Ubud Art, Monkey Forest & Rice Terrace Tour: 2025 Review

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Ubud and this specific day out has, like, caught your eye. That’s actually not surprising at all. The ‘Ubud Art, Monkey Forest and Rice Terrace Tour’ is pretty much a classic for a reason, you know. It more or less packages the three things people imagine when they picture Ubud. We went on this very tour just recently, so we could give you a real, boots-on-the-ground look at what the 2025 version is actually like. You basically get a little bit of culture, some nature stuff, and a seriously amazing view all in one day. But, is that combination the right kind of day for your holiday? Well, let’s get into what the day actually feels like, beyond the brochure description and stuff.

A Glimpse into Balinese Creativity and Craft

Okay, so the day usually starts with the “Art” part of the name. Now, this isn’t like your typical quiet, sterile art museum experience, not at all. Instead, it’s almost always a stop at one of Ubud’s artisan communities. For instance, our guide took us to a place famous for its work with wood. Frankly, watching the craftspeople was kind of mesmerizing. You see them take a simple hunk of wood and, you know, just start bringing a shape out of it with their tools. The amount of attention they put into every little cut is actually incredible. They don’t just make statues of gods; they also create really lovely household things and decorations, and so on.

You can literally feel the history in these workshops. The methods they use are pretty much the same ones their parents and grandparents used before them, which is a bit special. The guide was really good at explaining the stories behind some of the popular figures you see being carved, like Garuda. And by the way, there is absolutely no pressure to purchase anything. You can just sort of wander through, look at the finished pieces, and really take in the skill on show. As a matter of fact, it feels more like being invited into someone’s creative space than being in a shop. It’s a very calm and, in a way, respectful start to the whole experience, unlike some other tours that can feel a bit rushed.

Our tour also included a brief stop at a place for silver making, which was, honestly, just as interesting. The level of detail in the silver work is sort of mind-boggling. They make these delicate rings and pendants, and the people working there are just so focused. Of course, you get a chance to see how Balinese coffee is made too. They often have a little setup where they explain the process for Luwak coffee, for example. Honestly, this part of the trip is a very gentle and culturally rich introduction to the spirit of Ubud. You just get a better appreciation for the local way of life and the things people create with their hands. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (on this recommended booking site).

Meeting the Cheeky Residents of the Monkey Forest

Alright, so next up on the list is usually the main event for many people: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. First, let’s just be clear about this place. It is a really special location, and not just a zoo with some monkeys in it. It’s a conservation area and a spiritual spot, with some really old temples located deep inside its grounds. You feel that atmosphere as soon as you walk in, actually. The air is sort of humid and thick with the sounds of the forest, and everything is just so green. Giant Banyan tree roots snake over old stone dragon statues, and it’s almost like you’ve stepped into another world.

Now, about the main residents—the long-tailed macaques. There are, like, hundreds of them here, and they are pretty much the bosses of this place. They are seriously entertaining to watch. You’ll see little baby ones clinging to their mothers, and big adult ones just chilling out on the pathways, grooming each other like it’s a spa day. You are, of course, given clear instructions by your guide on how to behave. For example, you are told not to have any loose items like sunglasses on your head. As I was saying, these monkeys are very clever and a little bit naughty, so they will definitely try to grab anything that looks interesting.

You really need to just relax and follow the rules, and you’ll have a great time. So, just move calmly and don’t make eye contact, and pretty much everything will be fine. It’s their home, you know, we are just the people visiting.

Walking along the pathways, you can actually go down into a deep gorge where a stream flows. The whole area has these amazing, slightly mossy stone carvings and a really old bathing temple. It’s very photogenic. Honestly, the key to enjoying the Monkey Forest is to just respect the animals and their surroundings. We spent about an hour and a half there, which was basically the perfect amount of time. You get to see the monkeys doing their thing, walk through a truly stunning patch of jungle, and get a sense of the spiritual importance of the place without feeling rushed. It’s a stop that is genuinely memorable. Read our full review: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Review Full Review and Details]

That Iconic Rice Terrace View You’ve Seen Online

Finally, the tour typically finishes at what is arguably one of Bali’s most famous postcard spots: the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. And you know what? The pictures honestly don’t even capture the whole feeling of being there. The layers of green are just so incredibly intense. These terraces are a perfect demonstration of the traditional Balinese irrigation system called *subak*, which is, like, a UNESCO World Heritage thing. Seeing how these families have worked this land for centuries, sculpting the hillside into these beautiful, functional steps, is pretty amazing.

Your guide will likely take you to a spot with a great viewpoint. A lot of little cafes and warungs are set up along the edge of the valley, so you can just sit with a cool drink and absorb the view. As a matter of fact, it’s a really nice way to wind down after a day of walking around. For those who are a little more adventurous, you can actually walk down into the terraces. There’s a path, though it can be a bit steep and muddy in places. It’s so worth it, though. You get a totally different perspective from down among the rice paddies, looking up. You might even see a local farmer tending to the fields, which really sort of connects you to the place.

In this area, you will also see the famous Bali swings. So, if getting that iconic photo is on your list, this is your chance. You usually have to pay a little extra for a go on the swings, but they are right there. Even if you don’t go on a swing, just watching people soar out over the valley is quite a sight. We spent maybe an hour here, which felt right. It gave us enough time for photos, a leisurely walk, and just a few moments to sit in silence and appreciate the work and natural beauty all rolled into one. It’s a very peaceful and visually stunning end to the tour.

Practical Stuff: What to Wear and What to Expect

So, let’s talk about the practical side of this trip, because a little preparation makes everything way better. First, you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, some of it on uneven ground, so definitely wear comfortable shoes. I mean, trainers or good walking sandals are basically your best friends on this tour. The weather in Ubud can be pretty unpredictable; it’s often hot and sunny one minute and then a quick rain shower the next. So, wearing light, breathable clothing like cotton is a good idea. You might want to just toss a light rain jacket or a small umbrella into your bag, just in case.

You are going to be visiting temple areas inside the Monkey Forest, so it’s a matter of respect to have your shoulders and knees covered. Often, tours will provide a sarong for you to borrow, which is really helpful. Still, it’s not a bad idea to just wear longer shorts or a skirt anyway. Also, the sun is no joke here. So, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are pretty much non-negotiable items to bring along with you. It’s also really important to stay hydrated, so carry a reusable water bottle. Most guides will have a supply of cold water in the car, which is honestly a lifesaver.

You should also probably bring some cash. While some larger shops might take cards, the smaller stalls, cafes, and any little tips for your guide or driver will need to be in Indonesian Rupiah. Your tour fee basically covers your transport and your entrance tickets, but drinks, lunch, and any souvenirs are extra. Finally, just manage your own expectations about the monkeys. You can sometimes buy bananas to feed them, but listen very carefully to your guide about how to do it. Just be calm, and don’t try to hide the food because, well, they will definitely find it!

So, Is This Tour the Right Choice for Your Trip?

At the end of the day, deciding if this tour is a good fit is really a personal thing. If this is your first time in Ubud, then definitely, this tour is a fantastic choice. It more or less gives you a perfect little taste of everything that makes this part of Bali so special. You get that mix of culture, nature, and stunning scenery. It’s also super efficient. Trying to organize transport and tickets to all these places by yourself could be kind of a hassle, so having it all packaged for you is honestly very convenient, especially if your time is limited.

This trip is also really good for people who love photography. You get so many different kinds of photo opportunities, from the detailed crafts and characterful monkeys to the huge, sweeping landscapes of the rice terraces. However, if you’re the kind of person who really dislikes organized schedules and prefers to explore at your own, very slow pace, this might feel a little bit structured for you. While the guides are usually flexible, there is still a timetable to more or less follow.

Also, if you’re traveling with very small children, you might want to think about the Monkey Forest part. The monkeys are wild animals, and you just have to be pretty vigilant, which can be a little stressful with toddlers running around. In other words, it is perfectly manageable, but it’s something to keep in mind. Basically, for the vast majority of visitors, this tour hits a sweet spot. It’s an amazing, well-rounded introduction to the heart of Bali. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve really seen and experienced something authentically Balinese. Read our full review: [Ubud Bali Tour Review Full Review and Details].