Full Day Batur Volcano and Besakih Temple Tour

Experience Bali’s highlights in a single day with the Full Day Batur Volcano and Besakih Temple Tour. For just $33 per person, you’ll spend about 8 to 9 hours exploring some of Bali’s most iconic sights, including the ancient Kehen Temple, the traditional Penglipuran Village, the active Mount Batur, and the sacred Besakih Temple. Your journey starts with pickup at 9:00 am, and the tour features private transportation, making it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and flexibility.

What we love about this tour is its balance: it offers a mix of culture, natural beauty, and local life. The chance to stroll through Penglipuran’s well-preserved village layout and admire the panoramic views of Mount Batur’s volcanic landscape is a real highlight. Also, the visit to Besakih, Bali’s largest and most revered temple complex, gives you a sense of the spiritual heart of the island. A second plus? The personalized nature of the tour means your guide, Dewa Alit, has a reputation for being knowledgeable, trustworthy, and attentive.

One consideration is that entrance fees for attractions are not included in the price. While this keeps the base cost low, you’ll want to budget extra for tickets at each site. Also, as with many Bali tours, the experience can be weather-dependent—clouds or rain might obscure Mount Batur’s views or affect temple visits. The tour suits first-time visitors eager to see the highlights or returning travelers wanting a fresh perspective, all while enjoying the comfort of private transport and local guidance.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Private transportation, fuel, and parking are included, making logistics stress-free.
• Cultural & Scenic Mix: Combines temples, traditional villages, and volcanic landscapes for a well-rounded day.
• Customizable Itinerary: The schedule is flexible—your guide can adjust stops to suit your interests.
• Authentic Encounters: Visiting Penglipuran village offers genuine insight into Balinese life beyond tourist spots.
• Excellent Value: At $33, this tour provides a rundown of Bali’s highlights with highly praised guides.
• Not Included: Entrance fees for attractions are extra, so budget accordingly.

The Full Day Batur Volcano and Besakih Temple Tour: A Deep Dive

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Ubud, Bali. The vehicle provided is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the day, especially under Bali’s tropical sun. The private nature of the tour means you won’t be part of a large group—your small group or family will have the guide’s full attention, which is a big plus for those seeking a personalized experience.

Kehen Temple: An Ancient Hindu Site

Your first stop is Kehen Temple, a site with a history that stretches back centuries. The temple’s architecture features ornate sandstone carvings of mythical animals and folklore figures, making it a treat for anyone interested in history and architecture. The approach involves climbing 38 carved sandstone stairs, a modest ascent that rewards visitors with a sense of stepping back in time.

While the admission ticket isn’t included, the time spent here is valuable for appreciating Bali’s spiritual roots. Our reviews highlight the warmth of the guide leading us through the complex, helping us appreciate the intricate details that tell stories of Bali’s Hindu traditions.

Penglipuran Village: A Window into Traditional Bali

Next, you’ll visit Penglipuran, a hilltop village that’s almost frozen in time. The layout of the village is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing a linear village plan with manicured gardens and traditional houses. Walking along its stone-paved street, you’ll get a sense of everyday life in Bali’s countryside, with the chance to see age-old arched gates and walls that shield residents’ compounds.

Many travelers mention how well-maintained and clean Penglipuran feels, a deliberate effort to keep Balinese traditions alive. The review from a traveler who visited during October shared, “It’s best known for its well-preserved culture and village layout,” and praised how the houses and gardens are kept in a traditional style, making it a perfect spot for cultural insight.

Mount Batur: The Volcanic Spectacle

The highlight for many adventure-seekers is Mount Batur. This active volcano offers stunning views, especially if the weather cooperates. Although the tour only spends about an hour here, the scenery is breathtaking — lush greenery, the crater, and volcanic formations create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Bali.

Travelers have noted that the views of Mount Batur are a defining feature, but also that weather can sometimes limit visibility. Still, the volcanic landscape provides a dramatic backdrop to your journey, and you might find yourself marveling at nature’s power. The experience conveys the dynamism of Bali’s geology, and the guide’s insights help you appreciate the significance of this active volcano.

Besakih Temple: The Mother Temple of Bali

The final stop is the largest, holiest, and most artistic of Bali’s temples. Perched 1,000 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is a sprawling complex of at least 86 temples, including the main Pura Penataran Agung. Surrounded by scenic rice paddies, hills, and streams, this site embodies Bali’s spiritual heart.

Though the admission fee isn’t included, the experience of walking through its terraces and observing the temple’s intricate architecture is unforgettable. Visitors often comment on the breathtaking scenery surrounding the temple, which enhances the spiritual atmosphere. The temple’s size and significance make it a fitting finale for a day full of cultural discovery.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

What sets this tour apart is the chance to see both cultural heritage and natural beauty in a single day, with the comfort of private transportation and a trusted guide. Visitors have raved about Dewa Alit’s professionalism and local knowledge, often mentioning how he helps navigate Bali’s complex cultural landscape with kindness and insight.

Keep in mind that entrance fees are not included, so plan to bring cash for tickets at each site. Plus, the schedule offers some flexibility, and your guide can tweak the stops based on your interests or weather conditions. The tour is suitable for those who appreciate a mix of history, scenery, and local life, especially if you’re eager to see Bali beyond the usual tourist spots.

On the Value

At just $33, the tour delivers a significant amount of value: transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and access to major sights. Travelers consistently mention the guide’s trustworthy nature and ability to enhance the experience, making this considerably more rewarding than self-guided visits. The cost of entrance fees is an added expense but expected at this level of sightseeing.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Bali’s spiritual and natural highlights. It also suits seasoned travelers who want a convenient, well-organized day with authentic local insights. Adventure lovers will appreciate the scenery and the opportunity to see Mount Batur, while culture buffs will relish the temples and Penglipuran village.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What time does the tour start? The pickup is at 9:00 am from your Ubud accommodation.
• Is transportation included? Yes, a private, air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and parking is included.
• Are entrance fees included? No, entrance tickets for attractions are not covered and need to be paid separately.
• How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.
• Can the itinerary be customized? Yes, the schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your interests.
• Is this tour suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind some walking and climbing steps.
• How do reviews rate this tour? It has a perfect 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews, highlighting good value, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Batur Volcano and Besakih Temple Tour offers an accessible, well-paced way to see some of Bali’s most compelling sites in just one day. The combination of cultural richness, spectacular scenery, and authentic local encounters makes it a smart choice for a balanced Bali experience. The private setup and the praise for guide Dewa Alit suggest you’ll be in good hands, gaining insights that enrich your understanding of Bali’s spiritual and natural landscape.

While the extra cost of entrance fees is something to consider, the overall value and convenience make this tour a worthwhile investment. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, meaningful day exploring Bali’s ancient temples, traditional villages, and volcanic landscapes, all with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off key sites or a returning visitor wanting a fresh perspective, this tour delivers a compact, authentic taste of Bali’s diverse charm.