Ubud Half-Day Monkey Forest & Tegalalang Tour with Swing Bali

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is both a nature reserve and a holy Hindu site, where hundreds of long-tailed macaques live among towering banyan trees, moss-covered statues and ancient temples. Managed by the village of Padangtegal, it follows the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world. Paths wind through a ravine with a stream, stone bridges and dragon-shaped carvings.

Your guide walks with you for about an hour, sharing safety tips and the meaning of the temples. Monkey Forest Ubud tickets are included in every option. The macaques are wild, so do not feed or touch them, avoid eye contact and keep sunglasses, hats and phones secure. Monkey Forest opening hours run through the day, and mornings are the calmest time to visit before the crowds.

Jungle swing north of Ubud

From the forest you continue north of Ubud to a jungle swing set high above a lush valley of palm trees and rice fields. The Bali swing has become one of the island's most popular experiences: you sit on a sturdy seat, a harness is fitted and checked by the staff, and then you are pushed out over the treetops for a thrilling ride with a wide view of the jungle below.

Before you swing, the team gives a safety briefing, and you can take photos on the platforms around the site. Waiting times may occur during busy periods, especially late morning. Wear comfortable clothes that let you move freely and avoid loose items. The swing is a highlight for couples, friends and older children, and the views alone make it worth stopping here even if you prefer to watch from the platform.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Tegalalang Rice Terrace, about 20 minutes north of central Ubud, is one of the most photographed landscapes in Bali. Bright green rice paddies are carved into the sides of a valley in curved steps, shaded by coconut palms. The fields are watered by subak, a cooperative irrigation system dating back about a thousand years, through which farmers share water fairly between terraces, guided by temple rituals.

You spend time walking along the viewpoints and narrow paths, learning about rice farming and capturing panoramic photos. The terraces look their best in the morning light and after the rains, when the rice is green and tall. Paths can be muddy or slippery after showers, and some sections are steep. Local farmers may ask for a small donation to walk on certain parts, as they maintain the terraces themselves.

Ubud: the cultural heart of Bali

Ubud sits in the green hills of central Bali and has long been the island's centre of art, dance and crafts. Around its streets you find painters' studios, wood-carving workshops, traditional dance performances in the evenings and the royal palace in the town centre. Rice fields reach almost to the edge of town, and temples stand on almost every corner, decorated daily with fresh offerings of flowers.

This half-day tour is an easy way to see the highlights of Ubud if you are staying in the south of Bali, as transport from Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran or Uluwatu is included. Traffic around Ubud can be heavy at peak hours, so allow for some variation in timing. The best time to visit Ubud is the dry season from April to October, though short tropical showers are possible all year.