground), Tirta Empul Temple and near Tegenungan Waterfall.

Will there be an English-speaking guide or driver?

Your private driver also acts as an English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Is swimming allowed at Tegenungan Waterfall?

You can go down to the water at Tegenungan Waterfall or enjoy views from above; swimming is possible depending on conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most main areas around Ubud (like Seminyak or Sanur), entry fees to every site — Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegenungan Waterfall — plus private transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide who knows all the shortcuts. Lunch is covered at a local spot overlooking rice fields before heading back home again in air-conditioned comfort.