Explore Ubud Art Market, Monkey Forest and Rice Terraces

Ubud’s best-known sights fit into one long, busy day here: macaques in a temple forest, handmade goods in the town market, rice terraces, a high-flying swing, Luwak coffee, and a jungle waterfall. The private car matters, since these stops are spread across the Ubud area rather than packed into one walkable circuit.

I like the private format, which lets you spend more time at a favorite stop and less time waiting for strangers. I also like the practical touches: bottled water, Indonesian snacks, air-conditioning, and admission to the Monkey Forest, rice terrace, swing, and waterfall are covered. The catch is the schedule. With six stops and road time, this is a full day, and the swing and waterfall add stairs and uneven ground.

Key points to know before booking

• Six major stops in one day: Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Happy Swing Bali, Luwak coffee plantation, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Private transport included: You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver, rather than joining a large coach group.
• Strong driver-guides: Roby, Putra, and Wedana are named by guests as punctual, friendly, flexible, and helpful with local context.
• Admission value is solid: Entry to the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, swing, and waterfall is included, while market purchases and other extras are not.
• Plan for moderate activity: Expect walking, steps, viewpoints, and possible wet conditions at Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Best for first-time visitors: The tour gives you a broad introduction to Ubud culture, scenery, shopping, and popular photo stops in one outing.

A full day built around Ubud’s greatest hits

This is not a quiet village walk or a slow food tour. It is a broad sampler of Ubud and its surroundings, designed for someone who wants to see many headline sights without arranging separate taxis or negotiating each transfer.

The day lasts about six to 10 hours. That wide range is worth noting. Driving time, traffic, how long you shop, and how much time you spend at the swing or waterfall can change the pace. The listed stops add up to about five hours and 40 minutes, before transfers, so a six-hour day would be brisk. A longer day is more realistic if you want to enjoy each place rather than rush from one photo point to the next.

The private setup is the tour’s main advantage. Your driver can help shape the day around your pace, within the planned route. Putra is described as patient and flexible, while Wedana is praised for punctual pickups, a clean car, and helping tailor the day. Roby is noted for explaining Balinese culture and making solo visitors feel well looked after.

The experience begins in Bali, with pickup offered. Since no single hotel pickup time is specified, confirm the arrangement when booking. The operating hours are listed as 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, giving you room to discuss an early start.

Sacred Monkey Forest: temples, trees, and macaques

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a strong opening stop because it gives you two experiences at once. You walk through a lush forest setting and see ancient temples tied to Balinese spiritual life, while long-tailed macaques move through the grounds.

You have about 90 minutes here, and admission is included. That is enough time to walk through the main areas, take photographs, and listen as your driver explains the cultural side of the site. The forest is not simply a wildlife enclosure. Its temples and religious setting are central to why the place matters.

The macaques are the obvious attraction, but you should treat them as wild animals rather than tame performers. Keep your belongings secure and follow local instructions. The tour information does not specify detailed sanctuary rules, so listen carefully on arrival.

This stop suits first-time visitors especially well. You get an early introduction to Bali’s Hindu cultural setting without spending the day in a museum. The tradeoff is that it can feel busy and energetic, particularly around the monkeys. If you prefer quiet nature, you may want to keep expectations modest.

Ubud Art Market and the nearby palace

The Ubud Art Market gives the day a change of pace. After the forest, you can browse stalls selling handmade Balinese crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. There is no admission charge, but purchases are your responsibility.

I like this stop because it brings local making and shopping into the itinerary rather than reducing Ubud to scenery alone. You might find woven goods, decorative items, and clothing, but the selection and prices change. Bargaining may be part of the experience, so take your time and compare items before buying.

The visit is scheduled for one hour. That is enough for a focused look, but not a long shopping session. If you enjoy browsing every stall, one hour may pass quickly. Tell your driver if you need a little more time, though that may affect later stops.

You can also visit Ubud Palace during this part of the day. The palace offers a look at local architecture and religious tradition, making it a useful companion to the market. The details of palace entry are not separately listed, so check with your driver about what is included and how much time is available.

A practical tip: bring room in your luggage. Souvenirs, clothing, and extra purchases are not covered by the tour price, and the market is one of the places where you may be tempted to spend more than planned.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the famous swing

Tegallalang is the day’s classic Bali view. Its stepped rice fields show how farming follows the shape of the hills, and the traditional irrigation system is part of the story. You get about an hour here, with entry included.

This is a good place to slow down for photographs. The terraces look best when you give yourself time to study the layers rather than simply stopping for one quick picture. Your driver can explain local farming practices, though the depth of commentary may depend on who is driving and how much time remains.

The terrain deserves attention. Rice terraces mean slopes, steps, and uneven paths. Wear shoes with a firm sole, especially if rain has made the ground slick. You do not need to be an athlete, but the tour asks for moderate physical fitness, and this is one reason why.

The swing experience is listed separately at Happy Swing Bali, with about 40 minutes and admission included. Here you can swing high above jungle, rivers, and rice fields, with staff and several swing choices available. It is a photo-focused stop, but also a real thrill if you enjoy heights.

The swing is not essential to the cultural side of the tour. It is a popular add-on built around scenery and photographs. If you dislike heights, you can still appreciate the setting, but you may not get much value from this part. Ask your driver how the included admission works and which swing options are available on the day.

Luwak coffee at Ubud Sari Coffee Agrotourism

The coffee stop lasts about 30 minutes and has no separate admission charge. It introduces you to Coffee Luwak, made from beans that have passed through civet cats before processing.

You can learn about the production method and sample different coffees. For coffee fans, this is more than a quick drink because it connects a famous Balinese product with the agricultural side of the island.

This stop also calls for a little care. Practices at coffee plantations can differ, and the supplied details do not explain how the civets are kept or how the coffee is sourced. If animal welfare matters to you, ask clear questions before buying anything. You are not required to purchase coffee, and the tour specifically excludes souvenirs and other extra expenses.

Thirty minutes is enough for an introduction, not a lengthy plantation visit. I would treat it as a short educational and tasting stop between the major sights. It adds variety to the day, but coffee lovers may wish it lasted longer.

Tegenungan Waterfall: the day’s refreshing finish

Tegenungan Waterfall is a 15-meter cascade surrounded by jungle. You get about an hour here, and entry is included. Viewpoints let you see the falls from above, while a short walk leads toward the base and its pool.

This is one of the more active stops. The route includes steps and a descent, and conditions can be wet. You may swim or relax by the water, but allow enough time to get back up and return to the car. The tour does not specify changing facilities, so pack swimwear only if you are prepared for the practical side of that choice.

The waterfall also has local cafés and scenic spots nearby. That gives you a chance to pause, but food and drinks beyond the included snacks are extra. The water, snacks, and bottled water supplied with the tour are useful here, especially after walking in Bali’s heat.

Weather matters. A heavy downpour can change the experience, make paths slippery, or lead to cancellation. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, the value depends on how many people are in your private group and how much of the day you use. You are paying for a private driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, transport between widely scattered sights, bottled water, Indonesian snacks, taxes, and several entry fees.

The included admissions cover the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Happy Swing Bali, and Tegenungan Waterfall. That matters because entrance charges can add up across a day of separate visits. The market has no admission fee, and the coffee stop also has no listed admission charge.

The price does not include souvenirs, clothing, or other personal spending. Coffee purchases, market items, and extra café stops can push up the day’s total, so set a shopping budget before you leave.

Compared with arranging several individual rides, the private vehicle offers convenience and control. The value is strongest for a couple, family, or small group that wants a flexible day. If you are traveling alone, $70 may feel less economical, but the private format gives you a dedicated car and driver rather than a shared bus.

The driver can shape the experience

The people behind the wheel appear to be a key part of this experience. Roby is described as friendly and able to explain Balinese culture. Putra is praised for honesty, patience, punctuality, and flexibility. Wedana is noted for a spotless car, local insight, and careful attention to the day’s plan.

Those details matter because this itinerary relies on transfers and timing. A good driver does more than point out the next stop. The driver can help you judge how long to stay, explain what you are seeing, and keep the day comfortable with water and a clean, air-conditioned vehicle.

Still, driver quality can vary from one booking to another, and the exact guide is not guaranteed in the information provided. If having Roby, Putra, or Wedana is important to you, ask Samanjaya Trans Bali about availability before booking.

Who will enjoy this Ubud day?

I would recommend it to a first-time Bali visitor who wants a broad introduction without driving independently. It also suits families, couples, honeymooners, and solo visitors who value a private car and help with the route.

You should be comfortable with a long day, road transfers, uneven paths, and a moderate amount of walking. The waterfall and rice terraces are not ideal for someone who needs a completely flat route.

This is less suitable if you want deep time at one place. An art collector may want longer in the market. A serious coffee fan may want a full plantation tour. A nature lover seeking silence may find the monkey sanctuary and swing more tourist-oriented than peaceful.

Final booking advice

Book this tour if you want Ubud’s major sights in one private outing and value a driver who can explain the island along the way. The combination of included entry fees, air-conditioned transport, snacks, and flexible pacing makes the $70 price reasonable for a small group.

Skip it if you prefer a slow, single-theme day or dislike commercial photo stops. Before confirming, ask about your pickup time, the exact driver, swing arrangements, and how much time can be spent at the market. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

FAQ

How long does the Ubud tour take?

The experience lasts approximately six to 10 hours. The actual time can vary with traffic, pickup arrangements, shopping, weather, and the amount of time you spend at each stop.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle and driver is included.

What is included in the $70 price?

The price includes all fees and taxes, Indonesian snacks, bottled water, private transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, a private driver, and admission to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Tegenungan Waterfall. Admission to the swing is also listed as included.

Are purchases at the Ubud Art Market included?

No. Souvenirs, clothing, coffee purchases, and other extra expenses are not included.

Does the tour include Ubud Palace?

Ubud Palace can be visited during the Ubud Art Market stop. The tour details do not separately state a palace admission fee, so ask your driver about the visit and any applicable charge.

Is the tour physically demanding?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The rice terraces, swing area, and waterfall can involve walking, steps, uneven ground, or wet conditions.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.