Ubud packs a lot into one day. This guided route strings together Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul purification, a waterfall stop, and the monkey forest area, so you get the highlights without playing map Tetris all day.

I really like two things here. First, the mix of landscapes and culture is practical: you get iconic rice views, then you step into a real Balinese water-temple ritual like Melukat. Second, the tour handles the basics with included sarong and bottled water, plus parking fees and private transportation.

One thing to plan around: Tirta Empul has a temple-entry rule—women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple area.

Key points before you go

• Melukat purification at Tirta Empul: expect holy spring water and multiple water spouts used for cleansing
• Iconic Tegalalang rice terraces: a true Ubud photo stop with about an hour on-site
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: 2 hours at a natural area with ancient temples and long-tailed macaques
• Tegenungan Waterfall break: a scenic stop that can include swimming when conditions allow
• Private group comfort: private transportation and pickup offered, with the tour focused on your group
• Entrance tickets are option-based: some stops list admission as not included unless you pick the entry-ticket option

Why this Ubud highlights route makes sense

If you want Ubud’s top sights in one day, this tour fits that goal. You’re looking at a tight loop: monkey forest, Ubud market/palace area, rice terraces at Tegalalang, Tirta Empul Temple purification, and then Tegenungan Waterfall.

What makes it work is the flow. You start outdoors (monkeys), move into town culture (art market), go for the classic green hillside views (rice terraces), then shift to a serious cultural ritual (Tirta Empul), and finish with a nature payoff (waterfall). It’s not random. It’s a logical Ubud sampler.

The tradeoff is time. A day like this is built for seeing multiple places, not lingering for hours at one spot. If you want ultra-slow travel, this might feel a little packed. But if you want a guided greatest-hits day, it’s well matched.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($27.37 per person)

At $27.37 per person, the biggest value isn’t the individual sites—it’s the organization. You’re paying for private transportation, parking fees, a sarong, and bottled water, and you don’t have to figure out how to stitch these locations together on your own.

Also, the tour gives you an option around entrance tickets. Some site listings note admission is not included, but there’s also an option that includes entrance tickets. That matters because Ubud highlights can add up once you start paying entry fees one by one.

One more practical point: this kind of tour tends to be booked in advance. The average booking window here is about 72 days, which is a hint that people plan Ubud days early to lock in guide availability and timing.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples, trees, and fast-moving chaos (in a fun way)

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is your first big nature stop, with about 2 hours on-site. It’s not just a monkey park. It’s a mix of ancient temples, pathways through forest, and a living population of long-tailed macaques.

The best way to enjoy it is to treat it like a real forest walk with photo moments. Keep your expectations flexible. You’re in a sanctuary, so animals are part of the environment, and your route can shift based on where you spot them.

Admission is listed as not included for this stop, so decide early whether you want to pick the entrance-ticket option (if available) or plan to pay on arrival. Either way, I suggest you use the full 2 hours rather than rushing, because the temples and viewpoints are scattered.

Ubud Art Market (and the palace area): culture you can touch

You get about 1 hour at the Ubud Traditional Art Market, and admission is free for that stop. This is where the day starts to feel less like sightseeing and more like daily Balinese life—craft, small stalls, and the everyday rhythm of Ubud.

This is also where I like the tour’s pacing. After the monkey sanctuary, you’re ready for something more hands-on and human-scale. You can browse slowly, look for local art styles, and just get your bearings in town.

The tour also includes a visit to the Ubud Palace area. Even if you only spend part of your time there, it adds context to what you’re seeing elsewhere—especially once you’ve already been thinking about rituals and temple life at Tirta Empul.

If you’re shopping, keep it practical. Buy what you truly want, not what looks like a good deal in a moment. A market stop is meant for browsing and finding one or two meaningful items, not for turning the day into a bargaining marathon.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: the classic view, with timing that matters

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is the iconic Ubud scene: terraced rice paddies that cascade down the hillside. You get about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as not included.

For this stop, your best move is to spend some time just looking first, then spend your photo time second. The terraces are pretty from one angle, but you’ll notice more depth and layers as you walk along viewpoints.

Also, plan your expectations. An hour sounds long, but it’s not forever once you factor in walking time and the time you’ll want for photos. If you’re traveling with someone who moves slower, you’ll feel it here. If everyone in your group likes pictures, you’ll love it.

If you choose the option that includes entrance tickets, this stop may already be covered. If not, you’ll want to budget for it so you don’t get stuck at the gate deciding whether to pay or skip.

Tirta Empul Temple and the Melukat purification ritual

Tirta Empul is the cultural heart of the tour. You’ll get about 1 hour here, and it’s the one stop that feels more like a ceremony than a tourist attraction.

This temple is known for holy spring water used for ritual purification. The purification ritual is called Melukat. In practical terms, you stand under a series of spouts while water flows over you. Each spout is believed to have a different purpose in the cleansing process.

Here’s where your prep matters. Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple area, so that can affect what portion of the stop you can do. If that applies to you, you’ll still have the option to watch from outside where rules allow, but you won’t be able to participate in the ritual.

The tour includes a sarong, which is a big help. Even if you’re not sure about what to wear, this takes away one common stress point before you reach the temple.

Tegenungan Waterfall: views first, water if it’s right

Tegenungan Waterfall is a popular scenic stop near Ubud, with about 1 hour on-site. It’s surrounded by lush greenery, and it drops into a natural pool.

The overview notes you can often swim there, which is the whole point of this stop if the conditions are safe and comfortable. But it’s not a guaranteed swimming set-up, so treat it like a chance rather than a promise.

If you’re the type who wants one nature hit before ending the day, this is a good place to get it. It’s also a nice contrast after the temple. Your mind shifts from ceremony and rules to something simple: walk, look, cool off if the pool works for you.

Admission for this stop is listed as not included, so again, entrance-ticket options can reduce that on-the-spot decision-making.

Guides make the day: Putu Adi, Puta, and Arento

This is one of those tours where the guide turns the route from a list of stops into a story you can actually follow. In the feedback, guides like Putu Adi and Puta are praised for being patient and for guiding in a way that helps you learn while still enjoying the day.

You’ll also see appreciation for details: punctual timing, good photo ideas, and explanations that make the sites feel grounded instead of random. Another guide name that came up is Arento, with credit for explaining a lot and helping the day feel worthwhile.

One fun detail from the experience: there may be a coffee stop or coffee experience built into the day near the plantation areas, with comments about excellent coffee and aromatics. That’s not the kind of thing you want to assume in advance, but it does sound like it can be part of how the day feels for some groups.

If you care about understanding what you’re seeing, choose this tour when you want your guide to do more than just drive.

What the included stuff means for your comfort

Included items here are simple, but they matter when you’re moving between sites all day:

• Private transportation and parking fees: less waiting and fewer logistics headaches
• Sarong: helps you be ready for temple clothing rules at Tirta Empul
• Bottled water: keeps you from guessing about refills during the day
• Entrance tickets: depends on which option you pick

Pickup is offered, which is another quiet win. You avoid the hassle of figuring out where to meet and how to get to multiple trailheads and temples.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you don’t want to manage printed paperwork during a busy day.

Who should book this tour (and who might not love it)

This is a strong match if you want a guided Ubud highlights day that covers nature and culture without you planning each transfer. It’s also a good choice if you’d like your guide to explain what you’re seeing, especially at Tirta Empul where Melukat brings meaning beyond scenery.

It’s less ideal if you dislike structured schedules. With stops built around about 1 hour each for rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and waterfall (and 2 hours for the monkey forest), you’ll be moving. You’ll still be able to pause, but this is not a slow wander kind of day.

Temple rules are another deciding factor. If you need to participate in Tirta Empul purification and you’re affected by the rule about menstruation, you should plan around the restriction before booking.

Should you book this Ubud Highlights Rice Terraces, Temple, Waterfall & Monkeys tour?

I’d book it if you’re on a tight schedule and you want the biggest Ubud hits in one day with a guide who can add context. The price is low enough that you’re mostly paying for organization and comfort—especially the private transport, sarong, and bottle-of-water basics—while you still get culturally important stops like Tirta Empul.

Don’t book it if your top priority is long, unhurried time at one place. This tour is built for variety, not for lingering. And if the Tirta Empul entry rule affects your group, check your comfort level with how that might change your participation.

If you want a practical, guided way to see Ubud’s signature sights—rice terraces, monkey forest, Tirta Empul ritual purification, and Tegenungan waterfall—this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Highlights tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 6 to 10 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s located in Ubud, Indonesia.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

What are the main stops on the tour?

The tour includes the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Traditional Art Market, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, and it also includes a visit to the Ubud Palace area.

Does the price include entrance tickets?

Entrance tickets depend on the option you choose. Some stops note admission tickets are not included, but there is also a tour option where entrance ticket costs are included.

Is a sarong provided?

Yes. Sarong is included.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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