Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS
Ubud Highlight Private Charter with Jungle Swing
Swinging through the jungle is the main event. This private Ubud charter strings together temples, crafts, and jungle scenery into one long day, with hotel pickup so you spend less time figuring out transport.
What I like most is the mix of Sacred Monkey Forest plus temple time, so the day feels like more than a photo stop loop.
I also like the hands-on energy of Celuk, where you can watch silversmiths at work and then shop for jewelry you actually understand. If you are lucky, you might get a driver like Olin, Gede, Putu, or Komang, all of whom come up in good feedback for friendliness and helping with photos.
One thing to plan for: entrance fees and lunch are not included, and the swing stop is listed as no admission included. Budget time and money for tickets and drinks, and you will have a smoother day.
Key highlights to know before you go

- Private hotel transfers from Ubud and much of south Bali, so your day starts with less stress
- Three separate temples: Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Batuan Temple, and Tirta Empul for different kinds of sacred sites
- Celuk jewelry village where you can watch makers and shop in the same place they work
- Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace for classic Ubud nature views
- Terrace River Pool Swing for that signature “Bali swing over a jungle gorge” photo moment
A full Ubud day that mixes sacred sites with real craft life

This tour works well if you want variety without juggling multiple bookings. You get a single driver and vehicle, plus a route that moves from Ubud’s spiritual side into workshops and then into waterfalls and viewpoints. It is private, meaning it is just your group, not a big bus shuffle.
At the center of the day is the jungle swing. It is the stop people talk about because it is visual, fun, and very “Bali” in the best way: you are high up, framed by greenery, and the gorge and river bend do a lot of the heavy lifting for photos.
The other big win is that you are not only looking at monuments. You also stop at a working craft area in Celuk, and you get time at a market area in Ubud as well. That blend matters because it gives you a fuller snapshot of what daily life and culture can look like beyond the temple courtyards.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Private transfers in Ubud: how the day stays efficient
The tour includes private two-way transfers from your hotel in Ubud and much of south Bali. That saves you from taxi-hunting, waiting around, and doing the math on distance and traffic.
You also get a private English-speaking driver, with parking and petrol handled. Insurance is included too, which is a small detail until something goes wrong, then it stops being a small detail.
The day is long at about 10 hours total, with individual stops timed from roughly one hour to about two hours. That length is why pickup matters. When you start at your hotel, you can actually use those hours for temples, the swing, and nature, rather than wasting part of the day getting to the next location.
Tip: since lunch is not included, decide beforehand whether you want a casual meal break you can pay for on the go, or you prefer grabbing something light earlier in the day.
Stop-by-stop: Sacred Monkey Forest, Batuan Temple, and Tirta Empul

This route gives you three temple experiences that feel different from each other, even though they are all rooted in Balinese Hindu culture.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: nature reserve meets temple complex
The first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud. It is a nature reserve and temple complex that houses around 1,800 macaques of the same species.
You will spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That time is important because it is not just “walk in, take a photo, walk out.” You need a little room to wander through the forest paths and view the temple areas calmly, plus handle the reality that monkeys are… monkeys. Keep your phone and bags close, and don’t act like the monkeys will ignore you. They rarely do.
Admission is listed as free for this stop in the schedule, but the tour notes that entrance fees are at your expense. So treat this as “possibly free, double-check day-of,” and you will be prepared either way.
Batuan Temple: local temple cared for by the surrounding community
Next up is Batuan Temple (also called Puseh Batuan Temple). This is described as a local Balinese Hindu temple looked after by residents of the Batuan countryside.
You will have about 1 hour 30 minutes. That is a nice duration here because Batuan is known for its ornate design, and it rewards slow viewing. Temples like this often feel less touristy than the most famous ones, which can make your visit feel more like you are seeing how people use the space.
Admission is not included, so bring cash or a card option your guide suggests.
Tirta Empul: holy spring water and ritual purification
The third temple stop is Tirta Empul, meaning Holy Spring. The compound includes a petirtaan, a bathing structure connected to ritual purification. Balinese Hindus visit here for cleansing practices.
This stop runs about 1 hour, so you will likely focus on observing the rituals and the spring area without needing an all-day commitment. It is one of those places where the meaning is in the details, not in giant scale.
Again, admission is not included, so plan for tickets and water-related rules you might be given at the site.
Celuk village for jewelry making, plus Ubud’s Art Market browsing

Most Ubud days include “shopping,” but this itinerary gives you shopping with context.
Celuk: watch silversmiths at work, then shop with a sense of what you are buying
Celuk village is described as a famous place for making silver and gold jewelry, with makers who work in a community setting. You will see how the jewelry is made and then you can shop.
This is a solid stop for two reasons. First, watching the process makes the price tags feel more understandable. Second, you get to ask questions and connect the style you like with the craft steps that create it.
Expect this to be a more active and curiosity-driven part of the day, not a sit-and-watch moment.
Ubud Art Market: craft goods and everyday souvenirs
The itinerary also includes the Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud). This is a good place for lightweight, practical items like silk scarves, shirts, woven bags, baskets, and hats.
This part is valuable because it is not only about temples and views. You get something tangible to take home that fits Bali’s maker culture.
Practical note: markets are usually where you do your final comparison shopping. If you are going to buy jewelry, I would still compare prices and styles between stops, since craft areas and markets can overlap.
Waterfall, rice terraces, and the jungle swing: the photo-heavy payoff

By the time you reach the nature stops, your day is already full, so pacing matters.
Tegenungan Waterfall: classic jungle waterfall views
Tegenungan Waterfall is described as one of the most popular and visited waterfalls in Bali. It is in a tropical jungle area in the village of Kemenuh, Sukawati sub-district, in Gianyar.
You have about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That is enough time to take photos, enjoy the view, and decide if you want to spend extra effort getting closer. Admission is not included, so budget for the entry fee.
This is also a good stop for a real break. You are switching from temple courtyards and craft streets into open air and water sounds, which helps your brain reset before the views at Tegalalang and the swing.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: cliffside Ubud icon
Next is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the famous rice terraces in Bali. It is located in Tegalalang Village north of Ubud and is described as being set on the cliff.
You have about 1 hour 30 minutes. That time lets you do the classic terrace viewing, plus it gives you room to wander for angles. Just remember: terraces are a sightseeing area, not a quiet museum. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your footing in mind.
Admission is not included.
Terrace River Pool Swing: your big “Bali swing” moment
Finally, you get the centerpiece: the Terrace River Pool Swing. This stop is specifically positioned for Instagram spot photos, and it is listed as about 2 hours.
The swing itself is not listed as included in the admission, so plan to pay whatever entrance or swing cost applies there. Even with that, the value is usually high because the whole scene is built for memorable photos: lush greenery, a gorge feel, and that elevated perspective.
If photos matter most to you, this is the stop where you slow down. Take time for a couple of different angles, and consider whether you want solo shots or group photos. A good driver who helps with photo timing can make this feel much smoother.
What’s included, what’s extra, and the real cost of the day

At $33.51 per person, this tour is priced for value in the “transport plus major highlights” category. The key is understanding what the money is covering.
Included:
- Private English-speaking driver
- Local tax
- Parking fee and petrol
- Insurance
Not included:
- Lunch
- All entrance fees
That last line is the big financial detail. Your total day cost can rise quickly if you add multiple paid attractions, especially temples, waterfalls, rice terrace entry, and the swing stop.
Also, admission for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary shows as free in the schedule. But since the tour states entrance fees are generally at your own expense, you should still expect to handle some fees during the day.
My practical budgeting advice:
- Plan for paid entry at the temples listed as not included
- Budget a lunch option you can pay for during your route
- Bring cash if you can, and keep a card backup in your pocket
Who this private charter suits best (and who should pass)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- A private day with minimal planning
- A route that combines temples, craft village time, and nature photos
- A setup where your driver can help you move efficiently between stops
It is also a good match for couples and small groups, since a private charter usually feels more comfortable when you are not sharing a vehicle with strangers.
I would consider passing if you:
- Hate long days. With roughly 10 hours on the clock, you need stamina.
- Want fully included attractions. Entrance fees and lunch are extra.
- Are more into one theme only. This is a “mix it all” day, not a deep, single-topic tour.
Should you book the Ubud Highlight Private Charter with Jungle Swing?

Book it if you want a satisfying Ubud highlight day that covers a lot of ground without turning into chaos. The combo of Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, Celuk, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang, and the jungle swing is exactly the kind of day that makes Ubud feel like a place, not just a checklist.
Skip it if you are trying to keep costs tightly controlled, because entrance fees and lunch will add up. Also skip if you prefer slow travel. This is designed for a full, structured day with major stops.
If you do book, my best advice is simple: wear good shoes, keep small items secured around the monkeys, and bring a realistic budget for entrances. Then you can enjoy the day, instead of doing mental math at every checkpoint.
FAQ
Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes private two-way transfers from hotels in Ubud and much of south Bali.
How long is the tour?
It runs about 10 hours (approx.).
What stops are included in the day?
You’ll visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Batuan Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Terrace River Pool Swing, and Celuk village. The Ubud Art Market is also listed in the itinerary.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees are at your own expense.
What kind of group is this?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates.
What is included in the price besides the tour itself?
The tour includes a private English-speaking driver, local tax, parking fee and petrol, and insurance.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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