Monkeys first. This 10-hour Ubud tour strings together Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, dramatic rice paddies in Tegalalang, and the holy spring-water temple at Tirta Empul, then finishes with a refreshing waterfall break at Tibumana. You’ll also get a stop at the Ubud Traditional Art Market, plus time at Tegalalang for the popular Jungle Swing if you want it.

I like that it’s built to cover multiple top sights with fewer logistics headaches: you’re riding in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water, and key entrance fees are handled as part of the price. I especially like the Monkey Forest time (2 hours) because you’re up close with hundreds of wild, long-tailed macaques, and the day still includes a real spiritual stop at Tirta Empul, not just scenery.

One thing to consider: it’s a long day, and the itinerary includes the swing as an option—but Bali Swing fees and lunch are not included, so you’ll want a little cash or a plan for meals.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Entrance fees are included for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall
• A full, balanced route: monkeys, rice views, a water-purification temple, then a waterfall cooldown
• Time to breathe at the waterfall with Tibumana’s cliff cascade and shallow pool for relaxing
• Ubud Traditional Art Market gives you a chance to grab practical souvenirs in town
• Small group size with a maximum of 15 travelers and pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Guide quality matters, and this one has strong praise for professional, funny, knowledgeable guiding (Mangkok)

How the day flows: a 10-hour Ubud hit list

This is the kind of tour that feels like someone mapped out the classic Ubud triangle, then added two nature stops so the day doesn’t become all temples and shopping. You’re looking at about 10 hours, which is enough time to do each major stop without feeling like you’re sprinting, but it still moves—multiple locations, multiple entry points.

What makes it work for most people is the structure. You get pickup offered, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle to break up the driving. It also helps that the tour includes several entrance fees up front, so you’re not constantly checking ticket counters while you’re on a tight schedule.

If you like “one-day, done right” sightseeing, this format fits. If you prefer a slower pace with lots of free time, you may feel the pressure of a packed itinerary—especially because there’s no built-in lunch.

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

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the first big emotional moment of the day. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, and the highlight is the scale: hundreds of long-tailed macaques live in the sanctuary, and the whole place is designed so you can get close.

A practical way to think about this stop is that it’s equal parts nature reserve and human-adjacent animal encounter. That means you’ll likely do plenty of short walks and photo stops, but you’ll also want to keep your attention on your surroundings. Don’t plan on treating it like a quiet garden stroll.

Also, because it’s wildlife, it’s smart to stay flexible. Some monkeys may be playful and visible, while others might be hidden in trees. You’ll still be able to see plenty of animals either way, since the whole sanctuary is full of them.

Entrance is included, so once you’re with your guide, you can focus on timing and pacing instead of hunting down tickets.

Tegalalang rice terraces: panoramic views and the swing option

After the monkeys, the tour heads to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you get the “Ubud postcard” view: stepped rice paddies cut into the hills. You’ll have about 1 hour here, with admission included, so you can see the terraces, grab photos, and still move on without feeling trapped.

This is a great stop for people who enjoy landscape photography—though in this case, you’re not just looking at a view from afar. The terraces create layers, so you get depth in your photos even when you only have one hour.

The itinerary also includes Ubud Jungle Swing time at/near the terraces, with about 2 hours allocated in total at this part of the day. The catch: Bali Swing fees aren’t included, so you can treat this as optional. If you want the swing, budget extra. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the viewpoints without paying for the activity.

My advice: if you’re doing the swing, plan to be patient. That’s the nature of these photo-based attractions. If you’re skipping it, use your time for terrace viewpoints and a slower walk where you don’t feel rushed.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and respectful visiting

Next up is Tirta Empul Temple, about 2 hours with admission included. This is one of Bali’s best-known water temples, famous for its holy spring water used for purification rituals.

What I like about this stop is that it anchors the day in something more than tourism photos. Even if you don’t understand every detail of the ritual process, you can still appreciate the idea: people come to the water for purification, and the temple setting is built for that purpose.

A good way to approach Tirta Empul is to watch first, ask questions through your guide, and keep your behavior respectful. This isn’t a place you treat like a selfie hallway. If you’re trying to photograph, do it carefully and don’t block people who are using the water area.

Since your entrance fee is included and you have a full 2 hours, you’re not stuck doing a 10-minute “see it and leave” pass. You’ll have time to understand what’s happening around you.

Tibumana Waterfall: where the day slows down

After temple and terraces, you get a nature reset at Tibumana Waterfall, also about 2 hours, with admission included. The description of Tibumana is specific: a waterfall cascades down a cliff into a shallow pool below, creating a tranquil spot for relaxing and swimming.

This is a smart pairing with the rest of the day because it gives your body a break. If you’ve been walking around temples and viewpoints, you’ll feel the relief of water and shade.

One honest note: waterfall time can be weather-dependent. The tour doesn’t promise water conditions—so if you’re going during a rainy stretch, you might find the pool area more slippery or feel more humidity. Bring or plan for appropriate footwear for uneven ground, and treat safety as your priority.

Even if you don’t swim, Tibumana is still worth it as a quiet, green contrast to the more crowded-feeling attractions earlier in the day.

Ubud Traditional Art Market: souvenirs with less guesswork

You also get a stop at the Ubud Traditional Art Market (Pasar Ubud) for about 1 hour. This isn’t just a quick look. It’s positioned as your souvenir and shopping window, with a wide range of goods in the center of Ubud.

I like market stops on tours when they’re planned as a real time block. A full hour means you can actually browse, compare, and decide rather than feeling rushed by a five-minute “shopping break.”

Keep your expectations realistic: markets are lively, and some stalls will focus on tourist-friendly items. Use your guide’s presence to ask what’s locally made versus what’s simply sold in bulk. That’s often where you get better value.

Also, because this is a group tour, you’ll want to keep an eye on your guide so nobody gets left behind while you’re bargaining for the perfect small gift.

Price and what you actually get for $24.30

At $24.30 per person, this tour is priced like a value day trip rather than a premium private experience. The big reason it can feel like a bargain is that multiple entrance fees are included: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tibumana Waterfall.

On top of that, you get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and pickup offered. You’re also told you’ll have a mobile ticket, which helps streamline entry at several stops.

Two costs to plan for:

• Lunch isn’t included
• Bali Swing fees aren’t included

If you skip the swing, you can keep your spending tighter. If you do the swing, budget for it ahead so you’re not making a money decision in the moment.

Booking-wise, it’s on average booked 44 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in a busier season, it’s smart to reserve early. This tour tops out at 15 travelers, so demand can matter.

Guide quality in the real world: Mangkok’s impact

One review detail stands out: the guide Mangkok is praised as professional, funny, and very knowledgeable. That’s not fluff. On a day like this, the guide can make the difference between seeing places and actually understanding them.

A strong guide helps you:

• move through timed stops with less confusion
• translate what you’re looking at at Tirta Empul
• keep the monkey sanctuary experience enjoyable rather than chaotic
• manage the rhythm so you don’t feel constantly late

Even if you’re a confident traveler, a knowledgeable guide reduces wasted minutes and helps you ask better questions. And if the guide has a sense of humor, you’ll likely enjoy the day more even when the traffic or crowds get annoying.

Who should book this Ubud tour (and who might skip it)

This is a good fit if you want a one-day Ubud overview with a mix of animals, cultural rituals, and nature cooling down. It also suits you if you like tours that include major entry fees, since that keeps your planning simple.

It’s also ideal for first-timers who don’t want to piece together four separate outings: monkey sanctuary, rice terraces, a water temple, and a waterfall. The routing does that for you, and your biggest decisions become what you do with the optional swing and where you eat lunch.

You might think twice if:

• you hate long days (this runs about 10 hours)
• you prefer lots of free time to wander
• you don’t want any shopping stops (there’s time at the Ubud art market)

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

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who likes hitting the best-known Ubud anchors in one day and you want the convenience of pickup plus multiple included entrances. The value comes from bundling several tickets, transport, and a full itinerary that doesn’t stop at just views or just temples.

The only reasons to hesitate are the extras you control: you’ll need a lunch plan, and the swing costs extra if you choose to do it. If you’re okay with that, this tour gives you a strong mix of experiences in a tight schedule.

If you want a smooth, organized Ubud day that still feels varied—monkeys, rice terraces, purification water, and a waterfall swim—this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

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

It runs about 10 hours (approx.).

What does the tour cost?

The price is $24.30 per person.

Is pickup offered from Ubud?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Are entrance fees included?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are Bali Jungle Swing fees included?

No. Bali Swing fees are not included.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

You should receive confirmation at booking, and the tour mentions a mobile ticket option.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time (local time). If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.