Four big sights, one well-planned day. I like that this tour hits the classic Ubud highlights—Tegenungan Waterfall and the Sacred Monkey Forest—but it does it with door-to-door pickup so you’re not wrestling taxis all morning. I also really appreciate the value side: entrance fees are included and the route covers both Balinese religious sites and craft villages. One thing to watch: the schedule is tight, and the waterfall/monkey areas can be busy, so you’ll want patience and a little good timing with your photos.

What makes it especially practical is how it’s set up from Nusa Dua. You start at 8:30 am, you’re in air-conditioned comfort, and you get mineral water during the day. Meals are not included, though, so you’ll need to plan for snacks or a simple lunch break on your own when the tour stops run out of steam.

This is a smart pick if it’s your first time in Ubud or you only have one day to spare. It’s also a decent choice for people who want culture, temples, views, and shopping without turning the day into a transport scavenger hunt.

Key Points Before You Go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from the Nusa Dua area and many nearby zones
• Entrance fees included for each major stop on the itinerary
• Two top view moments: Tegalalang rice terraces and Tegenungan waterfall
• Monkey Forest time is long enough to actually see what’s going on
• Craft villages add variety beyond temples and scenery
• Private tour format means it’s only your group on the day

A One-Day Ubud Plan From Nusa Dua (8 Hours, 8:30 Start)

This is an 8-hour day trip that starts at 8:30 am. The big win is that the tour is built around convenience: they offer hotel return transfer in and around Nusa Dua (plus a wider list that includes places like Sanur, Seminyak, Kuta, and others). That matters because Bali traffic can turn a “quick ride” into a half-day project.

The tour also uses an English-speaking driver and an air-conditioned vehicle. Even if you love scooters, you’ll still appreciate AC after you’ve been out in the heat around temples and waterfalls. Mineral water is included too, which helps keep the day from feeling like you’re constantly buying tiny drinks between stops.

It’s priced at $37 per person, and the math works better than it looks at first glance. You’re not just paying for transport; you’re also getting admission tickets included for the stops listed, plus parking fees and a basic set of comfort items (water, AC). Your biggest extra cost will be food, since meals aren’t included.

If you’re sensitive to crowded attractions, keep in mind you’ll visit two places that are frequently on tourist routes: Tegenungan Waterfall and Monkey Forest. That doesn’t mean it’s unenjoyable. It just means you’ll want to stay flexible and avoid expecting a calm, empty-feeling experience.

Tegenungan Waterfall: Swim If Conditions Are Clear

You’ll start with Tegenungan Waterfall, a popular stop about 15–20 meters high. The tour gives you roughly 1 hour here, and admission is included. The option to swim exists when the water conditions are clear, so you’re not guaranteed a swim, but you might catch a window.

Here’s what I’d do to make this stop work: bring water-friendly shoes if you have them, and a small dry bag or zip pouch so you’re not juggling your phone in wet conditions. Also, if you’re planning photos, pick a spot that gives you a view of the falls without being in everyone’s way. At places like this, the “best” photo spot is often the spot people keep stopping in front of.

Since it’s often visited by tourists, expect people at the viewpoint and paths. That can be a drag if you want quiet. But if you’re after a classic waterfall moment and you don’t need solitude, this is a great start to build momentum for the rest of the day.

Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Respect the Temples and the Macaques

Next comes the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 2 hours on-site and admission included. This is one of those places where you’re not just looking at animals—you’re also walking through a Hindu temple environment where gray macaques roam among the grounds.

Two practical things make this stop more enjoyable:

• Keep your stuff secure. Monkeys are curious, and you don’t want your sunglasses or bag becoming a snack or a toy.
• Follow the guide’s pace and rules. The sanctuary includes temple spaces, so it’s not just a park stroll.

Because you’re there with a local guide, you’ll get context for what you’re seeing—how the forest setting links to temple life. The key is to stay calm and act normal. If you chase, grab, or react dramatically, it can turn stressful fast.

Also, plan for a bit of waiting or slowing down. Even without thinking about it, you’ll want to watch where you step and where people gather for photos. Two hours is enough time to see the main areas without feeling like you’re being rushed, which is exactly what you want from a monkey forest day.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Terraces, Tradition, and Smart Photo Timing

Then you get to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, usually the most photogenic part of many Ubud days. Here the tour allots about 1 hour and includes admission. The terraces are described as ancestral heritage of Bali, with terraced planting done in traditional ways.

What I like about putting rice terraces on the same day as temples and craft villages is the balance. You’re seeing Balinese life from different angles: religious spaces, everyday landscapes shaped by farming, and the human work behind it.

For photos, here’s the real trick: don’t aim for only one single viewpoint. In terraced areas, your angles matter, and moving a little lets you avoid photographing the crowd that’s stacked at the most obvious spot. Wear shoes with grip because paths can be uneven.

A one-hour stop sounds short, but it’s workable if your expectations are right. You’re not here to hike for hours—you’re here to enjoy views, understand the terraced system from your guide, and keep the day moving so you can still enjoy the next stops without feeling rushed.

Tirta Empul Temple: A Water Temple Stop With Real Meaning

After the terraces, the route brings you to Tirta Empul Temple (Pura Tirta Empul), a Hindu Balinese water temple near Tampaksiring. The temple compound includes a petirtaan, which is a bathing structure, along with the other temple features in the compound. You’ll have about 1 hour, and admission is included.

This stop is valuable because it’s not just “look at a temple and leave.” Water temples are part of Balinese religious life, and Tirta Empul is known for its bathing structure within the grounds. Your guide can help you understand what this water temple setting means and why it matters in practice.

A practical note: temple etiquette matters. Even when you’re just touring, you’ll want to follow the dress expectations and be respectful in how you move through the area. The tour lists a smart casual dress code, which is your clue that you shouldn’t show up in beachwear or anything too casual for temple environments.

One hour is enough time to get the layout, see the bathing structure setting, and absorb the atmosphere—without turning the day into a long sit-around session where you feel stuck waiting for others.

Crafts and Villages: Batik, Wood, and Silver Shopping Stops

The final stretch adds hands-on culture through craft villages. Instead of only sightseeing, you’ll also see Bali through the lens of making things.

You’ll visit a handicraft and handweaving batik village known for its scenery around Tohpati. This is a good moment to slow down a bit and understand how craft work fits into daily life, not just as souvenirs for tourists. It’s also where you can shop for Balinese items if you want something more personal than a generic beach store.

Next up is Mas village, described as a traditional arts village in the south part of Ubud. It’s especially known for wooden arts, and you’ll get a chance to see the work and professions connected to that craft scene.

Then the route includes a stop for silver crafting, noted as one of the biggest silver crafting places in Bali. Even if you’re not buying, it helps to see how a craft becomes a full local industry.

A gentle word of caution: you’re on a schedule. Shopping can pull you off it, especially if you start trying to compare prices on the spot. If you’re shopping, set a simple plan beforehand: decide what you want (batik, wood art, silver), set a budget, and let the guide help you navigate what’s worth your time.

Transportation, Tickets, and the Real Value of $37

At $37 per person, this tour is built to feel efficient. Here’s what you’re getting that makes the price make sense:

• Pickup and drop-off around the Nusa Dua area (and more)
• An English-speaking driver and air-conditioned comfort
• Mineral water
• Parking fees
• Admission tickets included across the stops

In real travel terms, that means you’re paying to avoid multiple separate tickets and you’re paying for someone to manage the timing and routing between places that don’t sit next to each other.

What’s not included is meals and personal expenses. So if you’re the type who likes a full lunch plus drinks, budget extra. The tour also notes alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, so you’re not stuck without options—you just have to pay for them.

Also, you’ll be given a mobile ticket and you’ll get confirmation at booking time. That’s helpful for staying organized, especially when you’re juggling other activities in Bali.

What to Pack for This Exact Day Trip

This day trip mixes wet scenery, walking, temples, and shopping. Keep your kit simple:

• Comfortable closed shoes with grip
• A light layer (temples and AC cars can feel cooler than expected)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—secure them near monkeys)
• A small dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and wallet
• Smart casual clothing for temple etiquette

If you plan to swim at Tegenungan, add swimwear and something for wet feet. The tour says swimming is possible when conditions are clear, so you want to be ready if the day allows it.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might also want a travel-friendly plan, since the day involves multiple rides between Ubud sights. The tour provides AC and a driver, which helps, but it’s still a full day of transport.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Pick Something Else)

I’d aim for this tour if you:

• Want a classic Ubud highlights day without doing logistics yourself
• Like seeing both temples and everyday Balinese culture through crafts and family-life-style stops
• Appreciate a local guide who can explain what you’re looking at
• Prefer a private format where it’s only your group

I’d think twice if you:

• Want lots of free time at each stop. This itinerary moves, with about an hour here and there.
• Hate crowds. The waterfall and monkey forest are popular, and you’ll share the space.

This day trip is a great first taste of Ubud. It’s also a decent way to build a shortlist of what you want to return to later, if you fall in love with one place more than the others.

Should You Book This Ubud Day Trip?

If you’re trying to pack in the biggest Ubud sights from Nusa Dua—waterfall, monkey forest, rice terraces, a water temple, and craft villages—this is a solid deal. The standout strength is the mix of included admission and door-to-door pickup, which makes the day feel more effortless than cobbling together separate rides.

Book it if you want an easy schedule and you’re happy to move through each highlight at a comfortable tour pace. Skip it if you’re the type who wants quiet, long stays, and lots of unstructured time.

Either way, you’ll end the day with a good snapshot of Balinese life: water and worship at Tirta Empul, farming views at Tegalalang, and craft work you can actually shop if something catches your eye.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

How long is the day trip?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from many areas, including Nusa Dua, Benoa Port, and the surrounding zones such as Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Tuban, Jimbaran, and parts of Ubud and Tanjung Benoa.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

The day includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, plus craft village stops such as a batik handweaving village (Tohpati), Mas village for wooden arts, and a major silver crafting place.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Admission fees for the listed stops are included.

Is the tour private?

Yes, it’s described as private, so only your group participates.

What’s the dress code?

Dress code is smart casual.

What’s not included in the price?

Meals and any other personal expenses are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

What’s the minimum age?

The minimum age is 5 years.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the cutoff based on the local time.