Discover Bali : Shore Excursion from Benoa Port with Free Wi-Fi

A Complete Guide to the Discover Bali Shore Excursion from Benoa Port

When your cruise ship docks at Benoa Harbour, you want to make the most of your precious time ashore. The Discover Bali private tour offers an excellent way to see some of Bali’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning or rushing. For $90 per group (up to 10 people), you get a 10-hour adventure that hits key highlights like Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, and Ubud. The tour is run by Bali Agung Tours and includes air-conditioned transport, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.

We love that this tour is designed specifically for cruise visitors—meaning it’s timed to fit within your port hours—so you won’t miss your ship. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, make the experience more personalised and authentic. Plus, the convenience of pickup and drop-off at Benoa Port means you start and finish hassle-free. We also appreciate the inclusion of free Wi-Fi, so you can share your Bali adventures in real time.

One thing to consider is that admission tickets to the attractions are not included, so you’ll need to budget a little extra for entrance fees. Also, expect some traffic delays in Bali’s busy areas—this is common—and that the tour is flexible, so you can customize based on your preferences. This tour suits those who want a well-organized, personalized taste of Bali without breaking the bank or missing their ship.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re a cruise passenger eager to see Bali’s highlights without the stress of self-guided travel, this tour offers a good balance of guided insight and personal pace. It’s especially ideal if you love nature, temples, and local culture, and want a tour that’s tailored to your interests.

Key Points

• Private & Flexible: Only your group participates, with a customizable itinerary.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and Wi-Fi.
• Cultural & Natural Highlights: Visits to waterfalls, rice terraces, temples, and Ubud.
• Timing & Duration: About 10 hours, designed around port schedules.
• Cost-Effective: $90 for the whole group, excluding entrance fees.
• Highly Rated: Consistently praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

Tegenungan Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Retreat

Your day begins with a visit to Tegenungan Waterfall, a favorite for its striking beauty and tranquil vibe. Located in the lush jungle of Kemenuh, this waterfall is a perfect spot to snap some photos and feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The falls cascade down a rugged cliff, surrounded by dense greenery, creating a peaceful backdrop for a quick swim or just enjoying the scenery. To reach the waterfall, you descend a series of steps, which might be a consideration if you have mobility concerns or very young children.

Many travelers, like Dale, appreciated the chance to relax in the cool water after a warm start to the day. “We enjoyed swimming in the natural pool,” Dale noted, adding that the environment felt both beautiful and serene. Nearby Kemenuh village also offers glimpses of traditional Balinese craftsmanship — wood carvings and batik textiles—giving you a taste of local artisanship.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Bali’s Iconic Landscape

Next, you’ll head north to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO-worthy landscape of terraced paddies that stretch across the hillsides. The visual impact is immediate: vibrant green steps carved into the hillside, often with small cafes and viewpoints that allow you to appreciate the engineering brilliance of generations of farmers.

Walking along the narrow paths through the rice paddies, you’ll see how the Balinese people maintain this traditional farming method. Rebecca appreciated this part of the tour: “The view was stunning, and Agus, our driver, shared so much insight into Bali’s agricultural traditions and daily life.” Here, you can take photos, browse local crafts, or simply stand in awe of the landscape.

Tirta Empul Temple: Sacred Waters and Spiritual Rituals

Your next stop is the Tirta Empul Temple, famed for its holy spring water. This ancient Hindu temple, at Tampaksiring, is a place of spiritual cleansing for Balinese Hindus. The temple’s architecture is intricate, with stone carvings and traditional designs, but the main attraction is the water purification ritual—devotees bathe in spring-fed pools, believing in its purifying powers.

Tourists like Kathrin found this stop particularly meaningful: “The guide provided a sarong, and we observed locals performing their cleansing rituals, which added a genuine sense of spirituality to our visit.” Visitors are free to observe or participate, but should be respectful of local customs.

Ubud: Culture, Crafts, and Serenity

The final major stop is Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. Here, you’ll visit Ubud Palace, a traditional Balinese structure showcasing intricate carvings—perfect for photos—and the nearby Ubud Market, brimming with colorful textiles, souvenirs, and local snacks.

For those interested in spiritual rejuvenation, Ubud is dotted with temples and yoga studios. Many guests, like Rebecca, appreciated the mix of sights: “We enjoyed walking through the vibrant market and seeing the artistry of Bali firsthand.” The two hours allocated give a taste of Ubud’s lively art scene and tranquil spirituality, without feeling rushed.

Practical Details & What to Expect

The tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, parking fees, and a sarong for temple visits—important for respecting local customs. It’s a private experience, which means your group won’t be shuffled with strangers, and the guides are available to tailor the experience based on your interests.

The pickup process takes about 1.5 hours from Benoa Port to the first stop, with the return journey similarly timed. During Bali’s busy hours, expect some traffic delays—this is a common part of traveling in Bali. The total duration of 10 hours includes travel time, so you’ll want to start early and plan accordingly to avoid missing your cruise boat.

Entrance Fees & Additional Costs

While the tour price is $90 per group, entrance tickets are not included, so you should budget for those. Each site—Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul—has its own admission fee, which varies. The guide can advise you on costs and help streamline the process.

Reviews & Experiences

Feedback from previous travelers is overwhelmingly positive. Dale praised his guide Oki: “He was knowledgeable, polite, and proud of Bali’s culture,” emphasizing the value of having an informed local. Rebecca was pleased with the air-conditioned vehicle and attentive service from Agus, noting that it made the day very comfortable.

Others appreciated how flexible the tour was: “Our driver tailored the day to our interests,” said Kathrin, highlighting the personalized nature of this experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re seeking a well-organized, intimate look at Bali’s highlights, this tour is an excellent choice. Its focus on natural beauty, spiritual sites, and cultural landmarks makes it well-suited for those who want a balanced glimpse of Bali’s essence. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach help turn sightseeing into genuine discovery.

This experience offers good value for money, especially considering its private nature and the customized itinerary. It’s best for travelers who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and authentic moments without the stress of self-driving or complicated planning.

However, remember that entrance fees are extra, and Bali’s traffic can extend travel times. If you have mobility challenges, check with the tour provider about accessibility options.

Overall, for cruise passengers eager to explore Bali’s most photogenic spots in a relaxed but meaningful way, this tour hits the sweet spot of convenience, culture, and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all the attractions included in the tour?
No, entrance tickets to sites like Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul are not included. You’ll need to purchase these separately.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including travel time to and from Benoa Port and the various stops.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from Benoa Port, with a typical pickup time around 1.5 hours before the first stop, and drop-off after the last visit.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests and schedule, ensuring you see what matters most to you.

What language are the guides speaking?
While not explicitly stated, most guides in such tours speak English and are knowledgeable about local culture and history.

Is there Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided in the vehicle, so you can share your Bali moments in real time.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It can be, but consider the walking involved, especially at Tegenungan Waterfall and rice terraces. The vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort.

How much should I budget for entrance fees?
This varies by site, but expect to pay a few dollars each for attractions like Tirta Empul and the waterfalls. Your guide can advise on exact costs.

What if I want to skip one of the stops?
Since the tour is private and flexible, you can discuss this with your guide beforehand to customize your experience.

This private Bali tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the island’s natural and cultural treasures, all in a convenient package perfect for cruise passengers. It combines comfort, insights, and stunning scenery—making your limited time in Bali truly memorable.