Ubud Monkey Forest, Saraswati Temple & Tegenungan Waterfall Tour

Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall lies in Kemenuh village, about a 20-minute drive south of central Ubud, where the Petanu River drops over a rocky cliff into a wide natural pool framed by tropical forest. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali because it is easy to reach and powerful all year, especially after the rains. From the top there is a panoramic viewpoint, and a stairway leads down to the riverbank.

On this Tegenungan Waterfall tour you spend about an hour here, enough to admire the falls from above, walk down the steps and feel the spray at the bottom. The steps are steep and can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip and take your time on the climb back up. Bring swimwear if you want to stand close to the splash zone, and keep in mind that the current near the falls is strong.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

North of Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the picture many people imagine when they think of Bali: curved layers of bright green rice paddies tumbling down a valley shaded by coconut palms. The terraces are watered by subak, the traditional cooperative irrigation system that Balinese farmers have shared for about a thousand years and that UNESCO recognises as part of Bali's cultural landscape.

You spend about an hour at Tegallalang, walking the narrow paths between the paddies, taking photos from the viewpoints and learning from your guide how rice is planted and harvested here. Is Tegallalang worth visiting? Yes, especially in the morning light, when the colours are soft and it is cooler. Some paths are steep and uneven, and local farmers may ask for a small donation to cross certain sections.

Saraswati Temple, Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market

In the heart of Ubud stands Saraswati Temple, known locally as Pura Taman Saraswati and often called the Ubud Water Palace. It is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning and the arts, and a stone path leads through a large lotus pond to its finely carved red-brick gateway. Built in the mid-20th century by a renowned local artist, it remains a centre of Ubud's cultural life, with traditional dance performances in the evenings.

A short walk away are Ubud Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ubud with carved courtyards and gates, and the Ubud Art Market across the road. The market is a lively place to browse sarongs, woven bags, wood carvings and paintings. You have about 30 minutes in this area; dress modestly for the temple and bring cash for small purchases.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, at the southern end of central Ubud in the village of Padangtegal, is a protected forest and holy site where hundreds of long-tailed macaques live among giant banyan trees, mossy statues and ancient temples. The main temple, Pura Dalem Agung, is believed to date back to the 14th century, and the forest is cared for by the local community as a place of harmony between people, animals and nature.

You spend about an hour walking the shaded paths with your guide, who explains the temples and shares tips for staying safe around the monkeys. Ubud Monkey Forest tickets are included in the default option. The macaques are wild and curious, so secure sunglasses, phones and loose items, do not feed them and avoid direct eye contact. The forest stays cool and green even at midday, a perfect final stop.

Coffee plantation and Celuk silver village

On the way back, your guide offers two optional stops at no extra charge, or you can skip them and head straight to your hotel. The first is a coffee plantation, where you see how Balinese coffee beans are grown, roasted and ground by hand, walk among spice and fruit plants, and try a few complimentary sips of local coffee and herbal drinks.

The second is Celuk, a village south of Ubud famous for its silver and gold craftsmanship. Families of silversmiths have worked here for generations, and in the workshops you can watch artisans shape fine filigree and engrave rings and pendants by hand. There is no obligation to buy, but it is an excellent place to find a handmade souvenir from Bali. Afterwards you return to your hotel in the air-conditioned vehicle.