Few places pack this much Bali into one day. This private tour strings together Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul’s holy springs, and two waterfall stops, with real time to see, walk, and take photos. I like that you also get the cultural rhythm: macaques and temple rituals in the morning, rice fields around late morning, then water and swimming later.

What I especially like is the pacing and the built-in comfort. You move around in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, and bottled water is included. One possible drawback: it’s a long day with lots of walking—so if you’re hoping for a super relaxed schedule, plan on taking breaks and wearing grippy shoes.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Ubud hits fast: Monkey Forest, rice terrace, a sacred purification stop, then two waterfalls.
• Temple time is real: Tirta Empul’s water blessing is built into the schedule, not just a photo stop.
• Swim potential at Tibumana: You’ll have time to enjoy the waterfall and swim there.
• Lunch is at Waroeng D’Yoni (option): Set menu lunch is included if you upgrade.
• Private tour feel: Only your group goes, with pickup from multiple Bali bases.

Where This Tour Fits (And Why It Works)

This is a classic Bali “greatest hits” day, but done in a way that’s actually practical. You’re not sprinting between random landmarks; the route moves from Ubud’s iconic nature and temples in a sensible order, then finishes with two waterfall experiences that feel like a payoff.

For you, the big value is choice. You can keep it simple with the base price, or upgrade so entrance tickets and a set menu lunch are handled for you. Either way, you’re getting a guided day that includes transportation and a structured plan, which matters when you’re short on time or just tired of figuring routes.

This tour also fits well if you want cultural variety, not just scenery. You’ll see the macaque scene at Monkey Forest, learn about farming and irrigation at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and participate in a purification ritual at Tirta Empul before heading out to the waterfalls.

Pricing and Value: What You’re Really Buying

The price is $33.25 per person, and on average it’s booked about 39 days in advance. That matters because Bali days like this often sell out for the time window you want, especially around peak periods.

Here’s the honest value angle: with a day that includes transport, guide time, and multiple attractions, you’re mostly paying for coordination. If you choose the option that includes tickets and lunch, you’re essentially buying a smoother day with fewer small hassles.

If you don’t upgrade, you can still join and enjoy the places on the schedule—but you’ll want to double-check what’s covered for admissions and lunch. The itinerary lists admission tickets at each stop, but the included section says ticket fees and lunch are included only if the matching option is selected. So, read your exact option carefully before you go.

Pickup, Comfort, and How the Day Is Managed

You’ll get pickup and transfers from a bunch of areas: Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran. That convenience can be the difference between a fun day and a day that eats your energy before you even arrive.

The tour includes a private vehicle with air-conditioning, plus bottled water. For Bali heat, that’s not a luxury—it’s survival.

Your guide is listed as having excellent English, and the tone from past guests is that the tour can be tailored to what you want to do. That’s a good sign if you prefer more walking, more time at photos, or a slightly calmer rhythm at the temple.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Macaques and Morning Energy)

You start at 9:00 AM at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The plan is about an hour to walk around and play with the monkeys.

This is one of those places where expectations help. Monkey Forest is not a zoo experience; it’s a sanctuary area where macaques roam in and around paths and temple-like surroundings. That means you should behave like you’re in their territory: keep things secure, avoid sudden gestures, and stay alert.

What I like here is the mix of nature and human space. Even if you’re only there for 60 minutes, you get a feel for how the forest and the daily environment intersect.

A possible consideration: the monkey energy can be distracting if you’re not ready for it. If you want quiet photos, go in with patience. If you’re traveling with kids, keep close watch and hold onto anything small and tempting.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Farming, Irrigation, and Views)

At 10:00 AM, you’ll head to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace for about an hour. This stop is more than a viewpoint—the tour focuses on learning about rice plantation and the irrigation system.

I like that the guide doesn’t treat this as just a postcard. Rice terraces are a working landscape, and irrigation is the backbone of how it stays productive. Even if you don’t remember every detail, you’ll leave with a better sense of how Balinese farming shaped the scenery you’re seeing.

The main “drawback” here is the amount of walking on uneven ground. Wear shoes that grip, and expect bright light. If you’re going later in the day, you might feel the heat more, but with a morning start you’ll usually be in better shape.

Stop 3: Tirta Empul Temple (A Holy Water Blessing You Can Participate In)

Next is Tirta Empul Temple at 11:00 AM. You’ll spend about an hour taking part in the purification with holy water and learning about Balinese culture.

This is the cultural heart of the day. Tirta Empul is famous because it’s not just decorative. The water blessing is part of lived ritual, and participating is a reminder that Bali’s Hindu traditions are not museum pieces.

A practical point: when you participate, you’re in a temple setting, so keep your behavior respectful. Follow your guide’s cues, dress and act appropriately, and treat it like a ceremony—not a photo shoot.

One consideration: you’ll likely get wet and may need time afterward to feel comfortable. Plan a small reset break in your head so you’re not stressed about the next stops.

Lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni (Set Menu Lunch Option)

Around 1:00 PM, you’ll have lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni. It’s described as a local restaurant with a set menu Indonesian food experience, and vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

This is a nice midpoint choice. A set menu helps you avoid the decision fatigue of figuring out where to eat during a packed schedule. It also keeps the day running on track.

If you’re sensitive to spice, it’s worth mentioning your preferences when you book your vegetarian option (even if you’re not vegetarian). The data doesn’t list spice customization, but your guide can often help you choose what fits.

Stop 4: Tukad Cepung Waterfall (Cave Views and Photo Time)

At 3:00 PM, you’ll visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall for about an hour. The walk includes passing through a small forest with coconut trees and bamboo, then reaching the waterfall area where you can take photos inside a cave.

This is one of the more unique-feeling waterfall setups. The cave-like viewpoint changes how the waterfall looks and feels compared to open, roadside falls. Even if you’ve seen Bali waterfalls before, this one tends to feel different because of the light and the indoor-style viewing area.

Practical tip: you’ll likely need good footing. Cave or shaded areas can be slippery, so watch where you step. Also, bring your patience for the photo moments—because the angles here matter more than usual.

Stop 5: Tibumana Waterfall (Swim-Friendly Time and Instagram Moments)

The last waterfall stop is Tibumana Waterfall at 4:00 PM. You’ll spend about an hour enjoying the waterfall, including time to swim, and getting what are described as best Instagram photos.

I like the late-day placement here. You’ve already done the walking earlier, and then you get a chance to cool off at the end. Swimming isn’t always available at every waterfall, so having that option can turn a sightseeing day into a real experience.

A consideration: swimming depends on conditions and your own comfort level. The plan includes swimming, but you should still treat water areas with caution—watch rocks, current, and entry points. If you’re not a swimmer, you can still enjoy the waterfall views without going in.

What’s Included (And What You Should Plan For)

Included items help keep your day from turning into a pile of little expenses:

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• English-speaking tour guide
• All ticket fees if you select that option
• Set menu lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni if you select that option

Not included:

• Dinner
• Personal expenses like shopping

So you’ll want to plan your dinner after the tour ends. Also bring your own small cash/backup plans for snacks between stops if you’re the type who gets hungry fast.

When a Private Tour Like This Makes Sense

You’ll probably love this tour most if you’re:

• Short on time and want to hit Monkey Forest + rice terrace + Tirta Empul + two waterfalls in one go
• Traveling with people who have different interests (animals, culture, views, swimming)
• Prefer a plan with pickup and an organized schedule rather than hiring drivers separately

It’s also a good fit if you want someone to steer the day. A private setup means the guide can help you keep the timing smooth and adjust your pace within reason.

Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

A day like this runs on small, smart choices. I’d do these before you step out:

• Wear shoes you can trust on uneven paths and possibly wet ground.
• Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel or dry change for the Tibumana stop.
• Bring a light layer or hat for bright sun, especially at the rice terrace.
• Keep your phone and valuables secure around Monkey Forest.
• If you want vegetarian lunch, request it when booking.

And a tiny mindset trick: treat each stop like its own mini-mission. Don’t try to “win” every photo. Just get one or two good shots, enjoy the moment, and move on to the next experience.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul & Waterfalls Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced, guided Ubud day that mixes Hindu culture, working rice landscapes, and real waterfall time (including a chance to swim). The route makes sense, the transport comfort helps, and the lunch option at Waroeng D’Yoni makes the middle of the day less stressful.

Skip it or adjust your expectations if you’re looking for a slow, laid-back outing. This schedule is full, and the walking adds up—especially with cave areas at Tukad Cepung and wet footing around waterfall zones.

If you want a day that feels like Ubud in a nutshell—monkeys, rice, purification, and water—this is a solid choice. Just pick your upgrade option carefully so tickets and lunch match what you’re expecting.

FAQ

What attractions are included in the tour?

The tour includes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, lunch at Waroeng D’Yoni (if the lunch option is selected), Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and Tibumana Waterfall.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and transfers are available from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.

Is this a private tour?

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

Is admission included?

Admission and ticket fees are included if you select the option that includes tickets. Otherwise, ticket fees may not be included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch set menu at Waroeng D’Yoni is included if you select the lunch option. Vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

Is there bottled water and transport included?

Yes. Bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and private transportation are included.

Can I take part if I’m a typical traveler?

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

The plan includes swimming at Tibumana Waterfall.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.