Ubud City Tour II: Monkey Forest, Palace, Art Market, and Rice Terrace

Ubud City Tour II: Monkey Forest, Palace, Art Market, and Rice Terrace offers a balanced taste of Bali’s rich culture and stunning landscapes for around $65 per person. Lasting about 8 hours, this private experience whisks you through some of Ubud’s most iconic sights, all with the comfort of direct hotel pickup and drop-off.

What we love about this tour is how it combines up-close wildlife encounters with cultural insights and breathtaking scenery — all in one half-day outing. The Monkey Forest is a highlight, giving you a chance to get selfies with playful macaques amid ancient temples. The scenic Tegalalang Rice Terrace provides panoramic views perfect for photos or a gentle walk. And, of course, visiting the Ubud Palace and Art Market offers a taste of local traditions and crafts.

A possible drawback is the tight schedule, especially if you’re keen on lingering at each site. The tour doesn’t include guided commentary at all stops, so some travelers might feel a bit rushed, especially at the palace, which some reviews suggest is less impressive than other sites.

This tour suits travelers looking for a concise, well-rounded overview of Ubud, especially if your time in Bali is limited but you want to hit the main highlights. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a private, hassle-free experience with a driver who shares interesting stories along the way.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines wildlife, culture, art, and landscape.
• Private Service: Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
• Authentic Experiences: Close encounters with macaques and scenic rice terraces.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees included, no hidden costs.
• Flexible Options: You can take a walk or just enjoy the views at Tegalalang.
• Tour Length: Ideal for those wanting a half-day trip but still packed with sights.

Exploring Ubud with the Monkey Forest, Palace, Art Market, and Rice Terrace

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Bali’s artistic heart, this Ubud City Tour II offers a well-balanced slice of everything. From playful macaques in lush forests to intricate Balinese architecture and vibrant markets, you’ll experience what makes Ubud special—all in just under a day.

What’s Included and How It Works

Starting at 9:00am, your day begins with hotel pickup, a major perk that simplifies logistics. Your private driver will escort you comfortably to each stop, so you don’t have to worry about navigating. All entrance tickets are included, removing any surprise costs, and you’ll be back at your hotel by mid-afternoon.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, a solid half-day of sightseeing. It’s designed for most travelers, with a gentle pace that allows you to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. Plus, the group discounts and mobile tickets add flexibility and affordability.

The Marvels of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This is the highlight for many visitors. For about an hour, you’ll walk through a nature reserve and religious temple complex that’s home to roughly 340 Crab-eating Macaque monkeys. The monkeys are divided into four groups, often seen lounging, grooming, or playfully interacting. You’ll love the chance to snap photos of cheeky monkeys amid ancient stone temples and jungle greenery.

One reviewer mentioned, “Monkey forest and rice terrace was great! Completely worthwhile to see.” The experience of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, combined with the spiritual atmosphere of the site, makes it memorable.

Stop 2: Puri Saren Palace
This royal palace is located right in Ubud’s center. It’s a hub of Balinese cultural activity, with regular live performances in the evenings. The Ubud King’s Family Temple nearby adds spiritual significance. While some find the palace itself unimpressive compared to other sites, it offers insight into Balinese royal traditions.

A traveler noted, “Palace was nothing special and could have been missed,” but others appreciate the chance to see local architecture and the vibe of Ubud’s royal history.

Stop 3: Ubud Traditional Art Market
Prepare to navigate crammed alleys lined with stalls bursting with souvenirs—silver jewelry, batiks, T-shirts, wood carvings, and more. It’s a lively, sometimes chaotic experience—expect smells, haggling, and vibrant colors. If shopping is your thing, this is the place to find authentic handcrafted items.

One review called it “good if you want to do some shopping,” which most visitors agree with, especially if you enjoy bargaining and discovering unique crafts.

Stop 4: Happy Swing Bali
For a dose of adrenaline and incredible views, the Happy Swing offers a fun, scenic experience. Swinging from a cliffside perch, you’ll get sweeping views of the lush countryside. Expect photos that will make your friends jealous and a flutter of excitement.

It’s about 1.5 hours of pure fun and views, included in the tour fee. Be prepared for some people to find the swing exhilarating and others a little nerve-wracking, but the landscape makes it worthwhile.

Stop 5: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Finally, no Ubud tour is complete without a visit here. You’ll see iconic terraced rice paddies that cascade down the hillside, perfect for photos or a gentle walk. The cool, breezy air and the art kiosks nearby give a relaxed end to your day.

A reviewer said, “Rice terrace was amazing,” emphasizing its visual appeal. Some choose to just enjoy the scenery and skip a more strenuous trek, as donating to farmers is optional and at your own discretion.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

This tour offers a blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty. The private driver and personalized approach mean you can customize your experience—perhaps linger longer at the rice terraces or skip the palace if it doesn’t appeal.

The cost of $65 includes all entry fees and taxes, which, compared to booking individual tickets or guides, makes this a very reasonable option. You’re paying for convenience, comfort, and a curated experience, which makes it good value, especially when considering the included transportation.

From the reviews, we see that knowledgeable guides like Wena or Irwan add a lot, sharing interesting details about the sights. While some travelers wish there was a guide with expert commentary at each stop, most appreciate the driver’s friendly service and the ease of logistics.

The timing is well-planned—starting in the morning and returning around mid-afternoon—allowing you to fit in other activities later or relax after your busy day.

What to Keep in Mind

Although the tour is efficient, it is somewhat fast-paced. If you prefer to spend more time exploring each site or learning about Balinese culture, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the palace isn’t the standout for everyone, so if your focus is solely on cultural landmarks, you might want to explore other options.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to Ubud. It’s well-suited for those with limited time but still eager to see key sights, especially if wildlife encounters and scenic views appeal to you. It’s also great for anyone who values private transportation and all-in-one pricing, removing the headaches of independent planning.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group, and prefer an intimate, guided experience that covers the essentials, this tour fits the bill nicely.

The Sum Up

The Ubud City Tour II offers a practical way to see many of Ubud’s highlights in one day, balancing nature encounters, cultural sights, and breathtaking landscapes. The inclusion of private transport, all tickets, and friendly guides makes it a solid choice for those looking for convenience and good value.

While it’s not a deep dive into Balinese culture, it provides enough insight and scenery to leave you with a well-rounded impression. The combination of Monkey Forest antics, scenic rice terraces, and lively markets makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Ultimately, this tour will suit travelers who want a curated snapshot of Ubud’s essence without the hassle of organizing multiple independent visits. It’s a reliable, enjoyable experience that emphasizes the best of Bali’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes private pickup and drop-off from your Ubud hotel or many addresses in south Bali, making the day seamless.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00am and returning in the early afternoon, which gives you plenty of time without feeling rushed.

Are entrance tickets included?
All entrance fees for Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Art Market, and Happy Swing are included in the price, so there are no hidden costs.

Can I customize the stops if I want?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your driver if you’d like to spend more time at specific sites or skip others, within the tour’s schedule.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the playful monkeys and scenic landscapes, but keep an eye on them during the Monkey Forest and swing for safety.

What if I don’t want to do the rice terrace hike?
The tour includes the rice terrace view, and you can choose to simply enjoy the scenery or skip a trek if you prefer a more relaxed visit.

In short, this Ubud tour offers a well-rounded, convenient way to experience Bali’s artistic and natural heartland. Whether you’re snapping photos, discovering local crafts, or just soaking in the views, it provides good value and authentic moments to remember.