Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tibumana Waterfall Tour

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, known locally as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, is a protected patch of rainforest at the southern end of Ubud, owned and cared for by the village of Padangtegal. Giant banyan trees, a deep ravine with a stone dragon bridge and moss-covered statues make it one of the most atmospheric places in Bali, and a large troop of Balinese long-tailed macaques roams freely along the paths.

Inside the forest stand three temples dating back to around the fourteenth century, including the main Pura Dalem Agung and a holy bathing temple by a spring. The usual Monkey Forest opening hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, and about 75 minutes is ideal. Keep sunglasses, hats and snacks out of sight, avoid staring at the monkeys and let your driver-guide explain the rules before you enter.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

North of Ubud on the road towards Kintamani, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace drops in curving green steps down both sides of a palm-filled valley. The terraces are watered by subak, the cooperative irrigation system that Balinese farmers have run through temples and village councils for centuries and that UNESCO lists as a World Heritage cultural landscape.

Paths lead down into the terraces and up the other side, with small bridges where local farmers ask for a modest donation, plus cafés and swings on the ridge. A Tegalalang Rice Terrace tour is all about the light and the views, so give yourself time for a short walk; the stop lasts about 75 minutes. The best time to visit Tegalalang is early in the day, before the midday heat and the largest crowds.

Tirta Empul Water Temple

Tirta Empul, near Tampaksiring, is one of the most sacred temples in Bali. It was founded around 962 AD over a natural spring believed to have healing powers and is dedicated to Vishnu. Balinese families come here for melukat, a purification ritual in which they move along rows of carved stone spouts in the long bathing pools, praying beneath each stream of spring water.

Visitors may watch and, if they wish, take part respectfully, wearing a sarong and following the guidance at the temple; sarongs are provided at the entrance. You can also see the clear spring bubbling up through black sand in a pool behind the bathing area. Allow about 75 minutes. If you are planning a Tirta Empul tour, remember that Balinese temple custom asks women who are menstruating not to enter.

Local Coffee Plantation

Bali's hills are famous for coffee, cocoa and spices, and the plantation stop is a relaxed break in the middle of the day. A local guide walks you through the garden to see coffee, cacao, vanilla, lemongrass and other plants, and shows how beans are roasted by hand over a wood fire and ground in a stone mortar.

Then you sit down on a terrace overlooking the jungle for a tasting tray of local coffees and herbal teas, such as ginger, lemongrass and coconut coffee. Kopi luwak, the famous civet coffee, is usually offered to buy separately, along with packets of coffee and spices to take with you. It is a good place to rest, ask questions about Balinese farming and enjoy the view before the last stop of the day.

Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall lies in the village of Apuan in Bangli, east of Ubud, and is one of the prettiest waterfalls in this part of Bali. A short walk of about 10 minutes along a shaded jungle path with steps and a small bridge leads to a single curtain of water falling into a natural pool, framed by ferns and a small shrine.

Tibumana is quieter than some of the better-known falls near Ubud, which makes it a peaceful place to finish the day. When the water is calm you can swim or stand under the spray, but after heavy rain the pool can be too strong for swimming, so follow your driver-guide's advice. Bring swimwear, a towel and sandals, and expect to spend about an hour before the drive back to your hotel.