Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour

Reviewed · TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour

4.0 · 3 reviews 6 - 10 hours From $19 Operated by Ubud Venture Travel · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Monkeys and waterfalls in one easy day. This Ubud tour pieces together the Sacred Monkey Forest, famous Tegallalang rice terraces, and a chance to cool off at a waterfall, plus a hands-on stop for Balinese coffee.

I love how the day is paced like a highlight reel, not a rushed checklist. The Sacred Monkey Forest lets you watch long-tailed macaques up close, with a safety briefing before you wander.

I also like that you get real Bali nature and not just photo stops. The Tegallalang rice terraces reward slow walking and wide views, and the Balinese coffee plantation adds a tasty cultural angle to balance the scenery.

One drawback to keep in mind: some routes and attractions can be affected by closures or conditions, and you’re doing enough walking that it’s not a great fit for mobility or visual impairments.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Key things that make this tour worth your time

  • Private air-conditioned minivan with pickup across lots of Bali areas, no extra charge listed
  • Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary visit with a safety briefing before you’re let loose with the cameras
  • Tegallalang rice terraces guided time plus scenic walking and viewpoint stops along the way
  • Ulu Petanu waterfall with free time and swimming (bring swimwear and a change of clothes)
  • Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation visit with coffee tasting and shopping time
  • Lunch stop included at Waroeng De Koi, so you’re not scrambling mid-day

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

How a $19 private day in Ubud works

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - How a $19 private day in Ubud works
For $19 per person, this tour aims to cover three big Ubud hits in one stretch: monkeys, rice terraces, and waterfalls—then rounds it out with coffee-making. The big value is that you don’t have to coordinate separate drivers, tickets, or meeting points for each stop.

The format is private, with a private driver who also acts as your tour guide. You’ll have an English-speaking guide, bottled mineral water, and information booklets—small touches, but they matter when you’re moving around all day.

Timing is listed as 6 to 10 hours, so plan for some flexibility. Pick-up time depends on where you start, and traffic in Bali can shift your schedule.

Pickup and getting around: a real stress-saver

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Pickup and getting around: a real stress-saver
This is one of the most practical Ubud tours on paper: pickup is available in a wide list of areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Denpasar City, Gianyar, Sideman, and more. If you’re staying outside Ubud, that’s often where prices and hassle go up with other operators.

You’ll ride in a private air-conditioned minivan. That’s the difference between “doing Ubud” and “surviving Ubud” when the heat is high and you’re traveling between scattered stops.

One small tip: the tour asks you to wait in the hotel lobby about 15 minutes before pick-up. That’s not just etiquette—it helps your driver avoid getting stuck in traffic while you hunt for each other.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: fun, but follow the rules

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: fun, but follow the rules
Your first major activity is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and it’s designed to be more than a quick photo pull-off. You’ll get a safety briefing, then a guided visit and walking time.

Long-tailed macaques are the stars here. Expect them to be curious, quick, and fully aware you brought snacks—or at least you look like you might have some. Even without knowing exact behavior rules, it’s smart to keep your hands and belongings controlled and avoid sudden movements.

If you’re a monkey person, you’ll probably love the chance to watch natural behavior rather than only seeing distant animals. The guide’s role matters too because they can help you read what’s safe and what’s not, especially when you’re moving through crowded paths.

Tegallalang rice terraces: where your photos turn into real views

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Tegallalang rice terraces: where your photos turn into real views
After the monkeys, the tour shifts to a classic Ubud scene: Tegallalang rice terraces. This stop includes guided time, sightseeing, walking, and scenic views along the way.

What makes rice terraces special is that they’re not just pretty from one angle. The paths and viewpoints help you notice how the fields step down the hillside, and how farmers shape the water system across many levels. You end up understanding why people talk about this as living agriculture, not just a set piece.

Practical notes:

  • Wear shoes with decent grip. The walking sections can be slippery.
  • Bring your camera, but also take time to look up. Many of the best views come when you pause at viewpoints instead of rushing the shots.

Ulu Petanu waterfall: plan for spray, steps, and a swim

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Ulu Petanu waterfall: plan for spray, steps, and a swim
Next up is Ulu Petanu Waterfall, with photo time, a visit, free time, and a walk that leads to the water. There’s even time for swimming, so you should treat this like an actual stop where your clothes matter.

You’ll likely feel the cool spray near the falls. It’s the kind of moment that resets the day—especially after sun and walking around temples and terraces. The water and greenery around the pool area are part of the appeal, and you may find it’s a calmer environment once you get close to the base.

Bring what the tour asks for:

  • Swimwear
  • A change of clothes
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Also, credit card and cash are mentioned as bring-items, which is useful later when you pass through shops. For the waterfall itself, cash won’t help much—this stop is mainly about having the right gear and being comfortable with walking.

Lunch at Waroeng De Koi: don’t overthink it

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Lunch at Waroeng De Koi: don’t overthink it
Lunch is included at Waroeng De Koi. The listing doesn’t specify the menu, so I’d treat this as a convenient, local meal stop rather than something you plan your day around.

Why include lunch here? Because it keeps you from burning time hunting food in between scenic stops. When you’re doing a full Ubud day, “one less decision” is a real value.

If you have dietary needs, this is the point to ask your guide what’s available. The tour doesn’t advertise special meal options, so don’t assume.

Pemulan Bali coffee plantation: taste first, then understand

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Pemulan Bali coffee plantation: taste first, then understand
The day ends (or pivots) with Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation, including a guided visit, shopping time, and coffee tasting. You’ll also learn about the traditional coffee-making process—from harvesting beans through roasting and grinding.

This stop is valuable because coffee in Bali isn’t just a drink. It’s a story you can follow step-by-step, and tasting helps you connect the technique to the flavor. If you’re the type who likes souvenirs you’ll actually use, the shopping time can be a good chance to pick up coffee products that match what you tasted.

Two practical tips:

  • Bring your credit card or cash for purchases.
  • Don’t overdo tasting if you’re sensitive to caffeine, since you’re likely to be outdoors for the rest of the day depending on the exact flow.

Photos and timing: where guide quality shows

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - Photos and timing: where guide quality shows
From the positive feedback, guide service is a real factor here. One review highlighted Eddie for being extremely punctual at hotel pick-up and taking lots of helpful photos at the best spots. Another mentioned Adi as friendly and flexible with the activities.

That flexibility is important because Bali schedules can shift. You might hit a closure or a weather change, and the better guides adjust without turning your day into a disappointment.

What if something changes, like the Monkey Forest?

Ubud: Waterfalls, Sacred Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces Tour - What if something changes, like the Monkey Forest?
One important detail: there’s a documented case where the Sacred Monkey Forest was closed, and the guide offered alternative activities—specifically silver making and shopping. That tells you two things:

1) closures can happen, and

2) the guide’s ability to swap plans can save the day.

Even without knowing the exact reason, you should keep expectations flexible. If you care about one stop above all others, ask your guide what alternatives are possible if access is limited.

Safety and comfort: small rules that make the day better

This tour includes a safety briefing at the monkey forest, and it’s set up as walking-heavy sightseeing. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or visually impaired travelers.

You’re also asked not to bring pets, and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. The pet restriction is easy to understand in a macaque area, and the alcohol rule is common for day tours where you need everyone to move safely.

My simple advice: treat this as an active sightseeing day. You’ll be walking at multiple stops, standing for views, and cooling off at the waterfall.

Price and value: why $19 can be a good deal

At $19 per person, this tour looks like strong value on paper because it bundles:

  • private air-conditioned transport,
  • pickup and drop-off across many Bali areas,
  • guide time across multiple major stops,
  • bottled water,
  • information booklets,
  • a lunch stop,
  • and a coffee tasting experience.

What’s not included matters too:

  • Entrance tickets
  • Food and drinks (beyond lunch)

So the real cost depends on how entry fees stack up for each attraction. If you’re comparing tours, check what’s included beyond transport—this one includes lunch and coffee tasting, which other cheaper options sometimes skip.

Bottom line: it tends to make sense when you want a structured day without the hassle of arranging everything yourself.

The one big caution: occasional no-show reports

The overall rating is 4 based on a small number of reviews, and there’s a serious negative note: one person reported the tour guide did not appear and called it a scam. That’s not a small complaint.

I can’t prove why it happened from the info given, but I can tell you how to protect yourself:

  • Confirm your pickup details and timing in advance.
  • Make sure your contact information is correct.
  • Keep an eye on communications before your driver arrives.

Most trips like this go smoothly—but with any operator, one bad case is a reminder to stay organized.

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

This tour is a good match if you want:

  • a private day with an English guide,
  • classic Ubud highlights in one route,
  • and a mix of nature (terraces, waterfall) plus culture (coffee).

You might skip it if:

  • you need accessibility accommodations (it’s not suitable for mobility impairments),
  • you prefer minimal walking,
  • or you’re hoping for a totally calm, low-exertion day.

If you’re traveling with limited time in Ubud, this structure is helpful. It hits the big names without requiring you to plan every link.

Should you book this Ubud Waterfalls, Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces tour?

If your priorities are Ubud icons—monkeys, terraces, a waterfall swim—and you value having pickup and a private driver handled, I think this tour is worth considering, especially at $19 with lunch and coffee included.

Just be realistic about two things: the day includes walking and outdoor time, and there can be occasional changes if an attraction isn’t available. If you’re the type who likes clear plans, send a quick message before the tour starts and keep an eye on timing at pickup.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 10 hours, depending on starting point and schedule.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a private air-conditioned minivan, a private driver as a tour guide (English), pickup across many Bali areas, information booklets, and bottled mineral water. Lunch is included at Waroeng De Koi, and coffee tasting is included at Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation.

What’s not included?

Entrance tickets, and food and drinks (besides lunch) are not included.

Which stops are part of the itinerary?

The tour includes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Ulu Petanu Waterfall, lunch at Waroeng De Koi, and Pemulan Bali Coffee Plantation with coffee tasting.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes, swimming is listed as part of the Ulu Petanu Waterfall time. You should bring swimwear and a change of clothes.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, and cash or a credit card.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off options include locations such as Ubud, Denpasar City, Sanur, Seminyak, Kuta, Gianyar, Sideman, Candidasa, and others listed by the provider.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or visually impaired people, and pets are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.

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