Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing

REVIEW · UBUD

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing

  • 5.012 reviews
  • From $26.00
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This day trip turns Ubud into a checklist that actually feels enjoyable. I like that you get hotel pickup and drop-off plus an air-conditioned car, so you spend less time hunting transport and more time at the sights. I also love the value twist: entrance fees are included for the main stops, which keeps the day from turning into a pile of small add-ons. One consideration: you should expect real driving time in Bali traffic, so bring patience.

The vibe is mostly outdoors and scenic: monkeys, rice terraces, and two waterfalls—plus a coffee plantation stop and a flexible lunch/food-stall break. If you want Ubud’s signature views without doing route math all day, this is a practical way to pull it off. And if your guide is Jero Andi (or someone similarly flexible), you can often get small adjustments that make the day feel more personal.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Key things I’d highlight before you go

  • Jero Andi energy: friendly, dependable, and willing to make small changes for your day
  • Entrance fees included for most stops: Monkey Forest, rice terraces, coffee plantation, and both waterfalls
  • Two waterfalls, two moods: Tibumana first, then Kanto Lampo for a classic tiered view
  • Ubud Jungle Swing is the add-on: swing ticket is not included, so plan a little extra
  • You stay in your own private group: your party only, with a driver in an A/C vehicle
  • Coffee + a food-stop option: Agro Santi coffee plantation, plus Warung Dewa Malen for lunch-style timing

What this Ubud day trip is really about

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - What this Ubud day trip is really about
This is a focused Ubud circuit: rainforest sanctuary, rice terraces, waterfalls, and a couple of culture-flavored stops (coffee and a food stall). The big win is that you can hit multiple “must-see” areas in about 8 hours without doing the back-and-forth yourself.

It’s also budget-friendly in a sneaky way. At $26 per person, you’re not just paying for a ride—you’re also covering entrance fees and parking, plus the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. The tradeoff is that you’ll spend more of the day in transit than you would on a slow walking tour.

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

The price: $26 that works if you like packed days

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - The price: $26 that works if you like packed days
Let’s talk value, because this is where the tour makes sense for many people. You pay one price, and you get:

  • Air-conditioned vehicle + private transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entrance fees included (for most stops)
  • Parking fees included

What’s not included is also clear: lunch, personal expenses, and the Ubud Jungle Swing ticket. So if you add swing and eat at a warung, your final day cost rises. If you skip swing or keep lunch simple, this stays a strong deal.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (about 1 hour)

You start at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal, Ubud. The forest sits on about 12.5 hectares, and it’s designed as a sanctuary—so you’re visiting a managed area rather than just passing through a random grove.

You’ll want to budget this hour as “slow enough to look around,” not “quick photo sprint.” This stop is popular, so your timing can feel a bit stop-start, especially with other visitors moving through paths. Still, it’s one of those places where the setting does half the work for you: shade, greenery, and constant activity.

Practical note: this is a ticketed entry stop included in the package, so you don’t have to figure out extra admissions that morning.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (about 1 hour)

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (about 1 hour)
Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most recognizable rice-field scenes. What I like here is that it’s not just a view. The terraces use traditional Balinese irrigation, and that local farming rhythm is part of what you’re seeing.

Plan on spending the hour mixing viewpoints with time to pause. Some of the best “wow” moments happen when you step back and take in the pattern—terraces stacked like layers of green paper. If you’re the type who loves photos, this is your best time to slow down and frame shots without rushing.

Again, entry is included, which keeps the morning smooth.

Stop 3: Ubud Jungle Swing (about 45 minutes, swing ticket extra)

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Stop 3: Ubud Jungle Swing (about 45 minutes, swing ticket extra)
This is the one stop where the tour gets honest about add-ons. Ubud Jungle Swing is about the height-and-swing sensation, and it’s timed for roughly 45 minutes. But the swing ticket is not included, so you’ll pay that separately.

If you want the swing experience, treat it like the main optional upgrade of the day. If you don’t care for rides, you can still enjoy the setting and take it as a viewpoint stop, but the swing portion will cost extra if you want to actually go.

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Stop 4: Agro Santi Coffee Plantation in Kintamani (about 30 minutes)

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Stop 4: Agro Santi Coffee Plantation in Kintamani (about 30 minutes)
Then you head to the coffee side of Bali: Agro Santi Coffee Plantation in the highland region of Kintamani. The focus here is how coffee is grown and processed, rooted in the local way of doing it.

This is a good mid-day reset stop. You get a break from the outdoor walking pace and a chance to slow down while learning the basics of cultivation. The entrance fee is included, so this part stays tidy in terms of payments.

In practice, many coffee plantation stops pair learning with samples or tasting-style moments, depending on what’s being run that day. Even if you skip tasting, you’ll still come away with a clearer idea of what coffee farming means in this part of Bali.

Stop 5: Warung Dewa Malen (about 45 minutes, lunch-style break)

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Stop 5: Warung Dewa Malen (about 45 minutes, lunch-style break)
For food timing, you visit Warung Dewa Malen. This stop is set up as a place to grab lunch or a snack at your own pace. It’s not included as a paid ticket—your own meal is not included—but the stop gives you a real moment to eat without doing the hardest part of Bali planning: finding the right place quickly while you’re driving between sights.

This 45-minute block is useful. If your day is moving fast, this is where you can actually catch your breath and refuel.

Stop 6: Tibumana Waterfall (about 1 hour, entrance included)

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Stop 6: Tibumana Waterfall (about 1 hour, entrance included)
Next up is Tibumana Waterfall, located in Apuan Village, Bangli Regency. The tour description emphasizes that the waterfall sits in the middle of a forest, which translates into a cooler, greener feel than you get from open-air viewpoints.

I like this sequencing because Tibumana gives you that “in the trees” mood before you go to the more classic tiered-cascade scene at Kanto Lampo. You get around an hour here, which is long enough to experience the area without feeling trapped.

Entry is included, so you just show up, wander, and take your time.

Stop 7: Kanto Lampo Waterfall (about 1 hour, entrance included)

Last waterfall stop: Kanto Lampo Waterfall. It’s described as a beautiful tiered waterfall, reaching about 15 meters high. This place tends to feel more like a postcard waterfall, and the area has built-in viewpoints and photo spots—so you’ll likely spend time just watching the water and switching angles.

You’ll also get about an hour here, which makes sense for a waterfall stop: enough time to arrive, take it in, and still have a buffer if the area is busy.

Again, the entrance fee is included, keeping this stage straightforward.

The driving reality: why this tour feels fast (even when it isn’t)

This is one of those days where the “8 hours” isn’t just eight hours at sights. Bali traffic can slow everything down, and the reviews reflect that exact reality: you can spend more time in the car than you expect if you compare it to a walking tour.

What helps is the air-conditioned vehicle, plus pickup and drop-off that saves you from figuring out local transport on the fly. It’s not a slow day, but it is a well-organized one.

If you’re sensitive to car time, pack a small entertainment plan: offline maps, music, or a podcast. You’ll thank yourself halfway through the road stretches.

Flexibility with your driver: where the day becomes personal

One of the standout details from people who did this kind of circuit with Jero Andi is how he handles adjustments. You can often make small changes to match your pace—extra photo time, slight timing tweaks, and even help finding food on the way back.

That matters because Ubud days can go sideways fast. If you hit a busy moment at one stop, a flexible guide can help you protect the rest of your schedule. With a private setup for your group, you’re not locked into a rigid move-every-10-minutes rhythm.

What kind of person should book this?

This tour fits best if:

  • You want a one-day hit list of Ubud highlights without doing planning gymnastics
  • You like seeing two waterfalls in one outing
  • You value entrance fees included and hotel pickup/drop-off
  • You’re okay with a packed day and some driving time

It may not be your best choice if you want long, quiet time in one place, or if you’d rather explore Ubud town itself at a slower pace. This day is built around outdoor stops and sight-to-sight movement.

Quick packing and day-of tips (so the day feels easier)

I’d keep it simple and practical:

  • Bring sun protection and water awareness, since the key stops are outdoors
  • Wear comfortable shoes for paths at rainforest and waterfall areas
  • Decide in advance if you want the swing ticket, so it doesn’t feel like an afterthought

Also, good weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So, should you book it

If you want an organized way to see Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana, and Kanto Lampo in one day, I think booking makes sense. The included entrance fees + pickup + A/C transport are the kind of value that’s hard to beat at this price point.

Don’t book if a long day in the car will ruin your mood, or if you’re definitely not interested in any optional costs like the Ubud Jungle Swing ticket and meals.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

What sights are included in the day?

You’ll visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Jungle Swing, Agro Santi Coffee Plantation, Warung Dewa Malen, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included for the listed stops. The swing ticket is specifically not included.

Do I need to pay extra for the swing?

Yes. Ticket Swing is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and the Warung Dewa Malen stop is set up as a place where you can buy food or take a meal break.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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