Ubud: Private Waterfall, Rice Terrace & Temple Day Trip

Summary

Ubud’s wild monkeys, sacred springs and green rice terraces in a single day

You’ll feed monkeys in Ubud’s forest, walk muddy paths through Tegalalang rice terraces with your local guide, sip Balinese coffee overlooking jungle valleys, and watch prayers at Tirta Empul Temple before feeling the spray of Tegenungan Waterfall on your skin—all with hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just let Bali happen to you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not water or birds, but monkeys. We’d just stepped into the Monkey Forest in Ubud and there they were, everywhere, tails flicking, some old guy with a tired face watching us from a low branch. Our guide Wayan grinned and handed me a peanut (for the monkey, not me) and warned me about my sunglasses. There’s something about seeing temples half-swallowed by roots while macaques squabble around you that makes you feel like you’re in someone else’s story. Maybe you are.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace looked almost fake at first—so green it hurt my eyes. Wayan explained how the subak irrigation system works; I barely followed but nodded anyway because he was so earnest about it. We walked along the narrow edges between paddies, mud sucking at my shoes. I tried to say “terima kasih” to an old woman working nearby; she smiled and corrected my pronunciation with a laugh that made her shoulders shake. The air smelled like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t place.

After coffee at a tiny agrotourism spot (the civet cat was sleeping—honestly kind of relieved), we headed to Tirta Empul Temple. The holy spring was crowded with locals bathing, some quietly praying as water poured over their heads. I felt awkward watching but Wayan said it was okay to observe if we were respectful. The stone underfoot was cold and slick; incense drifted everywhere. I still think about that moment—the hush under all those voices, people hoping for something better.

Tegenungan Waterfall was last. You hear it before you see it—a dull roar behind thick leaves—and then suddenly you’re standing above this wild curtain of water crashing into mist below. Some folks went down for photos but honestly, I just stood there for a bit breathing in the damp air. My legs were tired by then but in that weird way where you don’t mind being tired because it means you actually did something real that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Meet driver at hotel lobby
• Visit Sacred Monkey Forest
• Walk through monkey forest temples
• See Tegallalang Rice Terraces
• Tour Bali Coffee Plantation
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple holy springs
• Explore Tegenungan Waterfall area

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Ubud private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip from anywhere in Ubud or central Bali.

How long does the day trip from Ubud to Tegenungan Waterfall take?

The full tour lasts most of the day—expect 7-8 hours including all stops like Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Tirta Empul Temple.

Can I visit the Monkey Forest on this tour?

Yes, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of your first stops during this private day trip around Ubud.

Is lunch included in this Bali private tour?

No lunch is specifically mentioned as included—bring cash if you want to eat at a local spot during the tour.

Do I need special clothing for Tirta Empul Temple?

You’ll need to wear modest clothing (knees/shoulders covered). Sarongs are usually available at the temple entrance if needed.

Are entry fees covered in this Ubud waterfall & temple tour?

If you select the all-inclusive price option when booking, entry fees are included; otherwise bring extra cash for tickets.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You should be moderately fit—there’s walking on uneven ground at rice terraces and stairs near waterfalls.

Can infants join this Bali private tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; strollers may be tricky on rough terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere around Ubud or central Bali, an English-speaking local driver who knows every shortcut (and probably everyone along the way), gasoline for all transfers between stops like Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Bali Coffee Plantation, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegenungan Waterfall—with entry fees covered if you select the all-inclusive option when booking.