REVIEW · UBUD
Blue Lagoon Snorkeling and Lunch – Ubud Monkey Forest – Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Natural Tours · Bookable on Viator
Blue Lagoon to Monkey Forest in one day can sound like a lot. This one works because it strings together two quality snorkeling stops and then adds big-hitting Ubud sights, without leaving you stuck waiting around.
I especially like how the day stays smooth and organized. In my case, the guide named Gusti kept the flow moving, and the timing felt tight from the moment we reached Padangbai. I also love that the snorkeling isn’t just one quick look—there’s time at two separate spots (about an hour at each), with gear, a local guide, and boat transfer included.
One thing to think about: it’s a full ~8.5-hour outing with a waterfall stop and a monkey-forest finish. If you’re hoping for a slow, low-walking day, this route may feel busy—especially toward the end.
In This Review
- Key Highlights at a Glance
- Morning Pickup to Padangbai: How the Day Gets Going
- Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun: Two Spots, One Clear Plan
- Your Snorkel Session: Gear, Guide, and What You’ll Actually Do
- After the Water: Shower, Charging, and Topi Inn Lunch in Padangbai
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Scenic Stop with Real-Life Timing
- Ubud Monkey Forest at the End of the Day: Fun, But Stay Alert
- Price and Value: Why $48 Can Work If You Want the Whole Day
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
- Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Feels Easy)
- Should You Book Blue Lagoon Snorkeling, Lunch, Kanto Lampo, and Monkey Forest?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included with the snorkeling?
- Do I get pickup and drop-off?
- Where is lunch, and is it included?
- What snorkeling locations will we visit?
- What if the weather isn’t good?
Key Highlights at a Glance

- Two snorkeling locations with about an hour at each: Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun
- All snorkeling equipment plus a professional local snorkeling guide
- Shower and changing facilities after snorkeling in Padangbai
- Indonesian lunch included at Topi Inn restaurant
- Private-car hotel pickup and drop-off with a group discount option
- Ubud Monkey Forest + Kanto Lampo Waterfall in the same day
Morning Pickup to Padangbai: How the Day Gets Going

This tour is built for travelers who want a full day but still like structure. It starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, and you’ll ride in a private car. That matters in Bali, where traffic and timing can swing your day fast.
You’re headed to Padangbai first, where you’ll meet the snorkeling side of the plan. The tour includes local taxes, an insurance cover, and a bottle of mineral water, so you’re not piecing together add-ons. After pickup, the key goal is simple: get you to the water on time so your snorkeling hours actually happen when visibility is at its best.
Since this experience requires good weather, it’s worth having a flexible mindset about timing and conditions. If conditions aren’t right, you may be offered a different date or a full refund—so you’re covered either way.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud
Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun: Two Spots, One Clear Plan

The snorkeling portion is the star here, and it’s set up like a mini “two-part show.”
You’ll transfer by local boat to two different snorkeling spots:
- Blue Lagoon
- Tanjung Jepun
You get about one hour at each spot, which is long enough to settle in, swim a reasonable amount, and enjoy the reef area without feeling rushed. Both locations are known for the kind of underwater experience that beginners and comfortable swimmers can enjoy.
A detail I appreciate: the snorkeling area has a sandy bottom. That helps many first-timers because it’s easier to find your footing and manage your comfort level as you float and watch fish life around the reef.
You’re also told you’ll be snorkeling around coral reef areas of Bali, with tropical fish sightings as the main payoff. In other words: don’t expect it to be just a swim-through photo stop. This is designed for actual viewing time.
Your Snorkel Session: Gear, Guide, and What You’ll Actually Do

Here’s what you should expect from the moment you reach the snorkeling start:
- A professional local snorkeling guide will explain how to snorkel
- You’ll use all provided snorkeling equipment
- You’ll head out by boat to each spot
- You’ll spend about two hours total snorkeling across both locations
If you’re new to snorkeling, the explanation time before you enter the water is a big deal. It reduces that awkward flailing phase and helps you enjoy the view faster. If you’re more experienced, you’ll still appreciate having a local guide directing where to look.
Also, I like that the tour includes shower facilities and a changing room afterward. That’s not glamorous, but it is practical—especially when you’re moving from the water to lunch and then to a waterfall and Monkey Forest later in the day.
And yes, the guide matters. In the reviews, Gusti came up as someone who kept things running smoothly. That kind of calm, competent guiding is what turns snorkeling from stressful to fun.
After the Water: Shower, Charging, and Topi Inn Lunch in Padangbai

When you come out of the ocean, you’ll be able to shower and change. That single line in the plan is worth its weight in gold. Saltwater days can make everything feel sticky and uncomfortable, and having facilities means you can reset before the land portion of the itinerary.
Then it’s time for lunch at Topi Inn restaurant in Padangbai, with Indonesian lunch included. I’m glad lunch is included here because it keeps you from having to hunt for food at a moment when you’re already tired and sun-soaked.
What to keep in mind: the snorkeling portion sets your energy level, so plan to eat something solid. You’ll need it for the next stops—especially the waterfall section and the long-ish day finish in Ubud.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Scenic Stop with Real-Life Timing

After lunch, you’ll head to Kanto Lampo Waterfall. This is the kind of stop that adds a totally different feel from the morning’s sea time: humidity, stone steps, and a “slow down and look” vibe.
What’s good here is pacing. You’re not jumping straight from swimming to the hardest walking. There’s a break with lunch first, and by the time you get to the waterfall you’ll be ready for something scenic.
What could be a consideration: waterfall areas often mean stairs and uneven ground. The tour data says most travelers can participate, but if you’re dealing with mobility limits or you don’t like slippery surfaces, you’ll want to be careful and take your time.
A smart approach: wear footwear you’re comfortable getting a bit wet in, and don’t rush photos. The best views come when you stop moving for a moment and actually take in the scene.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Ubud
Ubud Monkey Forest at the End of the Day: Fun, But Stay Alert

The last stop is Monkey Forest in Ubud. This is a high-energy finish—animals, trees, lots of activity—so it’s a great payoff after a day of snorkeling and waterfall viewing.
Since it’s your final stop, it also helps to manage your expectations. By then you’ll likely be sun-warmed, possibly hungry again, and ready to slow down. You don’t want this part to feel like another full marathon.
What I suggest: keep your camera and bags handled carefully. Monkey Forest is exactly the sort of place where curious animals can get interested fast. Hold onto personal items and follow staff guidance if you see it.
And because it’s the end of the tour, this stop fits best when you’re okay with “wandering time” rather than ticking off every corner at top speed.
Price and Value: Why $48 Can Work If You Want the Whole Day

At $48 per person, the big question is whether you’re paying for convenience or just the sightseeing.
Here’s what you’re getting that matters for value:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private car
- Professional snorkeling guidance
- Boat transfer to two snorkeling spots
- Snorkeling equipment
- Shower facilities and changing room
- Indonesian lunch
- Entrance fee
- Insurance cover
- A bottle of mineral water
In many Bali tours, you end up paying extra for equipment, transfers, or “small” entrance fees. Here, those basics are included. You also get two snorkeling locations instead of only one, which increases the chances you’ll actually have a satisfying underwater experience during your limited day hours.
What isn’t included is straightforward: souvenir photos (sold separately). That’s normal, but it also means you can choose to ignore that cost entirely if you don’t care about printed memories.
Net-net: I think this is strong value if you want one organized day that covers sea, lunch, a waterfall, and a classic Ubud stop without having to plan and hire separate transfers.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
This day tour fits best if you:
- Want two snorkeling sessions with guide instruction and full gear included
- Prefer an organized hotel pickup day over DIY transfers
- Like pairing water time with Ubud sightseeing rather than choosing just one
- Don’t mind an all-in-one ~8.5-hour schedule
It might be less ideal if you:
- Want a very relaxed day with minimal walking and no late-day crowd energy
- Are extremely sensitive to long travel time between stops
- Need a slow, low-risk itinerary because waterfall terrain can involve stairs and uneven ground
The tour also says most travelers can participate. That’s helpful, but I’d still use common sense based on your own comfort level—especially for the waterfall and Monkey Forest portion.
Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Feels Easy)
A few small moves make this day tour feel a lot better:
- Bring a swimsuit you don’t mind rinsing. You’ll be in the water and then moving straight to the next stops.
- Use reef-friendly habits if you have them. You’re looking at coral reef areas, so handle fins and feet carefully.
- Pack a light dry bag for your phone and valuables during transitions.
- Wear grippy footwear for Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
- Bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re prone to burning—snorkeling still counts as sun time.
- Bring a light towel if you prefer having your own, even though you’ll have shower/changing facilities.
Also: plan for a weather-dependent day. The tour is designed to run well with good conditions, and if weather interferes you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should You Book Blue Lagoon Snorkeling, Lunch, Kanto Lampo, and Monkey Forest?
I’d book this if you want a high-value, full-day hits plan and you care most about snorkeling plus classic Ubud moments. The combination of guided snorkeling, two reef-focused stops, provided gear, and then built-in lunch and shower facilities makes it feel “ready-made” in a good way.
Skip it (or choose a different format) if you’re looking for a slow day, or if waterfall walking and Monkey Forest mobility aren’t your thing. This is a packed day, and you’ll enjoy it most when you’re ready to move.
If you’re the type who likes structure but still wants real experiences—saltwater reef time, a waterfall break, and a lively Ubud finale—this one is a solid choice.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It’s about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).
What’s included with the snorkeling?
You get professional local snorkeling, boat transfers to two snorkeling spots, and all snorkeling equipment. The tour includes about 2 hours of snorkeling at the two spots.
Do I get pickup and drop-off?
Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with transportation by private car.
Where is lunch, and is it included?
Lunch is included at Topi Inn restaurant in Padangbai, and it’s an Indonesian lunch.
What snorkeling locations will we visit?
You’ll visit two spots: Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun.
What if the weather isn’t good?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































