Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing
Monkey forest to waterfalls in one day.
This Ubud trip is interesting because it strings together the big hits plus the quieter, green stuff: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, terraced rice fields, coffee culture, and two different waterfalls. I like the way the day is built around short, focused stops (so you’re not trapped in one place too long), and you still get variety without feeling rushed.
Two things I especially like: hotel pickup and drop-off plus a full day of included admission fees at most stops. One drawback to plan for is the drive time; you’re spending real hours in the air-conditioned vehicle as you hop around Ubud and nearby villages, and traffic can steal more time than you expect.
In This Review
- Quick Hits Before You Go
- A One-Day Ubud Mix: Forest, Rice, Coffee, and Falls
- Getting Around Ubud: Why the Car Time Matters
- Monkey Forest Sanctuary: What to Expect at the First Stop
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces: How to Enjoy the View Time
- Ubud Jungle Swing: The Photo Stop Without the Full Day Weight
- Coffee Plantation in Kintamani: Learning Without Making It Too Long
- Warung Dewa Malen and Lunch Time: Plan for Your Own Meal
- Tibumana Waterfall: Cool Green Forest Time
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Tiered Views and a Bigger Water Scene
- Price and Value vs What You Actually Pay
- The Best Fit: Who This Tour Suits
- A Quick Note on Flexibility and Drivers (Jero’s a Name to Remember)
- Should You Book This Ubud Day Trip?
- FAQ
- What does the $26 price include?
- How long is the tour?
- Is pickup from my hotel included?
- Which stops have admission tickets included?
- Do I need to pay extra for the swing?
- Is lunch included?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What is the cancellation cutoff?
Quick Hits Before You Go

- A full Ubud sampler (about 8 hours) that combines forest, rice terraces, coffee, and waterfalls in one loop
- Most key admissions included, so your day stays predictable (the swing ticket is the main extra)
- Private setup for your group with an air-conditioned vehicle and a driver who can adapt
- Ubud Jungle Swing is short and optional in time but big on photos
- Two waterfalls, two vibes: Kanto Lampo (tiered, about 15 meters) plus Tibumana (in a forest setting)
- Guides/drivers like Jero Andi are known for being dependable and flexible with small changes
A One-Day Ubud Mix: Forest, Rice, Coffee, and Falls

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if you’re only in Ubud for a short time. You get a blend of wildlife-and-forest scenery, agricultural views, and classic “look at this” natural spots like waterfalls. It’s also a practical format: each stop runs about 30 to 60 minutes, which keeps your energy for the parts that matter.
You’re paying a low base price for a full route, and that’s where the value is. At a glance, $26 per person doesn’t look like much, but the included items help it add up: air-conditioned transport, parking, and hotel pickup/drop-off, plus admissions for several major stops. The main cost you’ll likely add is lunch and the Ubud swing ticket.
One reason this tour works well in real life: it’s built for mobility. Even when you’re not in the mood for yet another viewpoint, you’re rarely stuck waiting for long stretches. You move from one scene to the next—monkeys, terraces, coffee, then waterfalls—so the day feels like a playlist instead of a single track.
Other Ubud tours we've reviewed in Ubud
Getting Around Ubud: Why the Car Time Matters
The tour runs about 8 hours, but the sightseeing stops add up to only part of that. The rest is transit. Ubud is small, but the roads and traffic are very real, especially when you’re bouncing between different parts of the island.
Here’s how to plan smarter:
- Wear comfy shoes you can move in at terraces and waterfall paths.
- Keep water handy. You might not have long breaks between stops.
- If you’re sensitive to heat, remember you’ll be in and out of outdoor spots, so dress in breathable layers.
The upside is that you’re not doing this solo. With private transport, you’re not coordinating taxis between far-apart points. You also avoid the “figure it out” stress when Bali’s traffic changes your timing.
Monkey Forest Sanctuary: What to Expect at the First Stop

The morning starts at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal. The forest covers about 12.5 hectares and is home to monkeys. This is a proper sanctuary, not just a scenic yard, which makes it a bit more meaningful than a quick photo stop.
This first stop is about an hour. That time is usually enough for a slow walk, taking in the shaded forest feel and the winding pathways. If you want photos, aim for moments when your group isn’t constantly stepping aside for others. It’s also a place where you’ll want to follow the sanctuary rules on-site—since it’s a real animal habitat, not a theme park.
One practical note from experience with this kind of tour: double-check the exact wording of your monkey-forest stop. I’ve seen confusion between similar-sounding listings. If you care about getting exactly the Ubud sanctuary you expected, confirm the name when you book.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces: How to Enjoy the View Time

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace—a terraced rice field area that still uses traditional Balinese irrigation. The idea here is simple: you’re going to see one of Bali’s most recognizable agricultural views, with those stepped greens that look even better from the right angles.
You’ll have about one hour. That’s a good length for terraces because you can:
- find a viewpoint,
- walk a bit along paths,
- and take photos without turning it into an all-day hike.
The only “watch out” is crowding and foot traffic. Terraces draw people, and Ubud drives the demand. Go at a calm pace and keep your footing. If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, stick to the smoother sections and let the driver know what pace works for your group.
Ubud Jungle Swing: The Photo Stop Without the Full Day Weight

The Ubud Jungle Swing stop is shorter—about 45 minutes—and the ticket isn’t included. That means your cost can rise slightly if you decide to ride, and your schedule can shift a little depending on lines and photo timing.
Is it worth it? If you like scenic thrill rides and you want that famous “swing over the greenery” look, it’s the kind of quick stop that pays off in photos. If you hate waiting or you’re not interested in the swing, you can treat this as a view break and hang time instead of a commitment.
Practical advice: build in patience. Swing attractions tend to involve small delays while groups take turns. If your group is sensitive to time, ask the driver to keep an eye on pacing so you still enjoy the waterfall stops later.
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Coffee Plantation in Kintamani: Learning Without Making It Too Long

The tour then heads to Agro Santi Coffee Plantation. This segment is about 30 minutes, and admissions are included.
This stop is mainly about understanding the local coffee routine—how coffee is cultivated and how it becomes a product people talk about. The time is short by design, which is a plus if you don’t want to sit through a full production demo. You get the idea, you see how things are grown and processed, and you can move on.
One smart way to use this stop: decide early what you want. If your group loves tasting, plan for it. If you just want to walk through and learn a bit, keep it light. Either way, remember lunch isn’t included, so coffee stops can sometimes turn into snack time more than a meal.
Also, if the plantation experience includes people encouraging purchases, you don’t have to go along with everything. You can enjoy the coffee knowledge and simply choose what fits your budget.
Warung Dewa Malen and Lunch Time: Plan for Your Own Meal

After coffee, there’s a 45-minute stop at Warung Dewa Malen. The idea is you’ll be invited to visit restaurants or food stalls along the route near the sights. Lunch itself isn’t included, so this is where you’ll likely grab your main meal.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Use this stop to solve lunch first, not last. Food decisions take longer than you think when you’re hungry.
- Keep your order simple if you’re on a clock.
- If you’re picky, ask what options are available quickly rather than browsing for a long time.
Some drivers also help when things run tight. In past experiences with guides from this operator, I’ve seen the driver help a group find food on the way back to their hotel. That’s the benefit of having a real driver who’s paying attention, not just ticking off boxes.
Tibumana Waterfall: Cool Green Forest Time

Then comes Tibumana Waterfall, about one hour on site. This waterfall is located in Apuan Village, Bangli Regency, and it’s known for a forest setting. The description emphasizes that the area is cool and green, with the waterfall set into the landscape.
This stop usually feels different from the more famous waterfall energy. Because it’s in a forest setting, the mood is more “quiet scenery” than “big crowd spectacle.” That’s great if your group wants a break from hot sun and wants to slow down a little.
The practical downside: if weather turns wet or slippery, you’ll want to be careful where you step. Waterfall paths can get slick. If you’re traveling with anyone who’s unsteady on their feet, choose footing early and stick to it.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Tiered Views and a Bigger Water Scene
Next is Kanto Lampo Waterfall, also about one hour. It’s a tiered waterfall around 15 meters high, and the atmosphere is described as refreshing. This stop tends to deliver that “wow, look at the water” feeling, especially if the flow is strong.
What you’ll likely enjoy here is the combination of sound and sight. Tiered falls create a more complex visual than a single drop, and the surrounding area gives you more angles for photos.
If your group is doing the swing earlier, this is a nice contrast: instead of action and posed photos, it’s scenic looking, photos at different levels, and taking in the cooling spray when you get close.
Price and Value vs What You Actually Pay
At $26 per person, this trip is priced like a budget-friendly “greatest hits” day. The key to its value is what’s included.
Included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees for the included stops (not for everything)
- Parking fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included:
- Lunch
- Ticket for the swing
- Personal expenses
So yes, you’re paying little up front, but you’re also giving up some control. The tour is designed around included sights, and the swing is the main “extra ticket” item. If you want zero add-ons, you’ll still likely pay for lunch unless you bring your own food (not stated, so I can’t assume it’s allowed or convenient). If you’re okay budgeting modestly for lunch and the swing, the value is strong.
A practical way to think about this: you’re buying transportation plus entry fees, and you’re getting a full route worth of experiences. If you tried to DIY it with separate taxis and tickets, you’d spend more time and likely more money than you expect.
The Best Fit: Who This Tour Suits
This tour suits you if you:
- want a one-day overview of Ubud nature and culture-adjacent scenery,
- like having a driver handle the route,
- and enjoy a mix of “walk around” and “look at views” stops.
It’s also a good choice for couples and small groups, since the tour is set up so you’re not mixed into a big crowd from multiple parties. The wording indicates only your group participates, which usually means fewer interruptions and more flexibility.
If you’re traveling with mobility limitations, the tour might still work, but you should be realistic about outdoor walking at terraces and waterfall areas. Short stop lengths help, but you still need to be able to move around.
A Quick Note on Flexibility and Drivers (Jero’s a Name to Remember)
One of the most practical perks of this type of Ubud day trip is having a driver who keeps the day smooth. In this operator’s experiences, Jero and Jero Andi come up as dependable and flexible—happy to make changes to suit your needs, and punctual enough that you can keep the schedule without frantic chasing.
That flexibility can matter a lot when traffic shifts timing. If you have a specific preference like extra photo time, a quick stop for food, or adjusting pacing at one location, a good driver makes it feel less like a factory line.
Should You Book This Ubud Day Trip?
Book it if you want the best-use-of-time approach: monkeys, rice terraces, coffee, and two waterfalls in one day, with most admissions covered and pickup handled. At $26, the math is friendly, especially if you were already planning to see multiple Ubud-area sights and don’t want to manage transport between them.
Skip it or reconsider if:
- you’re strongly against paying extra for the swing ticket,
- you dislike long car time (about half the day is transit depending on traffic),
- or you need a fully slow, unhurried day with no schedule pressure.
Weather can also affect outcomes. Since it requires good weather, you’ll want to plan with flexibility in mind.
FAQ
What does the $26 price include?
The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, entrance fees for the listed included stops, parking fees, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 8 hours.
Is pickup from my hotel included?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
Which stops have admission tickets included?
Admission tickets are included for the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Agro Santi Coffee Plantation, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
Do I need to pay extra for the swing?
Yes. The Ubud Jungle Swing ticket is not included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, and there is a stop at Warung Dewa Malen where you can choose food.
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s set up as private transportation for your group, and only your group participates.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation cutoff?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before won’t be refunded.
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