Ubud: Private Day Tour Waterfall, Monkey Forest & Rice Fields

5.00

(135 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Ubud with the sound of rushing water in my ears and cool mist on my face. Our driver, Wayan, laughed when I tried to pronounce “Tegenungan”—I definitely got it wrong. The steps down were a bit slippery from last night’s rain, but the waterfall was worth it. It’s not hidden away in mountains like some others; instead, you just walk right into this wall of sound and green. I could smell wet stone and something sweet—maybe frangipani? We stood there for a while, not talking much.

After that, we headed to the Sacred Monkey Forest. I’d seen photos before but nothing really prepares you for how bold those macaques are. One of them actually tried to open my water bottle (should’ve listened to our guide and kept it zipped away). The temples inside felt older than time—mossy stones, smoky incense drifting around people making offerings. Our guide explained how the monkeys are considered guardians here; he said if one jumps on your shoulder, just let it be. I was nervous but ended up laughing when it happened anyway.

Batuan Temple was next—black palm roofs against the sky and quiet courtyards where locals still pray every day. The carvings tell stories I only half understood, but our guide pointed out details: demons to keep away bad spirits, flowers for good luck. There was a group of women arranging little baskets of petals by the entrance. I still think about that moment—how peaceful it felt compared to the busy roads outside.

The rice terraces at Tegallalang were so green they almost looked fake under the midday sun. We watched farmers moving slowly along narrow paths—barefoot, carrying baskets that looked way too heavy. Lunch was simple but good: nasi campur at a roadside place with chickens wandering around underfoot. At Mas Village later on, we saw woodcarvers at work; their hands moved so quickly over the grain that I couldn’t look away for long enough to take a proper photo.