Private Shore Excursion: Highlights of Bali

Experience Bali’s Hidden Charm on a Private Ubud Tour
This private Bali tour offers a flexible, intimate way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights. For just $40 per person, you’ll be picked up from Benoa Harbor or your hotel and spend about 7 to 8 hours exploring places like the sacred Tirta Empul Temple, the lush Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Penglipuran Village, and several craft villages.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the personal touch — your guide is there to tailor the day to your interests, and the private nature means fewer crowds and more relaxed exploring. Two features stand out: the opportunity to learn about Balinese customs at Penglipuran and the chance to sample local coffee straight from the plantation.

One possible consideration is that the van can get crowded—a review mentioned that with six people, it felt a bit tight, so if space matters to you, going for a smaller group or requesting a smaller vehicle could improve comfort.

This tour suits travelers who want a combination of cultural insight and scenic beauty, with the flexibility to choose where to spend more time, making it ideal for those who enjoy personalized experiences and authentic sights.

Key Points

• Customizable Itinerary: Your guide tailors stops to your interests, whether cultural spots or craft villages.
• Authentic Experiences: Learn about Balinese traditions at Penglipuran and visit sacred temples like Tirta Empul.
• Scenic Highlights: Capture amazing photos of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and enjoy lush countryside views.
• Local Culture & Crafts: Shop in villages known for their arts, like Mas and Celuk, or visit a coffee plantation.
• Convenient & Private: Includes hotel or port pickup, with a private guide ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.
• Value for Money: At $40, this is a great way to see Bali’s highlights without feeling rushed or crowded.

A Deep Dive into the Highlights of Bali

Starting Your Day with Ease and Personalization

We loved how the tour begins with pickups from your hotel or Benoa Harbor, making logistics straightforward. The guide’s initial briefing sets the tone, giving you a preview of what to expect—and the flexibility to adjust the day. Since it’s a private tour, you control the pace; if you want to linger longer at a temple or skip a stop, your guide will accommodate.

Penglipuran Village: A Cultural Window

Our first stop is Penglipuran Village, which is often praised for its well-preserved traditions and clean, orderly streets. Walking through Penglipuran gives you a real sense of Balinese community life and customs. The review from Kelley D highlighted the value here: “Great tour and amazing lunch! This was a really good tour and the price was also very good. My only comments were that there was 6 of us and the van was very crowded.” So, if space or quiet are your priorities, consider requesting a smaller vehicle.

What’s special about Penglipuran is how it offers a glimpse into everyday Balinese life, away from tourist-heavy spots. It’s a place to learn about local traditions and see how conservation meets community living.

Coffee Tasting at Satria Agrowisata

Next, we visit a local coffee plantation at Satria Agrowisata, where sampling freshly brewed Balinese coffee is a highlight. This stop offers a chance to taste a variety of local brews, including some with unique flavor profiles. The review notes it’s a free stop, which adds value, and it’s a relaxing break amid the busy day.

You might find that this experience enhances your appreciation for Bali’s agricultural roots and coffee craftsmanship. It’s also a good spot for photos and souvenir shopping if you’re interested.

Tirta Empul Temple: Sacred Waters

The tour’s visit to Tirta Empul Temple is often described as a highlight. This holy spring temple is renowned for its purification baths, and many travelers find it both beautiful and spiritually meaningful. The guide will reveal stories and traditions behind the temple, enriching your understanding.

While the review from Kelley D mentions the crowd can be an issue, most agree that the temple’s intricate architecture and sacred waters are worth seeing. Plus, since your guide is with you, they can help you navigate and find a quiet moment to appreciate the site.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Picturesque and Peaceful

Next, the lush Tegalalang Rice Terrace provides a quintessential Bali photo opportunity. The terraced fields are a marvel of traditional irrigation called subak, and the views are stunning. Expect a brief stop, enough to snap some photos and soak in the scenery.

The bench terraces, vibrant greens, and the surrounding jungle make this a favorite for many travelers. It’s also a good spot to learn about rice farming and its importance to Balinese culture.

Arts, Crafts, and Local Markets

Your guide may take you to craft villages like Mas, Celuk, Batuan, or Tohpati, where artisans produce traditional wood carvings, jewelry, and textiles. Kelley D’s review mentions that she appreciated the artistic villages and the opportunity to shop for authentic souvenirs.

These stops give insight into Balinese craftsmanship and often feature demonstrations, which enhance the experience. Remember, since this is a private tour, you can choose to spend more or less time here according to your interests.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the ability to customize your day. Whether you want to spend more time at the rice terraces, explore additional villages, or skip certain stops, your guide will adjust. This flexibility means your experience can be deeply tailored, making it more meaningful and comfortable.

Practical Details and Value Analysis

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a private vehicle, which is a plus for comfort and convenience. However, as noted in reviews, the van can get crowded with six people. If you prefer more space, you might want to request a smaller vehicle or go with fewer travelers.

Timing-wise, you’ll be picked up around 8:00 to 8:30 am, giving you a full day of exploring without feeling rushed. The total duration of 7 to 8 hours provides ample time for each stop while leaving room for spontaneous moments.

Cost and Inclusion

At $40 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering it includes private transport, a guide, and entrance fees (if upgraded). Since food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal at one of the villages if your schedule allows.

The Guide Experience

Having an English-speaking private guide makes a big difference in understanding the sites and cultural nuances. The guide’s commentary is based on your interests, which can lead to a richer experience. Kelley D’s review also suggests that a microphone might improve communication, especially in the van, so you might request that or plan to sit at the front for better hearing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy personalized travel and want to avoid crowded group tours. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to learn about Balinese culture, traditions, and arts while enjoying scenic views. It’s perfect for those who appreciate flexibility and want a relaxed, authentic day rather than a hurried, cookie-cutter experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Bali tour offers a thoughtful way to see key highlights with the benefit of personalized attention and customization. For a modest price, you gain access to cultural sites, natural beauty, and artisan villages, all within a comfortable and flexible format.

The experience is especially valuable if you’re keen to learn about Balinese traditions and want to avoid the crowds typical of larger tour groups. The guide’s local knowledge enriches the visit, making each stop more meaningful.

While the vehicle’s size might be a concern for some, the overall value, scenic beauty, and cultural insights outweigh this small inconvenience. It’s well-suited for travelers who like a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and cultural learning—and who want to do it at their own pace.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, it is a private tour, only your group will participate, and it can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people.

What is the cost per person?
The tour costs $40.00 per person, which includes the guide, transport, and entrance fees if you choose to upgrade.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The guide’s commentary and stops can be tailored to your interests, making it a flexible experience.

What stops are included?
Stops typically include Penglipuran Village, Satria Agrowisata (coffee plantation), Tirta Empul Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and arts/craft villages.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can plan to buy snacks or lunch during the day.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, giving ample time to explore each site comfortably.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, if you choose the upgrade, entrance fees are covered, making the day smoother.

Is this tour good for cultural enthusiasts?
Yes, stops like Penglipuran Village and Tirta Empul are perfect for those interested in learning about local customs and traditions.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the private transport, guide, and multiple significant sites, it offers excellent value, especially for travelers seeking a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, some cash for souvenirs or snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

To sum it up, this private Bali tour strikes a great balance between culture and scenic beauty, with enough flexibility to make your day just right. If you’re looking for a well-priced, personalized way to explore Ubud’s highlights and learn about Bali’s vibrant traditions, this experience is definitely worth considering.