Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour

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If you’re planning a day soaking in the best of Ubud, Bali, this guided tour offers a well-balanced mix of nature, culture, and local life. Designed for travelers eager to see a variety of sights without the hassle of organizing multiple stops, this experience covers everything from playful monkeys to sacred temples.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the expert guide’s knowledge—which makes each site come alive—and the stunning views at the rice terraces and waterfall. However, it’s worth noting that the full day’s schedule can feel a bit packed, especially if you’re not a fan of rushing between attractions. Still, if you love authentic encounters and scenic landscapes, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

It’s an ideal choice for those who want a comprehensive taste of Ubud’s highlights in a single day, especially if you prefer guided outings to explore comfortably and learn as you go.

Key Points

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Key Points

  • Affordable pricing offers good value for seeing multiple top sights in Ubud.
  • Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and local stories.
  • Diverse stops include wildlife, rice terraces, temples, and waterfalls.
  • Flexible options like pickup and group discounts make it accessible.
  • Time management might be tight, so be prepared for a full day.
  • Authentic experiences with opportunities for photos and culture.

👉 Check out our guide to the 8 Best 2 Day Tours In Ubud

Contents

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - An In-Depth Look at the Tour

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

The Convenience of a Well-Organized Day

Starting with pickup services and an air-conditioned vehicle, this tour prioritizes comfort early on. With a duration of approximately 10 hours, it packs in a lot, but the schedule is carefully curated to maximize your time at each location. The small group size—limited to 15 travelers—means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and your guide can give more personalized attention.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Playful Encounters & Nature

Our first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a lush, green haven in Ubud. As you step into this reserve, you’re immediately greeted by the lively chatter and antics of hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques. The forest isn’t just a zoo; it’s a spiritual site and a sanctuary of nature. The admission fee is included, so your focus can be on watching these clever monkeys interact with visitors.

Travelers often rave about the opportunity to get close to the monkeys and even capture memorable photos. One reviewer praised their guide Mangkok for being “professional, funny, and very knowledgeable,” making the monkey encounters both fun and educational.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Iconic Panoramas & Photo Opportunities

Next, we head to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous landscapes. Carved into the hillsides, these terraces showcase intricate balinese traditional irrigation systems and offer sweeping views of lush, green paddies cascading down the hills.

Expect about an hour here, enough time to walk along the terraces, admire the craftsmanship, and snap some photos. Many visitors enjoy doing the Ubud Jungle Swing here—an exhilarating way to see the rice fields from a different perspective, if you choose to add that activity.

Tirta Empul Temple: Sacred Water & Rituals

The spiritual highlight of the day is the Tirta Empul Temple, renowned for its holy spring water used in purification rituals. As you explore this Hindu water temple, your guide explains its significance and the water’s believed healing properties. You’ll have around two hours here, giving you time to observe or participate in a ritual if you wish.

Visitors often describe Tirta Empul as peaceful and spiritual, a perfect place to understand Bali’s religious traditions. The admission fee is included, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Tibumana Waterfall: Serenity & Natural Beauty

The final outdoor stop is the Tibumana Waterfall, an often less-crowded gem featuring a waterfall that cascades into a shallow pool. Surrounded by tropical greenery, it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing swim or simply relaxing to the soothing sounds of falling water. With about two hours allocated, you can enjoy the natural tranquility and soak in the lush surroundings.

Ubud Traditional Market: Local Life & Souvenirs

Back in Ubud, the vibrant Traditional Art Market offers a sensory overload of colors, textures, and local crafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs—think handmade textiles, jewelry, and local snacks. The guide can help you navigate the stalls, and you’ll have around an hour to browse.

Ubud Jungle Swing: Scenic Heights & Thrills

For those wanting a dash of adventure, the Ubud Jungle Swing brings breathtaking views of the jungle, rice terraces, and river valleys. While not included in the price, it’s highly recommended for the incredible photos and heart-pumping fun. The two hours here include time for the swing and possibly other nearby activities, depending on your interests.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The value is a key strength. At just over $24 per person, it covers entrance fees to all major sites, transportation, bottled water, and the guidance of a knowledgeable local. It’s an excellent way to see multiple highlights without having to organize transportation or worry about tickets.

The guides are consistently praised for their professionalism and ability to make each site interesting. One reviewer, Jenille, shared, “Our guide Mangkok was excellent! So professional, funny and very knowledgeable.” Having someone to interpret Bali’s cultural nuances and share insider tips transforms a sightseeing day into a memorable learning experience.

The scenic diversity—from lively monkey encounters to tranquil waterfalls and lush rice terraces—ensures you get a well-rounded impression of Ubud’s natural and spiritual appeal. Photographers especially love the views at Tegalalang and the swing, while others appreciate the peacefulness of Tirta Empul and Tibumana.

Practical Considerations

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Practical Considerations

While the tour offers loads of value, it’s important to keep in mind the long day involved. It’s quite full, and some stops may feel rushed if you prefer more leisurely exploration. Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and a water bottle are essentials, especially at outdoor sites.

The group size, limited to 15, helps keep the experience personal and manageable. However, the additional cost for activities like the Jungle Swing is not included, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge.

Lunch isn’t included, giving you the flexibility to choose local warungs or bring your own snacks. The tour’s flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours, adds peace of mind for travelers unsure of their plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers eager to cover a variety of sights in a single day, especially those who appreciate guided insights and convenience. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad impression of Ubud’s top attractions without the hassle of planning individual tickets and transport.

Nature lovers will enjoy the waterfalls, rice terraces, and wildlife, while culture seekers will appreciate Tirta Empul’s spiritual significance. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo but prefer a social group, this tour offers an engaging, well-rounded adventure.

The Sum Up

This Ubud tour offers a solid value for those wanting to experience Bali’s highlights effortlessly. It combines nature, culture, and local life in a way that’s accessible, informative, and visually stunning. The expert guides add authenticity and storytelling, making each site more meaningful.

While the schedule is packed, the variety of stops ensures there’s something for all—whether it’s the playful monkeys, breathtaking rice terraces, or sacred temple rituals. The inclusion of all entrance fees and transportation means you won’t need to worry about extra costs, making it a good deal for the price.

If you’re after a comprehensive day of Bali’s best, with a good mix of outdoors and culture, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want a guided, organized experience that highlights the authentic sights of Ubud.

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Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour



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FAQ

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 10 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all the major sites—Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall—have their admission fees covered.

Can I do this tour with a small group?
Yes, the group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, giving you flexibility to choose where to eat.

What’s the best time to visit?
While not specified, the tour is designed for daylight hours, so mornings are typically best to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.

Can I add activities like the Jungle Swing?
Yes, the Jungle Swing is a popular add-on, though it’s not included in the tour price.

Are children or elderly travelers suited for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long day and outdoor activities if traveling with young children or seniors.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a water bottle, and a camera.

What’s the maximum group size?
15 travelers, to maintain a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

This well-rounded tour of Ubud is a fantastic way to learn about Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual traditions without the stress of organizing each visit yourself. It’s ideal for those craving a practical, informative, and scenic day with plenty of authentic touches.

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