Ubud in one big loop is a smart use of time. This tour strings together the key hits—cool off at Tegenungan Waterfall, watch the “nope” factor of Monkey Forest, and end at Tirta Empul—so you get a real taste of Bali’s culture and nature without planning a full itinerary. I love the hotel transfers that save you from guessing routes, and I also like the small group size (max 9) that keeps the day from feeling chaotic. One thing to plan for: it’s a packed day, and most entrance fees are not included unless you pick the inclusive option.
What makes this one feel worth it is the guide. English-speaking guides are part of the deal, and in the feedback I reviewed, people called out guides by name like Dewa, Yogi, Eddy, Gusti, and Patu for explaining culture clearly and helping with photos. If you like learning what you’re actually looking at—offerings, temple meanings, and why rice terraces matter—this format works.
Because it starts in the Kuta area, timing can stretch. Even if the tour is listed at about 7 hours 30 minutes, plan a longer day in heavy traffic, and bring cash for any entrance fees that end up being due at the sites.
Key things that make this tour work

- Small group, max 9: easier pacing and fewer waiting games than big buses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuta: you avoid the “how do I get there” headache
- Real Ubud mix: waterfall, monkeys, markets, rice terraces, then a holy spring temple
- An English-speaking guide: you’ll get explanations, not just a checklist
- Cool refreshment details: bottled water on board and an air-conditioned vehicle
- Optional add-ons: Tegalalang swing costs extra if you want the thrill
The point of this day: a fast, guided Ubud sampler

This is a get-your-bearings-fast kind of tour. Ubud is Bali’s culture-and-arts hub, but it’s also spread out. If you only have one day, you’ll waste time trying to stitch stops together with rides and waiting. This route solves that problem by grouping nearby experiences into one loop.
You’re not just sightseeing. You’re moving through very different Bali worlds back to back: a waterfall for scenery and a break from the heat, the playful (and loud) Monkey Forest, a market area for everyday local life, the rice terraces for how Bali feeds itself and shapes land, and then Tirta Empul for spiritual practice and a holy water spring.
That variety is the real value. You come away with more context than if you only did one type of place—temples only, or nature only.
Timing from Kuta: why your day may run long

The tour is listed at about 7 hours 30 minutes, with multiple stops adding up to a longer on-the-road day. If you’re staying in Kuta, you should assume drive time can be significant.
In one bit of practical advice from the experience feedback: the drive from Seminyak or Kuta to the Ubud area can take about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. That means you’ll feel the day more than if you were starting closer to Ubud.
What to do with that info:
- Wear comfy shoes and plan for walking stretches at each stop.
- Treat the schedule as “about” time, not to-the-minute precision.
- Keep your phone charged. You’ll want photos, especially at the terraces.
Tegenungan Waterfall: a quick nature reset
First stop is Tegenungan Waterfall. You get around 1 hour 15 minutes there, which is plenty for cooling off, getting a few solid photos, and then moving on without spending your whole day at one location.
Important: the waterfall entrance fee is listed as not included unless you choose an inclusive entrance-fee option. It’s shown as IDR 30,000 per person when it’s an extra cost.
What I like about starting here: it sets a calm tone. After pickup and driving, it’s a clean reset. You get that tropical “fresh air” feeling right away, before the day gets more crowded and active.
One practical drawback: you may be there in mid-day heat. Bring a hat and something small to protect your skin, because your time at the waterfall can feel longer than the clock if the sun is strong.
Monkey Forest: impressive, chaotic, and worth the rules

Next is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 1 hour 15 minutes on the ground. This is one of those places where you’ll either have a great time or you’ll stress out—so the key is mindset.
This stop is all about sharing space. The monkeys are curious, quick, and not always interested in your plans. A guide can make this way easier by setting expectations and keeping you moving safely.
Entrance fees here are also not included unless you select the inclusive option. The listing shows:
- Weekday rate: IDR 100,000 per booking
- Weekend rate: IDR 120,000 per person
Practical tips that actually help:
- Keep bags zipped and secured. Don’t hang things off your hands.
- Hold your valuables close and avoid flashy snacks.
- Bring patience. If a monkey steals the show, your guide will help you handle it calmly.
In the feedback I saw, camera moments were common—and guides like Patu were specifically praised for handling a monkey interaction fast and safely. That kind of competence matters here.
Ubud Traditional Art Market: a lunch-and-local-life stop

After monkeys, you’ll head toward the Ubud Traditional Art Market area. This is timed around about 1 hour.
The schedule frames lunch as part of the day, but the “Meals and other drinks” line is listed as not included. Translation: you’ll likely have a chance to eat there, but you should expect to pay your own way for your meal unless you see a package option that explicitly includes it.
Why this market stop is useful:
- It slows the pace for a bit.
- You can pick up small souvenirs or watch local crafts in action.
- It’s a break before the rice terraces, which involve more outdoor time.
If you care about authenticity, this kind of stop beats a rushed photo-only break. It lets you see how locals shop and move through daily life, not just tourist zones.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces: the short walk that feels bigger

Then you move to Tegalalang Rice Terrace with about 45 minutes allocated. This is a “see it, walk a bit, then get back out before you melt” timing.
Entrance fees for the rice terrace are not included unless you chose the inclusive option. The listing shows IDR 50,000 per person as an extra.
What to expect in the time you have:
- You’ll get viewpoints for photos.
- There’s typically a short walking portion to reach good angles.
- It’s less about long hiking and more about quick access to the most photogenic areas.
There’s an optional add-on here: the Tegalalang Swing. It’s listed as optional at IDR 200,000. If you want the thrill shot, factor it into your budget and your stamina. If you don’t, skip it and enjoy the terrace walking at a calmer pace.
One helpful habit: bring water and take breaks when you can. Even with bottled water included on the vehicle, terrace time is exposed, and your energy goes fast.
Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring time, guided and respectful

Your final stop is Tirta Empul Temple, with about 1 hour 15 minutes there. This is the most spiritual moment of the day, and it’s where a guide’s explanations can really pay off.
The tour includes a visit to the temple complex and the holy mountain spring at Tirta Empul. Entrance fees are listed as not included unless inclusive is selected, at IDR 75,000 per person.
What makes this stop stand out in a good way:
- It connects the “culture and arts” theme to something lived, not staged.
- You get time to observe, learn, and experience the atmosphere without rushing through a checklist.
Temple etiquette varies by site and by what’s happening when you arrive, so follow your guide’s instructions closely. If you’re unsure, ask. Most problems in temples come from guessing.
Price check: is $18 a good deal after add-ons?

The tour price is $18 per person, which is low compared with the number of stops and the fact that it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, drinking water, and insurance.
But here’s the catch: most entrance fees are not included unless you chose an entrance-fee inclusive option. The not-included fees listed in the details add up across multiple sites—especially Monkey Forest and Tegalalang.
So how do you judge value?
- You’re paying for convenience: pickup, transportation, guide time, and bottled water.
- You’re also paying for time-saving: you’re compressing several separate Ubud excursions into one organized day.
- Your final spend can land higher once entrance fees are added, plus optional extras like the Tegalalang swing.
One practical tip from experience feedback: sometimes the entrance-fee coverage you expect doesn’t match what you find on the ground. The safest move is to budget for entrance fees and carry cash.
Even if you end up paying some extras, you can still find this kind of guided loop cost-effective because it replaces several separate tours and cuts out a lot of planning stress.
Small group comfort: max 9 feels like the sweet spot
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 9 travelers. That matters more than people think. In real life, a small group:
- Moves together more smoothly.
- Lets your guide manage timing better at each stop.
- Cuts down on the “everyone disappear for photos” chaos that happens in large groups.
It also helps for photos and interactions—especially at Monkey Forest and the rice terraces, where you’re frequently stepping aside for angles and paths.
The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a real win in Bali’s heat. Bottled water is included, and that tiny comfort addition makes a long day feel more manageable.
What I’d pack for this exact route
Because you’re doing a waterfall, a forest, temple grounds, and terrace viewpoints, pack for mixed walking and sun.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll want grip)
- A hat and sunscreen
- A small towel or dry clothes if you tend to get wet at waterfalls
- Cash for entrance fees if you are not using an inclusive entrance-fee option
- A light layer for temple areas if you get chill from AC in the car
Also, keep your day organized: if you’re using a mobile ticket, have it accessible so you’re not digging through your phone at the entrance.
Who should book this Ubud Small Group Tour
Book it if:
- You’re short on time and want a single day that hits major Ubud sights
- You like guided storytelling and practical explanations at temples and culture stops
- You prefer a group that’s small enough to feel personal
Skip it or rethink it if:
- You hate long days and are sensitive to traffic-driven schedule changes
- You want a slow, deep visit to one site rather than a sampler across many
- You want all entrance fees to be included with zero follow-up costs (since several are listed as extra unless inclusive option is chosen)
If you’re traveling with kids, a small-group format can work well, and the feedback included at least one case where a booking shifted into a private-style day for a son and a parent. That suggests the experience can flex with your needs when capacity allows.
Should you book? My honest take
If you want one day that covers the big Ubud moments—waterfall, Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terraces, and Tirta Empul—this is a solid choice. The low base price plus pickup/drop-off and guide support is the kind of deal that works when you don’t want to micromanage logistics.
Just do two things to make it smoother: plan for entrance fees that aren’t listed as included unless you select the right option, and bring cash as a backup. Then you can focus on what you actually came for: seeing how Bali feels in motion, not just in one photo spot.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud small group tour?
It’s listed at about 7 hours 30 minutes, though the day includes multiple stops and travel time around Ubud from the Kuta area.
What stops are included in the tour?
The tour includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, an Ubud Traditional Art Market stop (with a lunch opportunity), Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul Temple.
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Is bottled water provided?
Yes. Drinking water is included, and bottled water is provided for refreshments.
Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees are included only if you select an entrance-fee option. Otherwise, several site fees are listed as not included.
What entrance fees should I expect if they are not included?
The listing shows extra fees for Tegenungan Waterfall (IDR 30,000 per person unless inclusive), Monkey Forest (weekday IDR 100,000 per booking, weekend IDR 120,000 per person unless inclusive), Tegalalang Rice Terrace (IDR 50,000 per person unless inclusive), and Tirta Empul (IDR 75,000 per person unless inclusive).
Does the tour include lunch?
The schedule includes an Ubud Traditional Art Market stop that’s framed around lunch, but meals and other drinks are listed as not included, so you should expect to pay for what you eat unless an option says otherwise.
Is the Tegalalang swing included?
No. The Tegalalang Swing is optional and listed at IDR 200,000.
How big is the group?
It’s a small group tour with a maximum of 9 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before start time is not refunded.








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