REVIEW · TOUR REVIEWS
Ubud Surounding Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Tour Information · Bookable on Viator
Ubud can feel like a checklist. This tour links the dots between temples, farms, and jungle water. You’ll start with the playful Sacred Monkey Forest, then head to the Tegalalang rice terraces, and finally to Tirta Empul for a holy spring purification experience.
Two things I really like: admission tickets are included, so you spend less time at counters and more time walking the sites. And you get convenient round-trip transportation, which matters a lot in Ubud traffic and between-scene distances.
One possible drawback: you’ll want to be flexible with weather and getting wet. Bring your swim suit and extra clothes because the day includes both a water ceremony at the temple and a waterfall stop.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A Ubud Day That Connects Sacred Spots and Water Moments
- Price and What You Actually Get for $63
- Getting Picked Up and Avoiding Ubud Travel Chaos
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: What to Expect in Padangtegal
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Short Trek, Big Rewards
- Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple: The Purification Fountains Experience
- Segara Windhu Coffee Plantations and Luwak Coffee Explained
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Wet Clothes, Strong Photos, Good Timing
- Why the Private Driver Style Makes This Feel Easier
- How Long Should You Plan for?
- Who This Ubud Surrounding Tour Suits Best
- Booking Timing and Weather Reality
- Should You Book This Ubud Surrounding Tour?
- FAQ
- What is the price for the Ubud surrounding tour?
- How long does the tour take?
- Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Are entrance tickets included?
- Is lunch included?
- Is this tour private?
- Do I need to bring a swimsuit?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- Admission tickets included for multiple stops, which improves value fast
- Private transportation with pickup means fewer headaches and more time on-site
- Tirta Empul purification fountains add a spiritual, hands-on element
- Tegalalang rice terrace trekking is short, with plenty of photo chances
- Luwak coffee stop explains how the civet process works
- Kanto Lampo waterfall is a wet, photo-friendly finish with the right gear needed
A Ubud Day That Connects Sacred Spots and Water Moments
This is a very practical kind of Ubud tour. You’re not just driving past famous places—you’re stopping at spiritual sites, working farms, and nature spots that all feel like part of Balinese life.
What makes it especially good for first-timers is the mix. You get animals (Sacred Monkey Forest), agriculture (Tegalalang), ritual (Tirta Empul), local food culture (luwak coffee), and then a nature payoff (Kanto Lampo waterfall). That range helps you understand Bali beyond temples in a row.
It’s also built around your time. The total duration is listed as about 1 to 10 hours, so plan for a day that can be compact or longer depending on how long you linger at each stop. If you like to photograph, pause for viewpoints, or slow down for ceremonies, you’ll likely lean toward the longer end.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Price and What You Actually Get for $63

$63 per person can look “reasonable” until you check what’s included. Here’s where the value shows up.
Your price includes:
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Entrance tickets
That matters because in Bali, tickets and site fees can add up quickly when you’re piecing together a private driver plus admissions. Bundling those admissions into one rate is the difference between a tour that feels like a convenience and one that feels like a bargain.
Lunch and dinner are not included, so you’re choosing when and where to eat. The flip side is you’re not forced into a rushed buffet stop that drains energy right before your last two experiences (coffee and waterfall).
So if you want a day that’s mostly “pay once and go,” this is a good structure for the price.
Getting Picked Up and Avoiding Ubud Travel Chaos

This tour is set up with pickup offered from your hotel area and it returns you back to the meeting point at the end. That reduces stress in Ubud, where short rides can still take longer than you expect.
It’s also a private tour/activity, which means only your group participates. That matters more than people think. You’re not waiting on other groups at gates. You’re not trying to herd people through tight temple areas or rice terraces. And you can move at a pace that fits you.
You’ll also receive a confirmation at booking time, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. That’s helpful if you’re juggling multiple tours on your phone and want something simple at check-in.
One more practical note: the itinerary starts in Ubud and works around the surrounding area, so wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet at multiple stops, including a small trekking portion at Tegalalang.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: What to Expect in Padangtegal

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in the village of Padangtegal. The important part here isn’t just that monkeys live there—it’s that the village residents see the forest as a spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center. That context helps you view it as more than a tourist attraction.
Expect a walking experience with lots of eyes-on action. It’s lively. You’ll be surrounded by monkeys and people, and the area is active enough that you’ll want to keep your own rhythm steady—slow down when you stop for photos and stay aware of what’s around you.
This stop is listed at about 1 hour with an admission ticket included. I’d plan your timing so you don’t feel rushed. If you try to sprint through, you’ll miss the feeling of being in an area that locals treat as meaningful.
A small consideration: you’re visiting a place where animals are part of the environment. So keep things controlled—secure small bags, be careful with dangling items, and follow any guidance you get on-site. Your day will go smoother when you treat it as a shared space.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Short Trek, Big Rewards

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, about 30 minutes from the center of Ubud. This is one of those places where the views are immediate, but the best moments often come from movement.
You’ll have about 1 hour here, and the tour includes a little trekking on the rice fields. That means you’re not just standing and pointing your camera. You’ll walk a bit along the terraced area, get different angles, and have a chance to experience how rice cultivation shapes the local countryside.
This is a great stop for people who:
- like gentle walking
- enjoy small viewpoint breaks
- want photos without turning it into a long hike
What to watch: rice terrace paths can be uneven and can get slippery, especially if it’s been raining. Wear shoes with grip. Also, bring water from the bottled supply you get on tour, and pace yourself if the sun is strong.
And since admission tickets are included here too, you get to start exploring faster.
Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple: The Purification Fountains Experience

Tirta Empul Temple is also known as a Holy Spring temple. This is where the tour turns from scenic to meaningful.
The heart of the visit is the purification experience at the sacred spring. You’re not only there to look. You can participate in purification in the temple, and it’s described as refreshment for your body and soul. There are also fountains involved—specifically two fountains mentioned as part of the purification steps.
This is a stop where preparation matters. The tour info explicitly tells you to bring a swim suit and extra clothes for the temple water ceremony. I strongly recommend you treat this as non-negotiable. Even if you’re only planning to take part briefly, you’ll want to change afterwards and avoid spending the rest of the day damp and cold.
Expect a respectful atmosphere. Keep your voice down, follow instructions given to you on-site, and move with care. If you come in thinking it’s just a quick photo stop, you’ll probably rush and miss the point.
Plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s enough time to see the temple areas, understand what’s happening, and complete the purification experience comfortably.
Segara Windhu Coffee Plantations and Luwak Coffee Explained

Then it’s time for a coffee story that sounds strange until you understand the process. The stop is Segara Windhu Coffee Plantations, where you’ll learn about luwak coffee.
Luwak coffee is linked to luwak (civet) animals. The basic idea explained is that the civet eats selected coffee beans, and then the beans come out through its droppings. The process involves selecting the good beans, which later become the coffee you drink.
It’s a fascinating example of how local agriculture and wildlife can intersect in Bali’s food culture. Even if you’re skeptical, you’ll walk away with a clearer story than you’d get from a quick souvenir explanation.
The itinerary lists the coffee plantation stop as Admission Ticket Free, and the overall tour includes entrance tickets for the other sites. So think of this stop as an included educational break rather than a paid entry event.
One practical tip: coffee stops can make you linger. If you’re the type who likes to keep your pace tight, tell your driver early that you want the next stop on time—then you can taste and ask questions without letting this become a long detour.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Wet Clothes, Strong Photos, Good Timing

The day ends with Kanto Lampo Waterfall, called Air Terjun Kanto Lampo by locals. This one is described as a secluded waterfall tucked deep in the jungle, with a rock that’s become famous for Instagram-style photos.
The best part is the chance to soak and relax in the water. This isn’t just a viewpoint. You can spend time around the waterfall and enjoy the water itself.
Expect to get wet. The tour info is clear about packing a swim suit and extra clothes for both the waterfall and the temple water ceremony. I’d treat that instruction as a checklist. You’ll feel a lot better once you’ve changed—especially if the day runs longer.
This stop is listed at about 1 hour. That’s enough time to:
- arrive, take photos
- enjoy a short soak
- reset before heading back
A consideration: the tour requires good weather. If rain turns paths slippery or makes conditions unsafe, plans may change. Always keep an eye on the day’s conditions and be ready to adjust.
Why the Private Driver Style Makes This Feel Easier
This tour stands out because it’s not just transportation—it’s support. The strongest praise in the experience comes from how the driver handles the day: taking you to all the spots you want, accompanying you to venues, and explaining what you’re seeing.
That style matters, especially at places that can feel confusing when you’re navigating on your own. When someone helps you arrive smoothly and understands how long each stop needs, you lose less time waiting at the wrong gate and more time actually enjoying the sites.
There’s also an extra layer of usefulness mentioned: the driver provides contact information for other transportation on other days. That’s a simple detail, but it’s great for travel days when you might rearrange your schedule and still want a reliable ride.
Since it’s private, you also get flexibility in your pacing. If you want to linger at Tirta Empul a bit longer, or slow down during the rice terraces trek, you’re not fighting other schedules.
How Long Should You Plan for?
The duration is listed as 1 to 10 hours, so I’d plan based on your travel style rather than hoping it lands at the shortest end.
Here’s a realistic way to think about it:
- If you want quick visits with efficient photo stops, you’ll trend toward the shorter end.
- If you want to participate in the purification at Tirta Empul carefully and enjoy the waterfall soaking time, you’ll likely need more time.
Your day can also expand if you decide to spend more time asking questions about the coffee process or taking extra angles in the rice terraces.
Who This Ubud Surrounding Tour Suits Best
This tour is ideal if you want more than a driver and a map pin.
You’ll enjoy it most if:
- you like a mix of culture and nature
- you want multiple famous Ubud-area sites handled in one smooth plan
- you prefer private attention over group rushing
- you want admission tickets handled for several stops
- you’re comfortable getting wet and changing clothes
It’s also a strong fit for travelers on a first Ubud trip. The route covers key themes—spiritual life, agriculture, and local food storytelling—without asking you to build an itinerary from scratch.
If you hate crowds or prefer very long, slow hikes, you may find the day brisk. But the private format helps a lot, because you’re not constrained by other groups.
Booking Timing and Weather Reality
This tour is popular enough that it’s typically booked about 15 days in advance. If your dates are fixed, booking ahead is a smart move.
Also, this experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important when your plan includes a waterfall and water-based temple purification.
If you’re traveling during a rainy stretch, keep your last flexible day for this kind of tour.
Should You Book This Ubud Surrounding Tour?
Book it if you want a value-packed private day that includes admissions, hotel pickup style convenience, and a guide/driver who stays involved—not just a taxi ride. It’s especially worth it if you’re aiming to see Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, and Kanto Lampo in one go without stress.
Skip it if you’re not interested in water moments (temple purification and waterfall) or you’re not comfortable packing a swim suit and extra clothes. Also skip if you want a totally flexible schedule where you control every stop without any set structure.
FAQ
What is the price for the Ubud surrounding tour?
The price is $63.00 per person.
How long does the tour take?
It takes approximately 1 to 10 hours.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup is offered and the tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, entrance tickets are included in the cost.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Do I need to bring a swimsuit?
Yes. The tour info asks you to prepare a swim suit and extra clothes for the waterfall and the water ceremony at the temple.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























