Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

REVIEW · JUNGLE SWING EXPERIENCES

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall

  • 5.07 reviews
  • From $24.65
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Traveller rating 5.0 (7)Price from$24.65Operated byDriver UbudBook viaViator

Five sights, one smooth Bali day. This full-day plan strings together Ubud’s jungle highlights and some of the island’s calmer waterfalls, with a local guide who handles the driving and timing so you can focus on the views. I like that you get a private experience built around your group, not a crowded shuffle through stops. I also like the mix: temples and monkeys in the morning, big viewpoint energy around Tegalalang and the swing area, then waterfall time later. One thing to think about: the Tegalalang rice terraces are famous for a reason, but they can also feel overhyped if you’re not into rice-field scenery.

The best part is how the day runs like a custom route. I’ve seen guides in this area (like Mangkok, Mawe, and Bagong) described as careful, attentive, and funny, and one guide even adjusted the plan when the weather changed. That flexibility matters in Bali, where a quick cloud shift can change how pleasant the walking and photos feel.

Below is the practical, stop-by-stop breakdown—what’s worth your energy, what to watch for, and who this tour fits best.

Key things you should know before you go

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Key things you should know before you go

  • Private local guide + air-conditioned transport keeps long gaps between stops from feeling miserable
  • Monkey Forest + waterfall pairing gives you real nature variety in one day
  • Tegalalang is iconic but can feel tourist-heavy, so manage expectations
  • Bali swing ride may cost extra even if you stop at the viewpoint area
  • Two waterfall stops means you’re not betting your whole day on just one
  • Language help is available via mobile translation, depending on your guide

How this Ubud tour earns its value (and when it doesn’t)

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - How this Ubud tour earns its value (and when it doesn’t)
At $24.65 per person for a roughly 10-hour private day, the value comes from what’s built in. You’re not just paying for a car ride. You also get admission tickets included for Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall, plus bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle.

That’s a big deal in Bali, where a lot of day tours start cheap and quietly add up later. Here, the main “hard costs” are covered, so you can plan the day with fewer surprise expenses. The two things that are not included are also clear: lunch and Bali Swing (more on that in the swing section). If you can handle a paid add-on or a meal break on your own, this price can feel like a solid deal.

Where it can fall short is expectations. One review called out rice fields as possibly overrated if you’re not into that kind of scenery. That’s fair. Tegalalang is beautiful, but it’s also a showpiece. If you want quiet jungle only, you may prefer focusing more time on the temple-jungle and waterfall parts.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

Your guide and driver: the difference between a day tour and a good day

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Your guide and driver: the difference between a day tour and a good day
This tour is private, so your guide’s style affects the whole experience. The names I saw mentioned—Mangkok, Bagong, and Mawe—show a pattern: guides are often described as careful drivers, patient, and willing to adapt.

A few practical takeaways from that:

  • Safety and comfort matter. One review specifically highlighted a safe, careful driver and extra help getting someone in and out of the vehicle.
  • You can expect information, not just transport. Guides were described as sharing useful local context and being helpful when questions came up.
  • Weather happens. One guide adjusted the plan when conditions changed, and still kept the day full.

There’s also support for communication. In at least one case, a mobile translation tool helped with language gaps, and that’s a real quality-of-life feature if your Bali vocabulary is limited.

Tip for you: treat your guide like a co-pilot. If you want more time at viewpoints, prefer easier walking, or want fewer photo stops, say so early. This format is built for that.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples, jungle, and rules you should respect

The morning start at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary puts you in a jungle-temple setting with ancient areas and free-roaming Balinese long-tailed macaques. It’s a conservation sanctuary, so this isn’t just a zoo vibe. The place mixes worship space, pathways, greenery, and monkeys that act like they own the route.

A few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • The monkeys are bold. Expect them to move through trees and across walkways. One tour description even mentioned monkeys swimming on the trees, which hints at how active they can be.
  • Temples mean etiquette. You’ll be walking through areas that are sacred to locals, so keep your voice low, don’t block paths, and follow your guide’s cues.
  • Photo time is fun, but don’t antagonize them. If a monkey approaches, your job is to stay calm and give it space rather than reach for a selfie.

What’s special here is the atmosphere. You’re not just looking at animals; you’re walking through a living cultural site. If you like places where nature and tradition overlap, this stop is a strong anchor for the day.

Possible drawback: it’s still a tourist stop, so you might see crowds at peak hours. If you’re sensitive to chaotic camera energy, you’ll want your guide to manage pacing.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: unforgettable views, but manage the crowd factor

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: unforgettable views, but manage the crowd factor
Next comes Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous rice landscapes. The traditional irrigation system and the stepped terraces make this place a photo magnet for a reason. Even if you think you’ve seen rice fields before, the scale and the vantage points can still surprise you.

That said, this is the stop most likely to cause disappointment for people who came chasing quiet nature. One review called the rice fields overrated and suggested they should be mostly avoided if you’re not into rice-field scenery. That lines up with what you should expect: the views are strong, but the vibe can feel like a busy attraction.

How to get the most from Tegalalang:

  • Arrive with a purpose. If you want the iconic shots, go for them, then move on. Don’t treat it like a long hike.
  • Use your guide for timing and angles. Since your tour is private, your guide can often help you avoid the worst crowd pockets for photos.
  • Watch your footing. Paths can be uneven, and there can be slippery spots after rainfall.

If you love scenery and don’t mind crowds, you’ll probably enjoy this stop a lot. If you’re more waterfall-and-temple focused, consider enjoying Tegalalang for what it is—a viewpoint moment—then putting your energy into the calmer nature stops later.

Happy Swing Bali: the fun viewpoint, but confirm what you’re paying for

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Happy Swing Bali: the fun viewpoint, but confirm what you’re paying for
The swing area is listed as Happy Swing Bali, a popular attraction known for high swings with views over valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. This stop can be a hit because it mixes adrenaline-style fun with the landscape views people come to Bali for.

Here’s the key detail you should plan around: Bali Swing is not included in the tour price list, even though this stop is part of the day. That suggests you can likely visit the area and see the setups as part of your route, but the actual swing ride cost is separate.

So you’ll want to do two things:

  • Ask your guide on arrival what’s included at the swing location and what costs extra.
  • Decide early whether you want the ride or just the viewpoint.

If you go for the swing, wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty and keep your phone secure. If you skip the ride, treat it as a lookout stop where you can still get the photo backdrop without paying for the experience.

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Tibumana Waterfall: quieter water-time with easier pacing

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Tibumana Waterfall: quieter water-time with easier pacing
After the terraces and swing stop, the day shifts into waterfall mode with Tibumana Waterfall. The theme here is calm and nature-forward. It’s described as a hidden gem with serene, unspoiled beauty and typically less crowded than some other waterfall spots.

In a full-day route, this kind of slower, quieter waterfall stop is important. It gives you a break from the busier attractions and lets you reset before the final waterfall.

What to expect:

  • More peaceful atmosphere than the most famous Bali waterfalls.
  • A short pocket of “just water” time—good for photos, a breather, and swapping from looking-up views to looking-down at the falls.

Practical note: waterfalls mean damp ground. Wear shoes with decent grip, and don’t rush. Your guide’s job here is to keep you moving safely between viewpoints.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and strong photo angles

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Kanto Lampo Waterfall: easy access and strong photo angles
The final nature highlight is Kanto Lampo Waterfall, noted as beautiful and relatively easy to reach compared with waterfalls that require a long hike. That makes it a good closer when you’ve already walked around temples and terraces.

Why it works as the last stop:

  • You still get a “wow” moment from the waterfall itself.
  • You’re less likely to feel drained from heavy trekking late in the day.
  • It’s a solid place for photos without a major endurance test.

If you’re planning your day with energy in mind, this stop’s “easier access” quality is what helps. You can focus on the sights instead of thinking about sore legs and long travel.

Lunch, snacks, and local food stops: what’s actually included

Ubud Monkey Forest, Scenic Rice Terrace with Swing and Waterfall - Lunch, snacks, and local food stops: what’s actually included
Lunch is not included, but the tour’s approach to food is still useful. The description emphasizes taking you to a local restaurant where you can taste real Balinese food, guided by someone who knows where to go.

That matters because Bali has tourist menus that look local but aren’t always satisfying. With a guide driving the choice, you have a better shot at getting a meal that tastes like the island rather than a generic version of it.

What you should do:

  • Bring some flexibility with timing. If you get hungry earlier, tell your guide.
  • Plan to pay for your meal yourself since lunch isn’t covered.

Price and logistics: is $24.65 really a good deal?

For a 10-hour private day with multiple included admissions, $24.65 is low. The math works because you’re covering several entry fees: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall—all listed as included.

On top of that, you’re not giving up comfort. You get an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water. In Bali heat, that’s not a “nice bonus.” It’s part of whether the day feels pleasant or exhausting.

The couple of costs to remember:

  • Lunch is not included.
  • Bali Swing ride is not included.

So this price is a good fit if you’re comfortable spending a bit extra for your meal and if you either want to pay for the swing ride separately or you’re happy skipping it.

Also note the format: it’s private and uses mobile tickets. That reduces hassle on the day, and it can help if you don’t want to juggle paper confirmations.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

  • A single organized day that covers monkeys, rice terraces, and two waterfall stops
  • A private guide who can adjust pacing and timing
  • A plan where most entry fees are already handled

It might be less ideal if:

  • You dislike tourist-heavy scenic sites and are sensitive to crowds at Tegalalang
  • You don’t want to deal with any extra paid add-ons like the swing ride or lunch

It’s also a good choice for people who want a calm flow without thinking too hard about route planning. The guides I saw described as attentive and flexible (especially Mangkok, Mawe, and Bagong) are exactly what make a full-day itinerary feel smooth.

Should you book Ubud Monkey Forest and the waterfall day?

If your goal is a well-rounded Bali day—temples and monkeys first, then viewpoints, then waterfalls—you’ll likely be happy with this private setup. The value is real because admission tickets and transport comfort are included, and the guide factor seems to be the main strength.

But if rice terraces are not your thing, treat Tegalalang as a quick stop for photos and move on with energy for Tibumana and Kanto Lampo. And before you arrive at the swing area, clarify what you pay for: the tour includes the stop, but the ride itself is listed as not included.

If you want a day that feels organized, flexible, and built for variety, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

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

How long is the tour?

It runs for approximately 10 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and admission tickets for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tibumana Waterfall, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

What isn’t included?

Lunch is not included, and Bali Swing is also listed as not included.

Are the tickets digital?

Yes. The tour uses mobile tickets.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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