Private Tour: Ubud and Tanah Lot Day Tour

Experience Bali’s Heart and Shoreline with a Private Ubud and Tanah Lot Day Tour

Looking to explore Bali’s most iconic sights without the hassle of sightseeing crowds or rigid schedules? For just $57 per person, this private day tour offers a flexible and intimate way to see Ubud’s lush interior, verdant rice terraces,** sacred temples**, and the famous Tanah Lot sunset. Spanning about 10 hours, the tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Bali’s natural beauty and spiritual sites, all with the comfort of private transportation and your own guide.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to customize your day — whether that’s wandering through the famous rice terraces, getting up close with monkeys in Ubud Monkey Forest, or simply relaxing at a scenic restaurant. The attention from guides like Wayan or Gede, who are praised for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge, helps turn a standard sightseeing day into something personal and memorable.

One potential consideration is that the itinerary can be quite full, which might feel rushed if you prefer a slow, meditative pace. But if you’re eager to pack in the highlights and enjoy Bali’s landscapes and temples in one go, this tour suits energetic travelers well, especially those looking for great value and authentic insights.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an efficient but personalized Bali experience — those who appreciate a guide’s local tips, enjoy beautiful scenery, and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors eager to see Bali’s top sights with the benefit of local stories and insider knowledge.

Key Points

• Flexible and private: Customizable itinerary with your own guide and transportation.
• Cultural and scenic highlights: Includes the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temples, and sunset at Tanah Lot.
• Excellent value: All-inclusive price with hotel pickup, drop-off, and all entrance fees.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunity to taste local food, see traditional farming, and learn about Bali’s spiritual sites.
• Highly praised guides: Many reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable drivers like Wayan, Gede, and Komang.
• Good for most travelers: Suitable for those who want a full day of sightseeing with personalized attention.

A Practical Look at the Ubud and Tanah Lot Tour

How the Day Unfolds

This private tour is designed to make the most of your Bali day, starting with hotel pickup and comfy air-conditioned transport. Expect a well-organized schedule that balances must-see sights with some relaxing moments, all tailored by your guide’s insights.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Your first stop is the Ubud Monkey Forest, a forested oasis where long-tailed macaques roam freely amid ancient temple ruins and jungle statues. It’s a lively place where you’ll see birds, lizards, butterflies, and monkeys going about their day. Many reviews highlight this as a fun, if slightly unpredictable, part of the tour. One traveler remarked, “We really enjoyed our time there with the wild monkeys and the monkey even stood on our backs,” capturing how memorable and lively this stop can be.

This site is more than just a tourist attraction — it’s a spiritual hub for locals who come to pray during special ceremonies. Expect a mix of wild animal encounters and a glimpse of local religious practices all within a lush, shaded forest.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Next, the journey leads north to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, arguably Bali’s most photographed landscape. These terraces showcase terraced rice paddies carved into the hillside, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Walking among the lush green fields, you’ll get a real sense of Bali’s traditional farming life, as one reviewer noted, “We saw real farmer activities in their daily routines.”

Expect to spend about 45 minutes here, enough time for photos, a short walk, and soaking in the scenery. Many visitors find the sight of endless rice paddies both peaceful and inspiring, especially in the soft light of the morning or late afternoon.

Lunch at a Jungle Restaurant

You then have the option to upgrade the tour with a lunch at a jungle restaurant, which many reviews praise for its natural ambiance and delicious food. The restaurant is set amidst greenery, providing a relaxing break from sightseeing. Even without the upgrade, the included bottled water keeps you refreshed for the rest of the day.

Taman Ayun Temple

The tour proceeds to Taman Ayun Temple, established in 1634 as the royal family temple of the Mengwi Empire. This complex is famed for its multi-tiered roofs and its location on a large fish pond, making it appear as if the temple is floating on water. Visitors report that the architecture and serenity make it a standout site. One reviewer simply called it “a beautiful temple with Balinese architecture surrounded by a big fish pond,” emphasizing its picturesque setting.

Sunset at Tanah Lot

The final highlight is Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most famous temples perched on a rocky outcrop in the ocean. Visited during low tide, it offers an impressive silhouette at sunset, a truly iconic Bali scene. Many travelers echo the sentiment that watching the sunset here is a breathtaking experience, especially with the temple’s silhouette against the colorful sky.

While admission is included, keep in mind that access to the temple itself might be limited during high tide, so check the tide schedule if you want the best view. Several reviews mention that guides help with timing and even assist with bargaining at nearby stalls.

Transportation and Guides

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the private air-conditioned minivan, which ensures comfort and flexibility. Reviews repeatedly praise guides like Gede, Komang, and Wayan for their friendliness and local knowledge. Travelers appreciated their willingness to tailor the day — whether skipping certain stops or spending extra time at favorites.

Many reviews mention the guides’ ability to share stories and cultural insights, making each stop more meaningful. The drivers’ careful and patient driving was also a recurring highlight, especially given Bali’s sometimes chaotic traffic.

The Value and Cost

At $57, this tour offers excellent value. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, bottled water, and a personal guide. For this price, you get a full day of sightseeing, authentic cultural insights, and the flexibility to focus on what interests you most — a much better deal than mixing and matching on your own.

Possible Drawbacks

For some, the quick pace might feel a bit rushed, especially if you prefer slower, more contemplative visits. Also, if you’re not a fan of crowds, some sites like Tanah Lot and Monkey Forest can be busy, but your guide’s tips can help you beat the crowds or find quieter moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to Bali’s highlights in a single day, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a well-organized, personalized experience without the stress of planning logistics. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate local stories, scenic views, and cultural sites all in one trip.

Travelers who value good guides that make history and tradition come alive will find this tour rewarding. It’s also a good choice if you want a cost-effective way to see a lot without sacrificing comfort.

FAQs About the Ubud and Tanah Lot Day Tour

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the private nature allows for some flexibility. Be aware that some sites involve walking and uneven surfaces, so bring comfortable shoes.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all taxes and entrance fees, bottled water, and a driver/guide. Lunch and optional activities like a jungle swing are available as upgrades.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention guides like Wayan and Gede being happy to tailor the day to your interests, whether that’s skipping certain stops or spending extra time somewhere.

What is the best time to visit Tanah Lot for sunset?
Sunset views are best at low tide, so check tide schedules to ensure you’ll see the temple against a colorful sky. Guides help coordinate timing to maximize this experience.

How is the driving?
Traveling in Bali can involve navigating busy roads, but most reviews praise the drivers’ careful driving and patience, making the journey comfortable.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is an optional upgrade, often at a restaurant in a natural setting. Many travelers enjoyed this added experience, noting the good food and ambiance.

In essence, this private Bali tour offers an efficient, friendly, and authentic way to see Bali’s most photographed sites and hidden gems. Its combination of scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and flexible planning makes it a perfect choice for those wanting a memorable day without the stress of self-guided exploration. Whether you’re captivated by temples, rice terraces, or stunning sunsets, this tour provides a well-rounded, truly Bali experience.