REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud Jungle Adventure: Tirta Empul & Bali Swing
Book on Viator →Operated by Ars Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
This Ubud day moves fast. You get the playful chaos of the Monkey Forest, then a proper adrenaline moment on the Bali swing, with wide valley views you’ll remember long after the car ride. I also like that admission tickets and key entrances are included, so you’re not burning time and money on add-ons while the day is already in motion. The one real catch: it’s an 8-hour, activity-heavy schedule and lunch isn’t included, so plan your energy (and snacks).
What makes this feel smoother is the human side. The local guide/driver often goes by Bagus, and people consistently mention clear communication, good English, punctual timing, and a friendly style that makes the day feel organized instead of rushed. If you want a day that fits your pace, this is built for that, especially since it’s private for your group.
Finally, it’s the kind of tour that books ahead. If you see a slot you like, don’t treat it like a last-minute option—this one tends to get reserved well in advance, and you’ll be happier locking it in early with your exact dates.
In This Review
- Key things I’d watch for
- Why this Ubud combo works so well
- Pickup, air-conditioned comfort, and how the day actually feels
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: fun, fast, and keep-your-stuff-close rules
- Real Bali Swing: the adrenaline stop with real view payoff
- Tegalalang rice terraces: iconic layers in a short, well-timed window
- Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Temple): what the purification stop is really about
- Value check: is $64 good for this eight-hour mix?
- The guide factor: why Bagus-style service matters
- Who should book this, and who should reconsider
- Should you book Ubud Jungle Adventure: Tirta Empul & Bali Swing?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Ubud Jungle Adventure tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I get pickup?
- Is this tour private?
- What areas does the tour cover?
- What are the operating hours?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Key things I’d watch for

- Monkey Forest time: a focused 1-hour visit, so you’ll want to go in ready to spot macaques and keep your stuff secure.
- Bali Swing thrill with valley views: built-in swing time that’s the main adrenaline stop.
- Tegalalang rice terraces: a short 1-hour stop at Bali’s most photographed ricefield area.
- Tirta Empul purification ritual: a 1-hour visit centered on the sacred spring and bathing rituals.
- Admissions included: entrance fees are part of the price, which helps the value feel more predictable.
- No lunch: you’ll want to bring or buy food so the later temple stop doesn’t drag.
Why this Ubud combo works so well
This tour makes sense because it covers three sides of Ubud in one day: animals and temples in town, a high-drama outdoor experience in the valley, and then a spiritual reset at Tirta Empul. That mix is exactly why people book it—your day doesn’t stay stuck in one theme.
You’ll also get a natural rhythm. The Monkey Forest gives you quick energy. The swing stop adds a different kind of excitement—movement, height, and a big view. Then you cool down again with rice terraces and the quieter, more respectful atmosphere of Tirta Empul.
And the pacing matters. This isn’t a “see one thing, then wander all afternoon” kind of tour. It’s structured enough that you cover a lot without feeling like you’re sprinting from place to place the whole time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Pickup, air-conditioned comfort, and how the day actually feels

Even though the day includes fun, it’s still a schedule. Expect about 8 hours total, with an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup offered. In practical terms, that means you spend less time negotiating transport on your own and more time doing the actual stops.
The tour is also private for your group, which is a big deal for comfort. You’re not stuck waiting on other groups, and your guide can pace the day based on your mood—within reason, since the day is built around fixed visit windows.
One small but important detail: you’ll carry your day on your own between stops. The tour includes entrance fees and admission tickets, but lunch isn’t included. Bring a simple plan for food, water, and shoes that won’t punish you after hours of walking and uneven ground.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: fun, fast, and keep-your-stuff-close rules

The first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and it’s exactly what the name promises: long-tailed macaques are the main attraction, moving freely around the temple grounds. You’ll get about 1 hour, which is long enough to see plenty of monkey behavior without turning it into a fatigue session.
What I like about this timing is that it’s early in the day. You tend to get more energy—yours and theirs—and the whole place feels lively when you arrive. You also get a head start before the rest of Ubud crowds fully stack up.
The main consideration is simple: monkeys are not props. They’re quick and curious, and they treat bags like snacks you haven’t opened yet. Keep valuables zipped, secure anything you don’t want tested, and don’t try to pose close to them unless you’re prepared for unexpected movement. If you want the fun without stress, that mindset helps a lot.
Real Bali Swing: the adrenaline stop with real view payoff

Next comes the swing: Real Bali Swing, with around 2 hours on the schedule. This is the most “wow” stop for a lot of people because you’re physically up higher than you’ve been all day, and you’re looking down over jungle and valley scenery.
This is also the part of the day that changes the vibe fast. If you’re excited by height and movement, you’ll love it. If you’re even mildly nervous, plan for that up front—don’t force yourself to “be brave” for the sake of a photo. The day is packed, so it’s not the place to push through a panic moment.
What makes it worth doing is the combination of time and payout. Two hours gives breathing room—so you’re not just sprinting in and out. You can also take your own rhythm: watch others if you’re hesitant, then decide. Either way, you’ll come away with that distinct swing-energy that’s different from temple sightseeing.
Tegalalang rice terraces: iconic layers in a short, well-timed window

After the adrenaline, you get Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most recognizable ricefield areas. You’re scheduled for about 1 hour, which is perfect if you want the classic terraces without turning it into a long walking endurance test.
This is also where the day shifts from excitement to scenery. It’s visually rewarding even if you’re not a serious photographer, because you can see the terraces stacking in layers and changing with perspective.
A practical tip: treat this stop like a viewpoint mission. Decide what angle you want, then walk at a pace that feels comfortable. Since the time is limited, chasing every single path can eat your hour quickly.
Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Temple): what the purification stop is really about

The day ends with Tirta Empul Temple, centered on a holy purification ritual at the sacred spring. You’ll have around 1 hour here, and the main theme is spiritual cleansing—locals and visitors come to experience the water features and the ritual atmosphere.
This stop has a different tone than the swing and terraces. It’s more grounded, and it asks you to slow down mentally. Even if you don’t fully follow every tradition detail, you’ll feel the respect in the space because this isn’t just for sightseeing.
The best approach is to be observant and respectful: keep your voice low, follow staff directions, and remember that water and ritual areas can have their own rules. If you’re planning to participate in any way, give yourself patience. This is one of those moments where “rushing for a photo” tends to feel off.
Value check: is $64 good for this eight-hour mix?

At $64 per person, this tour looks like real value on paper—mostly because the price includes entrance fees and admission tickets, plus an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup.
Here’s the practical way I look at it:
- If you had to buy Monkey Forest, Bali Swing, Tegalalang access, and Tirta Empul entry on your own, the add-ons can add up fast.
- You’re also buying convenience: organized stops, transport, and someone coordinating timing across multiple locations.
- The day isn’t just one attraction. You’re getting a well-mixed package: animals, height and views, scenic terraces, and a sacred spring experience.
Your main “cost” is effort, not money. It’s a full day, and you’ll need to handle lunch yourself. If you treat that as part of the plan, $64 feels fair. If you’re hoping for a slow, leisurely day with long breaks and meals included, you may feel like you’re paying for structure rather than downtime.
The guide factor: why Bagus-style service matters

Good transport is more than getting from A to B. The reviews highlight a guide named Bagus for a reason: people repeatedly mention clear communication, friendliness, punctuality, and tailoring the day to what they want.
That matters because this tour includes two very different vibes—playful monkeys and a sacred purification temple. When the guide is good at reading the group and explaining what you’re seeing, the whole day feels less confusing and more meaningful.
Even better, some people mention that Bagus also shares local recommendations, like seafood spots where locals go. That’s not part of the official schedule, but it’s the kind of extra help that turns a tour into an actual day you can use.
Who should book this, and who should reconsider
This is a strong match if you:
- Want a one-day overview of Ubud highlights without driving yourself.
- Like a mix of adrenaline and culture rather than staying in one lane.
- Prefer private-group comfort (only your group participates).
- Are okay with a full schedule and handling lunch on your own.
It may be a weaker fit if you:
- Want a relaxed, slow-moving day with lots of free time.
- Don’t want height-based activities and might get tense at the swing stop.
- Plan to eat late or skip snacks—because the day is structured and lunch isn’t included.
If you’re an expat or someone who’s already tried a few classic Bali stops and wants something that feels more active and varied, this style of day is usually a good fit.
Should you book Ubud Jungle Adventure: Tirta Empul & Bali Swing?
I’d book it if you want one solid Ubud day that combines Monkey Forest, a Bali Swing experience with valley views, Tegalalang terraces, and Tirta Empul purification—all while having admission fees and transport taken care of.
Book it sooner rather than later. Since this one often gets reserved well in advance, waiting can limit your dates.
Only pause if you know you need long meal breaks or you’re not comfortable with the swing stop. For everyone else: this tour is a practical way to pack a lot of Ubud character into a single day without turning it into a DIY puzzle.
If you’d like, tell me your travel dates and how adventurous your group is, and I’ll help you decide whether the swing stop fits your style.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Ubud Jungle Adventure tour?
It’s listed at about 8 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $64.00 per person.
What’s included in the price?
Entrance fees and admission tickets are included, and you’ll travel by air-conditioned vehicle.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch isn’t included.
Do I get pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s private for your group, meaning only your group participates.
What areas does the tour cover?
You visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Real Bali Swing, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul Temple.
What are the operating hours?
The listed hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, within the given date range.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; canceling within 24 hours does not get refunded.






















