Ubud: Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest & Waterfall Day Tour

Summary

Ubud’s rice terraces, temples & monkey forest with a local’s touch

You’ll wander ancient temples, swing high above emerald rice terraces, meet cheeky monkeys in Ubud’s sacred forest, and cool off beneath Tegenungan Waterfall—all with a local guide who shares stories along the way. Expect laughter, new tastes and smells, and quiet moments that stick with you long after Bali fades into memory.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared of monkeys, right?” our driver Wayan grinned as we pulled up to the Sacred Monkey Forest. I laughed—honestly, I was a little nervous. The macaques darted around us, their fur almost the same dusty grey as the temple stones. One sat on the railing, eyeing my water bottle like it might be his next snack. Wayan told us how locals believe these monkeys protect the forest, but he also warned us to keep our sunglasses close. I still hear their chattering when I think about Ubud.

We’d started earlier at Tegalalang Rice Terrace—mist still hanging over those endless green steps. It’s quieter than Instagram makes it seem; you can actually hear the water trickling through the paddies if you stand still for a second. The swing looked a bit terrifying at first (it’s higher than it looks), but once you’re up there, legs swinging out over all that green, you kind of forget everything else. My friend nearly dropped her sandal mid-swing and we couldn’t stop laughing.

The day trip from Ubud kept surprising me. At Batuan Temple, we caught a family in bright sarongs carrying baskets of flowers for purification—Wayan explained how every offering has its own meaning here. The air smelled like incense and wet stone after last night’s rain. Tegenungan Waterfall was louder than I expected; standing under it felt like being inside a drum. We cooled off in the spray and watched kids jumping from rocks like they’d done it forever.

There was time for wandering too—Mas Village for wood carving (the smell of fresh sawdust lingers), Celuk Village where silver jewelry glinted everywhere, and a quick pass through Ubud Art Market where bargaining is apparently half the fun (I was terrible at it). By late afternoon on Campuhan Ridge Walk, light slanted through tall grass and everything felt slower for a moment. Not sure why that part stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ubud's top attractions

• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• See monkeys at Sacred Monkey Forest
• Swim at Tegenungan Waterfall
• Explore Batuan Temple
• Visit Ubud Art Market (pass by)
• Enjoy the jungle swing
• Pass Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Visit painting arts center
• Experience Batik weaving
• Explore silver jewelry making in Celuk Village
• Visit wood carving in Mas Village

Top questions

How long does this Ubud day tour last?

This private day trip covers all main attractions in Ubud within one full day—expect around 8-10 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included with private air-conditioned transport.

Can I swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?

Yes, there’s time to swim beneath Tegenungan Waterfall during the tour.

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees for Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Batuan Temple and Tegenungan Waterfall are included.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

The reference doesn’t mention lunch being included; best to bring some snacks or ask your guide about stops along the way.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Do guides speak English?

Your driver/guide speaks English throughout the day trip in Ubud.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes for walking (especially at rice terraces), swimwear for the waterfall, sun protection and maybe a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned comfort, entry fees to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Batuan Temple and Tegenungan Waterfall—and plenty of time to try out that famous jungle swing before heading back home tired but happy.