Rice Terrace Tours

Ubud moves fast, and this tour keeps you moving the right way. You get a tight mix of culture and nature in one day, with an experienced driver and an English guide, plus an air-conditioned vehicle for the ride between stops. It’s built for people who want the highlights without juggling tickets and timing.

I especially like that admission tickets are included for the major stops, so the day stays smooth. I also like the built-in meal stop at d’Alas Warung Restaurant, since it removes one of the biggest hassles of day tours in Bali: figuring out where to eat and when.

One consideration: the day is long and packed, and it includes a temple visit where women in a period are not allowed. If you’re sensitive to long walking periods or want extra flexibility, this itinerary may feel rushed.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• English guide + private vehicle: You stay in your own group with a driver who can explain what you’re seeing.
• Tickets and lunch included: Fewer decisions, fewer extra payments during the day.
• Monkey Forest with paved paths in a nutmeg forest: You’ll see 700+ grey long-tailed macaques in a dedicated sanctuary setting.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace time for photos and views: A full 2 hours gives you room to slow down.
• Coffee plantation with a tasting moment: Bali Pulina is an agrotourism stop with both process viewing and tasting.
• Temple visit comes with rules: Plan around the Batuan Temple visit restrictions.

Ubud in 9–10 Hours: How the day flows

This tour starts at 8:30 am and runs about 9 to 10 hours. That timing matters because you want enough daylight for the waterfall and still have time for temples and terraces without feeling like you’re racing in the dark. You’re also traveling by air-conditioned vehicle and get bottled water, which helps when the day is warm and humid.

What makes this format work for me is the pacing: you’re not stuck in one place all day, but you also aren’t just doing drive-bys. The stops are spaced so you can absorb each place: animal encounters first, then rice views, then coffee, then a meal and art browsing, and finally waterfall plus temple.

Since it’s private transportation with only your group, you avoid the constant reshuffling that happens on big group tours. You still get group discounts, but the experience stays centered on your own party.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the 700 macaques

Your first major stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal. The big draw is the scale: this sanctuary is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques. You’ll walk paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest, which is a nice detail because it’s not just an open zoo feel. It’s a real sanctuary area with greenery and paths that guide your movement.

Why I like starting here: you’re early in the day, when people often move more slowly and the atmosphere feels less frantic. Also, you’re fresh enough to handle active, energetic surroundings—before the day turns into a chain of viewpoints, meals, and temple rules.

What to keep in mind: you should expect the presence of macaques to be part of the experience, not a distant background element. If you prefer calm, low-energy sights, this stop will feel more lively than the rest.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace for real time in the views

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s most recognizable green scenes. You’ll get about 2 hours, and that’s the useful part. With that time, you can take in the terraced geometry, stroll along the viewpoints at an easy pace, and still have a moment to just watch the activity around the fields.

This stop is valuable because it’s not only about the photo. Rice terraces here are also a window into Bali’s farming culture and how the landscape is shaped for agriculture. Even if you’re only casually interested, you’ll notice how the terracing channels the way you look and move through the area.

Potential drawback: this kind of viewpoint is popular, so you may encounter crowds depending on the day. Two hours helps, though, because you can spread your time rather than rushing from one angle to another.

Stop 3: Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation and the process-to-cup feel

You’ll stop at Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation for about 1 hour. This is an agrotourism visit, meaning you’re not only tasting. You also see the process of coffee-making and then taste it while looking at the views.

I like this stop because it’s more interactive than a typical roadside coffee stop. You’re given a structured chunk of time to understand how the product gets from plant to cup, then you get to try it directly. It’s a good “break” stop between sightseeing blocks, too.

What you should consider: it’s listed as a 1-hour stop, so you shouldn’t expect a slow, deep experience. If you love coffee research and want a long tasting session, you may want to spend extra time elsewhere afterward—but for a tour day, it fits the schedule.

Stop 4: d’Alas Warung Restaurant lunch stop

For lunch, the tour includes a stop at d’Alas Warung Restaurant for about 1 hour. The emphasis here is on authentic Balinese food and healthy homegrown food using quality ingredients. The menu concept also includes creative dishes that experiment with traditional spices and flavors from across Bali.

This matters for value. Many Ubud tours either skip lunch or leave you hunting for it. Here, lunch is built into the plan, and you get time boxed into the day so you’re not losing momentum before the waterfall and temple.

The one thing to plan for: your lunch window is fixed inside the itinerary. If you have dietary needs, you’ll want to think ahead and manage expectations, since the tour data only guarantees lunch is included, not specific menu customization.

Stop 5: Ubud Art Market and the Pasar Seni vibe

After lunch, you’ll visit the Ubud Art Market, also known as pasar seni ubud. The goal of this stop is to connect with local arts and crafts in a place where buying and browsing are part of the culture.

You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to look for souvenirs, see what’s being sold by artisans, and get a feel for the market’s energy without burning your whole afternoon. If you like practical shopping—things that represent the place rather than generic items—this is the kind of stop that can make your day feel complete.

One consideration: markets are active by nature. If you prefer quiet, this may feel like a change in tempo compared to the rice terraces or coffee plantation.

Stop 6: Tegenungan Waterfall for the green valley views

Next is Tegenungan Waterfall, with about 2 hours on the site. The appeal is the combination of the waterfall itself and the green valley panorama around it. For nature lovers, this is where the day turns scenic in a bigger, more dramatic way.

Two hours is a strong amount of time for a waterfall stop because it lets you take photos, enjoy the view, and not feel like you’re being herded. It’s also a helpful buffer before the last cultural stop at Batuan Temple, since you can slow down rather than rushing straight from shopping and lunch into a religious site.

Potential drawback: depending on conditions, waterfall areas can be slippery or wet, and you’ll want to keep an eye on how you move. The good news is that you’re not stuck there for only 20 minutes—you have time to adjust and enjoy.

Stop 7: Batuan Temple (Pura Puseh Batuan) and the temple visit rules

Your final major cultural stop is Batuan Temple, also known as Pura Puseh Batuan. It’s described as one of Bali’s historically significant and visually captivating temples, and it’s located in the village of Batuan, just a short drive from Ubud.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here. I like closing with a temple because the earlier nature and viewpoints set the visual mood, and the temple adds meaning: ritual architecture, place-based culture, and a sense that this island isn’t only about scenic stops.

Important rule to know from the tour info: women in a period are not allowed to visit the temple. If that applies to you, you’ll want to plan how your party will handle the final stop.

Optional art village stop: Celuk, Mas, or Batuan for artisan communities

Between the listed stops, the tour includes a choice: you can pick one of Bali’s art villages, such as Celuk (gold and silver smiths), Mas (wood carving village), or Batuan (painter community). The idea is to see more focused artisan work beyond what you’ll find at the general market.

This optional piece is where the tour can feel less like a checklist and more like a cultural story. If you love crafts, choosing a specific art village lets you connect what you see to the skill behind it.

How to choose fast: if you like wearable or collectible metals, go Celuk. If you’re drawn to carvings and woodwork, go Mas. If you’re more into painting and visual art, pick Batuan.

Pickup, private transport, and why the logistics feel low-stress

The tour offers pickup, runs from a start time of 8:30 am, and uses an air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation. There’s also bottled water, which sounds small until you’re sitting in a car under the Bali sun.

You’ll also get mobile ticket access and admission ticket included for the main stops (Monkey Forest, rice terrace, Bali Pulina, d’Alas restaurant, Ubud art market, Tegenungan waterfall, and Batuan Temple are all listed as admission-ticket-included). That’s a big deal for value and comfort. You spend your attention on the places, not on last-minute ticket lines.

It’s also described as private, meaning only your group will participate. That’s ideal if you’re traveling with family, want more control over pacing, or simply want a quieter day.

Price and value: Is $79 a fair deal for this day?

At $79 per person (listed price), this tour can be good value if you like structure and you’re planning to see most of Ubud’s top “big hits” in one day. Here’s why: the inclusions cover multiple cost categories that add up quickly when you DIY.

You’re paying for:

• Admission tickets included for the main stops
• Lunch included
• All fees and taxes included
• Air-conditioned vehicle + private transportation
• Bottled water

When you compare that to piecing it together on your own, the savings don’t always show up as a direct math win. But they do show up as time saved and stress reduced. You also avoid the common DIY problem: the day gets expensive because each site tacks on fees and you still need transport.

So for me, $79 makes sense if you want a one-day overview plus enough time at each stop to enjoy it. If you already have transport and you plan to select only one or two sites, then you might prefer a lighter itinerary. But for a full day, this is priced like a “no-hassle” package.

Who this tour suits best

This tour fits best if you:

• Want an all-in-one Ubud day with nature + culture
• Prefer having tickets handled and lunch included
• Travel with family or a small group and want a private setup
• Like the idea of adding one art village choice (Celuk, Mas, or Batuan)

It may not be the best match if you:

• Want a slower pace with fewer stops
• Need flexibility at each location for long wandering time
• Are avoiding temple visits due to the Batuan Temple rule

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest, waterfall, and rice terrace day?

If your goal is a high-impact Ubud day with tickets and lunch included plus private transport, I’d say this is a solid booking. The itinerary is built around big-name sites, but the timing gives you real chunks of time at key places like 2 hours for Tegalalang and 2 hours for Tegenungan.

Before you click confirm, decide how you feel about the long day and the temple rule. If that’s workable for your group, this tour is the kind of plan that keeps you in motion without feeling like you’re constantly waiting or negotiating logistics.

FAQ

What time does the Bali Ubud tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 9 to 10 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is described as near public transportation.

What does the price include?

The price includes lunch, all fees and taxes, air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and bottled water. Admission tickets are included for the listed stops.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. It also mentions a mobile ticket.

Can women visit the temple?

The tour info states that women in a period are not allowed to visit the temple.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and who’s in your group (ages, any temple constraints), and I’ll help you decide which art village option—Celuk, Mas, or Batuan—fits your interests best.

One day in Ubud, well plotted. I love the private, air-conditioned vehicle and the English-speaking driver/guide who keeps everything moving without turning it into a rushed stampede. You get the key Ubud hits in one block: jungle monkeys, rice-terrace views, a sacred spring temple, and the easy walk to a famous waterfall. The one drawback to flag: it’s an 8-hour sprint, so you’re choosing “enjoy and move on” over lingering all day in one place.

The guide quality is a big part of the value here. Names like Adi, Gusti, Kadek, Aris, Komang, and Alit show up again and again, with praise for calm professionalism, patient pacing, and helpful context at each stop. One guide gets remembered for that touch of personality even down to small extras like ginger tea.

Before you book, think about entrance fees. There’s an option with entrance fees included, and a lower-cost option that leaves those fees out, so the final bill depends on which choice you make.

Key things I’d notice before you go

• Private pickup and drop-off in an AC car keeps travel time from eating your day
• Big Ubud sampler in 8 hours: monkeys, temples, terraces, waterfall, crafts
• Tirta Empul expects respectful dress and a sarong is recommended
• Celuk Village is the craft focus for Balinese silver and gold work
• Tegalalang rice terraces include a short walk and photo time with valley views
• Guides matter here and many are praised for being calm and not pushy

Ubud in One Day: Why This Route Works

If you’re in Ubud for a short stay, trying to DIY everything can feel like herding cats. This tour fixes that problem by putting the heavy lifting—driving, sequencing, and timing—into someone else’s hands. You ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off, plus fuel, parking, and bottled water handled.

What I like about the routing is the natural flow. You start with a craft village in town (less “get wet, get muddy”), then you move into Ubud’s signature nature-and-spiritual mix: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple, and finally the waterfall. By the time you reach Tegenungan, you’re already in the right frame of mind for jungle scenery and quick photos.

The trade-off is time. Each stop is about one hour on-site (with the rest of the day spent traveling between them and factoring in lunch). If you’re the type who wants to read every plaque and watch every ritual detail for a long stretch, you’ll need to manage expectations. Still, for a first Ubud day, it’s a smart way to see the “greatest hits” without building a complicated itinerary.

Celuk Village for Balinese Silver and Gold Craft

Your first stop is Celuk Village, a well-known center for Balinese silver and gold craftsmanship. This is where you get out of the big scenic-tour mode and into something more tactile: jewelry-making and metalwork you can actually watch and browse.

Plan for one hour. That’s usually enough time to see traditional making methods, look at finished pieces, and pick up a small souvenir if something catches your eye. Since admission is free for this stop, your budget stays simple here.

A practical tip: don’t treat this like a quick “look and leave.” Celuk is a great place to slow down for a bit. If you’re the type who likes understanding what you’re buying, this stop gives you context—so you’ll shop with your eyes open, not just because a store is selling.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Temples, Shade, and Gray Macaques

Next up is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one of Ubud’s most recognizable experiences. Here, gray macaques roam around Hindu temple grounds, and the main attraction is the contrast: calm stone-and-shrine spaces in the middle of a living jungle, with monkeys moving through the same paths.

You’ll have about an hour to walk shaded paths and get close to the action. This isn’t about a single “monkey moment,” either. It’s more like a slow wander where you keep noticing new behavior—monkeys crossing, pausing, climbing, and generally treating the place like their own neighborhood.

The consideration I’d keep in mind: these are wild animals. The tour gives you access to the area and the walk, but you should still be ready for unpredictable encounters. Keep your attention on where you’re stepping and what you’re carrying, and you’ll have a better time.

Also, it’s a good mental break before the more structured spiritual stops. If the day feels like it’s piling on, this forest pause helps reset the pace.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Views, Short Walks, and Photo Time

Then you reach Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the classic layered green scenery that made Ubud famous. You’ll get classic Ubud valley views, with time for a short walk and plenty of photo opportunities.

Expect about an hour here. That typically includes a gentle stroll through viewpoint areas and time to enjoy a coffee stop nearby if you want it. The area is built for photos, but it’s also worth paying attention to the shape of the terraces—the way water management and farming patterns create those stepped lines.

There’s also an adrenaline option in the mix around Tegalalang. The tour notes mention trying a jungle swing-style experience, but the exact timing and fit depends on your day and how your guide organizes the hour. If you want that added thrill, tell your guide early so it doesn’t turn into a last-minute scramble.

One more thing: terraces can mean uneven ground. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in, and keep your phone secured while you’re moving between viewpoints.

Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple: Purification Pools and Sarong Etiquette

Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple is where the tour shifts from scenery into something more spiritual and participatory. The temple is famous for purification pools, tied to local ritual meaning and religious heritage.

The tone here is respectful and observant. You’ll have about an hour to understand what’s going on and to see the cleansing process. The tour also flags an important detail: a sarong is recommended for respectful entry. If you don’t have one, this is the moment when you’ll want to make sure you can meet the dress expectation, because it can affect whether you’re allowed into certain areas or how comfortable you feel.

The “how much should I join in” part is up to you. The tour notes say you can optionally join a cleansing experience, with proper attire. Even if you skip the cleansing yourself, you’ll still learn the purpose and watch the rhythm of the ritual.

This stop adds meaning to the day. Without it, the itinerary would just be waterfalls and views. With it, you get Ubud as a living cultural center, not a theme park.

Tegenungan Waterfall: The Easy Walk to Big Jungle Views

After Tirta Empul, you’re rewarded with something straightforward and visual: Tegenungan Waterfall. This one is known for a powerful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, with an access point that’s described as easy near Ubud.

You’ll have about an hour, which is usually enough time for a short walk to the falls and the classic photo moments. It’s a good contrast to the temple’s indoor-and-pool focus: here it’s motion, sound, and that humid jungle air.

Practical note: waterfalls mean moisture. Even if the walk is short, be prepared for damp ground and mist. Comfortable footwear helps. If you’re sensitive to crowds or want quieter photos, you can time your shots by watching how your guide spaces the group during the walk.

Ubud Town Stop for Craft Shopping (Time Permitting)

The tour also includes a central shopping-area stop for local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, time permitting. This is a flexible add-on that gives you a chance to round out your day with practical shopping—especially if you didn’t find anything at Celuk.

Because it’s time-limited, this is not the place to go hunting for the perfect jacket. It’s more like: if you spot something small that fits your taste, grab it. If not, no pressure—your day is about the main sites.

Price and Logistics: Does $33 Really Add Up?

At $33 per person, this is the kind of tour that tries to be fair value, not fancy. The big reason it can work at this price point is what’s included: hotel pickup/drop-off, a private air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking driver/guide, petrol, parking, and mineral water.

Here’s where the pricing becomes important. Entrance fees can be included or not, depending on the option you select:

• If you choose the entrance fees included version, your major site costs are handled.
• If you choose the lower-cost without entrance fees option, you’ll pay site fees separately.

You also need to factor in what’s not included: lunch and personal spending. Tips are optional and not required, which gives you flexibility.

Duration is listed as 8 hours approx., but that’s outside just the listed sights. In real life, that means travel time between Ubud sites is part of the package, which is exactly why the private car matters. You’re buying time saved, comfort, and guidance—so you can enjoy the stops instead of negotiating traffic and timing on your own.

What the Best Guides Do on This Day

The itinerary is solid, but the experience rises or falls on how it’s run. The most praised aspect across guide feedback is how smoothly they handle the day while keeping it human.

Guides like Adi are praised for being personable and professional, with one standout memory involving ginger tea. Gusti gets recognized for cultural context and good conversational flow. Kadek is repeatedly described as polite and easy to talk to, and important: not pushy, with space for you to enjoy each stop at your pace. Aris is described as calm and professional, helpful with questions and tips at each site. Komang and Alit also come up for friendliness and patience.

That kind of guiding matters especially on a day like this, because you’ll be moving between very different places: a craft village, a monkey sanctuary, rice terraces, a purification temple, then a waterfall. A good guide keeps the transitions easy and helps you get the most out of each stop without turning it into a checklist.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour fits you if:

• You’re in Ubud for a short time and want the core sights in one day
• You prefer private transport so you’re not squeezed into a shared shuttle schedule
• You like a mix of nature and culture, not just one type of attraction
• You value a guide who can explain what you’re seeing in plain language

It might not fit you if:

• You want slow travel with long stays at one place
• You’re mainly after beach time or open-water scenery (Ubud is inland and jungle/temple based)
• You’re very sensitive to animals in the Monkey Forest area

Making the Day Feel Easy: My Practical Advice

A packed day works best if you plan for comfort. You’ll do short walks at places like the rice terrace viewpoint areas and the waterfall, and you’ll also be in and out of temple-like spaces. Wear clothing that’s comfortable for humidity and easy movement.

For Tirta Empul, plan ahead for respectful entry. The tour specifically recommends a sarong, so either bring one or make sure you’ll be able to obtain what you need before that stop.

Bring a mindset for options. The tour includes a choice structure for entrance fees and also mentions a possible adrenaline add-on around Tegalalang. If you want the swing-style activity, tell your guide early so your one-hour window doesn’t become stress.

Finally, remember lunch is not included. If you have dietary needs, decide how you’ll handle food before the day starts, since that slot can affect how your guide times the later stops.

Should You Book This Best-of Ubud Day Tour?

If you want a well-paced, guided one-day overview of Ubud—temples, monkeys, terraces, and waterfall—this is a strong booking. The private AC car and pickup/drop-off are the big comfort win, and the guide experience is clearly the heart of why people feel satisfied. You also get a useful balance: craft culture at Celuk, spiritual grounding at Tirta Empul, then nature payoff at Tegalalang and Tegenungan.

Book it if your goal is a memorable first Ubud day without planning headaches. Consider an alternative if you want a slower, single-site experience, or if you dislike monkey areas or strict dress etiquette at temples.

FAQ

How long is the Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall and Rice Terrace in Ubud tour?

It runs for about 8 hours, including travel time between stops and time not listed for lunch.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off using a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

It is private. Only your group participates.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance fees are included only if you select the option that includes them. There is also an option without entrance fees, which means you would pay site fees separately.

Do I need to bring a sarong for Tirta Empul?

A sarong is recommended for respectful entry at Tirta Empul, where purification pools are part of the experience.

What’s included besides transportation?

The tour includes an English-speaking driver/guide, petrol (fuel), parking fees, mineral water, and the private vehicle. Entrance fees may be included depending on your option.

What’s not included?

Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are not included. Tips are optional and not required.

What is the cancellation policy?

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