Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour

REVIEW · UBUD

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour

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  • From $24.30
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Monkeys, temples, and rice fields in one day. This Ubud tour stitches together Sacred Monkey Forest and the Tegalalang rice terraces with pickup and an easy route, so you spend less time figuring out connections.

What I like most is that several key entrance tickets are already handled, which helps this day feel like real value. I also enjoy the personal touch from the guide Mangkok—fun, quick on their feet, and ready with helpful context while keeping the pace steady.

One consideration: it’s a full 10 hours with multiple stops, so expect some walking and heat. If you like slow mornings and lots of downtime, you’ll want to plan your next day accordingly.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Key highlights you’ll actually feel

  • Hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques at Sacred Monkey Forest
  • Tegalalang rice terraces views plus time for photos at the best viewpoints
  • Tirta Empul’s holy water purification scene, built around ritual use of the spring water
  • Tibumana waterfall for a calmer nature break and a chance to relax
  • Ubud Traditional Art Market for straightforward souvenir browsing
  • Jungle Swing option nearby, with extra swing fees not included

A Ubud day built around big wow moments (and fewer headaches)

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - A Ubud day built around big wow moments (and fewer headaches)
Ubud can swallow a whole itinerary if you’re trying to do everything on your own. This tour helps by grouping the classics into one ride: Monkey Forest first, then rice terraces, then temples and waterfalls, with a market and an optional swing stop in the mix.

You also get the practical stuff that matters in Bali: air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a schedule that keeps moving. And because the group is capped at 15 people, it usually feels more like a guided day out than a chaotic bus tour.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close encounters with long-tailed macaques

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close encounters with long-tailed macaques
You start at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a lush nature reserve in Ubud that’s home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys. The tour gives you about 2 hours, plus the entrance fee is included, so you can focus on the experience rather than ticket logistics.

This is the stop that turns a normal sightseeing day into something memorable. You’ll see monkeys up close, and you’ll have plenty of chances for photos and that classic I’m-standing-there-trying-not-to-drop-my-camera moment.

A couple tips to make the visit smoother:

  • Keep your hands and pockets simple. If you carry a lot of stuff, it’s easier to manage when you’re moving through crowds.
  • Follow the rules at the sanctuary. Since these are wild animals, the on-site guidelines are what keep the experience fun for everyone.
  • Bring a phone strategy. If you’re hoping for clear photos, plan quick shots rather than long setups.

Possible drawback: the monkey area can feel busy, and the time window is fixed. If you’re the type who wants to linger for every photo, you might wish you had more than 2 hours.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: panoramic rice views with a photo-first mindset

Next you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You get about 1 hour here, with the entrance fee included. Even with limited time, this is one of those places where the views hit immediately: terraced green fields running down the hills, with irrigation patterns that feel both ancient and intensely practical.

This stop is best if you:

  • like taking photos from multiple angles
  • enjoy walking to viewpoints rather than staying in one spot
  • want a strong Ubud visual without turning the day into a full hike

If you’re interested in the Ubud Jungle Swing, the tour includes time for it later, so you can keep your terrace stop more relaxed. That’s a nice way to avoid squeezing too much into one location.

Possible drawback: with only 1 hour, you’ll want to choose where you go for your main viewpoints. Don’t worry about seeing everything perfectly. Pick 2–3 angles you like, and you’ll be happier.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and real ritual use

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and real ritual use
After the terraces, the tour brings you to Tirta Empul Temple, near Tampaksiring. You’ll spend around 2 hours, with the entrance fee included.

Tirta Empul is known for water purification. The spring water here is used for ritual bathing and cleansing, and that gives the visit a different tone than a pure photo stop. You’re not just looking at a temple. You’re witnessing a sacred practice centered on the holy spring water.

What I appreciate about making this a guided stop is context. Without explanation, it’s easy to treat places like this as scenery. With a guide, you’re more likely to understand why certain areas and behaviors matter.

A practical note: expect you’ll need to move with care. Temple spaces can have changing surfaces and areas where respectful behavior is the difference between a smooth visit and an awkward one.

Possible drawback: if you’re short on patience for slower, more respectful sightseeing, 2 hours can feel long. But if you want meaning—not just views—this part is one of the best pieces of the day.

Tibumana Waterfall: a gentler nature pause after temples and crowds

Then you go to Tibumana Waterfall, spending about 2 hours. The entrance fee is included.

Tibumana is known for a serene, nature-focused feel. Water cascades down a cliff into a shallow pool below, creating a calm spot that the tour describes as ideal for swimming and relaxation. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a great place to reset your brain after the busier monkey-and-market energy.

This stop works well when you:

  • want fewer big-line, high-speed photo moments
  • like a quieter atmosphere
  • enjoy taking a break rather than racing to another viewpoint

Possible drawback: waterfalls can be slippery depending on conditions. Wear shoes that feel secure. And if you’re planning to swim, bring what you need and keep your plans simple.

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Ubud Traditional Art Market: souvenirs that feel local, not random

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Ubud Traditional Art Market: souvenirs that feel local, not random
A lot of Bali shopping stops turn into a generic souvenir grab. This one is the Ubud Traditional Art Market (Pasar Ubud). You’ll have about 1 hour, with admission included.

I like this stop because it gives you real browsing time in a central location. It’s also practical if you want gifts without turning the whole day into a shopping scavenger hunt. Think: items for family, small take-home memories, and plenty of variety in one place.

How to make it worthwhile in one hour:

  • Go with a short list. You’ll move faster and avoid buying something just because it’s shiny.
  • Compare a few stalls before you commit.
  • Keep an eye on what’s easy to carry home.

Possible drawback: since it’s only 1 hour, you won’t have time for deep searching. If you’re a serious shopper, treat this as your browsing moment, not your full shopping expedition.

Ubud Jungle Swing: the view part is included, the swing fee is not

The tour includes time at the Ubud Jungle Swing area (about 2 hours). Here’s the key detail: Bali Swing fees are not included, so if you want to actually ride, you’ll pay the swing cost separately.

Why include it anyway? Because the swing area is built for spectacular views over jungle and surrounding greenery. Even if you don’t swing, it’s a good photo and viewpoint break within the wider day.

Possible drawback: this stop can tempt you into spending more than you planned. Set your budget before you get there, and decide early whether you’re swinging or simply taking in the scenery.

Pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a 15-person max

Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple Tour - Pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a 15-person max
Transport is handled with an air-conditioned vehicle, plus pickup offered. You’ll also have bottled water during the day, which matters when you’re bouncing between outdoor sites.

The group size matters too. With a maximum of 15 people, you’re more likely to get a guided feel rather than a rushed herd situation. It also helps on smaller stops like the market and temple, where crowd flow can slow everything down.

If you’re traveling with family or in a small group, this structure is a good fit. If you’re the type who hates feeling pinned to a schedule, you’ll still have a plan, but you can make the day your own by choosing where you slow down—especially at the waterfall.

What $24.30 really buys you in Ubud

At $24.30 per person for an approximately 10-hour day, the value comes from bundling. You’re not just paying for “a driver.” You’re getting:

  • air-conditioned vehicle and pickup
  • bottled water
  • entrance fees for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall
  • a route that includes a market stop and time at the Jungle Swing area

You should still expect a couple extras:

  • Bali Swing fees are not included
  • lunch is not included

I like pricing like this because it’s transparent in its structure. The math is simple: you pay once, you get multiple admissions and transport handled, and you only add costs if you choose the swing or need food.

One more practical note: the tour uses a mobile ticket, which makes entry smoother when you’re moving across several sites in a single day.

Who this Ubud tour is perfect for

This tour is a strong match if you want a “greatest hits” day with a guide who keeps things moving and explains what you’re seeing. It’s especially good for:

  • first-timers to Ubud who don’t want to plan a multi-day route
  • people who want wildlife, temples, and viewpoints in one itinerary
  • anyone who values included entrance fees
  • groups that like small tour settings (up to 15 people)

It may not be your best choice if you:

  • prefer slow travel and long, unhurried site time
  • hate the idea of a long day outdoors
  • plan to spend most of the day swimming or swinging, since those activities may require extra spending and careful timing

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul tour?

Yes, if you want a guided Ubud day that hits the main sights without turning your schedule into a patchwork. The combination of Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and Tirta Empul gives you variety—wildlife, views, and ritual—then Tibumana offers a gentler reset with nature time.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want a structured day with admissions handled? If yes, this is a smart pick. If you want total freedom and zero boundaries, you might prefer building your own route.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tirta Empul Temple tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $24.30 per person.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What entrance fees are included?

Entrance fees are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall.

Are Bali Swing fees included?

No. Bali Swing fees are not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The group maximum is 15 people.

What stops are included in the day?

You visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Tibumana Waterfall, Ubud Traditional Art Market, and the Ubud Jungle Swing area.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Confirmation is received at booking.

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