Ubud Day Tour – Top Things to do in Ubud + Local Ubud Guide

Ubud Day Tour – Top Things to do in Ubud + Local Ubud Guide

Imagine spending a full day exploring the stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and authentic villages of Ubud, Bali—all for just $35 per person. With around 8 to 9 hours of carefully curated stops, this tour offers a fantastic balance of natural beauty and cultural insight. Led by friendly, professional guides, you’ll visit iconic spots like the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Sacred Monkey Forest, and Pura Tirta Empul, among others. The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, bottled water, and WiFi onboard — a real value for travelers looking for a comprehensive day out.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances popular sights with a touch of local flavor. The Jungle Swing at the rice terraces offers an adrenaline rush and photo ops, while the visit to Celuk Village puts you in touch with Bali’s famous gold and silver crafts. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge really helps bring each site to life. The only minor consideration is that admission fees to attractions aren’t included, so you might want to budget extra for those — but overall, this is a well-rounded way to get a taste of Bali’s cultural landscape.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an efficient, well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights. It’s ideal if you prefer a private, personalized experience over large group tours, especially given the positive reviews praising guides like Putu and Wayan for their friendliness and knowledge. If you’re eager to see the highlights of Ubud while enjoying comfort and flexibility, this tour could be your perfect Bali day.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35, this tour offers excellent value considering the number of stops and personal transportation.
• Cultural and Natural Highlights: From rice terraces to waterfalls and temples, you’ll experience Bali’s diverse beauty in one day.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Putu and Wayan receive praise for their friendliness, local knowledge, and hospitality.
• Flexible and Private: This is a private tour, ensuring a tailored experience with your group and no large crowds.
• Photo Opportunities: Unique spots like the jungle swing and rice terraces promise Instagram-worthy pictures.
• Extra Costs: Admission fees are not included, so plan for additional expenses at each site.

A Deep Dive into the Ubud Day Tour Experience

Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The tour begins with a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest, a 12.5-hectare jungle sanctuary home to around 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques. Walking through the lush greenery, you’ll find three ancient temples, all guarded by lively monkeys living in harmony. This site is a favorite—both for its fascinating wildlife and its spiritual ambiance. Several reviews highlight guides like Putu making this stop especially memorable by sharing stories about Balinese culture and ensuring visitors keep a respectful distance from the monkeys.

Note that admission tickets are not included, but the experience is priceless for animal lovers or anyone wanting to see Bali’s vibrant wildlife up close. Expect to spend about an hour here, taking photos and soaking up the tranquil yet lively atmosphere.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Next up is the Tegenungan Waterfall, a must-see for its breathtaking views and accessibility. Set on the Petanu River, this waterfall is praised for being easy to reach and offering stunning photo opportunities. You can opt to take a quick swim in the refreshing waters or simply enjoy the scenery. The waterfall’s popularity is well-deserved, with many reviews mentioning how it’s one of the most panoramic waterfalls around Ubud.

Admission fees are separate, but the panoramic vistas make this stop worth the extra cost. Spend about an hour here, chatting with your guide about Bali’s natural features or snapping pictures of the cascade tumbling into the pool below.

The Jungle Swing at Tegalalang Rice Terrace

One of the tour’s more adventurous stops is the Jungle Swing at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You’ll have the chance to challenge yourself with a 30-meter-long swing that soars over the lush valley, offering a thrill and incredible perspectives of the rice paddies. Many reviews rave about it as a “must-do” for memorable photos—your Instagram feed will thank you.

After the swing, there’s a short trek into the rice fields, where you can observe local farmers at work, planting and tending rice. The guides help ensure you get the best photos and understand the significance of rice farming in Bali’s culture.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Following the adrenaline rush, you’ll stroll through the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most iconic sights. The terraced landscape is a masterpiece of traditional irrigation and farming. Your guide, often praised for their photography tips, will escort you along small paths and help you capture the perfect shot, whether it’s a sweeping view of the terraces or a close-up of local flora.

This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and learn about the Balinese subak irrigation system. Many visitors mention how picturesque and peaceful this spot is—an essential photo stop.

Pura Tirta Empul

The Holy Water Temple of Tirta Empul is a spiritual highlight. Known for its purification rituals, visitors can observe or participate in bathing in the spring water that is believed to cleanse bad spirits. The temple’s spring waters are a profound part of Balinese spiritual life, and guides often explain the significance of each spring’s different meaning.

While admission is not included, the experience of witnessing locals and visitors alike seeking spiritual cleansing makes this a meaningful stop. Spend about an hour here, appreciating the temple’s architecture and the ritual practices.

Siluk Village and Local Artistry

The tour then takes you to Celuk Village, renowned for its gold and silver handicrafts. The craftsmanship here is quite remarkable—almost every family is involved in jewelry making, creating everything from rings to intricate necklaces. It’s a great chance to buy authentic souvenirs or simply observe the artisans at work.

Next, you’ll visit Phalam Batik and Souvenirs, where you can see how traditional batik fabric is made and buy high-quality, handmade pieces. These stops are appreciated for giving a glimpse into Bali’s artisanal side, with reviews praising the guides’ explanations and the quality of products.

The Cultural Touches

Throughout the tour, guides like Wayan and Putu are frequently praised for their friendly demeanor and wealth of local knowledge. They often ask about your preferences, making the experience more personalized and relaxed. Many reviews highlight how these guides go beyond just driving—they share stories, cultural insights, and tips that enrich the visit.

Transportation, Pricing, and Overall Value

Transport is by air-conditioned private vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the approximately 8-hour journey. The tour includes bottled water and WiFi onboard, making it easy to stay refreshed and connected. The price of $35 per person is quite competitive, especially considering the private nature of the tour and the number of stops involved.

Keep in mind that admission fees to attractions are not included, so you should budget extra for those. Given the reviews, many find that the guides’ local knowledge and personalized service add significant value, making the cost well worth it.

The tour’s structure allows for flexible, intimate experiences—ideal for those who want to avoid large crowds and prefer guided commentary. The strong emphasis on photo opportunities and cultural education makes this a well-rounded choice for travelers eager to get a full picture of Ubud’s wonders.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Ubud day tour is perfect for independent travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free experience. It’s especially suited for those who value local guides with good English, as many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. If you’re a photographer or someone wanting Instagram-worthy moments, the scenic rice terraces, waterfalls, and swings are hard to beat.

It also suits travelers who want a balanced mix of culture and nature in one day without the hassle of organizing multiple transport or entry tickets. While the tour doesn’t include meals or entrance fees, the overall price and itinerary make it a cost-effective way to see Ubud’s highlights.

The Sum Up

For just $35, this private Ubud tour offers a well-paced, culturally rich, and scenic journey through some of Bali’s most beloved spots. The combination of stunning landscapes, spiritual sites, and artisanal villages makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a full day of exploration with a personal touch.

Many visitors praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise, which turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience. The photo opportunities and local insights provided by guides like Putu and Wayan elevate the tour from ordinary to extraordinary.

While you’ll need to budget for additional entrance fees, the overall value is clear—this tour delivers a lot of authentic Bali in one day. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided tours with flexibility, and for anyone eager to uncover Ubud’s natural beauty and cultural depth without feeling rushed.

FAQ

Are admission fees included in the tour price?
No, the tour price does not include admission fees or entertainment costs. You might find it helpful to budget extra for sites like the Monkey Forest, waterfalls, and temples.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, especially since it’s a private tour tailored to your group. However, young children should be supervised around wildlife and waterfalls.

How long is each stop?
Most stops last about an hour, including the Monkey Forest, waterfalls, rice terraces, and temples. The entire day spans approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy food at local spots during the day.

What makes this tour different from others?
The personalized service, friendly guides, and scenic stops like the jungle swing and rice terraces are main highlights. Many reviews specifically praise guides like Putu and Wayan for their hospitality.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle with onboard WiFi and bottled water, ensuring comfort during the long day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide. Many reviews mention the guides’ willingness to accommodate special requests or adjust the pace.