Best of Bali Ubud Tour 2025: An Honest All-Inclusive Review

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Bali, right? And, you know, Ubud is pretty much on everyone’s list. I was in that exact spot a few months ago, honestly, just scrolling endlessly through pictures of green rice paddies and stone temples. The problem, as a matter of fact, was figuring out how to see everything without the stress of planning it all myself. That’s when I sort of stumbled upon the ‘Best of Bali Tour Ubud – All Inclusive’ for 2025. Frankly, the promise of seeing the highlights without renting a scooter or haggling with drivers was, like, incredibly appealing. It almost seemed too good to be true, you know?

Anyway, I decided to book it, thinking, well, what’s the worst that could happen? I wanted a day where everything was just handled, from the pickup to the food and all the tickets. This review, to be honest, is my genuine take on the whole day. It’s basically a brain dump of what I saw, what I felt, and whether this all-inclusive package actually delivers on its promise. I’m going to walk you through the day just as it happened, so you can sort of decide if it’s the right fit for your own Bali adventure. At the end of the day, a good tour can make your trip, and a bad one, well, you know. So let’s get into what this one was really like.

So, What Does ‘All-Inclusive’ Actually Mean on This Tour?

Alright, so first things first, let’s talk about the term ‘all-inclusive’ because, you know, it can mean different things. In this case, it was, like, surprisingly comprehensive. We got picked up right from our hotel lobby in a very comfortable, air-conditioned car, which, honestly, is a lifesaver in the Bali heat. Our guide, whose name was Wayan, was waiting for us, and he was basically our host for the entire day. The package apparently included the driver, the fuel, all the entrance fees to the places we visited, and even parking, which I guess is a thing. You can find more info about what is typically included in Ubud tours online. It’s actually a pretty big deal not having to fumble for cash at every stop.

As a matter of fact, lunch was also part of the deal. It wasn’t, you know, some fancy five-star meal, but it was a very satisfying local Indonesian lunch at a spot with a stunning view, which I’ll talk more about later. What wasn’t included, of course, were personal expenses. So, if you wanted to buy souvenirs at the market or, like, try one of those famous Bali swings, that was extra. I think that’s pretty standard, right? Honestly, I felt the pricing was really fair for what was provided. There were no surprise costs, which is always a fear of mine. They were very upfront about everything, which, you know, just makes for a much more relaxed day. It was sort of like having a local friend show you around for the day, and all you had to do was, well, show up.

A Spiritual Start at Tirta Empul Temple

So, our first official stop was the Tirta Empul Temple, and I mean, what a way to begin the day. This place is, you know, genuinely special. It’s a water temple, and its name literally means ‘holy spring’. The main attraction, obviously, is a long rectangular pool carved from stone, filled with koi fish and fed by a series of waterspouts. People, both locals and tourists, come here to perform a purification ritual called ‘melukat’. Just watching them go through the motions, dunking their heads under each spout, was kind of moving, you know? It’s actually a deeply spiritual place and you feel that almost immediately.

Our guide, Wayan, was just great here. He explained, in a very clear way, the whole story behind the temple, a legend about gods and kings which was really fascinating. He also guided us on how to properly enter the temple grounds, like, you have to wear a sarong, which they provide for you. We didn’t do the purification ritual ourselves, as it felt a bit like intruding, but many other tourists were. Wayan said it was okay as long as you’re respectful. To be honest, the air there smells like wet stone and incense, and it’s just very, very peaceful. It’s a great way to kind of decompress from the hustle of travel and connect with the more serene side of Bali. I’d really recommend looking into the spiritual significance of these spots before you go; it adds a whole other layer to the visit.

“Frankly, standing by those purification pools at Tirta Empul, you just sort of feel a calm wash over you. It’s a bit hard to describe, but it’s definitely a powerful feeling and sets a really unique tone for the rest of your day.”

I think what I liked most was that it didn’t feel like a typical tourist trap, even with other groups around. The temple grounds are pretty big, so you can find a quiet corner to just sit and take it all in. You can literally see the sacred spring bubbling up from the ground in another section of the temple, a pool of crystal-clear water. It’s just a little bit magical, you know? It’s not about flashy sights; it’s about the atmosphere. It sort of makes you pause and think, which is something I wasn’t really expecting from a packaged tour. Honestly, this stop alone almost made the tour worth it for me.

The Breathtaking Views from Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Okay, so after the calm of the temple, the next stop was something else entirely: the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. You have definitely seen pictures of this place; it’s basically Bali’s postcard shot. And you know what? It’s even more incredible in person. The sheer greenness of it all is, like, almost overwhelming. These terraces are carved into the side of a valley, creating this series of cascading steps that are just completely perfect. It’s an ancient irrigation system called ‘subak’, which our guide explained is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can basically explore some amazing historical places in Bali that are part of this system.

Frankly, this place is made for photos. Every corner you turn, there’s another view that just seems impossibly beautiful. We spent a good amount of time just walking along the paths, going a little bit down into the valley. A heads-up, though: it can be a bit muddy and the steps can be steep in places, so, you know, wear some sensible shoes. You’ll also find lots of little cafes perched on the edge of the valley, which are a great place to just grab a cold drink and soak in the view. It’s very much a popular spot, so it’s a bit busy, but at the end of the day, it’s popular for a reason. It’s just one of those places you have to see for yourself.

Now, let’s talk about the swings. All along the ridge, there are these giant swings that, you know, fly you out over the valley. It looks absolutely terrifying and thrilling all at once. This isn’t included in the tour price, but it’s an option if you’re feeling adventurous. I, personally, am a little scared of heights, so I was happy just to watch. But the pictures people get are pretty epic, to be honest. Instead of the swing, I just found a quiet spot, bought a fresh coconut, and just sat. The sounds of the jungle, the sight of farmers tending to the rice paddies, it’s all very, very immersive. It is sort of a must-do, but you just have to be prepared for the crowds and the commercial side of it, with all the swings and photo spots.

Meeting the Locals at the Ubud Art Market

Alright, moving on from nature, our next stop was right in the heart of Ubud town, at the famous Ubud Art Market. This place is, you know, a completely different kind of sensory experience. It’s a labyrinth of stalls overflowing with handicrafts. You’ll find beautiful silk scarves, handmade woven bags, wooden statues, silver jewelry, and just so much more. The colors and textures are just everywhere. As a matter of fact, it’s located right opposite the Ubud Royal Palace, so the location is pretty central and easy to find if you ever go on your own. For anyone looking for gifts, exploring the best markets in Bali is kind of a required activity.

This is where your haggling skills come into play. It’s just part of the culture here, and it’s all done in a pretty friendly way. The first price they give you is almost never the final price. Our guide gave us a quick tip: basically, be polite, have a price in your mind, and be willing to walk away. More often than not, they’ll call you back with a better offer. I’m honestly not the best haggler, but I gave it a shot. I ended up buying a really pretty hand-painted sarong after a bit of back-and-forth. It’s a fun interaction, and you get to chat with the local sellers who are, for the most part, incredibly nice and smiley. It feels a lot more personal than just buying something in a fixed-price shop.

I really think you could spend hours just wandering through here. Even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s just a fascinating place to people-watch and see the local craftsmanship up close. A lot of the items are made in the surrounding villages, so it feels like you’re supporting the local community directly. Frankly, I found a little stall selling these amazing mosaic bowls and spent ages just talking to the woman who ran it. She showed me how they were made and stuff. It’s those little moments, you know, that kind of stick with you. The tour gave us plenty of free time here, so it didn’t feel rushed at all, which I was pretty happy about.

A Walk on the Wild Side: The Ubud Monkey Forest

So, after the market, we headed to what was probably the most anticipated stop for me: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. And, well, it absolutely did not disappoint. You literally walk through a gate and, you know, you’re in this ancient-looking jungle full of temples and enormous banyan trees with vines hanging down. And obviously, there are monkeys. Everywhere. There are hundreds of long-tailed macaques just roaming freely, playing, grooming each other, and generally being very curious about the humans walking through their home. It is seriously like stepping into a movie.

Now, our guide gave us a very important briefing before we went in. He was like, basically, don’t bring any food, keep your bags zipped up, and avoid direct eye contact, as it can be seen as a challenge. He told us a few funny stories about people losing their sunglasses. I was a little bit nervous at first, to be honest. But the monkeys are, for the most part, just doing their own thing. It’s fascinating to just watch them interact. You’ll see tiny baby monkeys clinging to their mothers and big, stern-looking males keeping watch. For people interested in wildlife, there are some great guides to experiencing Bali’s nature safely. I’m glad we had a guide to give us the rundown first.

“You know, you’re walking on this path, and a monkey just casually saunters past you, completely unfazed. It’s a strange and really cool feeling. You are definitely a guest in their home, and it’s pretty amazing to witness.”

The sanctuary itself is just beautiful, apart from the monkeys. There are these moss-covered stone dragon bridges and ancient temples deep within the forest that add to the mystical atmosphere. It feels very old and sacred. The whole place is well-maintained with clear paths, so it’s very easy to walk around. Frankly, the whole experience was just pure fun. We spent about an hour there, and it was the perfect amount of time to see everything without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a definite must-do in Ubud, just be smart about it and listen to the rules, you know? It’s a unique encounter you won’t forget anytime soon.

Lunch With a View: The All-Inclusive Culinary Stop

Alright, so by this point in the day, we were getting pretty hungry. The ‘all-inclusive’ part of the tour, as I mentioned, included lunch, and I was very curious to see what it would be like. Wayan drove us to this restaurant that was sort of off the main road, a place you’d probably never find on your own. It was an open-air spot that looked out over, you guessed it, more beautiful rice paddies. Honestly, the view alone was worth the stop. It was just so incredibly peaceful and scenic. The quality of restaurants included in Bali tours can be hit or miss, so this was a really pleasant surprise.

The food itself was, you know, really solid. They offered us a choice between a few classic Indonesian dishes. I went for the Nasi Goreng, which is a fried rice dish, and it came with a fried egg on top, some chicken satay skewers, and prawn crackers. It was really tasty and just what I needed. It felt like a proper, authentic local meal rather than some generic tourist buffet, which I appreciated. They also gave us a fresh fruit juice. At the end of the day, it was simple, it was delicious, and it was served in a location that was just drop-dead gorgeous. We just sat there, eating and looking out at the green landscape, feeling very, very content.

I think including lunch is a really smart part of the tour. It breaks up the day perfectly and means you don’t have to waste time trying to find a decent place to eat in an area you don’t know. You can just relax and refuel before the afternoon’s activities. The restaurant staff were super friendly too. This little lunch break, frankly, was one of the hidden gems of the tour. It felt less like a scheduled stop and more like our guide was taking us to his favorite local spot, which was a really nice touch. It was just another example of how the day felt pretty personal and well thought out.

The Final Stop: A Refreshing Visit to Tegenungan Waterfall

Okay, so our final destination on this jam-packed day was the Tegenungan Waterfall. After a day of temples and markets, this felt like the perfect way to cool off. This waterfall is not one of those hidden ones; it’s quite popular and well-developed with shops and cafes at the top. To get to the waterfall itself, you have to walk down a pretty long flight of concrete steps. Going down is easy, of course, but just remember you have to come back up. It’s a bit of a workout, to be honest, but definitely manageable.

And then you see it. It’s a really powerful waterfall, with a huge volume of water thundering down into a plunge pool below. The sound is just incredible, a constant roar that sort of drowns everything else out. You can feel the spray in the air as you get closer. There’s a main viewing area that’s great for photos, and you can also climb over some rocks to get closer to the pool. A lot of people were swimming, and it looked so refreshing. I just dipped my feet in, and the water was really cool and clean. Exploring natural wonders like this is, for me, a key part of what makes a Bali trip so memorable.

Frankly, it was a great final stop. It’s just pure, raw nature and a very different vibe from the other places we visited. It rounded out the day nicely, giving us a taste of yet another side of Bali’s diverse landscape. We probably spent about an hour here, which was enough time to walk down, take pictures, and just enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. By the time we walked back up those stairs, we were definitely feeling tired, but in a good way. It was the kind of satisfying exhaustion you feel after a day full of new experiences. As a matter of fact, ending on this high note, with the image of that powerful waterfall in our minds, felt just right.

The Guide and The Ride: Was It Actually Comfortable?

Now, I have to talk about two things that can honestly make or break a private tour: the guide and the vehicle. And in this case, both were, like, totally on point. The car, as I said, was a modern, clean SUV with really good air conditioning. In Bali’s humidity, this is not a small detail; it’s basically a necessity. We had plenty of space, and it was just a really comfortable way to get from place to place. The driver was also very safe and knew all the back roads, so we didn’t get stuck in too much traffic, which was a huge plus.

But the real star of the day was our guide, Wayan. He wasn’t just a driver; he was, you know, a storyteller, a photographer, and a fantastic source of information. He spoke English perfectly and had this really warm, easygoing personality that made us feel comfortable right away. He knew the answer to every question we had, from the deep history of the temples to little things, like what a certain fruit was called. Choosing a tour with a knowledgeable local is probably the best tip for getting the most out of your visit. It really changes the whole experience.

“To be honest, having a great guide like Wayan transformed the day from a simple sightseeing trip into a real learning experience. He connected the dots between the places we saw and the Balinese culture, which was just priceless.”

He also seemed to genuinely love his job and his island, and that enthusiasm was infectious. He’d point out little things along the drive, like a ceremony happening in a village or a specific type of tree. He also knew all the best spots for photos and was more than happy to be our personal photographer. At the end of the day, a tour is just a list of places, but a great guide brings those places to life. It didn’t feel like we were just being shuttled around; it felt like we were being shown around by a friend. Honestly, the human element of this tour was a solid 10 out of 10.

My Final Thoughts: Is This Ubud Tour for You?

So, at the end of the day, would I recommend the ‘Best of Bali Tour Ubud – All Inclusive’? Honestly, for the right kind of traveler, it’s an absolute yes. If this is your first time in Bali, or if you’re on a tight schedule, this tour is, like, incredibly efficient and stress-free. You get to see a massive amount of Ubud’s top sights in a single day without any of the logistical headaches. The convenience is just unmatched. You basically get a perfect snapshot of Ubud’s culture, nature, and spirituality. You can find many different kinds of Ubud day trips for your 2025 holiday, but this one’s strength is its fantastic balance.

This tour is pretty much perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers who want security and comfort. It’s for people who value having a knowledgeable local guide to provide context and answer questions. On the other hand, if you’re a hardcore backpacker on a super tight budget or someone who loves to explore randomly and get lost for hours in one spot, then a structured tour like this might feel a little restrictive, you know? It’s not for the traveler who wants to spend five hours meditating at the temple, for example