Ubud Private Van Tour: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Volcano View

Summary

Full-Day Ubud Highlights Tour by Private Van

You’ll cover Ubud’s must-see spots in comfort: meet cheeky monkeys in their forest home, walk rice terraces at sunrise, eat lunch overlooking Mount Batur, join locals at Tirta Empul’s holy springs, and cool off by Tegenungan Waterfall—all with space for your whole group in a private van.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we rolled into the Monkey Forest was the sound—soft chattering from somewhere above, then a flash of gray tail darting across the path. Our guide, Wayan, grinned and pointed out a mother macaque grooming her baby right on the temple steps. The air felt cool under the thick canopy, and you could smell damp earth mixed with incense from a nearby shrine. We wandered slowly through the forest trails, careful to keep our snacks hidden (these monkeys are clever!). Inside the forest, three old temples peeked out between mossy stones—locals say they’re guarded by the monkeys themselves.

Next up: Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The sun had just started to climb higher when we got there, lighting up those bright green steps like something out of a painting. Farmers were already at work—barefoot in muddy water—calling out to each other in Balinese. We took a short walk along the edge; it’s easy to lose track of time watching the wind ripple through all that rice. If you’re into photos, this is your spot. There’s even a little warung at the top selling fresh coconut water (I grabbed one—so good after walking in the heat).

Kintamani was cooler—literally. As soon as we stepped out of the van, a breeze hit us straight off Lake Batur. You get this wide-open view of Mount Batur with clouds drifting over its peak. Lunch here was buffet style: lots of local dishes like sate lilit and fried tempeh. Our driver suggested sitting near the window for the best volcano view—and he was right.

Tirta Empul Temple came next. The place buzzes with quiet energy; you’ll see locals lining up for holy water blessings at the spring pools before heading inside to pray. I watched an older woman help her grandson dip his head under each fountain—it’s clearly more than just ritual here; it’s family tradition.

We finished at Tegenungan Waterfall. Even from the parking lot you can hear it—a deep rush that gets louder as you walk down through stalls selling sarongs and fruit juice. The spray hits your face before you even reach the bottom steps. Some folks went right down for photos by the pool; I hung back on a hilltop platform where you get a full view framed by thick jungle leaves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud and Surroundings

• Visit Sacred Monkey Forest
• Trek Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• View Batur Volcano at Kintamani
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple
• See Tegenungan Waterfall

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes! The van has space for strollers and infant seats are available if needed.

Can I bring someone who uses a wheelchair?

No problem—the tour is wheelchair accessible and our team will help with any special needs.

What should I wear or bring?

Light clothes are best; bring sunscreen and maybe sandals for wet areas like Tirta Empul or Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

A local buffet lunch is included at Kintamani with Indonesian dishes plus bottled water throughout the day.

What’s included

Your private air-conditioned van fits up to 15 people comfortably—perfect for families or groups of friends. All entrance fees and taxes are covered so there’s no extra hassle at each stop. Bottled water is always on hand (trust me, you’ll want it), plus a tasty buffet lunch up in Kintamani overlooking Mount Batur.