Reviewed · UBUD & RICE TERRACE DAY TRIPS
Best Of Ubud Tours
One private day across iconic Ubud. You’ll get a private guide and the chance to see the main Instagram-ready hits without stitching together tickets and timing yourself, plus the schedule has flexible timing for your day.
I especially like the round-trip transfers from select area hotels. It keeps the long Bali driving hours from turning into an endurance test, and it’s paired with an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water for the trip between stops.
The main trade-off: no food included, so you’ll need to budget for lunch (or snacks). Also, the tour requires good weather, since the waterfall stop depends on conditions.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Booking This Ubud Highlights Day: Price, Timing, and Expectations
- Pickup and Comfort: How the Transfers Affect Your Whole Day
- The Guide Factor: What “Private” Really Means Here
- Stop-by-Stop Itinerary: Temples, Waterfall, Rice Terraces, Swing, Monkeys, Market, Palace
- Stop 1: Pura Puseh Desa Batuan (Batuan Temple) — 40 minutes
- Stop 2: Tegenungan Waterfall — about 1 hour
- Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace — about 40 minutes
- Stop 4: Natural Terrace Swing (at D’Alas) — about 1 hour
- Stop 5: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — about 40 minutes
- Stop 6: Ubud Traditional Art Market — about 1 hour (free admission)
- Stop 7: Ubud Palace (Puri Saren / Puri Saren) — about 30 minutes (free admission)
- What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Pay For)
- How Long Is Too Long: Managing the 8 to 10 Hour Rhythm
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- Should You Book This Ubud Highlights Private Tour?
- FAQ
- What does the tour include?
- How long is the tour?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- Is this a private tour?
- Are entrance tickets included for all stops?
- Is food included?
- Do I need good weather for this tour?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Which main sights are on the itinerary?
Key things I’d plan around

- Private guide who explains what you’re seeing: Guides like Putu and Rika (including Putu Rika) are praised for clear, useful commentary.
- Photo help is part of the package: Rika is specifically noted for taking great pictures for the group.
- A tight mix of culture and scenery: You’ll hit a temple, waterfall, rice terraces, monkey forest, and palace in one go.
- Admissions are partly handled for you: Admission tickets are included for several major stops, while the art market and palace are free.
- Long day pacing, 8 to 10 hours: It’s not a quick sampler; plan your energy for a full circuit.
- Waterfall day depends on weather: If conditions aren’t right, you’ll get a different date or a full refund.
Booking This Ubud Highlights Day: Price, Timing, and Expectations

This is listed at $50.67 per person, and for Bali, that’s the kind of price where value comes from what’s bundled. You’re not just paying for a vehicle—you’re paying for an English-speaking guide/driver plus admission tickets for multiple stops, bottled water, and an air-conditioned ride.
One more detail: it’s commonly booked about 45 days in advance. That usually means you’ll want to reserve early if you’re traveling in peak periods, especially if you prefer a specific pickup window.
The duration is about 8 to 10 hours, with flexible timings. In practice, that means you should think of this as a single-day “greatest hits” loop rather than a relaxed browse-and-stroll. If you like structure, this works. If you’re hoping for lots of free time between attractions, you might feel a bit scheduled.
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Pickup and Comfort: How the Transfers Affect Your Whole Day
You get round-trip transfers from select area hotels, and the transportation is private. That matters more than it sounds. Bali traffic can be unpredictable, and when you’re on your own, you lose time figuring out where to park, how to get tickets, and how to sequence stops.
Here, you’re inside an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water. For an 8 to 10 hour day, that comfort is a real win. You can spend your energy on the sights instead of using it to “manage logistics.”
Tip that will save you headaches: wear shoes that work on uneven ground, since temple sites and viewpoints don’t always stay flat and tidy. Also, keep a light layer handy for temple interiors and shaded areas.
The Guide Factor: What “Private” Really Means Here

This is a private tour, meaning it’s just your group. That changes the feel from the start. Instead of waiting around for other people’s pace, your guide can keep you moving and adjust the order if timing gets tight.
The guides are English-speaking drivers as your guide. And based on the strong feedback attached to this experience, the guide quality is a standout. I’d pay attention to this part of the pitch: guides like Putu and Rika (including Putu Rika) are noted for being informative and for taking extra effort with photos.
If you care about getting good images without fussing over angles and timing, this matters. A lot of Bali photo “chaos” comes from tourists trying to coordinate themselves while the line of people behind them keeps growing. A guide who knows where to stand and when to move you helps you get cleaner shots without wasting time.
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Stop-by-Stop Itinerary: Temples, Waterfall, Rice Terraces, Swing, Monkeys, Market, Palace
Here’s how the day flows and what each stop is really about, plus where you may want to think ahead.
Stop 1: Pura Puseh Desa Batuan (Batuan Temple) — 40 minutes
This is a local Balinese Hindu temple in the Batuan countryside, cared for by residents in the area. You’ll see Balinese ornaments and the temple roof building style, with admission ticket included.
What I like about starting here: it sets a cultural tone early, before you jump into the more “photo landmark” stops. It also gives you a chance to see temple design at a calmer pace.
Consideration: temples are places of worship. Bring respectful behavior and dress appropriately. If you’re wearing shorts or a tank top, you might want to have a sarong or cover-up ready.
Stop 2: Tegenungan Waterfall — about 1 hour
Tegenungan Waterfall is the scenery payoff, with an admission ticket included. The route is typically from around the Denpasar area (the details list distance from Denpasar), and the visit gives you a solid block of time to enjoy views and photos.
This stop is also where weather matters most. The tour is described as requiring good weather, and if it’s not, you’ll have options to switch dates or get a full refund.
Practical note: plan for mist and wet spots if you’re close to the falls. If you’re not into slippery surfaces, stay where you can enjoy the view without getting too close.
Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace — about 40 minutes
Tegalalang Rice Terraces are famous for their rice fields and for the subak irrigation system—Balinese cooperative irrigation passed down through generations. Admission ticket is included.
I like this stop because it shows Bali as working land, not just scenery. The irrigation system is a reminder that people manage the landscape, and it’s not just a postcard background.
Small drawback: it’s a busy, view-focused area. If you want quiet contemplation, you’ll need to be ready for crowds in the prime photo spots. Your guide can help you time and move through the best angles.
Stop 4: Natural Terrace Swing (at D’Alas) — about 1 hour
This is the Bali swing moment, described as a favorite tourist activity. Admission ticket is included.
If you’re into fun, photos, and a quick thrill, this is the kind of stop that often becomes the highlight of the day. The time block is about an hour, which usually means you can fit in the activity plus time for pictures.
Consideration: swings can be physically awkward if you’re short on mobility or if you’re carrying bulky bags. Keep your essentials minimal, and listen to your guide and staff on safety steps.
Stop 5: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — about 40 minutes
The Ubud Monkey Forest is within the Padangtegal village, and it’s described as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for local society. Admission ticket is included.
This stop can feel like two experiences: the spiritual/conservation side, and the more comedic side of watching monkeys interact with the area. Either way, you’ll get a guided tour context instead of wandering without understanding what you’re seeing.
Consideration: this is a sanctuary area with animals around. Keep your belongings secure and avoid encouraging close contact. Let the guide handle the flow so you don’t end up stuck dealing with unexpected monkey behavior.
Stop 6: Ubud Traditional Art Market — about 1 hour (free admission)
The Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) is traditional and located in the heart of Ubud, opposite Puri Saren Royal Ubud. Admission is free, and this is your “souvenirs and crafts” stop for about an hour.
I like markets that are tied to a real place instead of a tourist-only mall vibe. Here, it’s part of the center of Ubud, and you’ll get a chance to compare items while your guide keeps things moving.
Consideration: markets can tempt you into impulse buys. If you’re shopping, set a small budget before you start. You’ll enjoy the browsing more if you’re not hunting for the perfect deal at the last minute.
Stop 7: Ubud Palace (Puri Saren / Puri Saren) — about 30 minutes (free admission)
Ubud Palace is Puri Saren, used as a governance center in the empire era. You can see Balinese-style architecture and wood carvings. Admission is free, with about 30 minutes.
This is the closer to the cultural side of the day. It’s also a good way to end because the pace is shorter here, and you can swap from “photo mode” back to “people watching and atmosphere.”
Consideration: palaces aren’t always the most interactive stops. If you prefer activities over viewing, pair this with time in the art market so you feel the day had both variety and browsing.
What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Pay For)
Here’s the value math I’d use.
Included:
- All fees and taxes
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- English-speaking driver as a guide
Admission coverage, stop by stop:
- Included admission tickets for the temple (Pura Puseh Desa Batuan), Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Natural Terrace Swing (D’Alas), and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Art market and Ubud Palace have free admission
Not included:
- Food
- Personal expenses
So you should budget mainly for lunch/snacks and anything you buy at the market. The good part is you don’t have to worry about paying separate entrance fees for most big stops, which is where a lot of “cheap” tours quietly add cost.
How Long Is Too Long: Managing the 8 to 10 Hour Rhythm
This is a full-day plan. That can be great if you want to maximize your time in Bali without wasting hours on planning.
If your travel style is slow, bring patience for transit and the fact that every stop has a “stand in line / move through / photo / walk again” rhythm. The upside is that you’re seeing several major icons plus cultural sites in one circuit, and you have a guide to keep the day coherent.
A simple way to make it work: eat a good breakfast, bring a small snack for the ride, and don’t schedule anything important right after the tour ends. The day ends when your last stop wraps and you’re back in the car.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
This tour is a strong match if you want:
- A private day that hits many top Ubud sights
- Clear guidance in English
- Admission-heavy stops handled for you
- Photo support from a guide (especially if you’re hoping someone takes pictures you can actually use)
It may be less ideal if you:
- Want long, unstructured free time to wander on your own
- Are sensitive to weather changes, since good weather is required for the experience
- Prefer tours that include meals (food is not included here)
Most people can participate, so it’s broadly approachable, but it’s still an all-day schedule. If you’re dealing with mobility issues, it’s worth thinking about the amount of walking and time outdoors across multiple stops.
Should You Book This Ubud Highlights Private Tour?
I’d book this if you want a one-day plan that balances culture and big outdoor scenery, and you value a strong guide who can explain what you’re looking at. The extra attention from guides like Putu and Rika (including Putu Rika) seems to be a real difference-maker, especially with communication and photo help.
I’d hesitate only if you’re budget-tight on food or you hate full-day itineraries. Since you’ll be out around 8 to 10 hours and meals aren’t included, you’ll feel more “spend per day” unless you plan ahead with snacks or lunch.
If the weather is forecast to cooperate and you’re ready for a structured sightseeing loop, this is a solid way to get a lot of Ubud done without turning your vacation into a to-do list.
FAQ
What does the tour include?
It includes all fees and taxes, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and an English-speaking driver as your guide.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 8 to 10 hours.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Round-trip transfers are offered from select area hotels.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Are entrance tickets included for all stops?
Admission tickets are included for Pura Puseh Desa Batuan, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Natural Terrace Swing, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace are listed as free.
Is food included?
No. Food isn’t included, though bottled water is provided.
Do I need good weather for this tour?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.
Which main sights are on the itinerary?
The day includes Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Natural Terrace Swing (D’Alas), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Traditional Art Market, and Ubud Palace (Puri Saren).
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