Ubud's Cultural & Natural Essence: Barong Dance, Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces

Recommended by 99% of travelers

6/6/20254 min read

Itinerary: Ubud's Cultural & Natural Essence: Barong Dance, Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces

Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours (full-day tour) Tour Type: Private Car Tour with Professional Guide (or informative driver)

Overview: Immerse yourself in the heart of Bali's vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty on this captivating full-day tour. From mesmerizing traditional dances to playful monkey encounters, unique coffee tasting, and admiring iconic rice terraces and stunning waterfalls, this itinerary offers a complete and unforgettable Ubud experience.

Your Day's Journey:

Morning: Cultural Heritage & Balinese Arts

  • 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM: Convenient Hotel Pick-up

  • Your friendly local guide will pick you up directly from your hotel or villa. Enjoy a comfortable ride as we head towards the artistic and cultural heart of Bali.

  • 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Barong & Keris Dance Performance

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Admission: Payable on-site, not included (typically around IDR 150,000 - 200,000 per person)

  • Experience: Start your day by witnessing one of Bali's most dramatic and sacred traditional dances. This performance vividly depicts the eternal struggle between good (the Barong) and evil (Rangda), accompanied by captivating gamelan music and concluding with the thrilling Keris dance. It's a perfect introduction to Balinese mythology and beliefs.

  • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Luwak Coffee Tasting Experience

  • Duration: 45 minutes

  • Cost: Usually free for tasting several herbal coffees/teas; Luwak Coffee has an additional charge (approx. IDR 50,000 - IDR 100,000 per cup)

  • Experience: Visit a local coffee plantation to learn about the fascinating process of making world-renowned Luwak Coffee, one of the most unique and expensive coffees. You'll get to see the plantation, understand the production methods, and most importantly, sample various types of coffee and herbal teas, including the infamous Luwak Coffee (for an additional fee).

Midday: Nature Encounters & Scenic Landscapes

  • 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Experience: Explore this lush, sacred forest, home to hundreds of playful (but do be mindful!) long-tailed macaques. Wander among ancient trees, beautiful temples, and flowing streams. It's a unique opportunity to interact with nature and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. (Tip: Keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys.)

  • 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM: Tegalalang Rice Terraces

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Experience: Marvel at the iconic beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The sprawling, verdant rice paddies, intricately carved into the hillsides, are truly breathtaking. You can stroll along the terraces, capture incredible photos on the popular swings, or simply soak in the serene natural beauty.

Afternoon: Refreshing Waterfall & Return Journey

  • 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM: Tegenungan Waterfall

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Experience: Conclude your day with a refreshing visit to Tegenungan Waterfall. You can descend to the base of the waterfall to feel the spray, take a dip in the cool waters, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the cascading water and the surrounding lush jungle.

  • 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM: Comfortable Transfer Back to Accommodation

  • After a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences, you will be comfortably transported back to your hotel or villa.

Please Note:

  • This itinerary is flexible and can be customized to your preferences.

  • Travel times between locations may vary depending on traffic conditions.

  • Your guide will provide more detailed information about each location and assist you throughout the tour.

I hope this itinerary makes your Ubud trip even more exciting! Would you like to adjust or add anything else?

Ubud's Cultural & Natural Essence: Barong Dance, Monkey Forest & Rice Terraces

Ubud is the heart and soul of Bali, where lush nature meets vibrant art and serene spirituality. It's a place that truly captivates!

Here's why Ubud is so much fun and what you shouldn't miss:

Cultural & Spiritual Hotspots

  • Keris & Barong Dance (Ubud)

    Witness a captivating traditional Balinese dance performance that vividly portrays the eternal struggle between good (the Barong, a lion-like mythical creature) and evil (Rangda, the demon queen). With vibrant costumes, mesmerizing gamelan music, and dramatic movements, it's the perfect way to delve into Bali's rich mythology and culture, feeling the spiritual energy in every step.

Nature's Playground

  • Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)

    Step into this mystical, lush forest, home to hundreds of free-roaming long-tailed macaques living amidst ancient temples and towering banyan trees. Experience a unique adventure interacting directly with these playful yet mischievous primates in their natural habitat, while exploring sacred and highly photogenic temple complexes. It’s an experience that blends nature, culture, and a touch of wild excitement!

  • Luwak Coffee (Ubud)

    Uncover the secret behind one of the world's most expensive and unique coffees! Visit a coffee plantation in Ubud to witness firsthand the unusual production process of Luwak Coffee – involving civet cats. Enjoy a tasting experience of various aromatic local coffees and herbal teas, and if you're adventurous, sip a cup of the legendary Luwak Coffee for an unforgettable taste sensation.

  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Ubud)

    Let your eyes feast on the iconic beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a masterpiece of traditional Balinese agriculture. These emerald-green rice paddies, intricately carved into the hillsides, create mesmerizing geometric patterns, framing a view that is not only visually stunning but also reflects Bali's ingenious Subak irrigation system. It's perfect for breathtaking photos and soaking in the tranquil rural ambiance.

  • Tegenungan Waterfall (Ubud)

    Discover the refreshing power of Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls near Ubud. The powerful cascades tumble down into a clear natural pool, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. You can descend to the base for photos, feel the invigorating spray, or even take a swim if you wish. It’s a perfect spot to relax and immerse yourself in Bali's natural beauty.

What's Included?

✅ Convenient Pick-up & Drop-off from/to Your Accommodation (Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, etc. - please specify your area)

✅ Clean & Comfortable Air-Conditioned Vehicle

✅ Experienced & Friendly Driver

✅ Fuel Costs

✅ Parking Fees & Road Tolls

✅ Mineral Water

What's Not Included?

Attraction Entrance Fees: Batuan Village, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forrest, Tirta Empul*(Estimated total entrance fees per person are around $22 / Person)

Food & Drinks: Teba Sari Resto

❌ Personal Expenses & Tips

Pricing Options (Per Car/Group)

We offer comfortable private travel for your small group.

  • Standard Package (Max. 4 Adults)

  • (Price: Starting from $47 / car

  • (Perfect for couples, small families, or friends.)

  • Family/Group Package (Max. 12 Adults)

  • (Price: Starting from $90 / car

  • (Ideal for larger families or groups wanting to travel together.)

Recommended by 99% of travelers ★★★★★