REVIEW · UBUD
Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by Driver Ubud · Bookable on Viator
Monkeys, rice, and waterfalls in one day. What makes this outing interesting is the tight mix of Bali classics with a private local guide driving the day, moving you from the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to the Tegalalang rice terrace and then on to two waterfalls. I love that the key entrance tickets are already included, so your day doesn’t stall at gates and ticket lines. I also love the human part: with guides like Mangkok, Bagong, and Mawe, you get real back-and-forth help and a pace that can flex when the weather shifts.
One possible drawback: Tegalalang Rice Terrace is famous for a reason, but if you’re not into rice-field viewpoints, the time here can feel a bit photo-focused. In that case, you may wish the day gave you more stretch time for the waterfall stops like Tibumana and Kanto Lampo.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour work
- A 10-hour Ubud route that strings together Bali’s biggest hits
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples in the jungle, with long-tailed macaques everywhere
- What to watch for
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: why this walk can feel amazing or a little overhyped
- The drawback to consider
- Happy Swing Bali: the jungle-and-waterfall photo moment (with an extra cost likely)
- Who this stop fits
- Tibumana Waterfall: a calmer reset away from the busiest areas
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and strong scenery payoff
- How the guide turns the day from sights into a real Bali experience
- Price and value: where $24.65 makes sense
- What you should be comfortable with before booking
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest and waterfall day?
- FAQ
- Is pickup included?
- How long is the tour?
- What does the price include?
- What isn’t included in the tour?
- Are entrance tickets included for all stops?
- Is this tour private?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things that make this tour work

- Private guide, not a cattle-car day: you stay with one group and one plan.
- Tickets handled for Monkey Forest and both waterfalls: less time organizing, more time seeing.
- A mix of iconic and calmer scenery: famous rice terrace plus quieter waterfall breaks.
- Happy Swing Bali is a dedicated stop: you go for the jungle-and-river views and the swing photo moment.
- Guides tailor the day: you can steer priorities, and the route can shift if conditions change.
A 10-hour Ubud route that strings together Bali’s biggest hits

This is a full-day Ubud experience built around five stops and a simple promise: you get picked up, ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, and spend the day moving between well-known sights without managing logistics yourself. The tour runs about 10 hours, with each main stop getting around two hours. That timing matters because Monkey Forest and the waterfalls are both best when you’re not rushed, and the rice terrace experience works better with a slow walk than a sprint.
The big value angle here is the bundle: you’re paying per person (listed at $24.65) while receiving transport plus multiple entrance tickets, along with bottled water during the ride. You still need to budget for two “not included” items: lunch and the Bali Swing activity. If you were planning to pay separately for tickets anyway, this format can feel like a smart shortcut.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples in the jungle, with long-tailed macaques everywhere

The day starts at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village, Ubud. It’s not just a scenic park. It’s a conservation sanctuary with lush jungle, ancient temples, and a free-roaming population of Balinese long-tailed macaques.
This stop is fascinating because it gives you a mix of nature and “Bali old-world” atmosphere. You’re walking in a setting where the temples and forest paths create a sense of place, not just a view. And the monkeys aren’t background scenery. They’re part of the experience, moving through the trees and around the temple areas, so your attention stays on what’s happening right around you.
What to watch for
Monkey Forest is lively. If you’re uncomfortable around animals moving close, you might want to keep expectations realistic: this is a sanctuary with wild behavior. Also, bring patience for time on pathways and photo moments. The two-hour block is good, but it’s not huge if you stop a lot or want steady, unhurried observation.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: why this walk can feel amazing or a little overhyped
Next is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous viewpoints, north of Ubud. The terraces are known for their traditional irrigation system and the layered green pattern that makes the whole area so photogenic. In practice, this means you’re doing a guided walk through the sacred rice terraces for sweeping looks over the fields.
I like this stop when I want a classic Bali image that’s tied to real farming, not just a staged viewpoint. The better your pacing, the more you notice the irrigation approach and the way the terraces create depth. If you go straight from vehicle to photo and back out, you’ll miss that.
The drawback to consider
If you’re the kind of traveler who cares more about waterfalls than rice fields, Tegalalang can feel like the least satisfying part of the day. One of the tour’s own tradeoffs is that this stop is set up for views and photos, so it can feel repetitive if that’s not your focus. In that case, it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether you want the terraces as a must-see or a quick transition.
Happy Swing Bali: the jungle-and-waterfall photo moment (with an extra cost likely)

The itinerary includes Happy Swing Bali, a popular swing attraction built for the dramatic “high above” views. You’re up in the air with lush jungle scenery below, and in good spots you can catch views toward rivers and waterfalls.
Just note the cost detail: the tour listing includes entrances for this stop, but it also states that Bali Swing is not included. So you’ll likely need to pay separately if you want to actually ride the swing. The two-hour time block is still valuable, though, because it lets you see the setup, take photos from safe areas, and decide whether the swing itself is worth it for your budget and energy level.
Who this stop fits
If you like photo experiences and don’t mind paying extra for the action, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you’d rather spend every minute near water and walking trails, you may feel this is the most optional part of the route.
Tibumana Waterfall: a calmer reset away from the busiest areas

After the swing stop, the day shifts into waterfall mode with Tibumana Waterfall in Bangli Regency. Tibumana is described as a hidden, quieter waterfall area: serene, unspoiled, and generally less crowded than some other Bali waterfall spots. That “less crowded” part matters because it changes the vibe from rush-and-shoot to a more relaxed break.
You get a peaceful stretch here, which helps if your day is already packed with monkeys and terraces. Tibumana works best as a moment to slow down, breathe, and reset your eyes after all that green up close. The two-hour window gives time to arrive, enjoy views, and take it at an easy pace.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and strong scenery payoff

The final waterfall stop is Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Gianyar Regency, not far from Ubud. Compared with waterfalls that require a long hike, Kanto Lampo is positioned as relatively easy to reach. That makes it a good “finish strong” choice when you’re tired but still want payoff.
The value of Kanto Lampo is simple: it’s accessible enough that you can focus on the water and the surrounding views without feeling like the hike is the whole event. You also get a full two-hour block, so you’re not trapped in a quick visit loop.
How the guide turns the day from sights into a real Bali experience

This tour isn’t only about checking boxes. The best part is the guidance around food and timing. The tour description says your local guide knows where you’ll taste local foods at a restaurant that serves more authentic Balinese meals. Lunch isn’t included, but the plan is still set up so you can eat like a local rather than hunting randomly in between stops.
The guide attention also shows up in real-world details. In multiple experiences with Mangkok, he’s described as professional, careful, attentive, and even funny for the entire trip. He was also helpful with getting in and out of the vehicle for someone who needed extra assistance. That matters, because Ubud roads and frequent stop-and-start days can get tiring fast.
Other guide names show the same theme of personalization. Mawe is described as thoughtful and flexible, especially when weather changed mid-day. Bagong comes up for being patient and very helpful, and one booking noted the guide’s work on photos during the day. Even when language is a challenge, a mobile translator helped in at least one case, which can save you from standing around guessing.
Price and value: where $24.65 makes sense

At $24.65 per person, this tour is priced like a bargain, especially given that it includes entrance tickets for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall. It also includes transportation with air-conditioning plus bottled water. If you’re already planning to visit all these places in one day, the ticket bundle reduces your mental overhead and saves you time.
Where the value calculation changes is when you add personal choices. Lunch is not included, and the Bali Swing activity is listed as not included. If you want the swing ride and you want lunch in a place you’ll enjoy, you should expect extra spend. Still, the framework is solid if your priorities are: see the big sights, get transport, and avoid ticket logistics.
What you should be comfortable with before booking
This is a full-day loop, not a slow and sleepy half-day. You’ll spend time in vehicles between stops, and you’ll have a packed schedule. If you prefer a lot of downtime, you might find the rhythm intense.
There’s also the animal factor at Monkey Forest. This is a sanctuary with long-tailed macaques, so it’s not a controlled zoo setting. Plan your mindset around that.
If you’re traveling with family members who might need extra help getting in and out of the car, the guided format can be a comfort advantage, since some guides have been specifically noted for being careful and helpful with accessibility needs.
Who this tour fits best
You’ll likely enjoy this tour if you:
- Want to hit Ubud’s major sights in one day
- Like having one guide plan the route and manage the day’s flow
- Want tickets included for multiple stops
- Prefer a structured day rather than piecing together rides and entry fees
It might not be the best match if:
- You’re laser-focused on waterfalls and don’t care much about rice terrace viewpoints
- You hate animal encounters, even in a conservation context
- You don’t want any extra charges for lunch or the swing ride
Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest and waterfall day?
I’d book it if your ideal Bali day looks like this: jungle start with monkeys, a classic rice terrace walk, a swing-photo break, and then two waterfall stops where you can finally slow down. The best “sell” is the guide-led pace plus included entrances, which keeps you from losing chunks of time to logistics.
If Tegalalang isn’t your thing, you can still make the day work by treating that stop as a short scenic stretch and focusing your energy on Tibumana and Kanto Lampo afterward. And if you’re curious about the swing, decide early whether you’re paying for the ride or just enjoying the views.
FAQ
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered as part of this tour.
How long is the tour?
The duration is approximately 10 hours.
What does the price include?
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and entrance tickets for the Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall. You also get a mobile ticket.
What isn’t included in the tour?
Lunch is not included, and the Bali Swing is listed as not included.
Are entrance tickets included for all stops?
Entrance tickets are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.






















