Ubud is the heart of Bali’s cultural and natural attractions, making it the ideal base for full-day tours. Whether you’re after a flexible design-your-own experience or want to tick off Bali’s most famous temples and rice terraces, Ubud offers a wide range of options. We particularly like tours that combine culture with beautiful scenery, like the Private Design-Your-Own Tour which lets you craft your perfect day without the stress of driving. It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility, comfort, and expert guidance.
For those wanting a deeper cultural experience, the Balinese Temples and Rice Terraces tour offers visits to historic sites like Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul, along with stunning rice paddies. Meanwhile, if adventure is your thing, the White Water Rafting and Culture blends adrenaline with sightseeing, including a river ride and a visit to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest. No matter your style, there’s a full-day Ubud tour tailored to your interests. Below, we dive into each one so you can pick the best fit.
1. Full-Day in Bali: Private Design-Your-Own Tour
This private tour puts the power in your hands. You meet your driver/guide in your hotel lobby and agree on a route that matches your interests—temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, markets, or villages. For around $35, you enjoy ten hours of personalized exploration with comfortable air-conditioned transport. The key advantage is flexibility; you can skip or include sights on the fly, all while avoiding the hassle and risks of self-driving Bali.
Guests love Mudana, your driver and guide, for his safety-conscious driving and helpful suggestions. Many reviews highlight how he adapted the day for weather or interests, turning a rainy day into a memorable experience. The stops are optional, which means you can tailor your day to match your pace and curiosity. Whether it’s a quick visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest or a relaxed stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, this tour balances customization with comfort.
Bottom Line: If you prefer to build your perfect Bali day with a local guide, this private tour offers great value and flexibility.
2. Private Full-Day Tour: Balinese Temples and Rice Terraces
At number 2, this private full-day tour is ideal for cultural enthusiasts. It starts with Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, home to around 700 macaques and ancient temples—an engaging introduction to Bali’s spiritual life. From there, you’ll visit Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century temple carved into cliffs, and possibly join a ritual purification at Tirta Empul, a spring water temple where locals perform sacred cleansings.
A highlight is the lunch at a jungle restaurant, offering lush views that complement the surroundings. The tour also includes a walk through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, famous for their layered, emerald-green paddies that are a UNESCO-listed landscape. Guests rave about how knowledgeable guide Agos made the history come alive and how the visits feel personal rather than rushed.
Value for money is high—admission and private transfers are included, making it a seamless experience. It’s perfect for travelers eager to immerse in Bali’s spiritual and rural beauty without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom Line: This tour balances history, culture, and scenery, with the flexibility to customize the stops and a knowledgeable guide to enhance your understanding.
3. Bali Full Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud and Hidden Waterfall
This comprehensive tour is great for first-timers who want a big-picture overview of Bali’s highlights. It hits major sites such as the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and a hidden waterfall—a lesser-known spot with a natural charm.
Starting with Ubud’s monkey forest, it’s a chance to see macaques in their natural habitat, combined with visits to scenic viewpoints. The itinerary is flexible enough to include time for browsing markets or soaking up views of Mt. Batur. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures traveling in comfort, and the private setup means your schedule is your own.
Guests mention how the guide’s local knowledge made the trip special, with many appreciating the tailored experience. It’s perfect for those who want to see a variety of sights, but with some control over the pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded day of Bali’s best, with the freedom to shift focus from temples to rice terraces or waterfalls.
4. Full-Day Ayung River White Water Rafting and Ubud Tour
For a blend of adventure and culture, this full-day rafting and sightseeing tour is hard to beat. It starts with an exciting white-water rafting experience on the Ayung River, where you paddle past lush jungle and towering cliffs. Afterward, you visit the Sacred Monkey Forest—a lively spot with wild macaques and ancient temples.
The tour also includes a visit to Ubud Market and Ubud Palace, giving you a taste of local crafts and architecture. Many guests praise the professional guides and how the tour balances adrenaline with sightseeing. The lunch and hotel transfers are included, making it a fuss-free day.
Best suited for active travelers or families wanting a memorable, energetic day. The only thing to consider is the physical activity level—be prepared for some splashes and a bit of a workout.
Bottom Line: This is a fun, action-packed option that combines Bali’s natural beauty with a thrill ride, ideal for those craving adventure.
5. Private Full Day Tour in Ubud
This private full-day tour offers the ultimate flexibility. You start with hotel pickup and then visit a range of attractions like Celuk Village for silver jewelry, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, and Monkey Sanctuary. The driver/guide is with you all day, making adjustments based on your interests.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach and the fact that all entrance fees are covered, removing surprises. The tour is perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowded group schedules and prefer an intimate experience. It’s also a good choice for those with specific interests, like art or religion.
Value for money is high considering the private transport and guide, and the ability to customize makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a tailored, relaxed exploration of Ubud’s top sights with expert assistance.
6. Best of Ubud’s Highlights Full-Day Tour
This tour hits the major highlights of Ubud in a single day. It covers Tegenungan Waterfall, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest—all in a seamless private transfer. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a compact, efficient overview.
The guide can suggest which art villages or temples to prioritize, making the experience personalized. Guests find the transportation smooth and the itinerary varied enough to satisfy different interests.
Best for travelers who want to see the essentials without the fuss of planning.
Bottom Line: A quick, convenient way to see Bali’s major cultural and scenic sites with minimal planning.
7. Private Full-Day Lempuyang Gate of Heaven Tour
Known as the “Gate of Heaven,” this tour takes you to one of Bali’s most Instagrammable spots. Your private guide will lead you to Lempuyang Temple, famous for its stunning photo ops against a backdrop of Mount Agung. The tour also includes Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and a jungle swing.
Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to beat the crowds with an early start. Entrance tickets can be added to your package, and round-trip transfer from Ubud makes logistics simple. The tour is perfect for photography lovers and those wanting iconic Bali shots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers craving a mix of photo opportunities and scenic temples, with a flexible, private approach.
8. Full Day Private Guided Tour to Bali
This tour offers you full control. You choose your stops, from Tegenungan Waterfall to Tirta Empul, with private transport and a guide at your disposal. The focus is on personal pacing and visiting what interests you most.
Guests highlight the ease of private transfers and the knowledgeable guide who can answer questions on Bali’s sites and customs. It’s suited for travelers who want to customize their day and avoid overcrowded tours.
Bottom Line: For complete flexibility and a personalized experience, this tour provides the most control.
9. Bali Full-Day Wonderful Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
This tour combines sightseeing with a scenic lunch overlooking Mount Batur. Starting with Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Batuan Temple, it also includes Tegenungan Waterfall and the Kintamani Highland viewpoint. Many travelers love the gourmet buffet lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views.
The guide manages the logistics, making this a relaxing way to see Bali’s highlights. Guests praise the well-paced itinerary and beautiful vistas—especially the lake and volcano views. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a comprehensive day with a special meal.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those who want a scenic day with memorable dining and top sights.
10. Private Tour: Full-Day Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples with Kecak Fire Dance Show
This fully private tour combines Bali’s most famous temples with a spectacular fire dance at Uluwatu. You’ll visit Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, and enjoy the Kecak Fire Dance during sunset. The itinerary is flexible, with private transport and personalized attention.
Guests appreciate the timing flexibility and the stunning sunset views. The tour includes hotel transfers and the dance performance, making for a memorable culture-focused day.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting iconic temples paired with a traditional dance show in a private setting.
11. Ubud Customized Full Day Tour – Visit Most favorite In Ubud
This customized tour allows you to pick six attractions tailored to your interests, whether temples, rice terraces, or art villages. Your guide helps craft an itinerary that suits your pace and passions.
Guests love the flexibility and the chance to visit specific sites like Batuan Village or the Tegenungan Waterfall. All entrance fees are included, and private transport makes the day smooth.
Best suited for travelers with specific wishes or those who want to skip the standard routes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for personalized exploration with expert guidance.
12. Private Full-Day West Bali Tour with Waterfall Visit
Travel to West Bali on this private tour that covers Ulun Danu Temple, Gitgit Waterfall, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills. It’s a great way to see less-visited areas of Bali, away from the crowds. The guide handles all logistics, and all entrance fees are included.
Guests mention the scenic waterfall, the peaceful temples, and the flexible schedule. It’s ideal if you want to experience Bali’s natural beauty beyond Ubud’s typical attractions.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers seeking scenic waterfalls and temples in quieter parts of Bali.
13. Private Full-Day Handara, Ulun Danu, Jatiluwih and Tanah Lot Tour
This all-inclusive tour covers four major sights—Handara Gate, Ulun Danu Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Tanah Lot. It’s perfect for view-seekers and photographers. The guide helps customize your schedule, and all entrance tickets are included.
Guests love the scenic rice terraces and the iconic temples, especially at sunset. The tour is a full 9-10 hours, so be ready for a full day.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, scenic, and photo-friendly Bali experience.
14. Bali Charm: Full-Day Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour (UNESCO) – All Inclusive Tickets
This UNESCO-listed tour explores Bedugul, Tanah Lot, and Jatiluwih rice terraces. It offers a luxury experience, with all tickets included and a professional guide explaining the sights. The day includes lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the rice fields.
Guests mention the beautiful views and well-organized itinerary. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comfort-focused tour with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive, all-inclusive cultural and scenic day.
15. Full Day ATV Quad Bike and River Tubing Experience in Bali
Finally, for action-oriented travelers, this adventure tour combines river tubing and ATV riding. It’s a fun way to experience Bali’s nature and rural scenery—with options for solo or tandem rides, plus included safety gear.
Guests rave about the thrill of the tubing and the guides’ attention to safety. The tour lasts about six hours, with lunch included and available door-to-door transfers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want to combine adventure with scenic views in a single day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Ubud Full-Day Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and physical fitness. If you want full flexibility and personal attention, a private customizable experience is a solid choice. For those interested primarily in culture and scenery, the Balinese Temples and Rice Terraces offers a well-rounded culture.
Adventure seekers should consider the White Water Rafting combo, which pairs excitement with sightseeing, or the ATV and River Tubing for a full adrenaline day.
Timing is also crucial—opt for tours with early starts if you want to beat the crowds at temples like Lempuyang or Tirta Gangga. Booking ahead ensures you secure the best guides and preferred slots, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Ubud offers a remarkable range of full-day tours that cater to every interest—whether you’re after cultural insights, nature adventures, or iconic photo ops. For a personalized experience, the Design-Your-Own Tour is hard to beat, while the Temples and Rice Terraces provides a rich cultural day out. Adventure lovers will find the rafting and rafting combo perfect.
Whatever your preference, these tours promise a memorable, well-organized way to experience Bali’s diversity. Early booking is recommended, especially during high season, to secure your preferred date and guide. Now, it’s time to pick your adventure and make the most of your Bali trip!