Private Customisable Ubud Highlights Day Tour with Driver Bali

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, known locally as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, covers a steep, shady ravine at the southern edge of central Ubud. Paths wind between giant banyan trees, a mossy stream gorge and carved dragon bridges to three Hindu temples dating back to the 14th century, while troops of Balinese long-tailed macaques roam freely through the forest.

Plan about an hour to walk the main loop. The monkeys are wild, so keep food, water bottles and loose items such as sunglasses in a zipped bag, and do not touch or feed them. The sanctuary opens in the morning, and the first hour is the calmest time to visit before the tour groups arrive. Your driver drops you at the entrance and waits nearby.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalalang, about 20 to 30 minutes north of central Ubud, is the most famous rice terrace view in Bali: a deep valley whose slopes are carved into curving green steps, shaded by coconut palms. The terraces are watered by subak, the traditional cooperative irrigation system recognised by UNESCO, and local farmers still plant and harvest the paddies by hand.

You can admire the view from the roadside or walk down into the terraces on narrow paths for closer photos; small donations are often asked at private sections of the trail. Jungle swings and viewpoints line the valley edges and can be added at your own cost. The best time to visit Tegalalang is early morning, when the light is soft and the paths are quiet.

Tirta Empul Water Temple

Pura Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring was founded in 962 around a sacred spring that still bubbles up through the sand in a clear pool inside the temple. Balinese Hindus come here to purify themselves in the long bathing pools, moving from one carved stone spout to the next with offerings, and the temple remains one of the most important water temples on the island.

Visitors can watch the ritual from the edge of the pools or take part in the purification at extra cost, wearing a sarong provided at the entrance. Allow about an hour to see the spring, the pools and the temple courtyards. A Tirta Empul temple tour pairs naturally with Tegalalang, which lies on the same road about 20 minutes away.

Tibumana and Kanto Lampo Waterfalls

East of Ubud, two waterfalls show very different sides of Bali's jungle. Tibumana, in the Bangli region, is a single curtain of water about 15 metres high falling into a round pool, reached by a pleasant 10-minute walk past rice fields and through the forest. It is quieter than the famous falls near Ubud, and swimming is allowed when the water is calm.

Kanto Lampo, near Gianyar, cascades over a wall of stepped dark rock, creating a wide fan of white water where visitors pose for photos. A short stairway leads down to the river, and the rocks are slippery, so wear shoes with grip. Allow about 45 minutes at each waterfall, and bring swimwear and a towel if you want to cool off in the pools.

Other Routes Beyond Ubud

If you prefer a set itinerary, the other options of this private tour reach further. One route heads up to the Kintamani volcano viewpoint over Mount Batur and its lake, stopping at Batuan Temple, an art village and Tirta Empul, with an optional Barong dance performance. Another leaves early for the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang temple in east Bali, the royal water palace of Tirta Gangga and Tukad Cepung waterfall.

A western route visits Banyumala waterfall, Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Bratan temple on Lake Bratan, ending with sunset at Tanah Lot, the sea temple standing on a rock offshore. There is also a 10-hour car charter with driver where you plan the whole day yourself, ideal if you want to combine Ubud with a beach or shopping stop.