Private Full Day Tour to Ubud Highlights with Giant Swing

Ubud’s best-known sights come with a clever twist here: you get a private car and a full day to mix temples, forest, rice fields, a waterfall, and the much-photographed Bali giant swing. There is no shared group schedule to slow you down, and the driver can adjust the order of stops when needed.

I like the private transportation, especially for a long day that covers several places in central Bali. I also like that swing photos are taken with your own mobile phone, so you do not have to buy a separate photo package. The main catch is the pace: five stops in seven to eight hours leaves limited time at each one, and lunch is not included.

Key Points Before You Book

• Sangeh Monkey Forest: Walk beneath huge pala trees, see playful monkeys, and visit three old temples in a sacred forest setting.
• Picheaven Bali Swing: Two hours are set aside for the main swing plus smaller swings, nests, beds, and staged photo areas.
• Private day out: Your group has its own air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking driver-guide, fuel, parking, and admission fees included.
• Water and swim stops: Bring your own bottle, snacks, towel, and spare clothes because lunch and bottled water are not included.
• Tirta Empul: Watch or take part in the purification bathing ritual, with guidance from your driver or temple staff.
• Best for ages 7 to 60: The tour is not recommended for people with asthma, epilepsy, or a fear of heights.

Why This Private Ubud Route Works Well

This is a sightseeing-heavy day built around variety. In one outing, you move from a monkey forest to a photo attraction, then on to rice terraces, a working Hindu water temple, and a waterfall. That mix makes sense if you have limited time in Bali and want more than one type of experience.

The private setup is the real practical advantage. You are not waiting for people from several hotels, and your driver can allow extra time at a stop or adjust the schedule. Previous outings with drivers such as Rian, Yogi, Wayan, and Ketut Agus were praised for prompt pickup, careful driving, patience, and flexibility. Those details matter on Bali roads, where a calm driver and a clean car can make a long day much easier.

The schedule is still ambitious. Each stop is planned for about an hour, except the swing, which gets two hours. That is enough for a taste of every place, but not enough for a slow exploration of Ubud. If you want long walks through the rice terraces or extended time at the waterfall, you may need to choose fewer stops with your driver.

The advertised price is $73 per person. That includes private transport, the driver-guide, parking, fuel surcharge, admission fees, and the swing photo service using your phone. For a private full-day outing, that can be good value, particularly for a small group that would otherwise arrange several transfers and entry tickets separately. Remember to budget for lunch, drinks, and the optional swing dress rental, which costs $20 per dress.

Sangeh Monkey Forest Beneath the Pala Trees

The first stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest, a sacred wooded area known for its tall pala trees and resident monkeys. The forest has three ancient temples and serves local spiritual, educational, economic, and tree-conservation roles. That gives the stop more substance than a simple animal encounter.

You will walk along shaded paths while watching monkeys, lizards, and butterflies among the trees. The cool forest air and heavy canopy provide a welcome break from the heat, especially early in the day. Plan to keep your belongings secure and follow instructions from your driver or local staff around the monkeys.

One hour is a sensible introduction, though you will not see every corner at a leisurely pace. I like this opening because it starts the day with nature and local religious life rather than sending you straight to a staged photo stop. The monkeys are entertaining, but the temples and old trees are the reason to give this place your attention.

Two Hours at Picheaven Bali Swing

The swing is the tour’s main photo stop, and two hours gives you time to do more than one quick ride. The headline attraction sends you over a canyon and green valley, while staff help with poses and take pictures using your mobile phone.

You also have access to a long list of smaller photo setups:

• Tandem bench swing
• Libra Swing
• Romantic bed swing
• Jungle bed
• Egg nest
• Onion nest
• Titanic photo spot
• Jungle stone
• Heart nest
• Bird nest
• Stairs to Heaven

This is a highly arranged experience rather than a quiet nature stop. If you enjoy taking photos, changing poses, and trying several unusual sets, the two-hour visit will feel useful. If you are uneasy with heights or dislike staged pictures, it may feel like too much time devoted to one attraction.

The optional dress rental costs $20. It is not part of the tour price, so bring your own outfit if you want to avoid that extra charge. Light, comfortable clothing is best, and you should remember that the day also includes a waterfall where you may want to swim.

The staff photographer uses your phone, which is a practical touch. You keep the images on your own device rather than needing to manage a separate camera service. Make sure your phone has enough storage and battery before this stop.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Choice to Walk

Tegalalang Rice Terrace provides the classic Bali view of green paddies, coconut trees, and stepped fields. You can take a short walk among the terraces or stay at a viewpoint and enjoy the scene without committing to a longer route.

This stop is deliberately flexible. A short walk lets you see how the terraces change as you move through them, while the viewpoint works better if you are tired from the swing or want to protect your legs for the waterfall. I appreciate that the plan does not force one level of activity on everyone.

Allow about an hour. That is enough for photos and a brief walk, but not for a long agricultural tour. Paths through rice terraces can involve uneven ground and slopes, so comfortable shoes are more useful than stylish footwear here. The tour description does not promise a meal at the terrace, so do not count on this stop for lunch.

Tirta Empul and the Meaning of Purification

Tirta Empul is the most culturally important stop on the route. The temple is built around a bubbling spring, with purification pools, baths, and fish ponds that flow toward the Pakerisan River. You can watch Hindu devotees perform ritual bathing and see how the temple remains an active place of worship.

You may also try the purification ritual yourself. Take guidance from your driver or temple authority before entering the baths, since the formal sequence is intended for pilgrims and devotees. This is a moment to slow down, dress respectfully, and treat the ritual as a religious practice rather than a photo opportunity.

The planned visit lasts about an hour. That gives you time to observe the spring and temple grounds, with the option of participating if appropriate. I consider this stop the strongest counterpoint to the swing. The swing is built for pictures; Tirta Empul asks you to pay attention to Bali’s living Hindu traditions.

Because this is a temple, modest clothing and respectful behavior are important. The supplied information does not specify a separate clothing requirement, so ask your driver if you are unsure. A light cover-up in your day bag is a sensible precaution.

Tegenungan Waterfall for a Final Swim

The final stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, reached by walking down a trail beyond the shops. The route gives you views into a green valley, with the waterfall as the focal point. Several photo spots along the way add another chance for pictures before you reach the water.

You can swim if conditions and your comfort level allow, or simply enjoy the view. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. This is one reason the tour’s packing advice matters: after a swim, sitting in damp clothing for the ride back is no fun.

The walk down and back requires some effort, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility or are already tired. The tour is generally intended for ages 7 to 60, and most people can take part, but the supplied guidance specifically advises against joining if you have asthma, epilepsy, or acrophobia.

An hour is enough to reach the waterfall, take photographs, and perhaps swim briefly. It is not a long nature hike. If the waterfall is your top priority, you may wish you had more time, but its position at the end gives the day a pleasant active finish.

The Driver Makes the Difference

Your English-speaking driver-guide handles transport, parking, fuel, and the day’s basic coordination. The strongest practical reports describe drivers who were organized, careful, friendly, and willing to stop when a group wanted to see or buy something. One driver, Ketut Agus, was praised for safe driving, patience, and keeping a group comfortable when activities ran over schedule.

That flexibility is useful, but it should not be confused with unlimited time. You still have five planned stops in a seven to eight-hour day. Tell your driver early if the waterfall, temple, or rice terrace matters most to you, so the schedule can be adjusted sensibly.

Do not assume bottled water is supplied. One past customer expected it, but the operator clarified that water was not included and that the driver could stop at a convenience store. Bring your own bottle or keep petty cash ready for drinks and snacks.

Lunch is also not included. The itinerary leaves space for a meal, but no restaurant or lunch menu is specified. Ask your driver about timing at the start of the day, especially if you have children or need regular food breaks.

What to Pack for a Long Bali Day

You will be more comfortable with a small day bag containing:

• Light, comfortable clothes
• A swimsuit and change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A cap or hat
• Water and snacks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your phone and camera
• Petty cash

The day combines shade, open viewpoints, temple grounds, trails, and water. Dress for heat, but carry something suitable for a temple visit. A waterproof pouch can also help protect your phone around the waterfall.

The swing dress is optional and costs $20 to rent. You do not need it to take part, and bringing your own colorful outfit may be a better value if photographs are important to you.

Who Should Book This Tour

I would choose this outing if you want a private, efficient introduction to several major Ubud-area attractions. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who prefer their own vehicle and want a driver who can adjust the pace.

It is especially useful for people who want a strong photo component. The swing includes multiple setups and staff assistance, while the rice terraces, temple, forest, and waterfall provide very different backdrops. Families should note the stated age range of 7 to 60.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, slow day focused on temples or countryside walks. The swing takes two hours, and the route has five stops. People with asthma, epilepsy, or a fear of heights should not book this experience according to the supplied safety guidance.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if your ideal Bali day includes plenty of variety, private transport, and lots of photographs. The strongest value comes from combining admission fees, a driver-guide, parking, fuel, and swing photography in one $73 package.

Skip it if you would rather spend half a day at one temple or walk slowly through the countryside. For everyone else, this is a practical way to cover Ubud’s popular sights without driving yourself or waiting for a shared group. Bring water, plan for lunch, and tell the driver which stop matters most to you.

FAQ

How long does the private Ubud tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours.

What is included in the $73 price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, fuel surcharge, parking fees, an English-speaking driver-guide, admission fees, and a professional photographer at the Bali Swing using your mobile phone.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should bring snacks and ask the driver about arranging time for a meal.

Is bottled water provided?

Bottled water is not included. You can bring your own or stop at a convenience store to buy drinks.

Can I swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?

Yes, you can take a dip at the waterfall if you wish. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes.

Is the swing dress included?

No. A dress for the swing and photographs is available to rent for $20 per dress.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.