Ubud: Private Waterfalls, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Day Trip

Summary

Rice fields, waterfalls and monkeys in Ubud with a private driver

You’ll ride through Ubud with a local driver who knows every shortcut and story spot. Walk muddy rice terraces at sunrise, feel temple incense swirl around you at Tirta Empul, get soaked by Kanto Lampo Waterfall’s mist, then share a laugh with monkeys in their forest home—all in one private day trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's nature and culture

• Visit Happy Swing Bali
• Walk Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Tour Tirta Empul Temple
• Lunch at Pangkon Bali Restaurant
• See Kanto Lampo Waterfall
• Explore Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private Ubud tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included with your private driver.

Are entrance tickets covered in the price?

All entry fees for attractions are included in your booking.

How long does it take to reach Kanto Lampo Waterfall from central Ubud?

It usually takes around 30-40 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Can I participate in the purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple?

Yes, participation is optional and sarongs are provided for visitors.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

Lunch is not included; guests pay for their own meal at Pangkon Bali Restaurant.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Will there be time to take photos at each stop?

The pace is flexible so you can take photos as much as you like.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to some walking and stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup with an English-speaking driver who also acts as your guide throughout Ubud. All entrance tickets are taken care of ahead of time so you won’t wait in lines or handle cash at each stop. Bottled water is provided along the way to keep you cool between waterfalls and temples.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the air changed just outside Ubud—suddenly thick with green smells and that soft hum of scooters somewhere far off. Our driver, Putu, greeted us right at the hotel lobby (I was still half-asleep but he had this easy smile). He let us pick the order of stops, which honestly felt like a small luxury. We started with Tegalalang Rice Terrace because Putu said the light was best early. He wasn’t wrong; the terraces glowed like someone had polished each blade of grass. I tried to walk along one of those narrow mud paths—nearly slipped twice—and a farmer waved from below, grinning at my city shoes.

I didn’t expect Tirta Empul Temple to feel so alive. The sound of water running over stone was everywhere, and people moved quietly in bright sarongs (they handed us some at the entrance). Some locals were deep in prayer or stepping into the pools for purification—there was incense hanging in the air and something about it made me slow down without thinking. Our guide explained bits about the rituals but didn’t rush us. I watched an older woman cup water over her head three times; she caught my eye and smiled like we shared a secret.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall came next—a short walk down slippery steps where you can hear the falls before you see them. The spray hit my face before I even got close. There were families laughing on rocks, a couple taking about a hundred photos (can’t blame them), and this cool shade that made me want to just sit there forever. Lunch was at Pangkon Bali Restaurant, tucked away from any main road—simple food, nothing fancy but so good after climbing around all morning. I tried something spicy I couldn’t pronounce; Putu laughed when I coughed on my first bite.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is its own world: monkeys darting across mossy statues, sunlight flickering through giant trees. At one point a little monkey tried to untie my shoelace—quick hands! There’s this hush under the canopy except for bursts of monkey chatter and tourists’ surprised yelps (mine included). Walking back to the car, I realized how much quieter my mind felt than when we’d started out that morning. Something about Ubud lingers long after you leave—I still think about that view over Tegalalang sometimes, you know?