Private Ubud Tour with Swing

Exploring Ubud: A Private Tour with Scenic Highlights and Culture

If you’re planning a day in Ubud, Bali’s arts and spiritual hub, this private tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and a dash of adventure—all for a reasonable price. With just your group, a knowledgeable guide, and flexible stops, this experience promises both comfort and authenticity.

What really elevates this tour is the personalized touch—your guide Sindu is praised for his friendliness and deep knowledge of Balinese culture. Plus, the highlights like the sacred monkey forest and the jungle swing stand out as memorable moments.

One thing to consider is the entrance fees not included in the price, which means you’ll need some cash for sites like the monkey forest and waterfalls. The tour is well-suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness, thanks to walking and some climbing involved. If you’re after a day that combines nature, spirituality, and cultural sights without feeling rushed, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Flexible, private experience tailored to your interests
• In-depth cultural and natural highlights in and around Ubud
• Guided by Sindu, praised for his friendliness and knowledge
• Includes scenic views and adventure, like the jungle swing and waterfalls
• Good value at $77 per group for a full-day tour
• Entrance fees are extra, so plan for some additional costs

A Full Breakdown of What to Expect

Starting Bright and Early at Sacred Monkey Forest

The day kicks off at 8:00 am with pickup from your hotel, setting the tone for a relaxed yet exciting day ahead. The first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a lush area home to around 700 long-tailed macaques that roam freely among ancient temples and over 125 types of trees and plants. This site is a must-visit for both wildlife lovers and those interested in Bali’s spiritual heritage.

From reviews, we know visitors love the authenticity of the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved how the monkeys are in the wild and not in cages,” capturing the essence of observing these creatures in their natural habitat. Just keep in mind, admission isn’t included, so bring some cash if you want to explore the forest fully.

Exploring Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Next, a scenic 20-minute drive takes you north to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. This spot is often called the postcard image of Bali, with lush, layered paddies carved into the hillside. We appreciate how this stop offers an authentic look at Balinese farming life.

Here, you’ll have about an hour to walk the terraces, take photos, and maybe even try the swinging on traditional bamboo platforms. One reviewer noted, “It’s a great area to explore and capture stunning shots,” emphasizing its appeal to those looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of activity. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included—be prepared for a small extra fee if you decide to swing or explore more closely.

Sacred Water and Spirituality at Tirta Empul

From lush terraces, the journey continues to Tirta Empul Temple, a holy water temple near Tampaksiring. The main feature here is the spring water, believed to have purifying qualities, and many locals come for ritual baths.

Visitors have shared that guidance and respect for the rituals are important. One reviewer remarked, “Seeing how Balinese do their holy blessings was very enlightening,” adding an authentic cultural dimension to the tour. The admission fee is not included, so budget accordingly.

A Thrilling Swing Over the Green Valley

The highlight for many is the Satria Swing, a giant swing that offers incredible views of the surrounding rainforest valley. You’ll spend around an hour and a half here, enjoying the adrenaline rush and the spectacular scenery.

Unlike typical tours, this stop combines adventure with tranquility—a perfect photo opportunity and a fun break. The best part? The swing is free, but the lush environment and views are what make it a memorable experience. Reviewers raved about the friendly guides and the unspoiled environment—it’s clear this adds a special touch to the tour.

Refreshing Escape at Tegenungan Waterfall

Your final stop is the Tegenungan Waterfall, just a short drive away. It’s unique because it’s one of the few waterfalls in Bali that isn’t in highland territory, offering year-round access. The water’s clarity and the surrounding greenery make it ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Expect to spend about an hour and a half here, climbing stairs to get different vantage points and enjoying the lush environment. Reviewers appreciated the clean surroundings and the possibility to swim and cool off, which adds a refreshing end to the day. Again, entry isn’t included, so bring extra funds.

Practicalities and Value

Transportation and Comfort

You’ll travel in a private vehicle, which means no waiting around or sharing space with strangers—just your group and your friendly guide, Sindu. According to reviews, Sindu is praised for his knowledge, friendly demeanor, and excellent English, making the experience more engaging and comfortable.

The tour starts at 8:00 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, especially since the entire day spans roughly 9.5 hours. The tour caters well to those with moderate physical fitness, considering the walking, stairs, and some climbing involved.

Price and What’s Included

At $77 per group, this tour offers solid value, especially considering it covers multiple iconic sites and includes private transport and bottled water. The sarong provided for temple visits is a nice touch, ensuring respectful attire at religious sites.

However, note that entrance fees for the monkey forest, rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall are not included, so you should budget for those separately. Some reviewers suggested that the extra costs are reasonable, given the sights and experiences.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviewers

From feedback, travelers appreciated Sindu’s deep knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer said, “He answered every question and made the trip very enjoyable,” highlighting the value of a guide who can bring the sites alive. Another mentioned, “We had a memorable day even with just a short visit,” emphasizing that the tour’s quality made a big impression despite the limited time.

The scenic views at the swing and waterfalls receive particular praise, with guests remarking on the beautiful rainforest valleys and breathtaking panoramas. These moments seem to be what make the experience stand out for many.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private Ubud tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive and personalized day out. It’s perfect if you’re after a balance of culture and natural beauty without feeling rushed. The guide’s local insights add depth to the experience, appealing to those who enjoy learning about Balinese life.

While it’s suitable for most physically fit travelers, those with mobility issues should note that some stops involve stairs and walking. The small group size and private transportation make it comfortable and flexible, especially if you value personalized service.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers excellent value for the price, considering the number of highlights included and the personalized service. You’ll visit Bali’s iconic sights such as the Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces, while also enjoying unique activities like the jungle swing and swimming at Tegenungan Waterfall.

The experience is guided by an expert who clearly loves sharing Bali’s treasures, which makes a difference in how memorable the day feels. While you’ll need to handle some extra costs for entrance fees, the overall experience strikes a great balance between affordability and authentic adventure.

If your goal is to see a variety of Ubud’s best spots comfortably and with local insight, this private tour is a solid choice—especially for those who value personalized service, scenic views, and cultural authenticity.

FAQs

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation and pickup from your hotel, making it convenient and comfortable to move between sites.

What is the starting time?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, giving you a full day of exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness, so some walking and climbing stairs are involved. Elderly travelers with mobility issues may find some parts challenging.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan Waterfall are not included and should be paid separately.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are around 1 to 1.5 hours, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can likely accommodate some personal preferences, but the listed stops are standard.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for entrance fees, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views.

This tour strikes a lovely balance between sightseeing, cultural discovery, and a touch of adventure. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a personalized, meaningful glimpse into Bali’s most loved sites without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.