Bali: ATV Gorilla Cave, Ubud Monkey Forest, & Waterfall Tour

Mud, monkeys, caves, and cool water make a lively Bali day. This tour combines a roughly 105-minute ATV ride through village scenery, jungle paths, streams, tunnels, and the Gorilla Cave with time at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest and Tegenungan Waterfall. I like the strong mix of action and nature, and I like that hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, and insurance are included. The main drawback is time: long drives between stops can leave the waterfall visit feeling brief.

I also like the personal service built into the day. Drivers such as Adi, Bayu, Agung, Dika, Win, and Ketoot have been praised for being punctual, friendly, safe, and willing to take photos. Still, the ride is not a gentle sightseeing trip. Mud, puddles, streams, and uneven ground make the ATV section physically demanding, especially if you choose a single quad bike.

Key points to know before booking

• The ATV ride is the main event: Expect mud, jungle, rivers, tunnels, hills, and the Gorilla Cave over about 105 minutes.
• Single or tandem quads are available: A tandem ATV can suit couples or anyone unsure about driving alone.
• The day includes three very different stops: Action at the ATV center, wildlife and temples at Monkey Forest, then swimming and photos at Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Hotel pickup covers many Bali areas: Pickup and drop-off are offered from locations around Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.
• Bring clothes you can sacrifice to mud: Boots and safety equipment are provided, but you will still want sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, and dry clothes.
• The strongest feature is the guide service: Drivers often handle the day with warmth, patience, safe driving, and helpful photo stops.

A $53 day with plenty packed in

At $53 per person, this tour offers good value if you want several Bali activities in one booking. The price includes hotel transport, an English-speaking driver, a single or tandem ATV, lunch, mineral water, insurance, and admission to both the Monkey Forest and Tegenungan Waterfall.

That matters because entrance fees and transport can quickly add up in Bali. You also avoid arranging separate rides between the ATV site, Ubud, and the waterfall. I would think of the tour as a full-day outing in practical terms, even though the advertised duration can range from two to eight hours depending on your pickup point and schedule.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want variety. You get mud and engines in the morning, monkeys and temple grounds later, then a waterfall stop. It is less appealing if you prefer one quiet place at a relaxed pace.

Pickup is available from a long list of hotels and areas, including Ayana Resort Bali, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, and Ubud. You meet the driver in your hotel lobby. Since Bali traffic can stretch a short route into a long one, your starting area will affect how much time you spend in the vehicle.

The Gorilla Cave ATV ride is the real thrill

The quad ride begins with safety equipment, boots, and instructions from an experienced instructor. You can ride a single quad or share a tandem ATV. If you have little experience, a tandem option may feel easier, though the exact driving arrangement should be confirmed when booking.

The route covers village scenery, rice paddies, thick forest, rushing water, hills, and the cave shaped like a gorilla face. The ride lasts about 105 minutes, but the action comes from the changing ground rather than speed alone. You may pass through mud, puddles, streams, tunnels, and waterfall areas. That gives the ride a rough, playful quality that a paved road tour cannot offer.

I would not book this expecting a polished amusement-park track. The ride is described as challenging, and one account specifically found it more difficult than expected. That is good news if you want a proper off-road outing, but it can be tiring if you are not comfortable handling a quad on uneven ground.

The staff provide wellington-style boots, and a plastic cap may be placed under your helmet. That is useful in wet and muddy conditions. Still, wear a swimsuit or clothes that dry easily under your riding gear, and bring a complete change for afterward.

Your guide may also help with photos. One driver stayed near the ATV area and took pictures at different points, which is especially useful because you cannot safely photograph yourself while negotiating muddy ground. Photo services are not included, so ask about any charge before agreeing to professional pictures.

After the ride, you can shower and have lunch. This short reset is important. You will likely want to wash off mud before sitting in the vehicle for the next part of the day.

Monkey Forest brings a calmer kind of excitement

The next major stop is Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about an hour set aside for a guided visit. Admission is included, so you do not need to buy a separate entrance ticket.

This is not a hands-on animal encounter. The monkeys live freely in a forest and temple setting, and you should keep your belongings secure and follow the guide’s instructions. One guide, Agung, was especially appreciated for keeping a safe distance between the group and the monkeys. That kind of attention matters, since monkeys can be unpredictable around food, bags, sunglasses, and loose items.

The atmosphere is very different from the ATV course. Instead of mud and engines, you get shaded paths, tropical plants, temple structures, and close views of the animals. You will have good photo opportunities, but you should treat the monkeys as wild animals rather than cuddly pets.

There is some variation in the monkey stop. The main plan names Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, while one reported day included Sangeh Monkey Forest instead. Sangeh was described as a place where monkeys could be fed and seen at close range, though the main Ubud sanctuary is the named stop for this tour. If this distinction matters to you, confirm the exact forest with the operator before departure.

One practical point: this stop may feel short after the ATV ride. An hour is enough for a guided look and photographs, but not for a slow exploration of every path.

Tegenungan Waterfall is the final cooldown

Tegenungan Waterfall closes the day with a photo stop, free time, and the chance to swim. The green setting and falling water give you a pleasant change of pace after the noisy ATV course and busy monkey area.

If you want to swim, wear your swimsuit under your day clothes or change after the quad ride. Bring a towel if you have room, since the included items list does not promise one. Sunscreen, cash, sunglasses, and dry clothes are specifically useful for this part of the outing.

The waterfall stop is scheduled for about an hour. That gives you time for photographs and a quick swim, but not necessarily a long, lazy afternoon beside the water. One account found the waterfall portion a little short, while the ATV and Monkey Forest portions received stronger praise. I would treat Tegenungan as a refreshing final stop rather than the central purpose of the tour.

The exact feel of the visit will depend on your pickup location and traffic. If you start far from Ubud, driving can reduce the time available at the last stop. Ask the driver early in the day how much time is planned at the waterfall.

Drivers can make or break the day

The most repeated strength of this tour is the driver service. Adi was praised for staying with the group throughout the day and adding a few extra stops. Bayu was noted for safe driving, fast communication, and explaining places along the route. Dika was described as charismatic and fun, while Win was patient about allowing extra time at stops.

Those details matter because this is not simply an ATV transfer. Your driver may be with you from hotel pickup through the last return journey, helping with timing, photos, directions, and local information. Several drivers also helped make the day feel personal rather than mechanical.

Some extra stops have included coffee tasting, an art gallery, and a coffee plantation. These are not clearly guaranteed parts of the advertised itinerary, so treat them as possible additions rather than promises. If you want only the listed stops, say so. If you enjoy seeing more of Bali between the main activities, ask what can fit without cutting into the waterfall or Monkey Forest time.

Safe driving is another important point. Bali roads can be busy, and a long day in a car is much easier when the driver is calm and communicative. You can message the driver, and pickup times are normally confirmed in advance.

What to wear and carry

The tour provides ATV safety equipment and boots, but your own packing choices still matter. I would bring:

• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cash
• Swimwear
• Comfortable clothes that can get dirty
• A secure place for small valuables

Do not wear anything you want to keep spotless. Mud is part of the ride, not a rare accident. A plastic cap under the helmet may help protect your hair, but it does not replace a change of clothes.

Keep sunglasses and phones secure around the monkeys. Loose items can become tempting targets. The tour does not include alcohol or photos, so budget separately if you want either.

Baby strollers are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year. The ATV ride also deserves an honest look at your own comfort level. If you have doubts about driving a single quad, choose tandem riding or ask the instructor for guidance.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this for couples, friends, and active families with older children who want a busy day rather than a slow cultural visit. It works well for someone visiting Bali for the first time, since transport and admissions are handled in one package.

It is especially suitable if you like outdoor action but still want time for animals, temples, swimming, and photographs. The ATV course offers the most physical excitement, while the Monkey Forest and waterfall make the day more varied.

I would be more cautious if you dislike mud, get tired quickly, or want long, unhurried visits. The schedule combines several stops, and the vehicle time can be significant. The waterfall visit may feel too short for anyone who wants to spend hours swimming.

Couples should consider a tandem quad if they want to share the ride. Solo riders who cannot drive confidently may find a single ATV difficult. The instructor provides directions, but this remains an active off-road activity, not a passive sightseeing ride.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

You can reserve now and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

The advertised duration ranges from two to eight hours, with starting times shown during booking. In real terms, plan around the ATV session, the one-hour Monkey Forest visit, the one-hour waterfall stop, lunch, showers, and road transfers. Your hotel location will have a major effect on the total time.

The tour is operated by CV. Smile Bali Abadi, with English-language instruction and an English-speaking driver. Pickup and return are included from the listed Bali areas, and you meet the driver in your hotel lobby.

Should you book the Bali ATV and waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy Bali day with plenty of variety and a helpful private driver. The ATV ride through mud, streams, tunnels, and Gorilla Cave is the main reason to choose it, while the Monkey Forest and waterfall add useful variety at a reasonable price.

Skip it if you want a quiet, slow-paced day or if swimming at Tegenungan is your top priority. The waterfall time is limited, and traffic can make the schedule feel tight.

For most active first-time visitors, I think the package works well. Choose a tandem ATV if you are unsure about driving, pack dry clothes, secure your belongings around the monkeys, and confirm whether your monkey stop will be Ubud’s sanctuary or Sangeh. Those small checks will help you get the most from a very full Bali outing.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, a single or tandem ATV, Monkey Forest admission, Tegenungan Waterfall admission, lunch, mineral water, and insurance.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration ranges from two to eight hours. Starting times and the total duration depend on availability, your pickup location, traffic, and the day’s schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and you meet the driver in your hotel lobby. Service is offered from listed areas and hotels around Bali, including Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.

Can I choose a single or tandem ATV?

Yes. The activity includes a single or tandem quad bike. Tandem riding may suit anyone who is not confident driving alone.

What happens during the ATV ride?

You receive safety equipment, boots, and instructions before riding. The route includes village scenery, rice paddies, forest, mud, streams, tunnels, hills, rushing water, and Gorilla Cave. The ride lasts about 105 minutes.

Can I swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?

Yes. The waterfall stop includes free time and the opportunity to swim. Bring a change of clothes and sunscreen.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and a change of clothes. Swimwear and clothes that can get muddy are also practical choices.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.