Monkey forest and royal temples in one half-day.

This private Ubud highlights tour is interesting because it strings together Bali’s art-making neighborhoods and a few big-name sacred stops without forcing you into a group shuffle. I like that you get hotel pickup and go by a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who keeps the day moving. I also like how the route focuses on the specific crafts Ubud is known for, from batik in Tohpati to gold and silver in Celuk.

One thing to plan for: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary entrance fee is not included. The tour lists about $10 per person for that stop, so budget for it ahead of time.

Key takeaways

• Private air-conditioned pickup and drop-off so you can start at 9:00 am without guessing routes or transport
• Art village circuit covering Tohpati (batik), Celuk (gold and silver), Mas (wood carving), and Batuan (painting)
• Batuan village focus with a chance to see a traditional house compound style and the Desa Batuan Temple area
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary plus royal-palace views at Puri Saren Palace in central Ubud
• Tirta Empul Temple included (listed admission included), adding a classic spring water temple stop

How the 5 to 7 Hour Private Day Works in Ubud

The tour runs about 5 to 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup included. That’s a solid length for Ubud, where time can disappear fast once you start doing roads, stops, and entry lines.

What you get here is a private format, meaning it’s just your group with a driver and guide. That matters in Ubud because you often want flexibility around what you personally want to spend time on, like taking a slower look at craft work or moving on when you’ve seen enough.

Also, you get a mobile ticket, which cuts down on the need to chase paperwork. You’ll still want to keep your plans simple: wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and carry water since it’s an active sightseeing day.

Art Village Circuit, Tohpati to Mas and Batuan

This is the heart of the experience. Your morning begins in the craft villages, and the tour highlights the specialties so you’re not just walking through generic souvenir shops.

Stop 1 is Tohpati Village, known for batik, with about 40 minutes scheduled. Admission is listed as free for this stop, so you’re paying for time and guide guidance rather than entrance fees.

Stop 2 covers several craft areas in one block, including Celuk, Mas, and Batuan, tied to gold and silver work, wood carving, and painting. The listed time is about 30 minutes, and admission is also listed as free for these stops. In other words, you’re getting quick hits of the local creative economy, which is exactly what you want if you’re short on time.

A practical note: when a tour compresses multiple villages into a few stops, you won’t have the slow, show-and-tell pace of a full-day workshop visit. The upside is you’ll get your bearings fast. If you find one craft you really like, you can come back on your own later for a deeper look.

If you care about buying gifts, this is also the stage where you’ll likely see the widest range of handcrafted items. Since souvenirs are not included, treat this as your browsing window and plan to make purchases with your “I know what I’m looking for” brain, not in a rush.

Batuan Temple Area and the Traditional House Compound View

One of the most memorable parts of the route is the Batuan portion. The tour gives you a chance to see how people traditionally live through a Balinese house compound style, then follows with a temple stop focused on typical architecture and Balinese ornamentation.

You’ll head to Desa Batuan Temple, where you can admire the gate entrance and what’s inside the structure. This is the kind of stop that helps you connect the art villages to daily life. Instead of treating temples and palaces as separate “sights,” you get a better sense of how religion, design, and family spaces connect across the island.

The tour also includes time in Batuan beyond the temple, which helps you avoid a one-note sightseeing day. When you can see a village specialty, then later see local living space and temple design, it all starts to feel more coherent.

What to watch for: temple and compound areas can involve walking and looking upward at gates and details. If you’re prone to leg fatigue, pace yourself and ask your guide where to pause for photos.

Monkey Forest and Puri Saren Palace in Central Ubud

After your village stretch, you’ll move toward central Ubud for two big anchors: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Puri Saren Palace. These are among the stops people recognize, but the tour does something helpful by placing them in the same day as the craft villages and temple area.

At the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, you’ll have time to observe the local monkeys. The schedule lists the entrance fee as not included, about $10 per person, so it’s smart to keep cash or a card handy to avoid last-minute stress.

Your next central Ubud stop is Puri Saren Palace, described as where Ubud’s royal family lives. This gives you a royal-era counterpoint to the arts-and-crafts focus earlier in the day. You’ll also see traditional Balinese house elements associated with palace life.

If you want a quick way to understand Ubud’s character, this pairing works well. The monkeys bring a lively, nature-based Bali feel. The palace brings structure and tradition, and it puts the arts back into a cultural context.

Then, if you want, you can browse an Ubud art market for gifts and souvenirs. This is an easy “optional” moment, since it doesn’t feel like a hard sell stop. Since meals and souvenirs are not included, use the market if you’re in the mood to buy, and skip it if you’re conserving energy for the final stretch.

Tirta Empul Spring Holy Temple, Water as a Sacred Focus

Tirta Empul Temple, also called the Spring Holy Temple, is included with listed admission. The tour schedules about 45 minutes here, which is a good amount of time to see the space without feeling rushed.

The core idea is the sacred water source within the temple. The tour notes that Balinese people bathe in these waters as part of the temple practice. That matters because it’s not just a pretty temple facade, it’s a place with a living connection to faith.

This stop also balances the day. Earlier you’re looking at creative work and palaces. Here, you’re reminded that Ubud’s culture isn’t only visual. It’s also ritual, routine, and everyday spiritual life.

One consideration: because this is a temple with sacred water, dress and behavior matter more here than at the craft villages. Follow your guide’s lead on what’s appropriate and where to stand or look.

Price, Inclusions, and What You Still Need to Budget

At $65 per person, the value here is mostly about what’s bundled. You get private driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a big deal in Bali, where getting across areas efficiently can take time and planning.

The tour also includes admission for Tirta Empul Temple. Meanwhile, it lists admission as free for Tohpati, the craft village stops, and the Ubud Palace stop. The one notable entrance fee outside the package is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, around $10 per person.

Meals and drinks are not included, and souvenirs are not included either. So if you’re hungry, you’ll want to plan either a lunch stop on your own or bring enough snacks to get you through. Your guide can usually help you decide what makes sense, but you’ll be paying for it yourself.

As for who’s behind the wheel, the experience provider is listed as Putu Bali Driver. In one review, the guide Ngurah is singled out for being friendly and able to explain what you were seeing. Even if your guide is different, it’s worth choosing this style of tour because it sounds like communication and comfort are part of the package.

Who This Private Ubud Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want a structured Ubud day that still feels personal. The private vehicle and guide help if you’re short on time, traveling with someone who doesn’t want to negotiate transport, or you simply like having a plan laid out.

It’s also good for first-timers who want variety without overcommitting. You get craft villages, a royal-palace stop, a temple with sacred water, plus the monkey sanctuary and an optional market browse.

On the flip side, if you want a slow, deep dive into one craft (for example, only batik with extended time in a workshop), this route may feel like snapshots. The focus is breadth in one day, not a single-topic intensive.

Should You Book This Private Ubud Tour?

I’d book it if you want Ubud highlights with less hassle and more direction. The biggest reason is the practical bundle: pickup, private transport, an active guide-led route, and at least one temple entrance included.

If you’re very price-sensitive or you dislike paying extra at the end, factor in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary entrance fee. Otherwise, this is a smart way to see the key craft zones and cultural landmarks in one organized half-day block.

FAQ

What time does the Ubud Highlights Tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 to 7 hours.

Is pickup and private transport included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, along with a private driver/guide.

Are meals included in the price?

No. All meals and drinks are not included.

What entrance fee should I expect for the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary?

The tour notes that the Monkey forest entrance fee is not included, listed at $10.00 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.