Monkeys, temples, and rice views in one day. What makes this tour fun is the mix of big nature moments and Bali spiritual stops, from Sacred Monkey Forest with hundreds of long-tailed macaques to Tirta Empul and its holy spring water. I love the close-up monkey experience and the way our guide Mangkok kept things organized and light with his humor, plus solid, clear explanations. One drawback to plan for: it is a long day, roughly 10 hours, so you need comfy shoes and patience for moving between stops.

I also like that key entry fees are handled, so your day is about seeing and experiencing instead of hunting tickets. Pickup is offered, the group is capped at 15 people, and there’s air-conditioned transport with bottled water, which matters when you are hopping across Ubud area roads. Just keep in mind that lunch is not included, so you will want to handle food timing with your guide rather than assuming there will be a built-in meal break.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Hundreds of macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest, with real time to watch them up close
• Tegalalang rice terraces with panoramic views, plus time near the Jungle Swing area
• Tirta Empul’s water purification rituals, a classic Bali temple experience focused on holy spring water
• Tibumana waterfall and that calm shallow-pool vibe that makes it more than just a photo stop
• Mangkok as your guide, praised for being professional, funny, and great at explaining what you are seeing

A One-Day Ubud Loop With Monkeys, Temples, and Rice Views

This tour is built for people who want Ubud’s top nature and culture hits without spending the day piecing together transport. You get a tight route that goes from the Monkey Forest to rice terraces, then down into temple and waterfall territory, with market time added in for practical souvenirs.

What works best is the pacing of variety. You start with lively energy at the sanctuary, then shift your eyes to wide views at Tegalalang, then get a quieter, more ceremonial stop at Tirta Empul. Finally, you end with Tibumana waterfall, where the mood changes again to relaxation, especially since the pool below is shallow and inviting.

It is not a slow, do-nothing kind of day. Expect some walking and a fair amount of sitting in the vehicle. If you like structure, this is a good match.

Price and What $24.30 Really Buys in Ubud

At $24.30 per person, this is the kind of tour that can feel like a bargain because several entrance fees are included. Your day covers entry for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall, plus bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle.

That matters because in Bali, the costs can add up when you buy tickets one by one while also juggling transport. Here, the route is planned, and the driver does the heavy lifting. So you are paying mainly for time saved and smooth logistics, not for a huge extra shopping spree or a fancy meal.

Two things to budget separately. The Bali Swing fees are not included, and lunch is not included. If you plan to do the swing, set aside extra cash. If you want a specific meal, you will need to plan it rather than assuming it is part of the package.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: What to Expect With Long-Tailed Macaques

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of those places where the name sounds simple, but the reality is bigger. You are walking through a lush reserve where hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques live around the trees, paths, and temple areas.

This is the kind of stop where your mindset matters. You are not just looking at monkeys through a fence like an exhibit. You are sharing the space with animals that move fast and react quickly. Keep your phone and camera secured, and be careful with bags or anything that could look like food. When monkeys are around, calm and slow wins.

Why it’s worth your time: the sanctuary lets you observe real behavior. You can watch them travel along branches, interact with each other, and respond to people as they pass. It becomes less about a single photo and more about the whole experience of being in their world for a short window.

A practical consideration: this stop is included and lasts about 2 hours. That is usually enough time to see a lot without feeling rushed, but it is also long enough to get warm. Bring a hat, and plan to stay alert the whole time.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Panoramic Views and Swing-Adjacent Fun

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the Ubud sights people talk about for a reason. The rice paddies are carved into the hillsides, forming a layered, geometric view of green fields that look like they step down the slopes.

This is where the tour gives you a solid scenic hour. You can take in the panoramic views, slow down for photos, and appreciate how the terraces are arranged across the terrain. Even if you have seen rice terraces before, Tegalalang tends to feel special because of the way the hills shape the views.

You may also see the Ubud Jungle Swing area nearby, and the tour includes time for it. If you want that swing photo, do it with your expectations set correctly: the swing rides themselves cost extra because Bali Swing fees are not included. Still, the stop time is there, and you can decide on the spot whether the ride is worth the extra expense for you.

If you skip the swing, you can still enjoy the viewpoints and keep it more relaxed. If you do the swing, wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, and keep your phone plan simple so you are not juggling gear.

Tirta Empul Temple: The Holy Spring Water Moment

Tirta Empul Temple is famous for water purification. This is a sacred Hindu water temple where people visit using the holy spring water for ritual purification. That focus changes the tone of the day because it is not just sightseeing. It is a place tied to belief and ceremony.

Your guided time here is about 2 hours, which is helpful. It means you can slow down enough to understand what you are seeing and not treat the temple like a quick stop to check off.

A few tips for getting the most out of it:

• Follow your guide’s lead for where to stand and how to observe.
• Keep your voice low and your attention on the ritual area rather than only on photos.
• If you want to participate in any purification moment, ask your guide first so you do it respectfully and in the right way.

Even if you do not join any ritual, it is still a meaningful experience because you are watching people practice something they treat as important. That is where this stop stands apart from standard tourist photos.

Tibumana Waterfall: Why This Stop Feels Different

Tibumana Waterfall is the tour’s softer finale. The waterfall cascades down a cliff into a shallow pool below, creating a tranquil oasis surrounded by tropical foliage. In other words, it is not only a viewpoint. It is a place designed for slowing down.

Your time here is about 2 hours. That length is generous enough to enjoy the sound of water, take photos, and, if you want, spend time in the pool. Since the pool is described as shallow and suited for swimming and relaxation, you can plan on the possibility of getting a little wet.

What to bring, if you want to swim:

• A light change of clothes or something you can wear after
• A small towel
• Water-friendly footwear, if you have it

If you prefer to keep it dry, no problem. You can still enjoy the waterfall and the calm vibe without getting into the pool. Just keep an eye on where the ground is slick.

Ubud Traditional Art Market: Souvenirs That Fit Real Life

After the big nature stops, you get a more practical stop: Ubud Traditional Art Market, also called Pasar Ubud. This is a chance for souvenir hunting with local goods, not just generic store-brand items.

The market stop is about 1 hour. That is enough time to browse, compare, and find gifts for family without spending your whole day bargaining.

Here is how to shop smart:

• Set a few categories before you go, like small art pieces, textiles, or simple gifts.
• Keep an eye on weight and size if you are flying home.
• Ask your guide what items are popular or what to watch for, since Mangkok’s role here is not just driving. He can point you toward things that make sense for gifts.

Because entrance to the market is included, you are not paying extra just to look around. You are paying for the time and guidance to make the stop useful.

Ubud Jungle Swing Fees: Decide Based on Your Time and Budget

The Ubud Jungle Swing is included as an attraction stop, and the tour includes the time to do it. But the Bali Swing fees are not included, so you need to decide on the spot whether you want to pay for the ride.

I recommend deciding based on two factors:

1) Your comfort with heights and crowds at popular photo points

2) Your budget for add-ons, since this is one extra cost that is separate from the core tour price

Even if you do not swing, the stop still works as a viewpoint break. If you do swing, remember that the ride experience is the part you pay for, so get your photos right and enjoy the moment without rushing.

Your Guide and Group Size: Why Mangkok Makes the Day Better

One of the biggest reasons this tour earns top marks is the guide. In the feedback, Mangkok is repeatedly praised as professional, funny, and very good at explaining what you are seeing. That combination matters more than people think.

A good guide does three things on a day like this:

• Keeps timing under control across multiple zones
• Helps you understand what matters at each place, like the purpose of water purification at Tirta Empul
• Helps the day feel human instead of like a bus schedule

With a maximum of 15 travelers, you are not swallowed by a huge crowd. That group size helps in places like Monkey Forest, where you want space and a guide who can manage the flow.

Also, pickup is offered, which reduces the stress of getting yourself into the right starting position. You spend more energy on the sights and less on logistics.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A one-day sampler of Ubud’s key nature and culture stops
• A guided day that handles major entrances
• A mix of active moments (monkeys, waterfall) and calmer ones (temple and rice terrace views)

It is especially good for couples, small groups of friends, and first-time Ubud visitors who want structure. If you are traveling with kids, this could still work, as long as everyone handles a long day and the monkey area’s unpredictable energy.

If you hate long itineraries or you want maximum downtime, you may find the 10-hour schedule a bit full. But if you like packed days done thoughtfully, you will probably enjoy the balance here.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul Tour?

I would book this if your priority is seeing multiple top Ubud highlights with less planning stress. The value is clear: you get entry fees for several major stops, air-conditioned transport, and bottled water, plus a guide who makes the day feel smooth and fun.

Skip it only if you strongly prefer unstructured exploration, or if a 10-hour day would drain you. Also consider your add-on plans. If Jungle Swing is a must for you, budget for the Bali Swing fees separately. If you want a sit-down lunch at a specific place, plan that too since lunch is not included.

If you can handle a full day and you want a guided route that hits monkeys, rice terraces, a water temple, and a waterfall, this tour is a practical way to do it.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul tour?

The tour runs about 10 hours.

Does the tour include pickup in Ubud?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What entrance fees are included?

Entrance fees are included for Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are Bali Swing fees included?

No, Bali Swing fees are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid is not refunded.