Explore Ubud Art Market, Monkey Forest and Rice Terraces

What makes this Ubud day interesting is the way it strings together sacred monkey encounters, classic rice-terrace views, and a couple of high-energy nature stops into one route. You start in the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then head into Ubud’s shopping lanes, and finish with scenic water views and big photo moments like the swing.

I particularly like that you get real variety in a single half-day to full-day. The stops include Monkey Forest and Tegallalang Rice Terraces, plus fun extras like Happy Swing Bali, Coffee Luwak, and Tegenungan Waterfall, and you do it with private transportation and snacks. Also, the guide style matters here, and names like Roby Wijaya, Putra, and Wedana come up for being friendly, professional, punctual, and willing to adjust the day to your pace.

One possible drawback is simple timing and effort. You’ll be out for about 6 to 10 hours, the tour requires moderate physical fitness, and the experience depends on good weather, since parts of the day are outdoor.

Key highlights at a glance

• Monkey Forest Sanctuary with temples, not just a random zoo stop
• Ubud Art Market shopping time, plus a chance to stop by Ubud Palace
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces for iconic irrigation-view photos
• Happy Swing Bali for swings above the jungle, rice fields, and river views
• Coffee Luwak Agrotourism included as a short stop for coffee-process curiosity
• Tegenungan Waterfall with a short hike down to the base and a pool area for relaxing

Planning your Ubud route with private pickup and a 6 to 10 hour day

This is built as a private tour, meaning it’s just your group in the vehicle. Pickup is offered, and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver, which matters in Ubud because the roads and traffic can turn a short day into a long one.

The total time runs about 6 to 10 hours, which gives you breathing room to shop at the Art Market and still have time at the outdoor viewpoints. The operating window is wide, roughly 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but your day will still follow the order of the key stops.

The big value point for me is that the price includes more than “someone to take you places.” Your day comes with private transport, bottled water, snacks, and several admissions. That helps you avoid the surprise add-ons that can pop up when tours only cover guiding.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples, macaques, and why the timing matters

Your first real wow moment is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes there, and admission is included. This is both a nature reserve and a spiritual site, so you’re not only seeing animals, you’re also moving through a forest setting with ancient temples.

What I like about starting here is that it sets the tone for the whole day. You’re already in the greenery and sacred atmosphere before you switch gears to shopping and rice terraces. It also helps you avoid trying to do long outdoor walks later, after you’ve already built fatigue.

The practical consideration is that this is a hands-on type of stop. You are going to be close to long-tailed macaques, so plan on staying alert and being comfortable sharing space. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets nervous around animals, consider how that first stop will feel.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace stop: souvenirs, crafts, and smart browsing

Next comes the Ubud Art Market, with about 1 hour on the ground. Admission there is free, and it’s a good place to browse handmade Balinese crafts, clothing, and souvenirs without being rushed.

I like that the tour gives you actual browsing time instead of the quick in-and-out approach. If you want batik, small carvings, or everyday textiles, you’ll usually find more variety here than at a single “curated” shop stop. The tour also notes that you can visit Ubud Palace, so you may be able to tack on a cultural architecture stop during this segment.

The drawback is what you always expect from a market: you’ll need to decide what’s worth it. If you tend to overbuy when you feel pressure, set a small budget in advance and stick to it. With souvenirs and clothes not included in the price, this is the point where your spending can jump quickly.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: irrigation views and timing your swing photos

Then you shift into scenery mode at Tegallalang Rice Terrace. You get around 1 hour here, and admission is included. This stop is known for the traditional Balinese irrigation system, plus the dramatic layered view over the jungle and fields.

You’ll also see the famous photo setup with a swing against the rice-terrace backdrop. Even if you don’t ride the swing, the viewpoint angle here is the reason people come, and the time slot helps you get photos without feeling like you’ve been parked in one place all day.

A key consideration is that rice terraces can involve uneven paths and some walking, so it ties into the tour’s moderate physical fitness requirement. The good news is that the tour keeps this segment to about an hour, so you can enjoy the views and still stay fresh for the more active stops after.

Happy Swing Bali and Coffee Luwak: two fun stops, different expectations

After the rice terraces, the tour adds more action with Happy Swing Bali. You’ll spend about 40 minutes there, and admission is included. This is where you swing high above treetops for views over lush jungles, rice terraces, and rivers, with different swing options and staff on hand for the photo moments.

I like this part because it’s the “quick adrenaline” segment of the day. If your group wants to do something hands-on and photogenic without committing to a longer adventure, this slot is sized well.

Just be aware that this is an activity stop, so your enjoyment depends on whether you like heights and being in motion. If you’d rather spend that time quietly taking photos, you might prefer to watch instead of ride.

Then you switch to a totally different vibe at Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism, with about 30 minutes. Admission is listed as free, and the focus is on the Coffee Luwak process, described as beans eaten and excreted by civet cats, which then go through processing for a smoother, rich flavor. You may get the chance to learn how the process works and sample different coffees.

The value here is curiosity and context. Even if you’re not a coffee super fan, it’s a short stop that adds a local food-culture angle to the day. If you dislike anything about animal-based processing stories, it’s worth thinking about before you commit, since Coffee Luwak is central to the experience.

Tegenungan Waterfall: short hike down, pool time, and how not to rush it

Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall, near Ubud. Admission is included, and you’ll have about 1 hour there. It’s a 15-meter cascade in lush jungle, with viewpoints and a short hike down to the base where you can swim or relax by the pool area.

I like waterfalls on a day like this because they reset your mind after markets and animal encounters. The misty greenery gives you a break from staring at phone screens for photos, and it’s a different kind of sensory experience than the rice terrace views.

The consideration is pace and footwear. The tour’s moderate fitness requirement applies here too, since there’s a hike down to the waterfall base. If you’re not used to slippery steps or short descents, take it slow, and plan to spend a little time at the top viewpoints as well.

Why your guide and driver can make or break the day in Ubud

Because this is a private tour with a dedicated driver, your comfort and timing depend a lot on the person behind the wheel. In the guide lineup, names like Roby Wijaya, Putra, and Wedana stand out for being described as friendly and professional, with a habit of being punctual and flexible.

That flexibility matters in Ubud because the day includes a mix of activities: you’re stopping for animals, shopping, viewpoints, swings, and a waterfall. A guide who can adjust your pace and keep you comfortable can help you enjoy the day instead of just “collecting stops.”

Comfort is also part of the package. People mention things like cold water and refreshment towels, and that lines up with what’s included here: bottled water and snacks. In practice, those small comfort items help you keep energy up so you can actually enjoy each stop.

Price and value: where the $70 really goes

At $70 per person, the price looks fair when you break down what’s included. You’re paying for private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, a private driver, and multiple admissions. On top of that, you get snacks and bottled water, which is helpful on a 6 to 10 hour day.

Several major costs are covered in the listed inclusions: admission for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Happy Swing Bali, and Tegenungan Waterfall. Meanwhile, the Art Market and Coffee Luwak stops are listed with free admission.

What’s not included is also important: you’ll pay for your own souvenirs, clothes, and other extras. The only real “budget risk” is at the market and for anything you choose to buy. If you want controlled spending, decide on a souvenir limit before you arrive at the Art Market.

One more value note: this is private, but the tour description also mentions group discounts. If you’re traveling with friends or family and can book together, you may get a better overall deal than trying to cobble together multiple independent transports.

Weather, timing, and the outdoor reality you should plan for

This experience is marked as weather dependent. If the day gets canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In practical terms, that means you should watch the forecast before committing and understand that waterfall and swing plans are harder when the weather turns.

The tour also runs across a long window, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but you’ll feel the time impact more than you think. You’re moving between Ubud area stops, and you have multiple outdoor segments. Dress for heat and humidity, and plan to stay hydrated since you do get bottled water and snacks included.

What to expect from a private group day in Ubud

This is a private tour, so you’re not stuck waiting for strangers to finish purchases or slow down at each photo spot. Only your group participates, which helps keep the day organized and keeps the vibe more relaxed.

The trade-off is that you are responsible for your group’s energy level. If your group wants to do everything fast, you might feel a squeeze. If your group wants to take it slow, you may appreciate the flexible time windows built into each stop, especially the market and rice terraces segments.

Also, this tour is near public transportation, but pickup is offered. If you’re arriving by your own means, you should still plan around the pickup time you’re given after booking confirmation.

Who this tour is best for, and who might want a different plan

You’ll love this tour if you want a one-day Ubud mix of culture and nature without spending time coordinating transport. It’s especially good for people who like variety: monkeys and temples, art browsing, iconic rice terraces, an activity swing photo moment, a short coffee stop, and a waterfall base visit.

It’s also a strong fit for couples and solo travelers who want a dedicated driver and a smoother day. In the guide style notes, solo travelers show up in the positive feedback, which is consistent with what private tours tend to do well: you get personal pacing, not a mass schedule.

You might want to reconsider if your group dislikes animals or if heights are a hard no. Also consider the moderate physical fitness requirement, since the waterfall involves a short hike down and the rice terraces involve uneven walking.

Should you book this Ubud Plan?

I’d book this if you want a practical, value-heavy Ubud day where admissions and transport are handled, and you get a mix of sacred forest, market time, rice terrace views, and outdoor photo moments. The best part is that the route is built for variety, and the private format helps you keep control of pacing.

I’d pause if you know your group will not enjoy swings or you want a more relaxed day with fewer active moments. Also, if weather is iffy, keep your plan flexible, since the tour depends on good conditions for the outdoor stops.

If you do book, set your expectations clearly: you’re paying for a guided, packed day with snacks and bottled water and key admissions included, and you’ll likely spend extra only for shopping at the Art Market.

FAQ

How much does the Ubud Art Market, Monkey Forest, and Rice Terraces tour cost?

It costs $70.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 6 to 10 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What attractions are included in the experience?

The tour includes stops at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Art Market, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Happy Swing Bali, Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Happy Swing Bali, and Tegenungan Waterfall. Admission is listed as free for Ubud Art Market and Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism.

What is included in the price besides entry tickets?

The price includes all fees and taxes, snacks, bottled water, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a private driver.

What is not included?

Souvenirs, clothes, and other extra expenses are not included.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.