Exploring Bali in a Day: The Tanah Lot and Ubud Private Tour

If you’re looking to tick off some of Bali’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning transport or worrying about timing, this full-day private tour from Ubud might be just what you need. For $59 per person, you get transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a carefully curated route that includes Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud’s Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, the traditional art market, and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Lasting around 8 to 10 hours, this tour is designed to give you a broad taste of Bali’s spiritual, cultural, and natural highlights—without feeling rushed.
Two things we particularly love about this experience: First, the personalized service that comes with a private guide, allowing flexibility to customize the stops or spend extra time where you’re most interested. Second, the expert guidance from guides like Ketut or Agung, who are praised for their friendly manner and in-depth knowledge, making each stop more meaningful.
A possible consideration is that, with such a packed itinerary, you might find the day a bit full if you prefer a leisurely pace. Some travelers might wish for more time at each site rather than rushing from one to the next. Still, for those wanting a rundown of Ubud and Tanah Lot’s highlights, this tour offers superb value for the price.
This tour would suit travelers who want an efficient, guided introduction to Bali’s most famous sights—especially first-timers or those with limited time. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see temples, markets, and rice terraces all in one day, guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals.
Key Points

- All-Inclusive Convenience: Private transport, hotel pickup, and drop-off make it simple to focus on the sights.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Ketut and Agung are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
- Diverse Highlights: From spiritual temples and bustling markets to stunning rice terraces and scenic coastlines.
- Flexible Experience: The private tour format allows you to customize the stops or spend more time at preferred sites.
- Authentic Insights: Guides share stories and details that bring each location to life.
- Great Value: For $59, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and all entry tickets included.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Ubud
The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Tanah Lot Temple
The tour begins with a visit to Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most photographed temples perched on offshore rocks in the Indian Ocean. It’s a site that exudes a sense of spirituality and natural beauty. Travel guides like Ketut or Agung will share insights into its significance and history. You’ll spend about an hour here — enough time to enjoy the view, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. According to reviews, arriving early can help you beat the crowds and catch the sunset, which is often considered the best time to experience Tanah Lot’s dramatic silhouette against the sky.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Next, you head to the Monkey Forest, located in the heart of Ubud. This small rainforest sanctuary is home to several groups of playful monkeys and tropical animals. It’s both a wildlife encounter and a cultural site, as the forest contains ancient temple ruins. Expect about an hour here, with guided commentary on the local flora and fauna. Many travelers mention the monkey interactions as a highlight, but it’s wise to keep belongings secure—these cheeky primates are known for their curiosity.
Ubud Palace
After the forest, you’ll visit Ubud Palace, a stunning example of traditional Balinese architecture and a hub of cultural activity. The palace is a historic site where you can glimpse the royal heritage of Ubud and possibly catch a dance performance if timing permits. Spend around 20 minutes here, soaking in the intricate carvings and vibrant atmosphere. Guides often share stories about Bali’s royal history, enriching your visit.
While in Ubud, here are other experiences we've covered
- Private Full Day Tour in Ubud
- Full-Day Tour to Water Temples and UNESCO Rice Terraces in Bali
- Full Day Private Guided Tour to Bali
- Private Full-Day Tour: Balinese Temples and Rice Terraces
- Private Tour: Full-Day Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples with Kecak Fire Dance Show
- Ubud Customized Full Day Tour – Visit Most favorite In Ubud
Ubud Traditional Art Market
A short walk from the palace is the Ubud Art Market, a bustling place where local artisans sell handcrafted items, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s a good spot to browse and pick up unique gifts or mementos from Bali. The market is free to enter and browse, and you might find some wonderful bargains. Reviews highlight the authenticity of the crafts—most come from Bali itself, with some from other parts of Indonesia.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The tour culminates at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a landscape carved by generations of farmers. The terraces are famous for their lush, green steps that stretch across the hillside, offering fantastic photo opportunities. You can walk along the paths, take in the panoramic views, or simply relax and enjoy the serenity. This stop usually lasts about an hour, and guides often recommend arriving early or late in the day for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour’s value lies in the seamless transportation, expert guiding, and entry tickets all included in the price. The air-conditioned private vehicle ensures comfort, especially when traveling between sites, which is a big plus in Bali’s tropical climate. The guide also provides a sarong at temples—an essential for respectful visits.
However, meals are not included, so it’s wise to bring some snacks or plan for a quick lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the rice terraces. The flexibility of a private tour means you can opt to spend more or less time at any site, or even add a quick stop if your guide is accommodating.
Authentic Experiences and Insider Tips

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Ketut or Agung make a big difference. Their friendly manner, local knowledge, and willingness to customize the trip ensure a more meaningful experience. We loved how guides shared stories about Bali’s cultural traditions, making the temples and markets more than just sightseeing—they become stories about Bali’s soul.
Many travelers appreciated arriving early at Tanah Lot to enjoy the sunset without the crowds, confirming that timing can greatly enhance your experience. The rice terraces, with their vibrant greens and peaceful atmosphere, often become a highlight, especially with a guide’s insights into traditional farming practices.
The tour’s flexibility also means it suits those who want more than just a checklist—many reviews mention guides who took extra time for photos, helped with local shopping tips, or adjusted the itinerary to match their interests.
The Sum Up: Who is This Tour Best For?

This private Bali tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced, comprehensive look at Ubud’s cultural and natural treasures in a single day, without the stress of planning individual transport or navigating busy sites alone. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights with friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and authentic.
If you’re someone who appreciates local insights, comfortable transport, and a flexible schedule, this tour offers fantastic value. It allows you to absorb Bali’s spiritual vibe at Tanah Lot, enjoy lively markets, and marvel at lush rice terraces—all in one well-organized package.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at each site, this full-day schedule might feel a bit hurried. Still, for the price and convenience, it’s hard to find a better way to cover Bali’s essentials in a single day.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfer from your hotel, making the day hassle-free.
How long are the visits at each site?
Most stops are around 20 minutes at Ubud Palace, an hour at Tanah Lot, Monkey Forest, and rice terraces, and 40 minutes at the market.
What is the cost of this tour?
It costs $59 per person, which covers transportation, guide service, entrance fees, and a sarong for temple visits.
Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat during breaks.
Can the tour be customized?
Yes, as a private tour, guides are typically flexible and willing to adjust the schedule based on your interests.
Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate; the tour is designed to be accessible, but consider your comfort with walking and the busy sites.
This Bali full-day tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, spiritual sites, and local culture—all in the company of friendly guides who bring these places to life. It’s a smart choice for travelers eager to see the highlights without the fuss, and it delivers good value for the price.
More Private Tours in Ubud
- Bali: Waterfall Tour and Ubud Monkey Forest Private Day Trip
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel with Minibus Toyota HiAce up to 12 Pax
- Best of Ubud Tour with Jungle Swing Private and All Inclusive
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- From Ubud to Uluwatu Private Hotel Transfer
More Tours in Ubud
- Bali Eco & Educational Cycling Tour
- Bali: Waterfall Tour and Ubud Monkey Forest Private Day Trip
- Bali Day Tour : Waterfall & Lempuyang Temple The Gate Of Heaven
- Best of Bali Half Day Tour: Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Sunset (All Inclusive)
- Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour With Jungle Swing
- Bali Snorkeling Tour at Blue Lagoon Beach – All-Inclusive
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More Ubud experiences we've covered
- 2 Hours Silver Jewelry Class in Celuk Art Village
- Ubud ATV Quad Bike Gorilla Cave and Cretya Infinity pool
- Instagram Highlight Spot: Gate of Heaven – Tirta Gangga – Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Explore East Bali: Full-Day The Most Charming Spots – All Inclusive Tickets
- Bali Eco & Educational Cycling Tour
- Bali: Waterfall Tour and Ubud Monkey Forest Private Day Trip
- Bali Bintang Rafing (BBR)-Ayung River
- Bali Day Tour : Waterfall & Lempuyang Temple The Gate Of Heaven
- Best of Bali Half Day Tour: Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Sunset (All Inclusive)
- Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour With Jungle Swing
- Bali Snorkeling Tour at Blue Lagoon Beach – All-Inclusive
- Jatiluwih full day e-bike cycling with lunch & trekking program
