Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, and Swing Day Tour

Exploring Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, and Swing Day Tour

Traveling to Bali often means choosing between countless activities — but if you’re craving a well-rounded taste of Ubud’s natural beauty and cultural charm, this full-day tour offers a compelling introduction. With visits to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a traditional coffee plantation, and the lively Ubud Art Market, it hits many of the highlights at a reasonable price and with manageable group sizes.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with authentic local experiences — you’re not just ticking off boxes, but actually engaging with the culture and landscape. The combination of playful monkeys, lush green terraces, and local crafts makes for a memorable day.

One possible downside is that the schedule is quite packed, which means you’ll want to be prepared for some walking and a busy day. If you prefer quiet, slow-paced adventures, this might feel a bit rushed. But if you’re eager to see many facets of Ubud in one go, it’s a smart choice.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed introduction to Ubud — especially those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and vibrant local life. Families, first-time visitors, or anyone with limited time will find it particularly convenient and rewarding.

Key Points

• Affordable Group Pricing: At $80 for up to five people, this tour offers good value considering the number of stops.
• Diverse Highlights: From playful monkeys to scenic rice terraces, it covers natural beauty and cultural sights.
• Comfortable Transportation: Includes a private vehicle, driver, petrol, parking, and toll fees, making logistics simple.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit a traditional coffee plantation and sample Luwak coffee, plus explore local markets and temples.
• Flexible Pickup & Drop-off: Customizable to your hotel or villa, making planning easier.
• Moderate Walking & Weather Preparedness: Expect some walking and varying weather; bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ubud Day Tour

Starting Point and Convenience

You’ll be picked up from one of seven locations around Bali, including popular spots like Kuta, Denpasar, and North Kuta. This flexibility is a real plus, allowing you to start your day without long commutes. The tour begins early enough to maximize your day, with specific start times to check ahead for availability.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A highlight for many visitors, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a lush, green enclave filled with hundreds of playful macaques. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours wandering through shaded paths lined with ancient temple ruins. The monkeys are friendly but mischievous; be sure to keep your belongings close — reviews often mention monkeys grabbing loose items like sunglasses or hats.

Travelers describe the experience as “fun and fascinating,” with some noting it’s a great chance to see Bali’s spiritual side. The forest’s setting, with its moss-covered statues and towering trees, creates a mystical atmosphere. It’s a perfect introduction to Ubud’s spiritual and natural environment.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace

Next, the Ubud Art Market offers a lively scene of local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. You’ll have about an hour to browse, haggle, and pick up unique gifts. Many appreciate the authentic feel, as it’s less touristy and full of genuine Balinese artistry. A review mentions, “It’s a wonderful place to find handcrafted items that truly reflect local culture.”

Following the market, the Ubud Palace provides a glimpse into Bali’s royal past. An hour here allows you to admire the traditional architecture and, if timing permits, catch a cultural performance. The palace is a serene spot amid the bustling town, perfect for soaking in local history.

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Scenic Rice Terraces and Swing Experience

Arguably the tour’s most Instagram-worthy spot, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces showcase Bali’s iconic landscape — lush, layered fields carved into the hillside. We loved the way the terraces stretch as far as the eye can see, offering endless photo opportunities.

A unique feature here is the scenic swing ride, which provides a breathtaking vantage point over the terraces. The swing is both exhilarating and a fantastic photo op. Several reviewers mention the “thrilling” feeling and “stunning views” as highlights of their trip. Keep in mind that the swing experience might have additional costs if not included in the base fee, so check before booking.

Cultural and Historic Ubud

The tour wraps up with a visit to Ubud Palace again or additional exploration of the town, giving you a chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy some local snacks, or simply relax before heading back. The total time spent in Ubud is around two hours, giving you enough time to absorb the local vibe without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Value

At $80 per group, including transportation, driver, petrol, parking, and tolls, the tour offers excellent value. The price excludes entrance fees, coffee tasting, and meals, but these are optional extras. The driver is English-speaking, enabling easy communication, and the small group size ensures a more personalized experience.

The tour’s flexibility — with options to start from different locations and customize pickup and drop-off points — makes it accessible for many travelers. The included mineral water keeps you hydrated through the day’s activities, which is much appreciated.

What to Expect and Pack

Expect some walking, especially around the rice terraces and market. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views. A small amount of cash is recommended for souvenirs or optional activities. Since the weather can vary, pack an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecasted.

The tour is not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users due to the walking involved and the nature of the activities.

Summing Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This day trip strikes a good balance between active sightseeing and relaxed exploration. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Ubud’s natural and cultural highlights without feeling rushed. Families and groups looking for convenience and value will find it especially appealing, as the small group size makes for a more intimate experience.

If you’re seeking a taste of Bali’s iconic rice terraces, playful monkeys, and local crafts, this tour hits the mark. The combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and authentic experiences — all at an accessible price — makes it a solid choice for most travelers.

However, if your idea of a perfect day involves more leisure and less busyness, or if you prefer guided tours with in-depth historical commentary, you might want to explore specialized options or longer excursions.

In summary, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into Ubud’s heart — a lively, verdant, and culturally rich corner of Bali that leaves most visitors feeling a little more connected to the island’s soul.

FAQs about the Ubud Day Tour

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially since it’s designed for small groups, making it manageable for kids. Just keep in mind the walking involved and ensure children are comfortable with the activities.

Can I customize the pickup location?
Absolutely, the tour offers flexible pickup options from your hotel or villa in Bali, including popular areas like Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but you can purchase food and drinks at various stops, especially in Ubud or at the rice terraces.

How long is the entire tour?
The schedule generally involves a full day, with the entire experience lasting around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and timing at each stop.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, a camera, and some cash for souvenirs or optional extras.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with back problems, due to walking and uneven terrain.

Are there any hidden costs?
Entrance fees to attractions, coffee tasting, and meals are not included, so budget extra if you want to participate in these activities.

What is the group size?
It’s a small-group experience, with prices based on groups of up to 5 people, providing a more personal touch.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provider’s website, with options to pay later and cancel with full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

All in all, this Ubud day tour offers a balanced, engaging, and value-packed way to see some of Bali’s most beloved sights. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a snapshot of the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, all wrapped into one manageable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: