Ubud Day Tour: Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul

Our Take

Why we recommend this tour

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart and most first-time Bali visitors underestimate how much is worth seeing in one day there. This tour compresses the greatest hits: rice terraces + temples + monkey forest + village crafts + lunch, all with a private driver-guide.

Key tip: the Tegalalang rice terraces have "Bali swing" attractions for Instagram photos - these are separate ($20-40/pp for the swing + jungle rope setups). Not included in this tour; ask your driver to stop if you want to do it.

The Sacred Monkey Forest is a highlight but also an ACTUAL monkey colony. Do not bring food, don't wear dangly jewelry, keep sunglasses on and hats off. They will snatch. The forest itself is a beautiful Balinese temple complex.

Tirta Empul is a holy spring where Balinese bathe for purification. Tourists can participate if dressed properly (sarong mandatory, provided).

Highlights

What you'll do

✓Tegalalang rice terraces (the iconic green steps)
✓Sacred Monkey Forest (Ubud)
✓Tirta Empul water temple
✓Traditional Balinese lunch
✓Silver or wood-carving village stop
✓Private air-conditioned car + English-speaking driver/guide

Includes

What's included

✓Hotel pickup + drop-off
✓Private air-con vehicle
✓English-speaking driver/guide
✓Lunch
✓All entry fees
✓Bottled water

Not included

✕Sarong rental at temple (usually included, some spots charge)
✕Tipping driver (common, 50-100k IDR appreciated)
✕Optional stops (coffee plantation, swing)

What to bring

Pack list

→Sarong if you have one
→Sunblock + hat
→Bug spray (rice terrace mosquitoes)
→Comfortable walking shoes
→Cash for souvenirs in villages (ATMs are spotty)

Meeting point

Hotel pickup (most South Bali areas)

Know before you go

What Should You Know Before an Ubud Day Tour?

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is open 9am to 6pm with last entry at 5pm and charges IDR 130,000 per adult, food, drinks and plastic bags are banned inside, Tirta Empul requires a sarong, and Tegallalang's rice terraces are about a 20-minute drive north of Ubud.

What are the Monkey Forest hours and entry fee?

The sanctuary is open 9am to 6pm with last entrance at 5pm. Entry is IDR 130,000 for adults and IDR 100,000 for children, sold in the lobby or online through the sanctuary's Book Now link. Source: monkeyforestubud.com.

What are the Monkey Forest rules?

Food and drinks are not allowed, plastic bags are banned so monkeys do not grab them, and lockers are available in the lobby. Do not touch or pick up the long-tailed macaques, keep your distance and avoid direct eye contact, which they may read as aggression. Revealing clothing is discouraged because the forest is a sacred temple area. Source: monkeyforestubud.com.

How should you dress and behave at Tirta Empul?

Visitors must put on a sarong before entering, available at the entrance for a small donation, and wear clothing covering shoulders and knees. In the purification pool, bathers stand waist-deep and move under each spout in turn; two spouts are reserved for cleansing the dead and must not be used, and soap or shampoo is not allowed. The temple is about 14 km northeast of Ubud in Tampaksiring. Source: indonesia.travel.

How long do you need at Tegallalang?

Tegallalang is about a 20-minute drive north of Ubud; plan 30 minutes to 1.5 hours and bring water, sunscreen and small cash. The terraces are irrigated by subak, the traditional Balinese water-sharing system, and are working farmland, so stay on marked paths. Source: indonesia.travel.

Quick answers

How much is the Ubud Monkey Forest entrance fee?

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary's official visit page lists entry at IDR 130,000 for adults and IDR 100,000 for children, with tickets sold in the lobby or online. It is open 9am to 6pm with last entrance at 5pm, and food, drinks and plastic bags are not allowed inside, so use the lobby lockers.

Do I need a sarong at Tirta Empul?

Yes. Indonesia's official tourism site says visitors must wear a sarong to enter Tirta Empul, available at the entrance for a small donation, along with modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Bathers in the purification pool queue for each spout, skip the two spouts reserved for cleansing the dead, and use no soap or shampoo.

Facts above come from the official sources linked, checked October 8, 2026. Prices and hours change; confirm with the venue or operator before you go.

FAQ

Common Questions

How much should I tip the driver?+

Standard: 100,000-150,000 IDR ($7-10) for a full day of good service. More if they went above and beyond.

Can I add extra stops?+

Yes, almost always. Most drivers will adjust the route - just tell them early in the day. Coffee plantations and Bali swings are popular add-ons ($10-40/pp extra).

Monkeys - do they bite?+

Occasionally. Rare if you follow the rules: no food, no eye contact, hats/sunglasses off, hands empty. Any bites are reported to authorities and vaccines are widely available.

Best month?+

April-October (dry season) for clearer skies and less rain. November-March has more rain but lush greens (best rice terrace photos).

Bali: Ubud Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest & Temple Day Tour