Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

Reviewed · TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

5.0 · 7 reviews From $24 Operated by Driver Ubud · Bookable on Viator
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Monkeys, rice, and waterfalls in one long day. This Ubud full-day tour strings together the island’s most photogenic stops with a private local guide and a comfortable AC vehicle, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time looking at what matters. You’ll also get guided help finding a good local lunch spot later in the day, not just a generic pit stop.

Two things I love: the admission tickets are handled for multiple top sights, and the guide experience feels personal. People have highlighted guides like Mangkok, Bagong, and Mawe for being careful, attentive, funny, and flexible when weather changes—plus helping take photos and even assisting if someone needs extra help getting in and out of the vehicle.

One possible drawback: the Tegalalang rice terraces stop is famous for a reason, but if you are not into rice-field views, it can feel like the most tourist-heavy segment of the day.

Key highlights worth your time

  • Private guide for a packed 10-hour route, so you’re not stuck waiting on other groups
  • Tickets included for Ubud Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, plus both waterfall entrances
  • Two different waterfall styles in one day: Tibumana’s calmer vibe and Kanto Lampo’s easy access
  • Bali Swing is a separate cost, so you can decide if the thrill fits your budget
  • Great guide support in real situations, including helping with seniors and adjusting plans for weather

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

How a Monkey Forest to Waterfall Day Gets You More Ubud for Less Thinking

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - How a Monkey Forest to Waterfall Day Gets You More Ubud for Less Thinking
This is the kind of day that works especially well on a first visit to Ubud. You get a full loop through jungle, countryside, and dramatic water—without having to book and coordinate separate half-days. The big win is pacing: you’re moving between specific sights, and a local guide helps keep the day logical instead of chaotic.

The itinerary also makes sense as an experience order. You start with the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then shift to open views at Tegalalang’s rice terraces, then jump back toward water with waterfall stops at the end. That flow matters when you’re in Ubud heat and humidity. You get variety before fatigue sets in.

And yes, the day is long—about 10 hours—but it’s built around concentrated highlights. If you want a checklist day that still feels personal, this one fits.

Private Pickup and AC Transport: The Part You Feel After Stop #2

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Private Pickup and AC Transport: The Part You Feel After Stop #2
Because this is a private tour, you’re not sharing a ride with strangers or waiting on slow-moving cross-talk from another group. Your guide drives you in an air-conditioned vehicle and includes bottled water, which is exactly what you want when you’re stepping out into warm weather multiple times.

From the guide examples shared—Mangkok, Bagong, and Mawe—there’s a pattern worth noticing: people call out careful driving and strong attention to comfort and safety. That matters on Bali roads, especially when you’re doing a full-day route with several stops and timing changes.

If you’re traveling with someone who moves more slowly, it also helps that guides have been described as patient and willing to help with getting in and out of the vehicle. You still should plan for walking time on uneven ground, but you won’t be left to struggle alone.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Temples, Jungle Paths, and the Real Monkey Factor

The day begins at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Padangtegal Village, Ubud. This is a conservation sanctuary, not just a zoo-style attraction, and it’s built around lush jungle, ancient temples, and free-roaming Balinese long-tailed macaques.

What makes this stop interesting is the sensory mix. You’re walking through a green, temple-and-path setting where monkeys are part of the environment. The tour time is about 2 hours, which is long enough to wander at a comfortable pace and still keep your day on schedule.

Also, don’t underestimate how much the monkey factor can slow you down—in a good way. You’ll likely spend extra moments watching behaviors and interactions, because the place doesn’t feel staged. That is also why a guide can be useful: they help you see the best areas without turning the experience into a frantic scavenger hunt.

Practical note: this is a sanctuary setting, so you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially if you’re carrying bags that are easy to grab. Even without a strict rule list, monkey forests tend to reward common sense.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Stunning Views, and a Stop That Divides Opinions

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Stunning Views, and a Stop That Divides Opinions
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous rice landscapes just north of Ubud. This is a classic postcard view, but it’s also a working traditional farming environment with a traditional irrigation system, which adds a layer of meaning beyond simple scenery.

Your time here is about 2 hours, which is a sweet spot. You can walk viewpoints without feeling rushed, and you’ll have time to pause for photos and just watch the movement of people and water channels.

Now, the balance check: at least one caution from past experience is that rice terraces can be overrated if you’re not into rice-field scenery. If you came for waterfalls and jungle, Tegalalang might not be the emotional peak of the day. Still, it’s worth going for first-timers because it gives you a real sense of Bali’s inland landscape.

If you do enjoy countryside views, this stop will feel like a palate cleanser between the monkey jungle and the waterfall sections. If you don’t, keep your expectations focused: think scenery and photos, not a deep cultural museum.

Happy Swing Bali: The Thrill Stop That Isn’t Fully Included

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Happy Swing Bali: The Thrill Stop That Isn’t Fully Included
The tour includes a stop at Happy Swing Bali. Bali Swing is known for high swings with views over lush jungle areas, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s the kind of attraction that turns the day into a story, even if you don’t ride every swing available.

Here’s the important money detail: Bali Swing itself is listed as not included. That means your route can still include the location, but you should budget separately if you want the swing activity.

Plan for it like this: treat the swing as optional fun, not a guaranteed included activity. If you’re there for the nature parts, you can still enjoy the viewpoints and photo opportunities around the site while keeping costs controlled.

Also, because it’s a thrill experience, the timing can depend on how busy the site is and how your day is flowing. With a private guide, you’re better positioned to fit it in without wrecking the rest of your schedule.

Tibumana Waterfall: Peaceful Water Time Without the Heavy Hike (Plan for Weather)

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Tibumana Waterfall: Peaceful Water Time Without the Heavy Hike (Plan for Weather)
Tibumana Waterfall is described as a more serene, unspoiled option and one that’s often less crowded than some other waterfall areas. This matters because waterfalls are best when you can stand, look, and reset—rather than feel like you’re constantly stepping around crowds.

Your stop here is about 2 hours, and Tibumana is positioned as a place where you get a peaceful escape feel. It’s included with entrance access, and it tends to work well at a point in the day when you want a slower vibe after earlier stops.

Weather can change how waterfalls feel. If it’s been rainy, the water may be stronger and the air cooler; if it’s dry, you might see less flow. The good news is that guides have been described as flexible when weather changes. That flexibility is a real value in Bali—plans often need adjustment to keep travel time and viewing time balanced.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Easy Access, Big Photo Value

After Tibumana, the tour heads to Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Compared to waterfalls that demand long, steep hikes, Kanto Lampo is described as relatively easy and accessible. That means you can spend more energy on enjoying the view, not just getting there.

Your time here is also about 2 hours, and entrance is included. Kanto Lampo is known for its striking look and the way it photographs. If you want one late-day waterfall that doesn’t require you to be a hiking machine, this one is a strong match.

Because you do two waterfalls back-to-back, you get variety. Tibumana is more about calm and escape energy. Kanto Lampo is more about a dramatic, visible water feature that you can reach with less struggle.

Local Food Moment: How the Best Lunch Isn’t Always the One With the Menu Photos

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Local Food Moment: How the Best Lunch Isn’t Always the One With the Menu Photos
Lunch is not included, but your guide takes you to a local restaurant for authentic Balinese food. That’s a big difference between a tour that says lunch is included and one that actually helps you choose the right local meal.

The key detail is that the guide uses local knowledge to point you toward places that make sense after your sightseeing. You’re not stuck picking the most convenient option near the road. Instead, you get help targeting food that fits the day and your taste.

You should still expect to pay for lunch yourself. But you’ll usually get more value when someone helps you avoid the generic, tourist-only choices.

Price and Value: Why This Day Adds Up (Even With Two Optional Costs)

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Price and Value: Why This Day Adds Up (Even With Two Optional Costs)
At $24.65 per person, this tour is built around a lot of included value. You get:

  • Air-conditioned transport and bottled water
  • Admission tickets included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
  • Admission tickets included for Tegalalang Rice Terrace
  • Admission tickets included for Tibumana Waterfall
  • Admission tickets included for Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Two notable items sit outside the listed inclusions:

  • Lunch is not included
  • Bali Swing is not included

So how does it feel as value? If you would otherwise pay entrance fees for multiple sites plus hire a private car, the math starts looking reasonable quickly. Even better, a good guide makes the day work as a plan, not a collection of random stops.

The guide element is the part you can’t measure on paper. People have praised guides for being attentive, careful, helpful with seniors, and willing to adjust when conditions shift. That kind of real-world support can save time and stress, which is often more valuable than saving a few dollars.

What to Wear and Bring for a 10-Hour Ubud Loop

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - What to Wear and Bring for a 10-Hour Ubud Loop
You’ll be outdoors for much of the day, moving between jungle paths, viewpoints, and waterfall areas. You’ll also want to be comfortable enough to take your time at stops.

Practical basics:

  • Wear shoes that work well on uneven paths and wet surfaces
  • Bring a light layer for cooler moments near waterfalls
  • Keep your phone charged if you plan to use photos and navigation
  • Bring a small bag you can manage easily in crowded spots

If you’re planning to do Bali Swing, add swim-safe clothes or a quick-dry plan if that helps your comfort. Since the swing cost isn’t included, it’s smart to decide in advance based on your budget.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And How to Make It Fit You)

This tour is ideal if you want:

  • A private full day without juggling multiple reservations
  • A mix of Ubud jungle, rice terrace views, and waterfall time
  • Someone local driving and guiding so you can focus on sights

It’s also a good choice if you like the idea of a guide personalizing your pace. Past guidance has been described as flexible when weather changes, and guides have helped with practical needs like getting in and out of the car for seniors.

One caution: if you’re laser-focused on waterfalls only, the rice terrace stop may feel like extra time. You can still enjoy it for the view, but don’t expect it to replace waterfall time in your priorities.

If you prefer a slower style with fewer stops, this might feel like a lot, because it’s designed to hit major sights across the island’s Ubud area in one day.

Should You Book This Ubud Monkey Forest + Rice + Waterfalls Tour?

Book it if you want a solid, high-value day that combines the major Ubud nature highlights: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and two waterfall stops, with your entrance tickets handled and your ride kept comfortable.

Skip or adjust expectations if you:

  • Only care about waterfalls and don’t enjoy rice-field scenery
  • Know you won’t do Bali Swing, since that stop may still be part of the schedule even though the activity isn’t included
  • Want a ultra-relaxed pace with lots of downtime between sites

My advice: treat it as a nature-focused sampler day. If you enjoy variety—jungle, countryside views, then water—it’s a strong fit for your Bali itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Monkey Forest and waterfalls day?

The tour is listed as approximately 10 hours.

Is pickup offered in Ubud?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What admissions are included in the tour price?

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.

Is Bali Swing included?

Bali Swing is not included, even though the tour includes a stop at Happy Swing Bali.

Do I receive a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and cancellation is free. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you do not get a refund.

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