Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman

Reviewed · UBUD, MONKEY FOREST & CAMPUHAN

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman

5.0 · 33 reviews From $85 Operated by Bali Agung Tours · Bookable on Viator
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A full day of Ubud in one smooth sweep. I especially love the private, end-to-end transportation with Wi‑Fi, and the chance to slow down for a Balinese healer session with Cok Rai (you can observe or join in). One thing to keep in mind: the healer interaction can feel a bit short, and the setup can be an open forum where others may hear your conversation.

This is built for comfort and variety—temples, rice landscapes, a healing/palm-reading style consultation, then monkeys and coffee. You’ll be moving around with a plan that doesn’t require you to wrestle with buses, scooters, or “where do we go next?” energy.

The $85 price is fair for a day like this because entrance tickets and temple sarongs are included. Still, you should budget for lunch and the Bali Shaman donation (USD 25/person) if you opt into that part.

Key things to know before you go

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Key things to know before you go

  • Private Wi‑Fi ride keeps the day calm, even between far-apart sights
  • Healer session with Cok Rai offers observation or a more personal palm-reading format
  • Tirta Empul temple includes what you need to participate respectfully (sarong provided)
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a true Balinese agriculture stop, not just a photo platform
  • Bucket List coffee plantation + Monkey Forest add fun contrast to the spiritual sites
  • Wide pickup area includes places like Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud (selected areas)

A private Ubud day that feels organized (without feeling rigid)

Ubud can be a lot—traffic, crowds at the famous spots, and the constant feeling you need to “optimize” your schedule. This tour helps by putting you in private transportation with Wi‑Fi for the day. Translation: you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying what you came for.

I also like that the experience is truly group-only. You’re not being folded into a huge bus tour, so the flow feels more human. In practice, that usually means you get fewer awkward pauses and you can move at a pace that matches your questions.

Price-wise, $85 for about 10 hours works because several big cost items are already handled: entrance tickets and temple sarong are included, plus mineral water. The remaining costs are mostly your personal choices, like lunch and any donation tied to the healer option.

More around Ubud, from the Monkey Forest to the Campuhan ridge

Who this fits best

This is a great match if you want a lot of variety but still want comfort. It’s also a smart pick if you’re not thrilled about navigating temple rules, parking, and ticket booths on your own.

You’ll want moderate physical fitness. Some stops involve walking on uneven ground and being outdoors for hours—manageable, but not “sit on the couch” easy.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: farm life and the views that matter

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: farm life and the views that matter
Your day starts with Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most famous landscapes around Ubud. Yes, you’ll see the classic stepped greenery—but what I’d focus on here is the agriculture side. Rice isn’t just a background “pretty thing” in Bali. It’s tied to how communities work, how families earn, and how the land is managed.

Expect to spend about an hour here. That’s enough time to wander a bit, watch farmers working if you’re there at the right time, and understand why this region looks the way it does.

Practical tips at Tegalalang

  • Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. The ground can be uneven.
  • Bring water; you’ll get mineral water as part of the tour, but it’s still a long day.
  • Plan for sun and humidity. You’ll be outside most of the time.

A possible drawback

If you’re the type who dislikes crowds, Tegalalang can still feel busy during peak hours. The private transport helps you arrive as part of the schedule, but the site itself is popular.

More yoga, sound healing and Melukat water rites

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and respectful temple rules

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and respectful temple rules
Next up is Tirta Empul Temple (Tampaksiring area). This is one of Bali’s best-known religious sites, famous for its holy spring water believed to have purifying properties.

You’ll have about an hour here, and you should expect a meaningful mix of worship and visitor observation. The temple complex is dedicated to Vishnu, tied to the Hindu concept of preservation—so it’s not just a pretty stop; it’s a living spiritual place.

Why this stop is worth your time

If you only do scenic viewpoints, Bali can start to feel like a photo checklist. Tirta Empul adds something else: a cultural ritual tied to daily belief. Even if you’re not participating in the water, you’ll still see people treating the site with care.

You’ll be prepared for temple entry

The tour includes a sarong for temple entry. That’s a small detail, but it matters because you don’t want to arrive scrambling for the right clothing or dealing with on-the-spot purchases.

What to consider

This is a holy site, so keep your tone calm and your behavior respectful. Also, it’s an active environment—meaning you might want to be cautious about where you step, especially around water areas.

Tampaksiring and healer Cok Rai: palm reading, questions, and an open-forum feel

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Tampaksiring and healer Cok Rai: palm reading, questions, and an open-forum feel
This is the heart of the day if you’re curious about Balinese healing traditions. In Tampaksiring, you’ll meet the Balinese healer Cok Rai and have the chance to prepare questions during a palm reading.

The idea is that you can bring topics like personal relationships, financial concerns, and other life issues. The healer may help you see your situation from a different perspective. It’s also structured so you can either pay for a personal session or simply observe.

What I’d expect from the experience

Because the session can be designed as an open forum, you shouldn’t count on total privacy. A key point from my research: the healer may speak English, which is a big deal if you want to understand the guidance without relying on someone translating every detail.

But the flip side is time and privacy. The healer part can feel like it runs on a tighter schedule than you’d hope, and because it can be an open conversation, others may hear your topic even if you’re not trying to broadcast it.

How to get the most out of it

  • If you want the personal session, decide your top 1–2 questions before you sit down.
  • If you’re a little shy about discussing life matters, consider observing first and asking only what you’re comfortable with.
  • Don’t show up expecting a western-style therapy format. This is a spiritual and cultural consultation, so go in with curiosity.

Budget note

There’s a Bali Shaman donation of USD 25/person that is not included. If you’re drawn to this part, plan for it early so it doesn’t become a surprise at the moment.

Ubud Art Village: crafts, food stops, and a break from heavier sites

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Ubud Art Village: crafts, food stops, and a break from heavier sites
Then you’ll spend time in Ubud Art Village. This is where you get a classic Ubud mix of craft shops and local food options.

You get about 2 hours here, and that’s a good window for slowing down. You can browse, pick up small items if you want, or just enjoy the pace between the temple and the more energetic later stops.

What makes this stop practical

After Tirta Empul and the healer consultation, you’ll likely want a chance to reset. This is a low-pressure place to do it. It’s also a smart moment to grab lunch if you’re ready—because lunch is not included, you’ll be relying on local options around this kind of area.

A consideration

Shopping areas can feel busy and sales-focused in some spots. If that’s not your thing, treat it as a wandering break rather than a hunting mission. You can still learn a lot just by watching what people make and sell.

Monkey Forest and the Bucket List coffee plantation: fun contrast, same day flow

Discover Ubud: Exotism Ubud and Optional Meet the Bali Shaman - Monkey Forest and the Bucket List coffee plantation: fun contrast, same day flow
The tour rounds out with two popular Ubud experiences: Monkey Forest and a coffee plantation that’s been featured in The Bucket List.

This contrast is exactly why the day works. You go from spiritual, reflective stops into a more playful, nature-and-senses segment. It helps keep the whole day from feeling heavy.

Monkey Forest: enjoy the chaos, respect the animals

Monkey Forest is all about close-up wildlife energy. Expect lots of movement, trees, and monkeys that treat visitors like they’re part of the scenery.

Keep your guard up for basics:

  • Don’t grab anything the monkeys might treat as a snack.
  • Hold onto your belongings.
  • Be aware that they can be curious and fast.

Coffee plantation: what the stop adds

The coffee plantation stop is a sensory break—smells, tastings (if offered during your visit), and a look at how the island’s coffee story fits into tourism.

Because the tour includes the plantation as part of the day (and ties it to the Bucket List connection), it’s the type of stop that makes a longer day feel justified. It’s not just “another viewpoint.” It’s a different kind of experience.

Price and value: what $85 includes, and what you should plan for

Let’s talk money in a clear way.

For $85, you’re paying for a private full-day experience that includes:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected areas only)
  • All entrance tickets
  • Sarong for temple entry
  • Mineral water
  • Private transportation with Wi‑Fi

What you should budget for separately:

  • Lunch: about USD 10–15 per person
  • Personal expenses
  • Bali Shaman donation: USD 25/person

Is it good value?

Yes, especially if you’d otherwise have to pay separate ticket fees and figure out transportation. For a 10-hour day, the biggest cost-saver is that entrance tickets are already covered and the tour gives you comfortable transport instead of piecing together multiple rides.

The only “watch this” part is the Bali Shaman donation if you want the full healer element. If you’re strictly observing and not doing donation-based participation, your spend could stay closer to the base price plus lunch.

Timing, pickup areas, and how to not feel rushed

You’ll be out for about 10 hours, and pickup is available from a long list of areas: Benoa harbour, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur, Denpasar, Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak (selected areas).

That variety is a win if you’re not staying right in central Ubud. It can also help with the day’s rhythm—less time spent commuting.

The biggest timing reality

The healer session may feel like it moves quickly. So come prepared with a short, clear set of questions. Don’t plan to unpack your whole life story in one sitting.

What to bring

  • Sun protection (you’ll be outdoors at the terraces and later nature stops)
  • Cash for lunch and any donation-related payments
  • Comfortable shoes
  • A small layer for temple shade or air-conditioned breaks (if you get them)

Should you book this Discover Ubud day?

Book it if you want a private, organized day that mixes culture, spirituality, and fun without the stress of planning everything yourself. I’d especially recommend it if you care about understanding what you’re seeing—rice farming context, holy spring traditions, and the healer conversation with English support.

Don’t book it (or at least go in with eyes open) if you need long one-on-one time with the healer or strict privacy. The open-forum format and time limits can be a mismatch.

If you’re looking for value, this one is strong: entrance tickets and temple basics are handled, you get Wi‑Fi transport, and the day hits multiple must-do categories in one go.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for selected areas, including places like Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Denpasar.

All entrance tickets are included, and a sarong for temple entry is provided.

What does lunch cost?

Lunch is not included, and it’s estimated at about USD 10–15 per person.

Is the Bali Shaman donation included?

No. The Bali Shaman donation is listed as USD 25 per person.

Can I observe the healer instead of doing a personal session?

Yes. The format allows you to either pay for a personal session or simply observe.

Does the tour use private transportation?

Yes. This is a private tour, and only your group participates.

Is the tour physically demanding?

It notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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

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