Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour

Ubud can feel like a lot of things at once, and this tour is a tidy way to sample the best mix. I love the up-close Monkey Forest experience with hundreds of wild long-tailed macaques, and I love the classic Tegalalang Rice Terrace views that make Ubud look like a postcard.

One thing to keep in mind is that it is a full 10-hour day with a few different environments. Lunch is not included, and the Jungle Swing fees are extra on top, so plan for snacks and a little extra cash if you want the swing.

Key Highlights You Will Actually Feel During the Day

• Hundreds of macaques up close at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with entrance included
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace photo time with entry included, plus time to take in the irrigated hillside views
• Tirta Empul water purification at a famous Hindu water temple, with entry included
• Tibumana Waterfall with swim-friendly conditions and a calm break from the driving
• Ubud Traditional Art Market stop to grab souvenirs you can actually carry home
• Optional Jungle Swing time, but the swing fees are not included

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: The Up-Close Start That Sets the Tone

This is a great first stop because it gets the most intense, memorable part of the day out of the way early. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a lush nature reserve in Ubud, and it is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys. You are not just watching from far away, you are walking through their habitat.

The big value here is how different it feels from typical zoo-style viewing. In a forest like this, you get that natural, messy, real-life monkey energy. It is entertaining, and it also makes you slow down and pay attention, since everything is happening around you.

Two practical tips will help you enjoy it more. First, keep small items secure. With monkeys this close, you want to avoid fumbles with bags, phones, and anything that might tempt curious hands. Second, wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, because you will move through uneven ground.

The tour includes the Monkey Forest entrance fee, so you are not doing extra errands before you get into the action. And with a group size capped at 15, you should still feel like you can move with your guide instead of getting swallowed by a huge crowd.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Getting the Most From a Short Visit

After the monkey chaos, you shift gears into a calmer kind of wow. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is famous for its rice paddies carved into the hillsides, with irrigated terraces that look patterned from every angle. The tour gives you about an hour here, with the entrance fee included.

In practical terms, one hour is enough if you have a plan. I like to spend the first part of the hour figuring out where the light hits and where the path gives you the cleanest viewpoint. Then I spend the rest taking photos and just letting the scale sink in, because these terraces are not just pretty, they show how Balinese farming shapes the hills.

You can also see how the terraces connect to the surrounding scenery. This is Ubud’s classic look, the one that people picture when they think of Bali beyond beaches. Even if you have seen photos before, being there makes the view feel more grounded and real.

One small consideration: this part of the day can feel more crowded than the monkey area, depending on timing. So if you want your best shots, you will do better moving a bit away from the first obvious viewpoints and letting your guide show you where to stand.

Tirta Empul Temple: Water Purification in a Living Place of Worship

Next comes Tirta Empul Temple, one of Bali’s most well-known Hindu water temples. The star here is the holy spring water, believed to have curative properties and used for ritual purification. You spend about two hours at this stop, and the entrance fee is included.

This is the kind of place where it helps to remember you are not only sightseeing. People come here for a spiritual purpose, so your job is to be respectful, observe quietly, and follow any guidance from your guide. The ritual aspect makes the visit feel more meaningful than a normal photo stop.

What I like about this stop is that it adds variety. You go from monkeys and rice terraces into a temple setting with its own rhythm. Two hours is long enough to see what is happening, understand the purpose, and still take a slow moment to look around.

If you are the type who enjoys understanding local practices, this is a highlight. You get context for why water is so central here, and you see how ritual and community life connect in a place that has real daily use.

Tibumana Waterfall: A Quieter Break With a Swim-Friendly Reward

Then the tour slows down again with Tibumana Waterfall. It drops gracefully down a cliff into a shallow pool below, creating a calm oasis that is described as perfect for swimming and relaxation. You also get about two hours here, and the entrance fee is included.

This stop is valuable because it gives your body a break. After walking among monkeys and climbing viewpoint paths at rice terraces, you get time near water. If the weather works out, this is where you can actually cool off instead of only looking.

For the best experience, come ready for wet conditions. If you want to swim, bring a plan for your belongings, like a waterproof bag or a way to keep your essentials dry. If you do not want to swim, you can still enjoy the scenery and use the time to just rest your feet.

One caution worth mentioning: waterfalls and pools can make surfaces slippery. I always prefer shoes with grip over anything fancy here, because you want to move confidently without worrying about slipping.

Ubud Traditional Art Market: Souvenir Time That Feels Local

After the waterfall, you get a market stop at Ubud Traditional Art Market, also known as Pasar Ubud. This is a lively hub where locals and tourists shop for goods that can make solid family souvenirs. The tour gives you about an hour, with entry included.

Markets are great when they are timed right. Here, it works because you have already seen Ubud’s major sights, so your shopping feels like a reward instead of a distraction. Also, the drive between sites means you do not waste your only free time on errands.

I recommend treating this as a browsing hour first. Take in the types of items being sold, then buy what you genuinely want. Your guide can help you navigate what to look for and what is worth paying attention to, so you do not end up overpaying out of stress.

If you are picky about souvenirs, this is your chance. The market is focused on traditional goods, which means you can aim for crafts and everyday items instead of only resort-style trinkets.

Ubud Jungle Swing: The View is Included, the Swing Fees Are Extra

Ubud Jungle Swing is a stop that many people plan for, but it is important to know the cost details upfront. The tour includes time at the swing area and the included ticket coverage for this stop, but Bali Swing fees are not included. In other words, you will likely pay separately if you actually swing.

What you get for the optional part is the chance to enjoy dramatic views of lush jungle, rice terraces, and river valleys from above. Even if you decide not to do the swing, the viewpoint area can still be a nice end-of-day moment because you get that height perspective.

This is also a practical check about energy. Swinging takes coordination and has its own pace, so if you are tired, consider watching first or doing it only if you feel good about it.

The best move is to decide early on in this stop. If you want the swing, do it sooner rather than later, because waiting can turn a fun activity into an endurance test.

The Guide Makes the Difference, Especially When Mangkok is With You

A big reason this tour earns a perfect score is the human factor, not just the sites. One standout name is Mangkok, praised for being professional, funny, and packed with useful information. That kind of guide energy matters in Bali, where the day can move fast and the details are what make it feel smooth.

A strong guide helps you in three ways. You spend less time guessing, you get better context while you are walking through places, and you stay relaxed during transitions between stops. When a route includes temples, forests, and waterfalls, that guidance is not a luxury, it is the difference between rushing and enjoying.

So if you book this tour, I would treat the guide as part of the experience. Ask quick questions, follow the flow, and let Mangkok’s personality do the job it seems built for.

Price and Logistics for a Full 10-Hour Ubud Hit

At $24.30 per person, this tour is trying to do a lot without charging like a private luxury day. The value comes from what is included: an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and entrance fees for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall, plus the market and swing stop coverage.

What is not included is the swing fees and lunch. That is normal for Bali day tours, but it is the one area where you need to budget yourself. If you do not plan snacks or a meal option, you can end up hangry by the later stops.

The tour is offered with pickup, and it runs with a maximum of 15 travelers. That group size is key for comfort. You want enough people for a lively group feel, but not so many that you lose time waiting.

I also like that it uses a mobile ticket, which reduces the hassle of printed paperwork. And if you are someone who likes certainty, confirmation is received at booking time.

One more small planning note: this tour is booked about 44 days in advance on average. If you want a specific pickup timing or you are traveling in peak season, I would not wait until the last minute.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a strong fit for you if you want variety in one day. You get wildlife, rice terraces, temple ritual, a waterfall break, market time, and optional swing views. If your Ubud trip is short and you do not want to stitch together several separate tickets and guides, this is a practical way to cover the essentials.

It is also a good match if you like guided interpretation. Temple stops and cultural sites can be confusing if you show up with only a vague plan. With Mangkok-style guiding, you are more likely to understand what you are looking at instead of only photographing it.

It might not be ideal if you want a slow, low-pace day. This is about movement and time management across multiple locations, and it runs about 10 hours. Also, if you hate market shopping or you are not interested in the swing at all, you might feel like some parts are added just to fill the day.

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

If you are trying to get the big Ubud experiences into one schedule, I think this is an easy yes. You are paying for a packed day where the entrance fees are mostly handled, you get an air-conditioned ride, and the guide quality, especially with Mangkok, can turn the itinerary into something that feels effortless.

Book it if you want a classic Ubud sampler with a real temple stop and a nature payoff at Tibumana. Skip it only if you are staying in Ubud long enough to build your own slower days, or if you know you will not want the included sweep through all these different environments.

FAQ

What is included in the $24.30 per person price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, entrance fees for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall, plus admission for the Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Jungle Swing stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Do I need to pay extra for the Jungle Swing?

Yes. Bali Swing fees are not included.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

When will I get my tickets?

You will receive a confirmation at the time of booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, you do not get a refund.