Review · UBUD DAY TRIPS FROM KUTA

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour

5.0 · 5 reviews From $36 Operated by TripGuru · Bookable on Viator
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A long day, but full of Bali. I love the mix of culture and nature, from a Hindu dance performance to Ubud’s Monkey Forest, and then the sunset scene at Tanah Lot. The biggest thing to weigh is that it is an 11.5-hour day, and Bali traffic can make it feel longer.

You get picked up with air-conditioning and a real English-speaking guide, which keeps the whole route organized and your time from slipping away. The group stays small, so it feels more like a shared day out than a cattle-call tour, plus bottled water helps when the sun is strong.

One more practical note: the headline price is $36, but several big stops have separate entrance fees unless you select an option that includes them. Budget time and cash for tickets at the dance show, waterfall, Monkey Forest, and Tanah Lot.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour - Key Highlights at a Glance

  • Small group of up to 9 keeps the schedule moving without feeling rushed
  • Barong and Keris dance sets the cultural tone early in the day
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall includes time to swim or cool off in the shallow pool
  • Ubud Monkey Forest is a living, sacred woodland, so you need to manage your belongings
  • Tanah Lot at sunset delivers the classic sea-temple views and 12th-century setting

Other ways to do the Ubud run from Kuta

A Full-Day Route That Starts With Pickup From Kuta

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour - A Full-Day Route That Starts With Pickup From Kuta
This tour is built for travelers who want a lot of Bali in one day, without trying to stitch together four separate trips on your own. The day kicks off at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off from the Kuta area, and you stay in an air-conditioned vehicle as you move between regions.

What I like about this structure is the pacing. You are not stuck waiting around for long stretches, and you get guided context as the day changes from performance to waterfall to jungle sanctuary to a temple by the sea. It also helps that the tour runs with a professional English-speaking guide, which matters when you want meaning behind what you see, not just photos.

The group limit of 9 travelers can be a sweet spot. You can hear explanations, and you are not constantly trying to find your place in a crowd. One small caution: since the stops are spread out and traffic is part of life in Bali, start thinking of this as a marathon, not a casual afternoon stroll.

The Barong and Keris Dance Show, Where Myth Meets Costume Magic

The day begins with a dance performance focused on Barong and Keris themes. Expect a stage show with Balinese performers bringing Hindu mythology to life through movement, dramatic expressions, and standout costuming. The stop runs about 1 hour, so it is long enough to catch the story beats, but short enough that you do not lose the rest of your day.

Two things make this a strong opener:

First, it gives you context fast. When you later visit sacred sites like the temple at Tanah Lot and the Monkey Forest, you will be seeing Bali through a religious and cultural lens, not just scenery.

Second, the show is a low-effort way to get a cultural highlight early. When you are traveling in Bali, it is easy to fill days with temples and forget that performance and storytelling are a big part of the island’s identity.

Cost note: the entrance fee for the Barong and Keris performance is listed separately as IDR 150,000 per person if entrance fees are not included in your option.

If you are lucky enough to have a guide like Mr Oka (mentioned in a standout review), you may get extra color and local knowledge, including attention to Balinese carvings you might otherwise miss. That kind of detail can make a performance feel more personal and less generic.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Swim Time and a Real Lunch Break

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour - Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Swim Time and a Real Lunch Break
Next comes Kanto Lampo Waterfall, a scenic cascade with a shallow pool area. The time here is about 2 hours, which is enough to enjoy the falls, take photos, and actually cool off. The listing even points to swimming and selfies, so this is not just a quick viewpoint stop.

What to expect on the ground: you will want water-friendly clothing or at least something you can get damp without regret. The pool is described as shallow, which usually makes it feel more manageable than deep-water swimming spots, but you should still treat it with respect. Bring a small towel if you have one, and consider a secure way to carry your phone when you are in and out.

There is also a lunch break after the waterfall at a local Balinese restaurant. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay for what you order. The value here is that you get a natural pause in the schedule, so you are not eating while rushing from place to place.

Cost note: the Kanto Lampo Waterfall entrance fee is listed as IDR 20,000 per person if not included.

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, The Sacred Woods Plus the Monkey Factor

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour - Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, The Sacred Woods Plus the Monkey Factor
Then you head into Ubud for the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, about 1 hour 15 minutes. This is a woodland filled with wildlife and religious significance, and it can feel special because it is not staged for visitors in the same way theme-park attractions are.

The key practical point is right in the tour info: watch your belongings. Monkeys here are part of the experience. That means you should keep bags zipped, avoid dangling snacks, and hold onto phones and cameras securely. If you do that, the visit usually feels magical rather than stressful.

Why this stop works in a one-day itinerary:

You get a change of pace from temple and performance. You are moving from man-made culture to living nature, and you can feel that transition immediately. Also, the guide helps you connect what you see to the sacred setting, not just the fun factor.

Cost note: the Monkey Forest entrance fee is listed as IDR 80,000 per person if not included.

Small advice that makes the biggest difference: treat the area like it has curious, fast thieves. Keep your valuables close and you will spend your time watching monkeys instead of chasing them with your eyes.

Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset, UNESCO Sea Views That Actually Deliver

The final stop is Tanah Lot Temple for sunset, with about 2 hours at the site. This is the classic Bali temple setting that many people recognize from photos, but it is still worth seeing in person because the temple sits in a dramatic coastal location and the light changes everything.

The listing notes Tanah Lot is a UNESCO Heritage Hindu temple dating back to the 12th century. That matters because it frames the visit. You are not just waiting for a pretty sunset, you are witnessing a religious place with history that long predates modern tourism.

What I like about the sunset timing: you are less rushed than you would be if the tour aimed to hit everything earlier. Sunset at Tanah Lot also gives you flexibility. If the first viewpoint is crowded, you can find another angle and still catch the main moment.

Cost note: the Tanah Lot entrance fee is listed as IDR 60,000 per person if not included.

A quick practical tip: bring sun protection and plan for uneven ground. This is a coastal temple area where surfaces can be slick near water, so wear shoes you trust, not flimsy flip-flops.

Price and Entrance Fees, What $36 Covers in Real Life

The headline price is $36 per person, and that is for a full day of transportation plus a professional English-speaking guide. What you should understand is how the money breaks down.

Your base cost includes:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • Local taxes and fees
  • Fuel and toll charges
  • Entrance fees only if you choose the option that includes them

Then there are the separate entrance fees if you did not select an entrance-fee-included option:

  • Barong and Keris dance: IDR 150,000
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall: IDR 20,000
  • Monkey Forest: IDR 80,000
  • Tanah Lot Temple: IDR 60,000
  • Optional Jungle Swing: 200K IDR per person (not included)

So, if you plan to do all four main stops and you do not select an entrance-included option, you should expect an additional chunk of spending beyond $36. The exact total depends on what you choose, but this is the trade-off: you get a well-organized day with transport and guidance, and you pay site fees separately.

Where the value really shows up is in time. Without a guided plan, it is hard to coordinate dance schedules, waterfall logistics, Monkey Forest entry, and Tanah Lot sunset in a single smooth run. Even if you end up spending extra on tickets, you are buying convenience and less guesswork.

Smart Packing Tips for a Day That Mixes Jungle, Water, and Temples

Ubud and Tanah Lot Temple Small Group Sunset Tour - Smart Packing Tips for a Day That Mixes Jungle, Water, and Temples
Because this day includes both nature time and sacred sites, packing smart saves you from last-minute stress.

Bring:

  • Water-ready clothing or quick-dry items for Kanto Lampo
  • A small bag you can keep close for Monkey Forest
  • Sunscreen and a hat, because you will be outside during multiple stops
  • Cash or a payment method for site entrance fees and any optional extras

Wear:

  • Comfortable shoes with traction for temple areas, and something you can walk in confidently

Optional:

  • If you are considering the Jungle Swing, remember it is listed as optional, at 200K IDR per person. Only add it if you have the energy for one more activity after a long day.

Also, plan your energy. This tour is very doable, but it is not a light day. If you try to cram more plans afterward, you will likely feel it.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This tour is a good fit if:

  • You want a one-day Bali sampler with multiple iconic stops
  • You like culture as well as scenery, with an early dance show and a sunset temple
  • You prefer small-group touring, up to 9 travelers, especially for listening to explanations
  • You are okay with a long day and understand that traffic is part of the reality

You might reconsider if:

  • You hate long travel days, since the total duration is about 11 hours 30 minutes
  • You strongly dislike crowds and would rather linger slowly at fewer places
  • You do not want to deal with the monkey factor at the sanctuary, even with basic precautions

If you are a first-time Bali visitor from Kuta, this is one of the more practical ways to cover a big range in a single day. If you are on Bali for a longer trip, it can still be useful as a “highlight day” that anchors your memories.

Should You Book the Ubud and Tanah Lot Sunset Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a guided, structured day that hits Tanah Lot at sunset, plus Ubud culture and the Monkey Forest experience, with a real nature break at Kanto Lampo Waterfall. The small group size and professional guide help a lot, and when the guide is strong, the stories make the sites feel more connected.

I would think twice if you are sensitive to travel time. The tour is long, and traffic can stretch the day. Also, check which entrance-fee option you select so you do not get surprised at the gate.

If you want an efficient Bali day with a good mix of sights, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 11 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pick up and drop off are included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Does the price include entrance fees?

Entrance fees are included only if you select the option with entrance fees. Otherwise, several sites have separate entrance fees.

What entrance fees are listed if they are not included?

The listed entrance fees are:

  • Barong and Keris dance: IDR 150,000 per person
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall: IDR 20,000 per person
  • Monkey Forest: IDR 80,000 per person
  • Tanah Lot: IDR 60,000 per person

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is the jungle swing included?

No, the jungle swing is optional and listed at 200K IDR per person.

Are bottled water and a guide included?

Yes, you get bottled water and a professional English-speaking tour guide.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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