Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour

Reviewed · TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour

5.0 · 18 reviews From $25 Operated by Bali Endey Tours · Bookable on Viator
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One day. Lots of wow stops.

This Ubud combo tour strings together Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul’s holy spring fountains, the Tegenungan Waterfall, and a jungle swing photo session, all with a private English-speaking driver and air-conditioned transport. In real-world terms, it means you’re not bouncing around Bali alone trying to line up routes and entrances.

Two things I especially like are the Monkey Forest walk (you’ll be in a large sanctuary—about 12.5 hectares—with around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques) and Tirta Empul’s purification springs ritual, where each fountain is said to have its own meaning. Many people also seem to rate the guiding—names that come up include Alit, Agung, Kadek, and Jupri—so it often feels well paced rather than rushed.

One thing to consider: it’s a long day (about 8 to 10 hours), and the itinerary lists several admission tickets as not included, plus lunch isn’t included. Also, the swing and waterfall are popular photo targets, so plan for some wait time at busy moments.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Use

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Key Highlights You’ll Actually Use

  • Private, English-speaking driver plus bottled water, so you can focus on sights instead of logistics.
  • Monkey Forest sanctuary scale: about 12.5 hectares with roughly 700 long-tailed macaques in the wild.
  • Tegalalang rice terraces walking time built into a short, easy stroll between viewpoints.
  • Tirta Empul’s multiple holy fountains for a more meaningful cultural stop than a quick photo stop.
  • Happy Swing Bali staff help with photos, so you’re not stuck figuring out angles.
  • Tegenungan waterfall flexibility: you can go down to the water or stay up for views and photos.

Tiered green as far as the eye runs. More Ubud rice-terrace walks.

Ubud in One Long Day: How This Tour Adds Up

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Ubud in One Long Day: How This Tour Adds Up
This tour is built for people who want the classic Ubud hits, but don’t want to spend the whole day arranging transport and timing. You’ll move between four major nature/culture stops, then cap it with a swing and a waterfall, all under one driver’s plan.

The practical advantage is simple: you get an air-conditioned vehicle and parking handled, with pickup offered from several popular Bali bases (Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran). That matters because Ubud traffic can eat time, and a private driver can often adjust the pace.

You’re also looking at a real “day of moments” rather than one museum stop and a snack break. The listed time blocks are around 1 hour 30 minutes at each of the big stops, plus about 1 hour for the swing. Translation: bring a mindset for a full schedule, not a slow stroll day.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary: 12.5 Hectares of Macaques (and Why It Feels Wild)

The Monkey Forest stop is the kind of first hour that immediately sets the mood—part nature walk, part encounter zone. You’re visiting a sacred sanctuary with around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques living in the wild, covering about 12.5 hectares.

What makes it worth your time is the size. A forest that large doesn’t feel like a “walk-by zoo.” You’re in a real environment, and that’s why the place is famous in Ubud. The tour gives you about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to walk, pause, and still make the day’s other stops.

A practical note: admission is listed as not included in the itinerary details. So you’ll want to check your exact booking option before you arrive, since the included section says entrance fees are included if the option selected.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: The Easy Walk Between Views

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Tegalalang Rice Terraces: The Easy Walk Between Views
After the forest, you’ll head north to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most photographed rice areas in the Ubud region. The tour is set up for a short walk among rice fields and the daily rhythm of traditional farming activities.

The key thing here is “short.” You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that usually means you can enjoy multiple viewpoints without spending your entire morning on long trails. You’ll likely feel the pace change too: the monkey forest is busy and unpredictable; rice terraces are slower, with lots of stopping points.

Another value point: this stop pairs well with the rest of the day’s mix. After Tirta Empul’s cultural ritual, the terraces feel like a reset—more open air, greenery, and a calmer kind of photo moment.

Just keep in mind the same admission logic applies here—entrance tickets are listed as not included in the itinerary notes, so confirm whether your option covers it.

Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple: Purification Springs That Don’t Feel Like a Quick Stop

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple: Purification Springs That Don’t Feel Like a Quick Stop
Tirta Empul is the cultural anchor in this itinerary. It’s described as a holy water temple connected to a blessing ritual for the purification of bad spirit energy.

What makes this stop more than a scenic break is the idea that different fountains have different meanings, and each spring is part of that cleaning/purification concept. Even if you’re not there for a deep religious lesson, it’s still a distinctive place to see how visitors and locals interact with a spiritual site.

You’re allotted about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to observe respectfully, take a few photos from permitted areas, and still avoid rushing. If your goal is to experience Bali beyond waterfalls and viewpoints, this is the stop that helps the day feel grounded.

As with the other major stops, admission is flagged as not included in the itinerary details. Since the package notes say admission fees may be included depending on the selected option, double-check what you’re paying for.

Happy Swing Bali and Tegenungan Waterfall: Two Photo Stops, Two Different Vibes

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Happy Swing Bali and Tegenungan Waterfall: Two Photo Stops, Two Different Vibes
This day really goes for variety in the last stretch.

Happy Swing Bali (Jungle Swing)

At Happy Swing Bali, the big attraction is the famous jungle swing, with staff helping you take photos. The tour gives you about 1 hour, which is workable because swing sessions can be photo-heavy and a bit stage-like (you’ll want time for your turn and for photos to come out right).

Even if you don’t swing yourself much, you’ll still likely enjoy watching others get their shots, because the staff support is part of the value here. Again, admission is listed as not included in the itinerary details, so confirm what your booking includes.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Then comes Tegenungan Waterfall, surrounded by tropical jungle views. The tour notes you can go down to the water or stay up and enjoy photos from the hill.

This is a big practical advantage: you’re not locked into one experience. If you want the full “get close to the water” feeling, you can. If you’d rather keep your energy for the rest of the day, you can stay up for viewpoints and photos.

You’ll still want to plan for a bit of time buffer for photos and crowd flow. The itinerary allocates about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which usually feels right for a short descent (if you choose it) and multiple viewpoints.

Art Handicraft Stops: Silver, Wood Carving, Balinese Painting, Batik

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Art Handicraft Stops: Silver, Wood Carving, Balinese Painting, Batik
One extra layer in this tour is a chance to see famous Ubud art and handicrafts, including silver, wood carving, Balinese painting, and a batik gallery.

These stops can be surprisingly useful if you like souvenirs but hate the tourist-shop feeling. They fit the “Ubud is arts and crafts” identity, and they give you time to browse and ask questions while the driver is already in the area.

Because the itinerary doesn’t list a specific time for these art stops beyond “in this trip you also have a chance,” you’ll experience it as a flexible add-on depending on pacing. If you want less shopping, you can usually take a look, ask one or two questions, and keep moving.

Price and Value: Does $25.65 Really Cover a Real Ubud Day?

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Price and Value: Does $25.65 Really Cover a Real Ubud Day?
The listed price is $25.65 per person, with pickup options across much of southern Bali and a private driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. On paper, that’s strong value for an 8–10 hour day that includes bottled water and parking fees.

But value depends on the biggest “gotcha” in tours like this: entrance fees and what your option includes. The itinerary notes say admission tickets are not included at the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and other stops. Meanwhile, the included section says admission/entrance fees are included if the option selected.

So before you book (or before you arrive), make sure you know which option you’re choosing. If entrance tickets aren’t included, your final total will rise fast with multiple paid sites.

Lunch is also not included. That’s not unusual for Bali day tours, but it does affect comfort. You’ll want to either eat before you start, bring a plan for a meal stop, or budget to buy lunch yourself.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Different)

Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing Tour - Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Different)
This is a great fit if you want a single Ubud day that covers nature plus culture plus one activity that’s made for photos. It also suits couples and small groups because it’s private, and only your group participates.

It’s especially good for people who don’t want to map routes between far-flung spots. Pickup is offered from many areas, and the driver handles the driving and parking, which reduces stress.

It might be less ideal if you want a slow, unstructured day. With multiple stops and fixed time blocks (about 1 hour 30 minutes at each major attraction plus the swing), you’ll be moving a lot. If you like long downtime between sights, choose a lighter itinerary.

The Driver Makes or Breaks the Day

This is one of those tours where a good driver matters. In the feedback associated with this experience, names like Jupri, Kadek, Agung, and Alit come up with praise for being friendly, patient, and good at keeping people comfortable. One review also highlighted early timing to help avoid traffic issues.

That’s not just “nice service.” Early start habits can protect your day from getting stuck behind buses and scooters. And a patient driver can also mean fewer stressful rush moments when you want extra time at a viewpoint.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest, Swing, and Temple Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a classic Ubud day with a real mix: sanctuary walking in the Monkey Forest, a rice terrace stroll at Tegalalang, Tirta Empul’s holy spring purification ritual, plus Tegenungan waterfall and a swing where staff help with photos.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re shopping for a relaxed half-day, or if you’re hoping entrance fees and lunch are definitely included without checking your option. Do a quick check on the package inclusions, and plan for your own lunch.

If you’re ready for a full schedule and want your day to look like the Ubud highlights—without DIY transport—this one is a solid choice from Bali Endey Tours.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces and Jungle Swing tour?

The tour duration is listed as about 8 to 10 hours.

Where do you offer pickup?

Pickup is offered from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Canggu, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Does the tour include an English-speaking driver and transportation?

Yes. The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, parking fees, and bottled water.

Are entrance tickets included?

Admission/entrance fees are included if you select an option that includes them. The itinerary also notes that admission tickets are not included for the main stops, so it’s important to confirm your exact package.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Free cancellation is offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it won’t be refunded.

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