Monkey Forest, Ubud, Waterfall and Rice Terrace

Ubud’s sights are spread across the countryside, so this private day tour’s best feature is simple: you can link several stops without arranging separate rides. The route can include the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, a waterfall and a coffee plantation, or shift to other places that suit your interests.

I like the freedom to set the pace, and I like that the vehicle, fuel and parking are included in the group price. Drivers such as Wayan Wijana, Gusti, Oko and Oka Budiana have been praised for clear explanations, punctual pickups and thoughtful help, including taking photos and waiting during a swim.

The trade-off is that entrance fees and meals are extra, and Bali traffic can eat into your sightseeing time. Treat the listed stops as a menu, not a promise to see everything: agree on priorities with your driver before setting off.

At a glance: what matters most

• The $65 price is per group, not per person. It covers up to five people in one regular car.
• The day is private and flexible. You can choose places that interest you, and time at each stop may vary.
• The main route can mix culture and scenery. Options include the Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market, Tegallalang, Tegenungan Waterfall and Celuk Village.
• Your driver is central to the experience. English- or Japanese-speaking drivers handle the transport, and some also explain local places along the way.
• Budget for entry tickets and lunch. Those are not included, even though the day may include time for a meal.
• Leave room for traffic. The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, and driving conditions affect how much you can fit in.

A private day built around your priorities

This is not a fixed coach route with a rigid schedule. It is private transportation with a driver who can help you plan a day around Ubud and nearby attractions. You can arrive with a short list of must-sees or ask the driver to suggest stops, then adjust the pace as the day unfolds.

That flexibility matters in Bali, where places that look close on a map can take time to reach. A private vehicle means your group does not need to coordinate several taxis or stay on another group’s schedule. The air-conditioning is a welcome practical detail between outdoor stops, especially on a full day out.

Pickup is offered at the port or from hotel lobbies in Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa and Ubud. Confirm your exact pickup point with the operator. The activity begins and ends at the meeting point, so you do not need to plan a separate return ride.

The Monkey Forest: allow time to look around

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is listed as a one-hour stop. It gives your day a wildlife and cultural focus before you move on to Ubud’s shops and the countryside. Admission is not included, so set aside money for the entrance fee.

A useful approach is to agree on the pace before you arrive. If the forest is a priority, make that clear and give it enough time rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. The tour is customizable, but its 7 to 8 hours still have limits once driving and other visits are added.

Ubud Art Market: a browse, not a buying obligation

The Ubud Art Market is a one-hour option for seeing Balinese handicrafts, from traditional items to more contemporary craftwork. Admission is free, and you can browse without paying a ticket fee. If shopping is not your aim, talk with the driver about using that time elsewhere.

A market stop works best when you know what you want from it. You might enjoy looking at the range of craftwork, or you may prefer a longer visit to the rice terraces. Since the route is flexible, you can make that choice rather than feeling obliged to shop.

Tegallalang: rice terraces and subak irrigation

The rice terraces at Tegallalang are among the most scenic stops on the suggested route. Their stepped fields follow a traditional Balinese irrigation system known as subak, and the terraces sit in a valley with views over the fields and surrounding area. The listed visit is about 30 minutes, so it is worth telling your driver if you would like more time.

There is also a separate one-hour stop for lunch at a restaurant in the valley. The meal is not included in the tour price, so count it as an additional expense. If you want a slower meal or prefer to spend more time taking in the views, build that into your plan rather than trying to squeeze every listed attraction into one day.

Coffee at Uma Pakel Agro Tourism

Uma Pakel Agro Tourism introduces visitors to kopi luwak, or civet coffee, and presents it as an opportunity to learn about the product. The planned stop is about an hour, and admission is listed as free. If coffee is not a particular interest, ask whether this is the best use of your time.

The stop adds variety to a day otherwise focused on temples, crafts, forest and scenery. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about the coffee and how it is presented at the site. Keep in mind that the tour description names this as the main product, so you should not assume the visit is a broad survey of Balinese agriculture.

Celuk Village: gold and silver craft

Celuk Village is known for gold and silver work, and its one-hour stop offers a different view of local craft traditions. Admission is free. You can choose to make this a browsing stop or spend longer elsewhere, depending on your interests and the day’s timing.

A craft village can be a good counterpoint to the open views at Tegallalang. It also gives you another way to shape the tour: choose the cultural stops that appeal to you instead of following a checklist just because it is printed in a route description.

Tegenungan Waterfall: a possible swim

Tegenungan Waterfall is described as a scenic stop with a cool atmosphere, and swimming is possible. The planned visit is about an hour, and the entry fee is not included. Bring this up with your driver if you want time to swim; one driver has been praised for waiting while the group did so.

The waterfall can be a refreshing change after time in the car, but it is one more stop competing for the day’s hours. If you want a relaxed visit, consider dropping another attraction. A shorter list often makes for a better day than rushing from place to place.

Swing stop: photos with an extra fee

Happy Swing Bali is an optional photo stop, listed at about 30 minutes. The swing is described as high, and riders must wear a harness. Admission is not included, so check the cost before deciding to add it.

This stop will suit you if the swing experience and photos are a priority. If heights are not your thing, or you would rather spend more time at the waterfall or rice terraces, there is no need to include it. The point of a private tour is to use the day for what you actually want to do.

What the driver adds to the day

The tour includes an English- or Japanese-speaking driver, and several named drivers have been singled out for being punctual, informative and attentive. Wayan Wijana was praised for explaining places in detail, while Gusti was described as polite and familiar with the Ubud area. Oko and Oka Budiana were also noted for helping with photos, sharing local information and looking after the group.

Those examples are useful because a driver can shape more than the journey between stops. A good one can help you decide what to prioritize, keep the day moving and make practical adjustments when traffic or your interests change. Still, a specific driver is not guaranteed, so think of the names as examples of the service guests have received, not a request you can count on.

What the $65 group price does and does not cover

At $65 for up to five people, this tour can be good value if your group uses the full car. You are paying for private transport rather than a per-person guided package, so the cost per person falls as your group gets closer to five. An air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, fuel surcharge and parking fees are included.

The price does not include entrance fees, meals or personal expenses. That distinction matters: the advertised group price is a starting point for the day, not the total cost of every stop. Ask about entry charges for the places you want to visit, and plan separately for lunch and any paid swing or coffee purchases.

A larger vehicle can be arranged for groups of up to 12 at an additional cost. Contact the local operator to discuss that option. The standard booking is for a private group, with a maximum of five people in one regular car.

Making the most of a 7 to 8 hour day

The listed stops add up to several hours on site before you account for driving. That means the full menu of attractions is best treated as a set of choices, not a guarantee that you will see everything. Traffic is part of getting around Bali, and one group still managed several major stops despite it, but you should leave room for delays.

Before pickup, rank your top three or four stops. Tell the driver which are essential and which are optional, then decide whether you want time for lunch, shopping or a swim. This small bit of planning helps protect the parts of the day you care about most.

The tour is booked on average 82 days in advance. That figure does not mean you must book that early, but it is a useful reminder to plan ahead if you have a particular date in mind. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Ubud tour?

I would consider this tour if you want a private way to connect several Ubud-area sights and prefer to set your own priorities. It suits couples, families or small groups who value transport convenience and are comfortable paying attraction fees separately. The driver’s local knowledge and help with logistics can be especially useful if you do not want to arrange each transfer yourself.

It is less suitable if you want a fixed, fully guided package with meals and entry tickets included, or if you expect to spend a long time at every stop. With only 7 to 8 hours, choices matter. Book it if flexibility and private transport are worth more to you than an all-inclusive price. Beforehand, confirm pickup details, ask which stops fit your priorities and set aside money for tickets and food.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $65 per group of up to five people in one regular car. A vehicle for up to 12 people can be arranged for an additional cost by contacting the local operator.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours. Time at each attraction can vary, and the places you visit may change based on your interests and the time available.

Where can pickup be arranged?

Pickup is offered at the port or from hotel lobbies in Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa and Ubud. Confirm your exact pickup location with the operator.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates. The standard vehicle accommodates up to five people, with a larger vehicle for up to 12 available at an extra cost.

Can I choose which places to visit?

Yes. The tour is customizable, and you can discuss your interests with the driver. The stops and the amount of time spent at each place may differ from the suggested route.

Are entrance fees and meals included?

No. Entrance fees, meals and personal expenses are not included. The vehicle, private transportation, fuel surcharge and parking fees are included.

What language does the driver speak?

The included driver speaks English or Japanese.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.