Discover the best waterfalls in Ubud and rice terraces tour

Waterfalls, rice fields, and monkeys fill one long day. This private Ubud tour links four popular sights without asking you to wrestle with Bali traffic. I like the door-to-door pickup and the fact that the price includes private transport, an English-speaking driver, mineral water, and entrance tickets. I also like the mix of scenery: two very different waterfalls, working rice terraces, and the mossy paths of the Sacred Monkey Forest.

The main drawback is the length. With eight to 10 hours on the road and several walks involving stairs or uneven jungle paths, this is a full day rather than a gentle outing. You also need to buy your own lunch, and the waterfalls are weather-dependent. Guides named in past bookings include Gung Wan, Natha, Dika, Dewa, Adhi, and Ketut, with praise focused on punctual pickups, helpful service, photography, and local explanations.

Key points to know before booking

• Two waterfalls offer different settings: Tukad Cepung is tucked into a jungle ravine, while Kanto Lampo spreads over unusual rock formations beside the river.
• Private transport saves you from Ubud traffic: Pickup and drop-off are offered from Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Canggu.
• Tegalalang adds a rural side of Bali: You can see green rice terraces and traditional farming activity north of Ubud.
• The Monkey Forest is more than a quick photo stop: Its moss-covered paths and roughly 700 long-tailed macaques make it one of the day’s most memorable visits.
• The $47.50 price covers the costly basics: Tickets, driver, car, hotel transfers, and water are included, but lunch is not.
• Allow most of a day: The tour lasts approximately eight to 10 hours and is private for your group only.

Why private transport matters around Ubud

Ubud’s roads can be narrow and slow, particularly around popular sights. This tour removes the need to self-drive, read maps, find parking, and negotiate every turn while scooters and cars squeeze past. Your driver collects you at your accommodation and returns you there at the end.

That convenience matters even more if you stay outside central Ubud. The listed pickup areas cover much of south Bali, including Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Canggu, and Ubud itself. A long transfer from the coast will add road time, but it also lets you visit Ubud without changing hotels.

This is a private tour, not a shared bus outing. Only your own group participates, so you can ask questions, adjust the pace within reason, and spend more time at a favorite stop. The schedule still needs to fit four attractions in one day, but a private car is a much more comfortable arrangement than moving with a large group.

The English-speaking driver acts as both transport host and guide. Past guides such as Dika and Dewa were praised for being accommodating and familiar with the area. Adhi was especially appreciated for taking photographs during a honeymoon outing, while Ketut was noted for being responsive, punctual, and carrying extra bottles of water. Those details point to the practical value of a good driver on a day like this.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall: a short jungle walk to a dramatic setting

The first stop is Tukad Cepung Waterfall, described as a waterfall in a hidden valley surrounded by thick jungle. Reaching it means walking down stairs and along a jungle path, so wear shoes that can handle damp or uneven ground.

Tukad Cepung is unusual because the water is enclosed by rock and jungle rather than simply dropping into an open river setting. The most memorable feature is the way sunlight can enter the ravine from above, creating bright shafts through the darker space. Conditions and timing affect how strong that effect looks, but the setting gives you a good reason to slow down and look upward.

You get about an hour here, with admission included. That should provide time for the walk, photographs, and a pause near the falls, though the stairs mean this is not a fully effortless stop. If you dislike slippery paths or have difficulty with stairs, this part deserves careful thought before booking.

Tukad Cepung is likely to be one of the day’s best photo opportunities. The contrast between shadow, stone, flowing water, and jungle makes it feel very different from Tegalalang later in the day. You are not just checking off another waterfall. You are entering a narrow natural space where the route is part of the experience.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: broad cascades and river-level views

The second waterfall is Kanto Lampo, at Jl. Kaliasem in the Beng area of Gianyar. It is known for its unusual shape, with water tumbling over layered rocks into the river below.

Compared with Tukad Cepung, Kanto Lampo feels more open. The falls spread across dark rock, creating a series of small cascades rather than one tall drop. That shape gives you several angles for photographs and makes the river below part of the scene.

The planned visit lasts about an hour, and admission is included. You should expect another walk and the possibility of wet surfaces near the water. The supplied details do not specify changing facilities, swimming rules, or the exact walking distance, so I would treat this as a sightseeing stop rather than plan around a swim.

Having both waterfalls on one day works well because they are not identical. Tukad Cepung gives you an enclosed jungle ravine and possible sunbeams. Kanto Lampo offers a wider view of water running over rock shelves. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, this paired visit gives you more variety than visiting one cascade alone.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Bali’s famous green steps

After the waterfalls, the tour heads north of Ubud to Tegalalang Rice Terrace on Jalan Raya Ceking. This is the broadest scenic stop of the day, with layered green fields and views across cultivated hillsides.

Tegalalang is often photographed from viewpoints, but the value here is also cultural. The tour description specifically points to traditional farmers and their daily work. That gives you a chance to see the rice fields as working agricultural land, not simply as a backdrop for holiday pictures.

You receive about an hour at the terrace, with the entrance ticket included. That is enough for views and photos, but it is not a long farming visit or a guided agricultural lesson. Ask your driver to explain what you are seeing, especially if you want more context about the terraces and local work.

The terrain may include slopes, steps, or uneven paths, although exact access details are not provided. Comfortable shoes are sensible. The green appearance of the fields can vary with farming cycles and weather, so keep your expectations practical. The setting is still attractive, but photographs cannot promise one exact shade of green every day.

This stop also gives the day a useful change of pace. The waterfalls are close, enclosed, and wet. Tegalalang opens the view and lets you spend time looking across the fields. I like that the tour includes a working rural setting rather than filling the day only with highly managed attractions.

Sacred Monkey Forest: mossy paths and bold macaques

The final listed stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary on Jalan Monkey Forest in Ubud. The sanctuary is known for its moss-covered paths, jungle-like surroundings, and a population of about 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques.

This is the stop with the strongest personality. The forest setting can feel almost cinematic, with stone structures and vegetation creating a shaded, enclosed walk. The monkeys bring plenty of movement, but they are still wild animals. Keep your belongings secure and follow local instructions, even if the macaques appear calm.

The supplied schedule lists one minute for this stop, which is clearly too brief to represent the described forest visit. The accompanying details call for walking through the area, so you should confirm the actual time with your driver or the tour operator before departure. That matters because the Monkey Forest could easily become the highlight of the day, yet a rushed visit would limit what you see.

Past guide service has received particular praise here. One booking described Gung Wan as an excellent guide and driver, while another praised Dewa for knowing the area and making the visit easy. The forest is more enjoyable when someone helps you understand where to walk and how to behave around the macaques.

Do not think of this as a petting-zoo stop. The appeal is watching the animals in their forest home, while also taking in the old stonework and thick vegetation around the paths. If you are uncomfortable around monkeys, this may be the least relaxing part of the tour. If you enjoy wildlife and unusual settings, it may be the day’s most memorable hour.

What the $47.50 price really covers

At $47.50 per person, the price is strongest when you value convenience. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an English-speaking driver or guide, mineral water, and entrance tickets to the listed attractions. You are paying for a full private day, not just admission to one waterfall.

The value improves for two or more people sharing the car. Group discounts are offered, though the exact discount is not provided. A private vehicle also means you are not paying separately for taxis between four widely spaced stops.

Lunch is not included. That is not a major flaw, but you should remember it when calculating your day’s budget. The schedule is long enough that you will need to arrange a meal, either during a break or through a stop your driver suggests. Since no restaurant is specified, ask about the lunch plan when you confirm the pickup.

The price makes the most sense for people who want a simple, organized day from a coastal hotel or Ubud base. It is less compelling if you already have a rental car, want to spend half a day at only one waterfall, or prefer to set your own schedule with long pauses.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

Plan on eight to 10 hours. The total includes driving between stops, four visits, pickup, and return. From south Bali, the road portion may take a meaningful share of the day, so start with realistic expectations.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for stairs, jungle paths, and uneven ground
• Water-friendly clothing for the waterfall areas
• Sun protection for Tegalalang
• Secure bags and belongings for the Monkey Forest
• Extra money for lunch

Mineral water is included, and additional water was specifically appreciated by one family booking. Still, Bali heat and walking can make a long day tiring, so drink regularly.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Most people can participate, but the waterfalls involve stairs and jungle paths. The information does not provide detailed accessibility guidance, so contact Smile Bali Tours before booking if mobility is a concern.

Who will enjoy this Ubud day most

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want to cover several famous Ubud sights without arranging separate drivers. Couples and families can benefit from the private format, especially when a driver helps with photos and keeps the day moving.

It also suits anyone staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, or Canggu who wants an Ubud day without relocating. The pickup service removes a major planning job.

Photography-minded visitors have plenty to work with: sunlit water at Tukad Cepung, layered cascades at Kanto Lampo, green terraces at Tegalalang, and macaques in the forest. Past service from guides such as Adhi included taking photographs, but you should still ask in advance if pictures are important to you.

I would hesitate if you want a slow, quiet day. Four attractions, long road time, walking, heat, and a possible lunch stop make this an active schedule. I would also think twice if your main goal is detailed cultural interpretation, since the experience is built around sightseeing with a driver guide rather than a specialist-led study tour.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want four major Ubud-area sights in one private day and value having transport, tickets, water, and hotel transfers handled together. The strongest parts are the two contrasting waterfalls, the forest setting of the Monkey Forest, and the practical service praised from guides including Dewa, Dika, Gung Wan, Adhi, Natha, and Ketut.

Before paying, confirm the actual time allocated to the Monkey Forest, since the listed one-minute duration appears inconsistent with the planned forest walk. Also confirm the lunch arrangement and be ready for stairs, uneven paths, and a long day.

For $47.50 per person, this is a useful introduction to Ubud’s natural sights, especially for couples, families, and small groups who want a private car rather than a self-drive challenge. It is a good pick for variety and convenience, not for lingering at one place.

FAQ

How long does the Ubud waterfalls and rice terraces tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight to 10 hours, including pickup, driving, visits to four attractions, and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations in Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Canggu.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and private transportation is included.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance tickets for the listed attractions are included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the experience requires good weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.