REVIEW · UBUD
Full-Day in Bali: Amazing Ubud Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali 4U Tours · Bookable on Viator
A great Ubud day starts here. This private tour strings together the big-name sights around Ubud in one smooth day, with hotel pickup and a comfortable air-conditioned ride. You’ll hit Puseh Batuan Temple, the dramatic Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, all on a tight schedule that keeps you from doing logistics homework.
What I really like is the combination of culture + nature in a single flow. You get admission tickets included at each stop, so you’re not stuck hunting for counters mid-day. Also, the tour is run with English-speaking guidance, and one guide name that pops up in feedback is Juli, praised for strong English and attentive pacing.
One thing to think about: this is a full 9 hours, with pickups and travel time. If you’re the type who hates early starts or long days in a car, you may feel it.
In This Review
- Key Points to Know Before You Go
- How the 9-Hour Ubud Tour Really Works (and why it’s value)
- Starting at 8:30: Pickup Coverage Across Ubud and South Bali
- Puseh Batuan Temple: Ancient stone carvings in 45 minutes
- Tegenungan Waterfall: A big, green valley payoff in about an hour
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Cliff views and palm-lined photo moments
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: More than 700 macaques, wildlife-style
- Optional Add-On Stops Near Your Hotel (choose one)
- What’s Included (and what you’ll pay for on your own)
- Who This Bali Ubud Tour Fits Best
- A Quick Word on Pacing and Expectations
- Should You Book This Full-Day Ubud Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the Ubud tour start?
- How long is the experience?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is this tour private?
- What are the main stops on the itinerary?
- Are admission fees included?
- Is food included in the price?
- Can I add an extra stop near my hotel?
- How does cancellation work?
Key Points to Know Before You Go

- Private, only your group: You’re not sharing the day with random strangers.
- English-speaking driver/guide: Built for explaining what you’re seeing as you go.
- Admission fees included: Stops like the waterfall, rice terrace, and temple don’t require extra entry budgeting.
- Hotel pickup across many Bali areas: Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar.
- One optional add-on near your hotel: If you want a little extra, you can tack it on for no extra charge.
- A 9-hour highlight circuit: Built to cover Ubud’s best-known spots in one day.
How the 9-Hour Ubud Tour Really Works (and why it’s value)

This tour is priced at $57 per person for about 9 hours, including a private air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guidance, and admission fees for every listed stop. For many visitors, that’s the real appeal: you’re paying for the whole package, not just a ride to a couple of attractions.
Here’s the value equation you can use. If you were to plan the same mix yourself—temple entry, waterfall entry, rice terrace access, monkey forest entry, plus transport around Ubud—you’d likely spend money in pieces and time in transit between them. This experience bundles the major costs and the driving into one booking, which matters in Bali where traffic can turn a simple plan into a long day.
It also helps that the tour is commonly booked around 23 days in advance. That’s usually a sign it’s a popular “first-timer” option, so you’ll want to lock in dates sooner rather than later.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud
Starting at 8:30: Pickup Coverage Across Ubud and South Bali
The start time is 8:30 am, and you’re expected to be ready in your hotel lobby when your scheduled pickup hits. The pickup footprint is wide: Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar. If you’re staying in one of those areas, the logistics should be straightforward.
Also, you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is handy for keeping everything on your phone. And there’s 24/7 customer service support with WhatsApp and phone-call responsiveness, useful if your pickup time needs clarification.
One practical reality: because the tour length is around 9 hours, pickups from farther out can stretch the day. That doesn’t change what you’ll see—it just affects how tired you feel by the evening.
Puseh Batuan Temple: Ancient stone carvings in 45 minutes

You begin at Puseh Batuan Temple, a Hindu temple described as ancient and known for stone carvings and sculptures. The temple is noted as being founded in the year 944 Saka (1020 AD)—so you’re looking at nearly 1,000 years of history here, even if you only spend about 45 minutes.
In a day packed with waterfalls and rice terraces, this stop is a nice reset. It gives you a cultural anchor early on, before the scenery turns more “natural attraction” and less “temple walk.”
What to watch for:
- The temple’s stone details and sculpture work.
- The way the carvings and layout create visual rhythm as you move through the space.
Admission is included, so you won’t be paying extra at the door. The only drawback is also simple: 45 minutes is enough to see the highlights, but not enough for a deep, slow exploration. If you’re the type who loves long temple wandering, you may want to add your own time before or after.
Tegenungan Waterfall: A big, green valley payoff in about an hour
Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall (about 1 hour), described as a huge waterfall surrounded by forest. The key visual is the green valley panorama, with cascading water acting as the centerpiece.
This is the kind of stop that makes the rest of the day feel like a win. Ubud has lots of scenic viewpoints, but a waterfall is different: it adds sound, movement, and that “you came here for this” feel.
Practical tips you’ll thank yourself for:
- Wear shoes that can handle slick or muddy paths, since waterfalls often mean damp ground.
- Bring a light layer or poncho if you’re bothered by mist.
- Expect photos to take a minute here, because it’s a naturally busy scene and the views are the point.
Admission is included. That reduces friction and keeps you on schedule—important when you’re moving through multiple stops.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Cliff views and palm-lined photo moments
Then you’ll head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a famous Ubud destination with rice terraces set against a cliff, trimmed with palm trees for a photogenic setting. Your time here is about 45 minutes, and admission is included.
This is one of those places where the time limit actually helps. You get enough time to walk, find a viewpoint, and take photos, without feeling like your whole afternoon is consumed by just one area.
A good way to enjoy Tegalalang is to treat it like a shifting viewpoint. Instead of trying to “do everything,” pick a couple of vantage points and let the scene change as you move. The terraces look different from different angles, and that’s what makes the area so popular.
Possible consideration: if you prefer quiet, you may find the most photographed areas feel crowded. The fix is easy: spend your time where you can actually see the layers and textures, not just where the strongest “Instagram light” sits.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: More than 700 macaques, wildlife-style

Your next stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to more than 700 grey long-tailed macaques. The time here is about 1 hour, and admission is included.
This isn’t a theme-park monkey experience. It’s a natural forest sanctuary, which means you’re seeing macaques in a living environment. The upside is that it feels authentic and wild. The downside is that you’ll need a basic wildlife mindset.
Helpful ground rules for a smooth visit:
- Keep personal items controlled and close.
- Follow your guide’s instructions on where to stand and what not to do.
- If you’re holding snacks or drinks, secure them. (You’re in a place with active animals.)
This stop can be chaotic if you fight the vibe. If you go with a calm plan—observe first, move slowly—you’ll enjoy it more.
Optional Add-On Stops Near Your Hotel (choose one)

One of the coolest perks is that you can add an additional stop near your hotel for no extra charge. The tour notes that these add-ons depend on where you’re staying. In other words, you don’t get a random bait-and-switch stop far away; you get something that fits your base area.
If you’re staying in Ubud, the optional add-ons include:
- Puri Saren Palace
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Saraswati Temple
If you’re staying in Sanur, you’ll see options like:
- Sanur Beach
- Sindhu Market
- Sindhu Beach
If you’re in Tanjung Benoa, you can choose from:
- Benoa Harbour
- Benoa Square Bali
- Caow Eng Bio Chinese Buddhist Temple
If you’re based in Nusa Dua:
- Nusa Dua Beach
- Bali Collection
- Museum PASIFIKA
If Jimbaran is your home base:
- Samasta Lifestyle Village
- Jimbaran Fish Market
- Jimbaran Bay
If you’re staying in Kuta:
- Nusa Kuta Beach
- Nusa Waterbom Bali
- Ground Zero Monument
If you’re near Legian:
- Legian Beach
- Jalan Legian
- Garlic Lane
If you’re in Seminyak:
- Seminyak Beach
- Double Six Beach
- Seminyak Square
If your hotel is in Canggu:
- Canggu Beach
- Berawa Beach
- Nelayan Beach
If you’re in Denpasar, options include:
- Jalan Sulawesi
- Bali Orchid Garden
- Level 21 Mall
- Matahari Duta Plaza
- Bikago Motorbike Rental
- Bali Wake Park
- Transmart Carrefour
My advice: pick the add-on that matches your energy. If you want one more cultural moment, choose a temple or palace option. If you’re tired of temples and want a quick “Bali vibe,” a beach stop can feel like a good pressure release. If you want shopping or a market moment, use the add-on to scratch that itch.
What’s Included (and what you’ll pay for on your own)

This matters, because it shapes the total cost and how “stress-free” the day feels.
Included:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup & drop-off in the listed Bali areas (Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, Denpasar)
- English speaking driver/guide
- Entry/admission fees
- Parking fees
- Gas/petrol
Not included:
- Food and drink (available for purchase)
- Gratuities (optional)
The practical takeaway: you should budget for meals and snacks separately. The upside is that you’re not also paying unpredictable entrance fees on top of that.
Who This Bali Ubud Tour Fits Best
This full-day Ubud tour is a strong match if you:
- Want the core highlights around Ubud in one day
- Prefer private transport over figuring out routes and timing
- Like a mix of temple culture and famous scenic stops
- Appreciate English-speaking guidance to explain what you’re seeing
It also suits couples and small groups because the tour is private, so you’re not stuck with a “everyone move at the same pace” problem from strangers. If you’re coming to Bali for the first time and want a structured day without micromanaging, this itinerary style is exactly what you’re looking for.
A Quick Word on Pacing and Expectations
Even with private transport, you’ll still move through four major attractions plus optional add-ons. That’s the trade you make for packing in the highlights.
If you’re a slow traveler, you might feel a little time pressure at Tegalalang or the Monkey Forest. If you’re energetic and like seeing a lot in a day, this schedule can feel satisfying rather than rushed.
The best strategy is simple: show up ready, wear comfortable shoes, and accept that the goal is coverage, not leisurely wandering all day.
Should You Book This Full-Day Ubud Tour?
I’d book this tour if your priority is to see Ubud’s top sights—Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tegenungan Waterfall—without juggling tickets and transport. The price feels fair for what’s included: private air-conditioned rides, English-speaking guidance, and admission fees across the stops.
I’d think twice if you dislike long days. With a 8:30 am start and roughly 9 hours on the clock, it’s built for people who enjoy a full itinerary.
If you’re staying in Ubud or south Bali, the pickup coverage is a big advantage. And if you want to add one extra meaningful stop near your hotel, the “no extra charge” add-on option makes the day feel more tailored.
FAQ
What time does the Ubud tour start?
The tour start time is 8:30 am.
How long is the experience?
It runs for approximately 9 hours.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates.
What are the main stops on the itinerary?
The main stops are Puseh Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Are admission fees included?
Yes. Entry and admission fees are included for the listed stops.
Is food included in the price?
No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them during the day.
Can I add an extra stop near my hotel?
Yes. There’s an option to add an additional stop near your hotel for no extra charge, depending on your area.
How does cancellation work?
Free cancellation is available if you 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.



























