Half Day Ubud Tour: Monkeys, Art Market & Petulu Herons

4.90

(29 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick and earthy as we stepped into the shade of the Ubud Monkey Forest. You could hear monkeys chattering above, leaves crunching underfoot, and every so often, a butterfly would dart past. Our guide Wayan pointed out a mossy temple tucked between banyan roots—locals still come here to pray on special days. I kept my water bottle close; it gets humid fast under that canopy. Watching the monkeys up close was a mix of funny and a little nerve-wracking—they’re quick, but the staff keeps things safe if you want to feed them.

Later, we wandered through the Ubud Art Market. It’s not huge, but you’ll find handwoven baskets, silver jewelry, and those colorful sarongs stacked in neat piles. I chatted with a vendor named Made who showed me how to spot real batik patterns. The market’s busiest around midday, so if you want to browse without the crowds, go earlier. There’s this faint smell of incense from a nearby temple that drifts through the stalls—easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Our last stop was Petulu Village just before sunset. We grabbed cold Bintang beers from a tiny warung and settled onto a bamboo bench. Right around 5:30pm, flocks of white herons started gliding in—first just a few, then dozens, wings catching the gold light. The whole village seemed to pause for it. It’s quiet except for the birds and the occasional scooter passing by. Honestly, it felt like time slowed down for a bit.