All Inclusive: Monkey Forest, Rice terrace, Holly Spring Temple

Three stops, one smooth Ubud day. I love how this tour stacks Monkey Forest with the rice terraces and temple time, so you get big variety without spending hours figuring out routes. I also like that key extras are included, like a sarong, entrance fees, and private transport. One caution: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want a food plan for the gap in the middle.

If you want a fun photo moment, there’s an optional stop for a giant swing. Kids are welcome, and because it’s private, your group stays together instead of waiting on a large schedule. Expect about 8 hours total, with enough time for photos instead of a constant sprint.

Key things to know before you go

• Private guide and driver with pickup offered, so the day feels organized.
• Entrance fees and sarong included, which cuts down on hassle at each site.
• Monkey Forest plus Tegalalang plus Tirta Empul in one day, for maximum Ubud coverage.
• Optional giant swing if you want the big photo without changing the core itinerary.
• Plenty of time for photos, since the stops aren’t all “blink and you miss it.”
• Lunch is not included, so plan a meal outside the tour.

Monkey Forest in Ubud: macaques, rules, and why sarong matters

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the kind of stop that sets the tone fast. You’ll walk through about 12.5 hectares of forest with around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques moving around in the wild. It’s not a zoo vibe. It’s closer to shared space, which means you’ll want to be calm, move slowly, and keep your belongings secured.

Why I like this stop on a private route: you’re not just rushing from one ticket booth to the next. A good guide helps you spot what’s happening in the canopy and along the paths, and a lot of the fun is in the details—like seeing how the monkeys behave when people stop and when they don’t.

One small practical point: the tour includes a sarong, and that matters later for temple entry. Still, it’s smart to have it ready early so you don’t waste time when you reach the more formal sites. Also, keep an eye on your phone and bags during monkey time. Those hands that reach are fast.

The Tegalalang rice terraces stop: walking time and real farming views

After the forest, you head to the north side of Ubud for Tegalalang rice terrace views and a short walk among the fields. This is where the scenery changes from “forest and monkeys” to “working landscape” with traditional daily activity happening around the terraces.

The itinerary gives you about one hour here. For me, that’s a sweet spot: long enough to take photos from a few angles, but not so long that the light and your energy start to drift. Your guide can also point out where the viewpoints tend to be clearer, so you’re not just guessing where to stand.

A quick note on expectations: rice terraces look best when you can see the layers and depth. If it’s rainy, foggy, or too bright for comfort, your photos may look different than the classic postcard shots. Still, you’ll get the sense of place—how people live and work right at the edge of the viewpoints.

Also, there’s admission ticket coverage included, so you don’t have to factor in cash or ticket lines at this stop.

Tegenungan Waterfall: short scheduled stop, lots of photo payoff

The tour includes a stop at Tegenungan Waterfall, and the schedule lists about 1 minute. That number looks tiny on paper, but in practice it usually means you’re set up for quick views and photo time from the hill area first.

The good part: the waterfall area is surrounded by green tropical jungle, and you can choose how involved you want to be. The tour plan also notes that you can go down to the water or just enjoy the views and take pictures from above.

How to handle this stop wisely: treat it as a “grab the best photos, then decide” moment. If you’re wearing shoes meant for walking on uneven surfaces, you’ll feel more flexible. If you just want the view, you’ll still get something even with minimal time on the ground.

If you’re traveling with kids or someone who prefers easier walking, you can often keep this stop simple. Go for photos, then move on with the day.

Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple: why this stop is more than a photo stop

Next is Tirta Empul Temple, one of Bali’s most famous temple complexes for its holy springs. This is a place of worship for Lord Indra, described here as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, the god of water. That religious context matters because it’s not just another viewpoint. You’ll want to act respectfully and quietly.

Even though the scheduled time is listed as 1 minute, the inclusion of admission tickets and the sarong make it feel like a proper temple stop. The sarong included with the tour is a practical win because temple dress rules can be a hassle if you’re not prepared.

Here’s what makes Tirta Empul valuable on a private tour: your guide can explain what you’re seeing and help you avoid awkward moments. You’ll know where to stand, what to watch for, and how to approach the water setting without turning it into a spectacle.

And yes, you’ll take photos—but aim for “showing the atmosphere” more than “trying to pose over a ritual.” The temple part of the day is often what people remember most, because it feels grounded and real.

Optional Instagram-friendly giant swing: fun if you plan it right

An optional stop for an Instagram-friendly giant swing gives you a choice: take it, or keep the day focused on the core cultural and nature sites. Because it’s listed as optional, you won’t have to feel pressured to do it.

Is it worth it? If you want that big, dramatic photo and you’re comfortable with height and movement, it can be a fun add-on. If you’d rather spend your energy on the monkey forest paths, the rice terrace viewpoints, or slower moments at Tirta Empul, skipping it still keeps your day full.

The best move is to decide based on your group. If your group is active and likes photos, swing time can be a highlight. If your group prefers calmer pacing, treat it like an optional detour and weigh it against how long you want at the other stops.

Private transportation and guide time: how this tour makes Ubud easier

This is a private car tour with your own guide and driver. That matters more than it sounds. In Ubud, the difference between a private plan and a shared bus plan is basically control. You can keep the pace realistic, linger when the light is good, and avoid being shoved toward the next stop before you’ve even found your bearings.

The tour also offers pickup, which cuts down on the day’s “where do we meet?” stress. It runs for about 8 hours, and it’s set up so the sites aren’t miles apart in your head. You’re not mentally juggling logistics all day; you’re just moving from one place to the next with someone handling the practical side.

You’ll also travel with entrance fees covered and a mobile ticket, which helps with speed at the gates. The goal is a day that feels easy to manage, even if you’re new to Bali.

One detail that stood out from a highly praised guide experience: Eka is noted for being kind, friendly, and professional, and for explaining what’s going on in each place. That kind of guidance is exactly how the day becomes more than checklist sightseeing.

Price and value: what $67.24 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

The price is $67.24 per person for a day that runs about 8 hours. For this type of tour, value depends on what’s included—and here, a lot is.

Included items you’re getting:

• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes
• Entrance fees
• Sarong
• Private drive/guide

Not included:

• Lunch

That means you’re mostly paying for the “hard parts” of the day: getting to multiple attractions with a guide, paying entry, and sorting the needed items like a sarong. The lunch gap is the one obvious cost you’ll handle separately, so decide if you want a casual meal nearby before the next stop.

Also note there are group discounts available. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it can be worth checking whether your group size improves the price.

One more real-world angle: this kind of tour tends to book ahead. With an average booking window of about 51 days, it’s a sign the dates can fill up. If your schedule is firm, don’t wait until the last moment to lock it in.

Who should book this Ubud private tour?

This is a good fit if you want to cover the big trio—Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terrace, and Tirta Empul—in one planned day. It’s also smart for families because kids are welcome, and private pacing makes it easier to manage attention spans and photo breaks.

It’s especially worth considering if you:

• Want structured sightseeing but not a rushed feeling
• Like taking photos and want time to stop and frame shots
• Prefer a private guide who can explain what you’re seeing
• Don’t want to handle multiple tickets and entry logistics across separate tours

If you’re the type who enjoys slowing down to explore on your own, you might feel the schedule is “packed.” But if your goal is to maximize Ubud in a single day with the right mix of nature and culture, this hits the target.

Should you book Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and Tirta Empul?

My take: book it if you want an organized Ubud day where practical stuff is handled for you—transport, entries, and the sarong—while still leaving room for photos. The best part is the pairing of wild nature (monkeys) with everyday views (rice terraces) and a meaningful cultural stop (holy springs at Tirta Empul).

If you’re sensitive to tight timing at very specific stops, pay attention to the fact that the waterfall and Tirta Empul times are listed very short. You’ll still get the highlights, but you shouldn’t expect long linger time at every location.

One bonus: there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which can make it easier to commit if your other plans are still shifting.

FAQ

What places are included in this tour?

The tour includes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Tirta Empul Temple (holy spring temple).

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance fees are included for the stops listed on the itinerary.

Is a sarong provided?

Yes. Sarong is included.

Is pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Is the giant swing included?

It’s an optional stop, so you choose whether to add it.

What payment or ticket format should I expect?

A mobile ticket is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.