REVIEW · KUTA
Private tour in Ubud country side
Book on Viator →Operated by Ubud Adventure and Activities · Bookable on Viator
A day in Bali can feel like a blur of stops. This private Ubud countryside route keeps it organized, with time at the big sights and an English-speaking guide who helps it all make sense. I particularly liked the Monkey Forest Sanctuary visit (temple + monkeys) and the photo payoff at Tegalalang Rice Terrace; both are highlights without needing you to plan anything. One possible drawback: it’s a long day, with a fair amount of driving from Kuta, so you’ll want decent stamina and patience.
Because it’s private transportation in an air-conditioned car, you stay comfortable while hopping between Ubud’s countryside corners. The guides connected to this experience—people like Nowa and Putu—are praised for being kind, professional, and easy to work with, so your day feels personal, not rushed. If you choose the swing and lunch options, you’ll add activities, but if you don’t, you’ll have more downtime between stops.
In This Review
- Key Points at a Glance
- From Kuta Pickup to Ubud Countryside: How the Day Flows
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Temples and Long-Tailed Macaques
- Ubud Center and the Royal Palace Area
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace for Classic Views and Quick Photo Time
- Lunch Break at Tebasari Resto: Convenient Reset Before the Waterfall
- Happy Swing Bali: When the Rice Terrace View Gets One More Level
- Tegenungan Waterfall: The Cooler Finish
- Price and Value of a Private Ubud Day Tour from Kuta
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Ubud Countryside Private Tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the private Ubud countryside tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Are entrance fees included?
- Is lunch included?
- Is the swing experience included?
- How long do you spend at each main stop?
- Is this a private tour?
- Do I need moderate physical fitness?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Points at a Glance

- Private, air-conditioned transport from Kuta with an English-speaking driver guide
- Monkey Forest Sanctuary plus temple grounds, with admission included
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace timed for views without eating the whole morning
- Happy Swing Bali is optional, but it’s a big adrenaline-plus-photo moment
- Tegenungan Waterfall is the refreshing end of the day, with admission included
- Mobile ticket + included entrance fees helps you move through faster
From Kuta Pickup to Ubud Countryside: How the Day Flows

The day starts at 8:00 am. You’ll be picked up from your hotel area in Kuta, and the first stretch is mostly drive time—about 1 to 1.5 hours before you reach the first stop. This is useful if you’re staying on the coast and don’t want to fight traffic and timing on your own.
The overall duration is 8 to 10 hours. That’s a lot of hours on the clock, but it’s also realistic for Bali: you’re stacking a few geographically separate spots (Ubud area, then terraces, then waterfall). Plan your day around it like a proper itinerary day, not like a quick add-on.
Your transport is private and air-conditioned, with parking handled for you. That matters more than it sounds—parking lines and ticket counters can eat your time, and a private guide helps keep the day from turning into a scavenger hunt.
One small thing to keep in mind: the itinerary includes a lot of short stops (for example, Tegalalang is listed at about 30 minutes). That can be great if you like a packed, efficient day. If you prefer slow travel and long wandering, you’ll likely want to add a half-day of your own in Ubud after.
If you're still narrowing it down, here are other tours in Kuta we've reviewed.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Temples and Long-Tailed Macaques
The standout wildlife stop is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and admission is included.
This sanctuary is both a nature reserve and a temple complex, which is part of why it feels different from a typical zoo-style attraction. You get a shaded walk through the forest, and you’ll also see ancient temples as part of the grounds. And yes—the famous long-tailed macaques roam freely. That means the visit is dynamic: sometimes you’re watching monkeys at a respectful distance, and sometimes they’re closer than you expected.
Practical tip: keep small items secure. Even if you don’t plan to interact, the monkeys are wild, and you’ll feel safer with zipped bags, wallets put away, and a quick grip on anything tempting (like snacks or loose hats).
The other value of this stop is pacing. It’s a good change of scenery between Ubud’s central culture areas and the open-air views at the rice terraces.
Ubud Center and the Royal Palace Area

After the monkey forest, the itinerary brings you toward central Ubud, known for traditional crafts and an active arts scene. You also have a stop tied to the Ubud Palace, described as the royal family’s official residence.
This part works well if you want your day to include more than scenery. The rice terrace and waterfall are great, but Ubud is also where you feel the human side of Bali—handicrafts, local arts energy, and the cultural anchor of a royal compound.
Time-wise, this stop is not described with a specific duration in the details you provided, so expect it to be a focused browse rather than a deep museum-style visit. If you love markets and craft shopping, you might find you want more time here after your tour ends.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace for Classic Views and Quick Photo Time
Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous scenes. Your time here is listed at about 30 minutes, with admission included.
Thirty minutes sounds short until you remember why Tegalalang is so popular: the views are the whole point. You’ll likely spend your time walking to viewpoints, finding a photo angle you like, and enjoying the open-air feeling of the terrace edges.
Here’s the realistic tradeoff. A short stop keeps you on schedule for the swing and waterfall, which is great for efficiency. But if you prefer slow, lingering photo sessions, you may wish you had another 30–60 minutes. That said, for many people—especially first-timers—this is a fair amount of time to see what everyone comes for.
When the swing stop is on your itinerary later, the terrace visit also sets the stage. You’ll recognize the view when you get back over it again, which makes the swing experience feel more dramatic.
Lunch Break at Tebasari Resto: Convenient Reset Before the Waterfall
You’ll have an afternoon break at Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge. This stop is listed at about 1 hour, and admission is not included.
Whether lunch is included depends on your chosen option. The experience details say lunch is included if the option is selected, so if you didn’t choose lunch, you’ll still have a place to pause, but you’ll pay for your meal yourself.
Why this stop is valuable: it’s your buffer between two more energetic, open-air segments—rice terrace/swing and the waterfall. Even if you don’t order a huge meal, taking time to cool down and reset your energy helps the final stretch feel enjoyable instead of exhausting.
A simple approach: go for something easy to eat, hydrate, and keep your valuables organized. You’ll thank yourself when you get to the waterfall portion.
Happy Swing Bali: When the Rice Terrace View Gets One More Level
This is the part many people book for: Happy Swing Bali at Tegalalang. The schedule lists it at about 1 hour.
Two key things here:
- The swing experience can be included or not included, depending on the option you selected.
- The swing itself is described as adrenaline-pumping, with you swinging over the rice terraces for a big view payoff.
The swing is listed as not included in the general itinerary notes, but the “included” section explains that swing adventure is included if option is selected. In plain terms: check your selection so you know whether you’re already covered or paying on-site.
One useful detail from the experience description: there are different swings depending on comfort level and desired height. That’s smart for safety and enjoyment. If you’re nervous about heights, you can still do the swing without choosing the most extreme option.
Also remember the physical side. The overall experience notes that travelers should have moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean “athlete only,” but it does suggest you’ll want to be comfortable with walking, stairs/uneven ground, and getting in and out of the swing setup.
Tegenungan Waterfall: The Cooler Finish

To close the day, you’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s listed at about 1 hour, and admission is included.
Tegenungan is described as a waterfall in a lush jungle setting, and it’s a popular way to cool off from Bali heat. There’s also mention that you can swim in the natural pool at the base, which is often what makes this stop feel fun rather than just scenic.
Quick caution (useful anywhere in the world): if you plan to swim, pay attention to conditions—slippery rocks and current risk are real around waterfalls. Your guide’s instructions on the ground level matter more than guessing.
This final stop is a nice contrast to the rice terraces. Terraces are about height and views. Waterfall is about sound, mist, and that quick reset where you stop thinking about photos and just enjoy the cool air for a bit.
Afterward, you’ll drive back to your hotel to end the tour.
Price and Value of a Private Ubud Day Tour from Kuta

The price is $58.00 per person, and your day includes a mix of things that normally cost extra when you DIY.
Here’s what you’re paying for beyond the big-name sights:
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Entrance fees at tourist spots (as listed in the included items)
- Car park
- Lunch if you selected that option
- Swing adventure if you selected that option
For many visitors, the value is in the friction reduction. Getting between Monkey Forest, central Ubud, Tegalalang, and Tegenungan involves both time and logistics. A private driver helps you make use of your limited hours, especially when you’re starting from Kuta.
You also get a mobile ticket, and that usually helps with smoother entry when attractions require a ticket scan.
The reviews you’ll find tied to this provider emphasize service and guide friendliness. People highlight the kindness and professionalism of guides such as Nowa, and also Putu, which matters because a good guide is the difference between a checklist day and a meaningful day. That doesn’t change the route, but it changes how you experience it.
If you want one more value lens: swing and lunch can turn into budget variables. If you’re cost-conscious, choose the options that match what you actually want, not what you feel pressured to do.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- A structured day of Ubud countryside highlights from Kuta
- A private guide and driver rather than shared transport
- Included entrances so you don’t manage every ticket yourself
- A balance of culture, scenery, and a fun activity like the swing (if you choose it)
It’s also a good pick for couples and small groups who like having a plan but still want flexibility. The tone from the guide experiences is often described as kind and helpful, and that shows up in the way the day feels—less like you’re being rushed from place to place, more like you’re being guided through.
Who might want a different option:
- If you hate long driving days, this may feel like too much. The tour is 8–10 hours, and you’re starting from Kuta.
- If you dislike animals in close proximity, the Monkey Forest may feel stressful. It’s part of the deal there.
- If you don’t want physical movement at all, remember the “moderate physical fitness” note. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with walking and uneven ground.
Should You Book This Ubud Countryside Private Tour?
If your goal is a classic Ubud-style day—monkeys, temples, rice terrace views, optional swing adrenaline, and a refreshing waterfall—this is a solid, practical way to do it. The private air-conditioned transport and included entrance fees help keep the experience smooth, and the service reputation tied to guides like Nowa and Putu is a big reason to feel confident that the day will run well.
I’d book it if:
- You want convenience more than DIY problem-solving
- You like the idea of Tegalalang plus an optional Happy Swing
- You’re okay with a full day schedule starting at 8:00 am
I wouldn’t book it if:
- You want a slow, flexible travel pace
- You strongly dislike animal encounters
- You’re trying to keep things very short and local without long drives
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the private Ubud countryside tour?
The tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’re picked up from your hotel area.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees at tourist spots are included based on the included items listed for the tour.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is included if the lunch option is selected. Otherwise, you can still take a break at the listed restaurant.
Is the swing experience included?
The swing adventure is included if the swing option is selected. Otherwise, it is not included.
How long do you spend at each main stop?
The details specify about 1 hour at Sacred Monkey Forest, about 30 minutes at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, about 1 hour at Tebasari Resto, about 1 hour at Happy Swing Bali, and about 1 hour at Tegenungan Waterfall.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.
Do I need moderate physical fitness?
Yes. The experience notes that travelers should have moderate physical fitness.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
























