Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

Bali Waterfalls Tours

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

12 min read

Monkeys, terraces, and waterfalls in one day.

This Ubud tour strings together big-name sights with the ease of a private local guide and air-conditioned pickup, so you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying the views. I like that you get guided time in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, both of which are visually striking and rooted in local place.

What I really appreciate is the value math: key entrance tickets are included and the vehicle is ready for a full circuit. One thing to consider: the rice terraces can feel very popular, so if you want quiet-and-spare, you may find that stop less satisfying than the waterfalls.

Key takeaways before you go

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Key takeaways before you go

  • Private group comfort: pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water keep the day smooth.
  • Monkey Forest with real conservation context: ancient temples + free-roaming long-tailed macaques in a sacred sanctuary.
  • Tegalalang’s classic views (and some crowd energy): traditional irrigation scenery you’ll want to see in good light.
  • Two waterfall stops that pace the day well: Tibumana for calm vibes, Kanto Lampo for easy access.
  • Guides who adjust on the fly: support that can include weather flexibility and photo help.
  • Bali Swing may cost extra: it’s listed as not included even though it’s part of the plan.

How this 10-hour Ubud circuit actually plays

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - How this 10-hour Ubud circuit actually plays
This is a full-day, private tour in Ubud that runs about 10 hours from start to finish. The schedule is built around five stops, with roughly two hours at each, so you’re not doing constant “grab-and-go.” You’ll also have an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water, which matters in Bali when you’re hopping between jungle, temple, and waterfall air.

The tour is designed for a specific kind of traveler: you want multiple signature Ubud sights without juggling tickets, parking, and driving. Because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting on other groups in the same way—your guide can keep the pace aligned with your energy level. Also, you get a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re bouncing between different entrances.

The one tradeoff is that you’re still doing a lot in one day. If you’re the type who likes slow mornings and long lingering stops, you’ll want to show up with a flexible attitude. The upside is you end up with a full set of Ubud memories: monkeys, rice terraces, and waterfalls.

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Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples and long-tailed macaques

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples and long-tailed macaques
The day starts at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village, Ubud. This isn’t just a “monkey zoo” stop. It’s described as a sacred site and conservation sanctuary with lush jungle and ancient temples, and it’s home to a free-roaming population of Balinese long-tailed macaques.

You’ll be there about two hours, which is enough time to wander at a human pace and still feel like you covered the main areas. The conservation angle is part of what makes this stop more meaningful than a quick selfie spot. You’re walking through a place that locals treat with reverence, set inside actual forest.

A practical consideration: because this is a wild, free-roaming environment, you should expect close encounters. You don’t need to panic, but do plan to keep things controlled—bags, phones, and anything shiny should be handled like you’re sharing space with unpredictable creatures. Having a guide helps a lot here because you’ll be directed through the most straightforward paths.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: a classic view with a crowd factor

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most photographed rice terrace areas, located just north of Ubud. The description emphasizes its traditional irrigation system, and what you’ll notice right away is how the terraces step down in layers, making a built-in viewfinder for photos.

The timing here is about two hours, which is a good length for soaking in the scenery and finding angles that work. If you love the visual rhythm of terraces and rice fields, this stop will probably deliver. If you’re more into waterfalls and jungle than farm views, you may find yourself thinking this is the “must-see” that’s okay but not your favorite.

One extra reality check: the terraces are famous for a reason, and popularity can show up as crowds. That doesn’t ruin the scenery, but it changes the vibe. Plan to enjoy what you came for—views and irrigation patterns—rather than expecting a quiet, private landscape.

Happy Swing Bali: the thrills, and the part that costs extra

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Happy Swing Bali: the thrills, and the part that costs extra
After the rice terraces, the itinerary includes Happy Swing Bali (often referred to as Bali Swing). This stop is built around a set of big swings that offer views over lush jungle, plus glimpses of rivers and waterfalls.

You get two hours allocated here, so you’re not rushed through the swing experience. That said, here’s the important pricing detail: in the tour inclusions, Bali Swing is marked as not included, even while the swing stop is part of the schedule. In plain terms, you should assume you may pay extra for the swing itself.

If you’re deciding whether it’s worth it, ask yourself what you want most from the day:

  • If you want a high-energy photo moment and don’t mind paying extra, this is your payoff stop.
  • If you’d rather spend that time at a waterfall or shopping for snacks and water, you might treat this as optional.

Also, don’t overlook the value of having a guide while you’re doing it. When you’re in a busy tourist area, having someone help manage timing and picture-taking can save you frustration.

Tibumana Waterfall: calmer scenery and a slower feeling

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Tibumana Waterfall: calmer scenery and a slower feeling
Tibumana Waterfall is next. This is described as a hidden gem in Bangli Regency, with a serene feel and a less-crowded vibe compared with more famous waterfalls. The pitch here is that it’s an escape from the busier parts of Bali.

You’ll spend about two hours at this stop, which gives you room for photos plus a slower walk-and-breathe pace. If your favorite part of Bali is the quieter soundscape—water, birds, and that cooler air from being near the falls—Tibumana tends to fit the bill.

A realistic expectation: any waterfall stop can get lively, especially if tour cars arrive near the same time window. But this one is specifically framed as less crowded, so it’s a strong counterbalance after the monkey forest and rice terraces.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and photo-ready angles

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and photo-ready angles
The final waterfall stop is Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Gianyar Regency, not far from Ubud. Compared to some Bali waterfalls that require long hikes, this one is described as easily accessible, with a relatively easier approach.

That accessibility matters because it keeps the day from turning into one long workout. You still get the waterfall payoff—photos, mist, and that classic Bali green-and-water look—without needing to plan around exhausting trail conditions.

You also get two hours here, so you can pick your moment for pictures. If you’re the type who likes to photograph from multiple angles, the time buffer helps. And since it’s late in the day, you may appreciate that it’s more manageable than the more strenuous options you sometimes hear about in Bali.

Price and value: why $24.65 can make sense

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Price and value: why $24.65 can make sense
At $24.65 per person, this tour is priced to be affordable for a full-day plan—especially because several key costs are bundled. Included items list:

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

Not included:

  • Lunch
  • Bali Swing

So where is the value? You’re not paying separately for every entrance, and you’re getting private transport across multiple regions around Ubud. If you were to price each entrance and arrange a driver yourself, this package format tends to make more sense—especially for a day that packs five major stops.

The only caution is mental budgeting. If Bali Swing is on your “must do” list, remember it’s not included in the base cost. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to plan for food on the go rather than expecting a meal solved for you.

What makes the day feel good: guides, safety, and flexibility

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - What makes the day feel good: guides, safety, and flexibility
The quality of this tour experience depends heavily on the people you ride with. Across examples of guides and drivers associated with this route, the common themes are careful driving, a sense of humor, and being helpful in real time.

For instance, a driver named Mangkok has been described as professional, careful, attentive, and funny throughout the trip. There’s also mention of help getting a spouse in and out of the vehicle when extra support was needed. That kind of practical care matters, because it turns a “tour day” into a smoother, calmer day.

Another guide example is Bagong, praised for being helpful and patient on a full day. Mawe is described as thoughtful and flexible, adjusting the plan when weather changed while still keeping the day full and rewarding. That weather adaptability is a big deal in Bali, where plans can shift faster than your hair can dry.

You may also see some communication support, including a mention of a mobile translator to help if language is a hurdle. If you’re traveling with mixed language comfort, it’s worth being ready with basic phrases—but knowing you can get help makes the day less stressful.

And because this is a private tour, you’re not stuck with a rigid “follow the script” vibe. Your guide can shape how long you linger at viewpoints, and they can help with photos so you don’t spend the day playing photographer for everyone.

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

This tour fits best if you want one Ubud day that checks lots of boxes:

  • You’re seeing Ubud for the first time and want monkey forest, rice terraces, and two waterfalls without planning each segment.
  • You prefer a private group and don’t want to deal with crowded group logistics.
  • You like guided pacing and someone handling the timing so you can focus on photos and walking.

It may be less ideal if:

  • You’re sensitive to crowds and want a quiet, low-tourist feeling at every stop. The rice terraces especially can feel popular.
  • You don’t care about the swing experience, and you don’t want to pay extra for it.
  • You hate full-day schedules. This runs about 10 hours, with multiple stops.

If your ideal Bali day is mostly about waterfalls and jungle calm, keep the swing optional in your head, and lean into the waterfall stops for your main payoff.

Should you book this Ubud Monkey Forest and Waterfalls tour?

If you want a solid, cost-effective way to hit Ubud’s headline nature sights in one day, I think this is a good booking. The strengths are clear: private comfort, entrance tickets for multiple stops, and a guide style that can handle real-world changes.

My advice: book it if you’re excited about the overall mix—monkeys, terraces, and waterfalls—and you’re okay with a packed schedule. If you’re mainly chasing the quietest nature moments, be thoughtful about how you feel about the rice terrace crowd, and keep an eye on the fact that Bali Swing isn’t included.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

Does the tour offer pickup in Ubud?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What entrance tickets are included?

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

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

How does cancellation work?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Free cancellation is available, but changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted.

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