Mud, Monkeys, and Rice Terraces: A Day Racing Through Ubud’s Wild Heart
Drive hard, eat well, and meet Bali’s monkeys—an active day that balances adrenaline with culture.
You punch the throttle and the jungle answers. Dirt sprays the undercarriage, the buggy leans into a tight berm, and for a few minutes the rest of Bali — the temples, the scooters, the ever-present hum of tourists — collapses into a single line of track. The 4.5‑kilometer lap is short on pretense and long on momentum: ruts that sculpt your steering, sudden cambers that ask you to commit, and a canopy that coughs sunlight down to the trail. This is not a nature walk. It’s a mechanical conversation with the island, and the jungle talks back.
Trail Wisdom
Expect a Safety Briefing
Listen closely to the pre-drive instructions and helmet fitting — most incidents start with ignored directions.
Secure Loose Items
Sunglasses, phones, and hats need straps or pockets; the track loves to eject goods.
Respect the Monkeys
Do not feed or tease macaques; keep belts, bags, and food hidden when walking through the forest.
Hydrate and Pace Yourself
Bring water for the day—tropical heat plus adrenaline uses more fluids than you expect.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short walk past the main Tegalalang viewpoints to quieter terraces and family-run cafes
- •Small artisan chocolate stalls in central Ubud where makers will explain local cacao sourcing
Wildlife
Long‑tailed macaque, A variety of tropical birds like kingfishers and bulbuls in the rice-terrace margins
Conservation Note
Support local guides and stay on established tracks; the subak terraces rely on careful water management, so avoid contaminating irrigation channels and pack out all trash.
Ubud grew as a center for arts and culture in the early 20th century and is situated within a landscape shaped by Bali’s subak water‑management system.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds, Lush jungle after rains
Challenges: Occasional wet trails, Higher humidity
Spring can be transitional—vegetation is vibrant and the track may be damp from intermittent rains, making traction lively but manageable.
summer
Best for: Dry trails, Clear views of rice terraces
Challenges: Hot mid-day sun, Peak tourist season in July–August
Summer (dry season) offers stable track conditions and good visibility for photographing terraces, though expect stronger sun and more day‑trip traffic.
fall
Best for: Comfortable temperatures, Good daylight for photos
Challenges: Late-season showers possible, Variable trail slipperiness
Fall keeps the dry-season feel longer in many years; mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for both driving and sightseeing.
winter
Best for: Cultural events and temple ceremonies, Lusher rice paddies during wet spells
Challenges: Heavier rains and muddier tracks, Potential schedule adjustments
Winter is the wet season—expect mud, slower lap times, and dramatic cloudscapes above the terraces; check cancellation and rescheduling options.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
Protects feet from mud and gives grip when climbing in and out of the buggy.
Sunglasses with strapEssential
Keeps eyes safe from sun and debris; a strap prevents losing them on the track.
Light waterproof jacket
Useful during sudden tropical showers and for cooler mornings in the jungle.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated through driving and sightseeing keeps energy up across the full day.
Common Questions
Do I need a driver’s license to drive the buggy?
No formal driver’s license is required; the operator provides a safety briefing and basic instructions. The tour expects competent control of a vehicle, so be realistic about comfort behind the wheel.
Are the buggies single or double-seater?
Most operators run single-seat buggies for individual drivers and tandem options for passengers; confirm when booking if you prefer a passenger seat.
Is the Sacred Monkey Forest entry included?
Entrance fees for the Monkey Forest are typically paid locally; the tour usually handles logistics but verify whether the fee is included in your booking price.
What is the cancellation policy?
This product offers free cancellation (check your booking for time limits). Because it’s a private tour with instant confirmation, there may be cutoffs for same‑day changes.
Will I need cash?
Yes—carry small Indonesian rupiah notes for local purchases, tips, and entrance fees that may not be covered by the tour price.
Is this appropriate for children?
Many operators allow older children as passengers; age and height limits vary, and the track can be rough, so check the operator’s policy and consider tandem seating for younger kids.
What to Pack
Sunglasses with strap (keeps them on during laps); closed-toe shoes (mud protection and grip); small daypack with water and sunblock (staying hydrated and protected); cash in local currency (local fees and tips)
Did You Know
The rice terraces around Ubud are part of Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural landscape reflecting the island’s unique water‑management community practices.
Quick Travel Tips
Book during the dry season for cleaner tracks; bring small rupiah notes for local fees; arrive with comfortable, non‑slick shoes; follow guides’ instructions around macaques to avoid bites or thefts.
Local Flavor
Finish your day with a meal in central Ubud—try nasi campur or babi guling at a local warung, grab a strong Balinese coffee at a café like Seniman, and if you want an evening beer, pick up a cold Bintang while you watch a traditional dance at Ubud Palace.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ngurah Rai (DPS), ~1–1.5 hours drive to Ubud; Typical pickup: hotel transfer included; Cell service: good in Ubud town, patchy on remote jungle track; Permits/fees: Monkey Forest entrance paid locally, no special permits required for the buggy track.
Sustainability Note
This area relies on fragile irrigation systems and wildlife habitats—avoid feeding monkeys, stay on designated paths, and pack out all trash to support local conservation.