Review · UBUD DAY TRIPS FROM KUTA

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing

5.0 · 12 reviews From $26 Operated by Call Bali Drivers · Bookable on Viator
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Macaques, rice terraces, and waterfalls in one smooth day. This Ubud tour packs iconic nature stops into a single outing, with hotel pickup and entrance fees handled for you. I especially like the mix of green viewpoints and real-world countryside moments, not just a quick drive-by, and the way the driver, Jero Andi, stays flexible so the day feels personal. One thing to plan for is travel time between sights, plus the usual Bali road pace.

If you want a low-stress day, this can work well. The only real drawback is that the schedule includes multiple outdoor locations, so you will want a rain-ready mindset and quick drying clothes for waterfall areas, plus you should expect some time sitting in the car.

Key highlights at a glance

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Key highlights at a glance

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off keeps your day from turning into a taxi scavenger hunt
  • Entrance fees included at most stops means fewer wallet surprises
  • A flexible local driver (Jero Andi) can help tailor timing and photo stops
  • Tegalalang rice terraces give you that classic Ubud layered view with traditional irrigation
  • Two waterfalls (Tibumana and Kanto Lampo) offer different vibes, one tucked in the forest, one a tiered drop
  • Swing is optional in budget terms since the ticket is not included

Other ways to do the Ubud run from Ubud

How This 8-Hour Ubud Mix Feels on the Ground

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - How This 8-Hour Ubud Mix Feels on the Ground
This is a full, outdoors-heavy day built around Ubud’s strongest themes: animals, terraced rice fields, jungle scenery, and cool waterfalls. At roughly 8 hours, it’s long enough to feel like you escaped “just Ubud town,” without being so long that you’re destroyed by dinner.

You get a private setup, meaning it’s just your group. That matters because it makes photo pauses easier and keeps the day from feeling like a factory line.

The big promise here is value for a one-day hit of several top sights, while still using an air-conditioned ride between them.

Pickup, Air-Conditioned Comfort, and the Real Meaning of “Private”

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Pickup, Air-Conditioned Comfort, and the Real Meaning of “Private”
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus air-conditioned transportation. That’s more than comfort. Ubud traffic and short hops add up fast, and having a car waiting for you can keep the schedule realistic.

Private transportation is also why the day can feel smoother. You are not stuck negotiating with strangers about pace, and you can move as a unit from stop to stop.

One review detail that I think matters: drivers like Jero Andi often help with more than just driving. People noted he was dependable, on time, and willing to make extra small stops when it helped the day feel special.

Monkey Forest: The Fun Side of the Wild, With Common Sense Rules

Your first big stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary area in Ubud, covering about 12.5 hectares. This is the kind of place where the “view” is not only scenery, it is the chaos of macaques doing macaque things.

Expect an active environment, lots of natural shade, and monkeys that will get curious. I love this kind of stop because it teaches you how to move carefully around wildlife without making it feel like a zoo visit.

Practical tip: keep your hands close and avoid teasing. If you carry snacks or anything in your pockets, keep it secure and zipped. This is one of those places where your behavior matters as much as your camera.

Also, be realistic about time inside. Even a fast walk turns into slow walking when you’re watching monkeys interact, climbing, and stealing attention.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Traditional Irrigation, Photo Spots, and Footwear

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Traditional Irrigation, Photo Spots, and Footwear
Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, known for the terraced fields and traditional Balinese irrigation. What I like about this stop is that it gives you a big outdoor picture of how Ubud’s countryside works, not just a viewpoint from a single platform.

You’ll likely get around an hour here, which is enough time to see the terraces from different angles and still have room for a pause. If you want photos, this is a good place to plan your best light, because terraces show depth when the sun hits the layers.

Bring footwear you can stand in for a while. The area can be uneven, and it’s easy to rush if you assume it’s all paved.

A small fairness note: it can get busy. That’s normal for Tegalalang, so treat it like a photo location, not a quiet retreat.

Bali Swing in the Jungle: Fun, Fast, and a Ticket You Pay Separately

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Bali Swing in the Jungle: Fun, Fast, and a Ticket You Pay Separately
Then you get to Ubud Jungle Swing, which is the classic high-swing experience. The ticket for the swing itself is not included, so this is one of the first budget forks in the day.

What makes the swing worth considering is the setting. It’s framed by jungle scenery and a height that makes your stomach do the quick math. If you like “one big activity” that gives you dramatic photos and a story, this is that moment.

But I’d be honest about who it suits. If you are sensitive to heights or you dislike rides that demand strict timing, skip it and spend that time walking a viewpoint instead. You still get the rest of the day’s sights with the included attractions.

Time-wise, plan for about 45 minutes at the swing stop. If you take photos for yourself and your group, it can stretch, but it stays manageable.

Coffee Plantation and the Warung Food Stop: Learning Without the Pushiness

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Coffee Plantation and the Warung Food Stop: Learning Without the Pushiness
The tour includes Agro Santi Coffee Plantation (the package notes coffee plantation learning) and also a Warung Dewa Malen stop for food stalls along the way. Coffee here is not just a drink stop. It is a chance to see cultivation methods and how coffee fits into daily countryside life.

Admission to the coffee plantation is included, which is a big part of the value equation. Your time on this stop is about 30 minutes, so you’re not stuck all afternoon in a tour-bus classroom.

About the food side: the Warung stop is not included in the sense of a paid meal, but it is built into the day as an option for a snack or lunch-style pause. This fits well if you get hungry after waterfalls and want something local without hunting.

I also like that this kind of stop gives you a chance to ask your driver questions. In real life, Jero Andi was described as helpful and flexible, even helping someone get food on the way back to the hotel. That kind of practical care can turn a “coffee stop” into a smoother day.

Tibumana Waterfall: Forest Shade and a Slower Pace

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Tibumana Waterfall: Forest Shade and a Slower Pace
After coffee, you head to Tibumana Waterfall. The setting is described as being in the middle of the forest, which is exactly what you want on a warm Bali day. This stop typically runs about an hour.

What I like here is the cooling factor and the sense of being tucked away from the main roads. Waterfalls make people slow down. You naturally take fewer photos and more time just watching the water move.

That said, you should dress for the conditions. Waterfall areas can mean wet ground and splashes, so you’ll want shoes that can handle damp surfaces, plus a small towel or dry shirt if you hate feeling clammy.

If the weather is poor, your day might shift based on local conditions. The tour indicates it needs good weather, and that usually means waterfall access can be impacted.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: A Tiered Drop With Big Scenery Energy

Ubud : Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Waterfall, Swing - Kanto Lampo Waterfall: A Tiered Drop With Big Scenery Energy
Next is Kanto Lampo Waterfall, described as a beautiful tiered waterfall about 15 meters high. Another hour here gives you time to enjoy the main views and still step around for different angles.

This stop often feels more dramatic than Tibumana because of the tiered structure. You get that “wow” effect when you first see the water fall down into the area below.

The practical part: treat this like you would any waterfall stop in Bali. Bring water, go at your own pace, and watch your footing. If you want group photos, you can use this location as a place to line up after you’ve had time to explore.

Value at $26: Why This One-Day Combo Can Be a Smart Buy

At $26 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain because it bundles a lot of what usually costs extra. The package includes an air-conditioned car, hotel pickup and drop-off, parking fees, and entrance fees at most stops.

The “not included” list is also clear: lunch, personal expenses, and the swing ticket. That means your final cost can creep up if you add food upgrades or you decide to do the swing and also want extra snacks or souvenirs.

But even with that, the math can still work in your favor. You’re paying to reduce hassle, not just to visit places. If you have limited time in Bali, doing multiple countryside stops in one day beats spending your energy figuring out transport.

One more value angle: the tour is described as private activity for your group. That’s often priced higher in other setups. Here, you get the feel of a tailor-made day without the big-budget tag.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

I think this works best for you if you want a first-timer-friendly Ubud day that shows monkeys, terraces, waterfalls, and a coffee stop without too much decision fatigue.

You’ll also like it if your group includes different personalities. Some people want animals and photos, some want views, and some want water and cooling scenery. This day gives each person something.

If you are a “slow travel, no rides” type, you might find the car time heavy. Since you are moving between several outdoor sites, you will spend a meaningful chunk of the day in transit. Also, if you dislike heights, skip the swing and you’ll be happier.

My Booking Decision: Should You Book This Ubud Day?

I’d say book it if you value convenience and want several Ubud icons in one organized day. The included entrance fees, pickup, and private transport make it a solid deal for the time you save.

I’d think twice if your group hates busy wildlife environments or you’re not comfortable with jungle rainfall and wet ground. In that case, you might enjoy a more flexible self-planned day focused on just one or two areas.

If you do book, do one simple thing that improves the whole experience: wear shoes you can stand in, pack a light layer for after waterfalls, and treat the swing as optional depending on how your group feels about heights.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, entrance fees (for the included sights), parking fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are the swing and meals included?

No. The swing ticket is not included, and lunch or personal expenses are also not included.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What sights will I visit during the day?

You’ll go to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Jungle Swing, a coffee plantation stop, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall. There is also a Warung Dewa Malen stop for food stalls along the way.

Is this tour only for my group?

Yes. It is described as private, so only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

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