Bali Pura Taman Ayun Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Excursion

Planning a day to see Bali’s iconic sights can be a balancing act—between capturing incredible views, learning about the culture, and dealing with the crowds. This tour promises to tick all those boxes, offering visits to three of Bali’s most photogenic and culturally significant spots. It’s an attractively priced experience at around $66.67 per person, with a balance of nature, history, and wildlife—ideal for those who want a rich, yet manageable, day out.

What we really like about this excursion is how it combines diverse sights in a single day: from the royal Taman Ayun Temple with its intricate carvings and protective moats, to the cheeky monkeys at Sangeh Monkey Forest, and finishing with the breathtaking Tanah Lot Sunset Temple. Plus, the included snacks and the scenic rice paddies en route give it a local flavor that feels genuine and satisfying.

One thing to keep in mind is that, based on reviews, the tour can sometimes run long or feel rushed, especially if traffic jams throw a wrench into the schedule. Also, the Monkey Forest itself isn’t a pristine natural habitat; some reviewers note it’s a bit touristy and the facilities could be better maintained. Nonetheless, for travelers eager to see Bali’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers strong value.

This experience suits those who enjoy a mix of cultural sights, wildlife encounters, and stunning vistas—perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a quick, rundown of Bali’s must-see attractions.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Visit three very different sites—temples, monkey forest, and rice terraces—within one day.
• Good value: At $66.67, it includes transportation, entry fees, snacks, and guided insights.
• Small group benefits: Guided by a licensed, English-speaking guide, often with personalized attention.
• Timing considerations: Starting at 12:30 pm, expect a long day that can stretch into the evening, especially with traffic.
• Authentic snacks: Sample traditional fried tapioca and sweet potato, adding a local touch.
• Potential crowds: Popular spots like Tanah Lot can be busy, so arrive early for the best views.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Convenience and Transportation

The tour offers round-trip transfers from most hotels in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a relief after wandering under Bali’s tropical sun. The pickup time is mid-afternoon at 12:30 pm, which works well if you want a relaxed start or are combining this with some morning activities.

Having a group size capped at 99 means it’s not overly crowded, but many reviews emphasize the benefit of a more intimate experience—especially at the less touristy Monkey Forest where a private guide can make a big difference. Some guests, however, felt the day was a bit hurried due to traffic jams, with one review noting nearly six hours on the road.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Sangeh Monkey Forest – About an hour here. The forest is home to hundreds of macaques, and you’re encouraged to feed them bananas, which many find a highlight. Reviewers love the close encounters, with one noting “lots of monkeys vying for bananas” and appreciating the calmer, more peaceful environment compared to other monkey parks. However, some mention the forest isn’t pristine and feels a bit commercialized; a guide carries a stick to ward off aggressive monkeys, which is a common safety feature.

Stop 2: Taman Ayun Temple – Around an hour here. This royal temple, built in 1634, is a picturesque complex surrounded by a moat, with multi-tiered shrines and elaborate wooden gates. It offers a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual architecture. A reviewer praised the intricate carvings and the peaceful ponds, saying it’s “a feast for the eyes.” The short walk through rice paddies en route provides a chance to see Bali’s agricultural landscape, with guest comments highlighting the lush fields of sweet potatoes and tapioca. The included snack—fried tapioca and sweet potato—serves as a tasty refreshment, appreciated as authentic and simple.

Stop 3: Tanah Lot Temple – The finale, with about an hour at sunset. The 16th-century offshore temple perched on a lava rock formation is arguably Bali’s most famous sunset spot. Visitors love the dramatic black lava towers and the panoramic ocean views. Reviews mention arriving near sunset, which sometimes means crowds, but the scenery is spectacular. The tide pools and rocky formations add to the allure, especially for photographers. Some guests wish they had arrived earlier for a quieter experience, but most agree it’s worth the effort.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers admission fees, transportation, and snacks—which adds a lot of value. The guided commentary enhances the experience, providing context about each site. However, food and beverages outside of the snacks are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to eat at the temples or nearby eateries.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Many reviews praise the inclusion of local snacks and the chance to see rice paddies, which bring an authentic touch to the day. A guest noted the added bonus of visiting a coffee plantation, where they could see how Luwak coffee is made and even pet a tame mongoose, although this is not part of the primary itinerary.

Guides and Tour Quality

Guides like Darta and others are generally rated highly, with many guests appreciating their knowledge and friendliness—“informative and patient,” as one reviewer put it. However, some critics mention guides who were still learning English or seemed a bit rushed, which can affect the overall vibe.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The main positive points include stunning sights, good value, and friendly guides. The snacks and scenic rice paddies add a personal touch. On the flip side, traffic delays can make the day longer than expected, and crowds at Tanah Lot sometimes overwhelm visitors. The Monkey Forest can feel touristy, and some reviews mention pushy vendors and guides who try to upsell or pressure purchases.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive Bali overview without the hassle of planning individual sites. It’s great for wildlife lovers eager to see monkeys up close, as well as those interested in Bali’s temples and royal architecture. If you’re comfortable with a longer day and potential crowds, this tour offers good value and memorable sights in a single package.

However, if you prefer more secluded experiences or a slower pace, you might want to explore individual sites independently or look for private tours with fewer stops.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In a nutshell, this Bali tour combines cultural discovery, wildlife encounters, and scenic vistas for a fair price. The guides’ knowledge and the inclusion of snacks and transportation make it convenient and engaging. You’ll get to see some of Bali’s most popular landmarks, but should also be prepared for crowds and traffic—especially at Tanah Lot.

For travelers who thrive on diversity and engaging with local environments, this tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed day. It’s especially suited for those new to Bali who want to tick several boxes—temples, monkeys, rice terraces—in one go, without worrying about logistics.

If you’re a curious traveler, eager to absorb Bali’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, this experience is likely to leave you with plenty of great memories—just keep your camera ready and your patience in check.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transportation from most hotels in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 8 hours, starting at 12:30 pm and returning later in the evening, depending on traffic.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you will enjoy traditional snacks like fried tapioca and sweet potato during the rice paddy stop.

What is the best time to see Tanah Lot?
Most guests arrive in the late afternoon to catch the sunset, which is the highlight of this site. However, it can be crowded during peak sunset hours.

Is the Monkey Forest worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like monkeys. The Sangeh Monkey Forest is less touristy than others, and you’ll get close to macaques in a peaceful setting, but some reviewers note it’s not in perfect condition.

How busy is Tanah Lot?
It can be very crowded, particularly during sunset, so arriving early or later in the afternoon might give you a better experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Aside from the tour fee, there are no mandatory additional charges, but vendors at the sites might try to sell souvenirs or snacks.

This tour offers a well-organized way to see Bali’s highlights in a single day, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting to maximize their limited time. With a mix of cultural insight, wildlife fun, and awe-inspiring views, it’s a solid option—just be prepared for crowds and traffic!