Five stops, one clean plan, and no rushing. This Ubud full-day outing stacks the island’s best-known nature moments with a private local guide who stays with you and keeps the day moving smoothly. I like that admission tickets are included for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and both waterfalls, so you’re not hunting for counters or scrambling over phones mid-day.

The main thing to watch is fit: the schedule includes Tegalalang rice terraces, which can feel touristy if you’re not into rice-view photo stops, and it also includes a visit to Happy Swing where the actual Bali Swing cost may be extra. If you want mostly quiet waterfalls and less “attraction time,” plan to treat the terrace and swing as optional moments rather than the whole point.

Key highlights that make this day work

• Private local guide on call: A real human with local knowledge, plus guides like Mangkok, Mawe, and Bagong have a track record of being patient and helpful.
• Tickets already handled for four sites: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall are all included.
• Two waterfall contrasts: Tibumana tends to feel calmer, while Kanto Lampo is easier to access and is a favorite for its views.
• Air-conditioned comfort all day: An A/C vehicle plus bottled water takes the edge off Bali traffic hours.
• A flexible day with the right guide: Weather changes happen; having a guide who can adjust the plan helps you keep your momentum.
• A swing stop you can skip buying: You’ll go to Happy Swing, but the Bali Swing activity itself is listed as not included.

What you’re really buying for $24.65

This is priced to be a practical full-day value. For roughly $24.65 per person, you get a full itinerary (about 10 hours) plus an A/C ride, bottled water, and entrance tickets for multiple major sights. That’s the heart of the deal: you’re paying for convenience and access, not just a sightseeing checklist.

Two items aren’t included: lunch and Bali Swing (the activity cost). If you’re the type who stops for coffee, snacks, and a full lunch, you’ll want to budget that extra spending. If you skip the swing or just watch from the sidelines, the day still holds up because the Monkey Forest and waterfalls are the biggest pulls.

Also note this is a private tour, meaning only your group goes with your driver. That matters. It lets you keep a calmer pace than a shared bus day, and it’s easier to ask your guide to tweak timing around your energy level.

Pickup, mobile tickets, and a ride that actually helps

The logistics are built around ease: pickup is offered, you’ll have mobile tickets, and everything runs from a single day plan. You’re not juggling multiple transport providers or trying to coordinate with different ticket people across town.

The A/C vehicle is a quiet but real upgrade in Bali. Ubud mornings can be pleasant, but the later hours can get hot fast. With bottled water included, you stay functional without turning the day into a hydration project.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village

Monkey Forest in Ubud isn’t just cute selfies. It’s a sacred site and conservation sanctuary in Padangtegal Village, with lush jungle paths, ancient temples, and free-roaming Balinese long-tailed macaques. This stop is about 2 hours, which gives you enough time to walk at a steady pace without feeling like you got dropped into a zoo rush.

What I like here is the “jungle-with-temples” feel. The sanctuary setting means you’re moving through an area that clearly has cultural importance, not just a theme-park layout. And because the monkeys roam freely, you’ll see plenty of activity up close on branches and in the trees. One part of the description calls out monkeys moving in ways that can look almost like swimming among the limbs, which matches what you’ll likely notice when they hop and sway overhead.

Practical tip: keep your phone and small items secure and behave like you’re in a place where animals are free to do their thing. A good guide makes this easier by helping you pick a path and avoid bottlenecks.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the rice-view reality check

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most famous rice-view spots, located just north of Ubud. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, walking through the terrace area with sights centered on the iconic layered greenery and traditional irrigation systems.

Now for the balanced part: this is the stop that may feel like it needs a reality check. If you love rice agriculture and want the classic Ubud view, you’ll probably enjoy it. But the itinerary also attracted feedback that the rice fields can feel overrated if you’re not into rice-terrace photo time. That doesn’t mean the place is bad. It just means expectations matter.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Think of it as a short walk + viewpoint time, not a long educational hike.
• Bring patience for crowds and people-holding-phones moments.
• Ask your guide where the better angles are so your time stays worth it.

If you treat Tegalalang like a scenic stop in the middle of a stronger day (Monkey Forest + waterfalls), it lands better.

Stop 3: Happy Swing Bali and what might cost extra

Happy Swing Bali is a well-known Bali Swing stop set up for dramatic photos. The swings are designed for breathtaking views over lush valleys and water features, and you’ll have about 2 hours here.

But pay attention to the fine print in your head: Bali Swing isn’t included in the not-included list. So the visit may be included, while the swing activity fee (and possible add-ons like photos) may be on you. If you want to fly through the air, budget for it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the viewpoints without paying for the ride.

This stop is one of those “it depends what you enjoy” moments. For some people, it’s the highlight. For others, it’s a photo stop they’ll quickly move past. A good guide helps you decide how long to linger so the rest of the day doesn’t suffer.

Stop 4: Tibumana Waterfall for a calmer feel

Tibumana Waterfall is positioned as a quieter alternative compared to the busiest waterfall routes. It’s described as serene and unspoiled, and it tends to be less crowded, which is exactly why it’s on this itinerary.

You’ll have about 2 hours here. That time window matters because waterfalls aren’t just about the drop. It’s the walk, the viewing spots, and the short “stand and cool off” pause that make the moment feel real. If you’re the type who likes your waterfalls with fewer people around, Tibumana fits that mood.

Practical tip: bring shoes you’re comfortable getting a bit dusty and wet. Even when a waterfall is not a long hike, you’re still stepping around uneven ground.

Stop 5: Kanto Lampo Waterfall and an easier approach

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is known for being relatively easy to reach compared with other Bali waterfalls. It’s not far from Ubud, and the itinerary frames it as accessible without requiring long, exhausting hikes.

You’ll have about 2 hours at Kanto Lampo. This is a great “finish strong” stop because you usually get a lot of reward for your effort: strong viewpoints, classic waterfall energy, and enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling like your day is running away from you.

If you want a waterfall that feels more straightforward to enjoy after a busy schedule, this one is a smart pairing with Tibumana.

Guides make or break a long day: Mangkok, Bagong, and Mawe

What elevates this tour is not just the list of sites. It’s the people driving it. The best experiences in this itinerary connect to guide styles you can feel in the details.

Mangkok gets a lot of strong notes: he’s described as professional, careful, attentive, and funny throughout the trip. One review also highlights his willingness to help with getting in and out of the vehicle, which is the kind of small service that makes a long day easier.

Bagong is mentioned as amazing, helpful, and patient, especially for people who want a smooth, low-stress pace. Mawe stands out for thoughtfulness and flexibility, including adjusting the plan when weather changed. That matters in Bali because rain can pop up and ruin outdoor time if you can’t switch tactics.

And there’s a theme of tailoring: you can tell the team what you want to see, and they adjust accordingly. That’s how a “tour with fixed stops” turns into your day instead of their script.

Timing and how to pace yourself through five attractions

At roughly 10 hours, this is a full day, which means you’ll want a realistic pacing strategy. You’re moving between Monkey Forest, rice terraces, a swing photo stop, and two waterfalls. That can feel like a lot even when each stop is only about 2 hours.

My advice: treat each stop like a chapter.

• Get a quick orientation early (your guide should help you find the best path and timing).
• At the terrace and swing stops, decide how long you want to spend on views vs. photos.
• Save your slower, more relaxed energy for the waterfalls, especially Tibumana and Kanto Lampo.

Because the vehicle has A/C and bottled water, you can reset between chapters without burning out.

What’s included vs. what you’ll plan for

Included in the price:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Entrance tickets for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Not included:

• Lunch
• Bali Swing (the activity cost)

So you should plan for one main spending item: food. Keep it simple. If your day feels packed, you don’t want to lose time hunting for lunch without a plan.

Is this tour worth booking?

If you want a one-day hit list of Ubud’s biggest nature moments without dealing with tickets and transfers, this is a good value. The entrance ticket coverage for four major stops lowers friction, and the A/C vehicle makes the long day more comfortable.

I would book it if:

• You prefer a private day with your own guide instead of a shared group.
• You care about seeing Monkey Forest and two waterfalls in one day.
• You want a driver who can handle schedule changes if weather shifts.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re not interested in rice terraces and the classic Tegalalang photo stop.
• You don’t want to pay extra for the swing activity and don’t like “attraction time” mixed into nature time.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest and waterfalls tour?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

Do I get pickup in Ubud?

Pickup is offered.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance tickets are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

What about Bali Swing at Happy Swing Bali?

Bali Swing is listed as not included. You’ll visit the area, but the swing activity cost may be separate.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.