Experience the Best of Bali in a Private Full-Day Tour to Ubud and Kintamani

If you’re wondering how to make the most of a single day on Bali, this private tour offers an excellent way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. For just $90 per group (up to five people), you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Bali’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual sites. Starting from Seminyak, this customized journey takes you to Ubud Village, the Kintamani region with Mount Batur, and several culturally rich stops along the way.

What we love about this tour is the attention to authentic experiences—like watching a traditional Barong & Kris Dance—and the incredible views from Mount Batur with its active volcano and crater lake. Plus, a visit to Tirta Empul Temple offers a spiritual refresh that’s both serene and fascinating. On the downside, since admission tickets are not included, you’ll want to budget for entrance fees, which can add up. This tour suits travelers who enjoy diverse sights, culture, and beautiful scenery, especially if you’re short on time but eager for a comprehensive Bali experience.

Key Points

Tailored Private Experience: Only your group participates, making it flexible and personalized.
Cultural Highlights: From traditional dance performances to spiritual temples, you get a true taste of Bali’s soul.
Spectacular Views: Expect panoramic vistas from Mount Batur and the rice terraces.
Flexible Itinerary: Guides can adapt the day based on your interests, with options to include or skip certain stops.
Value for Money: At $90 for a full day, it’s a cost-effective way to cover many must-see sites.
Potential Extra Costs: Entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly.

Exploring Bali’s Must-See Stops in Detail

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The Traditional Barong & Kris Dance

We start the day with a peek into Bali’s mythological world through the Barong & Kris Dance. This performance dramatizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, with Barong, a mythic creature representing protection and good spirits, battling Rangda, the demon queen embodying evil. The dance is colorful and lively, often featuring elaborate costumes like Barong cat, Barong Landung, and tiger faces. It’s a lively introduction to Bali’s rich storytelling tradition.

Although the dance lasts about an hour and tickets aren’t included, it’s worth the small extra cost for the cultural insight. As one reviewer noted, this is a “best trip ever,” and seeing such performances adds a layer of understanding to Balinese beliefs.

The Spiritual Tirta Empul Temple

Next, we visit Tirta Empul, famous for its spring water and purification pools. Built around springs believed to have been created by Indra, the Hindu god of rain and storms, the temple is a sacred site for locals and visitors alike. We love the chance to see Balinese worshippers participate in melukat rituals—bathing in the spring water to cleanse both body and soul.

The temple’s tranquil pools and the ritual atmosphere make this a highlight, especially if you’re into spirituality or cultural practices. Entrance fees aren’t included, but the experience of observing or participating in local rituals is priceless.

The Iconic Mount Batur and Crater Lake

A highlight of the tour is the view of Mount Batur, an active volcano that’s erupted multiple times, most notably in 1926 and 1974. From the village of Penelokan, you’ll get sweeping vistas of the crater lake and the surrounding landscape. The black lava flows tell the story of its fiery history, yet the mountain remains a popular spot for travelers seeking stunning scenery.

Many visitors mention the drive around the crater as a memorable experience, with cafes and restaurants lining the rim, perfect for a relaxed lunch with an incredible backdrop. It’s a photographer’s paradise, and a great opportunity to appreciate Bali’s volcanic origins. Keep in mind, the admission tickets are not included, but the views alone make it worthwhile.

The Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation

For a taste of Bali’s renowned coffee, the Bali Pulina Plantation is a favorite stop. Here, you can see how local coffee beans are processed, and even sample some of the world-famous Luwak coffee—made from beans eaten and excreted by civet cats. The plantation also grows cacao, pineapple, salak (snake fruit), and other tropical delights.

It’s a chance to learn about Bali’s agricultural traditions and pick up some authentic souvenirs. The experience is free, but you’ll likely want to purchase some coffee or herbal teas to take home.

While in Seminyak, here are other experiences we've covered

The Scenic Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Just a short drive away, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces offer classic Bali scenery—lush, green paddies carved into the hillside, dotted with coconut trees and small rivers. Walking through the terraces, you’ll see farmers working, and you might even get inspired to try some rice planting yourself.

The nearby craft shops sell handmade wooden carvings and souvenirs, perfect for a quick shopping stop. The views are so iconic that they pop up on many Bali postcards—and for good reason. Admission is not included, but the photo opportunities are plentiful.

The Cultural Ubud Market & Palace

The tour wraps up in Ubud, the arts and culture hub of Bali. The Ubud Market offers everything from fresh produce to handcrafted textiles and artwork. Next door, Ubud Palace is home to the royal family and a venue for traditional dance performances in the evenings.

This is a great spot to absorb local life, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy the relaxed vibe of Bali’s artistic heart. Entrance to the palace is free, although attending a dance performance costs extra.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Pricing, and Guide Quality

What makes this tour stand out is the private, air-conditioned vehicle and the knowledgeable guide (Polos), who received excellent reviews for being patient, friendly, and well-informed. Having your own driver means you can move at your own pace, skip long waits, and ask questions about each site.

At $90 for the entire day, including transportation and guide, this tour offers significant value, especially given the convenience and personalized service. Keep in mind, entrance fees are not included in the price, so a bit of extra cash for that should be factored in.

The tour operates from 8:00 am, giving you a full eight hours to explore Bali’s diverse attractions, with plenty of flexibility to customize based on your interests.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers love the stunning views, especially from Mount Batur and the rice terraces, describing it as a “beautiful and comprehensive” experience. The guides, particularly Polos, are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude. Several mention that they appreciated the guide’s ability to adapt the itinerary—making it a relaxing day rather than a hurried rush.

However, some note that entrance fees are extra, so budgeting around $20-$30 for tickets is wise. Also, since the schedule includes several stops, travelers should be prepared for some walking and potentially crowded sites.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to see Bali’s highlights without the hassle of coordinating multiple transport options. It’s especially suitable if you value personalized attention, want a mix of spiritual, scenic, and cultural experiences, and enjoy stunning photo opportunities. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a well-organized, flexible day exploring Bali’s best bits, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking to get a comprehensive snapshot of Bali in one day, this private tour offers excellent value and a well-balanced mix of culture, scenery, and local flavor. The personal guide and private transport give you flexibility, making it ideal for those who prefer a customized experience over a crowded group tour.

The highlights like Mount Batur, Ubud, and Tirta Empul are unforgettable, and the added bonus of seeing traditional dances and handicrafts makes it a well-rounded introduction to Bali’s diverse appeal. While entrance fees are extra, the convenience and intimate setting make it worth the additional cost.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to maximize a single day on Bali, especially those who appreciate authentic cultural stops and breathtaking natural vistas without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

FAQ

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, the ticket costs for attractions like Tirta Empul, Mount Batur, and other sites are not included. You should budget around $20-$30 for these extras.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that some sites involve walking and standing. It’s best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Can the guide customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can typically adapt the schedule based on your interests and pace, making for a more personalized experience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at a local restaurant is not included, but there will be plenty of options around Mount Batur and Ubud. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks or plan to purchase food at stops.

What’s the best time to start the tour?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, giving you a full day to explore. Starting early helps avoid crowds and gives you optimal time at each site.

How much should I budget for extras?
Apart from the $90 tour cost, expect to spend about $20-$30 on entrance fees, and additional money if you want souvenirs or extra snacks.

This private Bali tour offers an excellent way to capture the island’s essence—beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual sights—all in a single, convenient day. Whether you’re after Instagram-worthy views, cultural insights, or just a taste of Bali’s magic, this trip delivers on many fronts.