Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour

REVIEW · UBUD DAY TRIPS FROM SEMINYAK

Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour

5.0 · 41 reviews From $35 Operated by Awesome Bali Driver · Bookable on Viator
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One driver, eight big Ubud stops. This private full-day route strings together the big-name Ubud nature and culture hits, plus a few craft and temple experiences you can’t really DIY in one day. You also get to start at a time that fits your body clock, not a rigid schedule.

I especially like the flexibility. When you can choose your departure, you control the pace and the heat, and you can time photo stops and temple visits the way you want.

The service edge shows up in the details, and guides like Wayan are a good example. He’s been described as accommodating and professional, with the kind of calm, clear guidance that makes a long day feel smooth. One thing to plan for: entrance fees and lunch aren’t included, so your day budget should have extra cash for tickets and meals.

Key things I’d circle before you book

Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour - Key things I’d circle before you book

  • Flexible start time so your day feels less like a cattle call
  • Door-to-door pickup across Ubud and much of south Bali
  • A real mix of stops: waterfall, temple rituals, rice terraces, monkeys, and crafts
  • Private driver/guide in an A/C vehicle with bottled water
  • Expect extra spend on tickets and food since entrance fees and lunch cost extra

A Private Ubud Day Built for Momentum (and Comfort)

This tour is designed for one main goal: see a lot of Ubud in one full day without stressing over timing or transport. You’re not hopping buses. You’re in an air-conditioned car with bottled water, guided by a private driver/guide who can keep the day moving.

The route is also practical. You hit the “signature” sights people come to Ubud for, but the order is built around a logical day flow: crafts, then a big waterfall, then temple time, then rice terraces and monkeys. It’s the kind of structure that keeps you from feeling like you’re wasting daylight on backtracking.

Value-wise, $35 per person is a fair entry point because the cost covers private transportation. Most of the rest of what you’ll pay for is elective (entrance fees) or personal (lunch and other expenses). If you’re splitting between friends, the available group discounts can make it even easier to justify.

Pickup and timing: start when your day starts

Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour - Pickup and timing: start when your day starts
The tour includes two-way transfers, with pickup offered from addresses in Ubud and much of south Bali. That matters because Ubud mornings can eat time fast when you’re trying to coordinate rides and then re-coordinate again.

The other big win is start-time flexibility. Leaving at a time that suits your body clock is more than a comfort perk. It gives you control over how the day feels: calmer for photos and temple entry, or more relaxed if you’re not an early-morning person.

Also, it’s a private tour, meaning it’s only your group. That helps with pace. If you need a longer walk to a view point or want a quick reset stop, a private setup makes it easier to work with than a fixed group tour.

Celuk Art Village: silver craft watching, plus shopping time

Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour - Celuk Art Village: silver craft watching, plus shopping time
Your day kicks off with a stop at Celuk Art Village, a known center for silverwork. Even if you’re not shopping, this is a good “hands-on culture” moment because you get to see the craft process up close—how pieces are made, shaped, and finished.

Why I like this stop: it’s not just a photo location. It’s a real cultural activity, and it fits well at the start of the day when you still have energy.

What to consider: this kind of artisan village stop often includes sales and shop browsing. If you’re not planning to buy anything, you might want to set a simple rule for yourself: enjoy the work, then move on. Otherwise the time can stretch longer than you expected.

Tegenungan Waterfall: big sights, plan for slippery footing

Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall. This is a classic Bali waterfall stop, located in the Gianyar regency, and it’s the kind of place where your eyes immediately understand what you came for.

You’ll have about 2 hours at this stop. That’s enough time to enjoy the falls, grab photos, and still keep the day on track.

The practical side: waterfalls mean wet stone and uneven surfaces. Wear shoes you can trust. If you’re bringing flip-flops, you’ll probably regret it. Also, since entrance fees aren’t included, keep a little cash ready for the ticket.

Batuan Village: an extra cultural waypoint

The itinerary includes a stop in Batuan Village. The details here are less specific than the headline sights, but the value is that it adds texture to the day.

Why it works: after the waterfall, this kind of village stop gives you a slower moment to observe everyday Balinese life and the local setting before you switch gears again for temple and ritual.

What to expect: since the exact focus isn’t laid out in detail, treat it as a scenic and cultural waypoint. Use the time for quick photos and to stretch your legs—then roll into the temple part of the day.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring rituals and one important rule

Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour - Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring rituals and one important rule
Tirta Empul Temple is centered on a sacred spring—holy water, traditionally connected with curative beliefs. The temple complex is organized around a large pond fed by the spring, and you’ll spend around 2 hours here.

This is the kind of stop that feels meaningful because you’re not just looking at a building. You’re in a place where ritual and tradition are still part of how the site is used.

Big note for planning: the experience includes entering a temple, and there’s a strict rule about menstruation—if someone is menstruating, they are not allowed to enter any temple in Bali. If that happens after booking, the tour can be rescheduled or the temple destination replaced with another non-temple option.

What to do with that info: if you think timing might be tight, ask early about the temple replacement option so you’re not scrambling on the day. Temple rules are part of respecting the place and avoiding stress.

D’Alas Warung Restaurant: food break, but your wallet handles it

Midday includes a stop at D’Alas Warung Restaurant. You’ll have about 2 hours here, which typically works well as your “refuel and regroup” break during a long day.

Why I like having a real restaurant stop: after temples and a waterfall, you’ll want a guaranteed place to sit down, use a restroom, and reset.

What to remember: lunch isn’t included, and personal expenses aren’t included. So you’re choosing your own meal here. If you’re trying to keep costs controlled, look at menu options before ordering, and don’t assume every stop meal will be a bargain.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: classic views with mindful timing

Then you get to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s best-known rice paddy scenes. Expect layered paddies carved into the hillside and a wide variety of viewpoints for photos.

You’ll have about 2 hours at Tegalalang. That’s enough time to walk at least a couple of vantage points, not just stop for one quick picture and leave.

What to consider: rice terrace viewing usually means uneven steps and lots of people around the popular points. If you want quieter photos, spending time earlier in the visit can help you find pockets with less congestion. If you’re not into crowds, keep your expectations realistic—this is one of the major Ubud attractions.

Budget reality: again, entrance fees aren’t included, so the ticket cost is on you. Bring small change if you tend to get cash nervous while traveling.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples, jungle paths, and animal rules

Finally, you head to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This stop mixes temple structures with lush greenery, and you’ll get a guided experience that helps you understand what you’re seeing.

You’ll have about 2 hours here as well. That’s useful because you’re not just watching monkeys—you’re also walking the sanctuary area and taking in the surrounding sacred spaces.

A practical caution (worth taking seriously): monkeys are monkeys. Don’t carry food openly, keep small items secured, and follow your guide’s instructions. If you’re treating the visit like a casual stroll, the animal side can make you feel rushed.

Why it’s still a great capstone: it’s a natural, playful final stop after temples and terraces. It also tends to be a good place to end with because the setting feels like a break from the more structured sights earlier in the day.

The guide/driver factor: why private feels worth it

A big theme in the feedback about this experience is the guide quality—especially someone like Wayan, described as knowledgeable in a helpful way, accommodating, polite, and professional. Even when a day is packed, a good guide keeps you on track without rushing you.

Here’s what you should look for, even when you don’t meet your guide until pickup: clear communication about timing, calm help at each stop, and a sensible sense of pacing. In a private tour, that’s the difference between a “full day” and a “long day you enjoy.”

Because this is a seasoned private driver/guide setup, you’re also less likely to get stuck waiting around or lost between attractions. Your transportation is already solved, and that’s what lets you focus on the sights.

What’s included vs. what you pay for yourself

Included:

  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water

Not included:

  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses

How I’d think about your budget: entrance tickets can add up across multiple stops, especially when the itinerary includes temples and major attraction sites. Lunch isn’t included either, so plan one meal cost plus any snacks or drinks you want.

If you’re the type who hates surprises, check your group’s spending before the tour so nobody’s scrambling mid-day.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you:

  • Want a structured, one-day introduction to Ubud
  • Prefer private comfort over shared group logistics
  • Like the idea of hitting big sights like Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and Tirta Empul in one sweep
  • Enjoy artisan and culture stops, not just scenic viewpoints

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Want a super slow day with lots of downtime
  • Don’t want to pay extra for entrances and your own meal
  • Are sensitive to temple rules and timing, especially around the menstruation restriction

Should you book the Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour?

If your goal is to see the core Ubud highlights in one day without dealing with transport headaches, I think this is a solid booking. The private A/C vehicle, bottled water, and door-to-door transfers make it feel efficient, and the mix of waterfall, temple rituals, rice terraces, monkeys, and silver craft gives you a rounded day.

Book it if you’re ready for the extras—entrance fees and lunch are on you—and if you can handle a full schedule. If you’d rather spread things out over multiple days, or you hate paying for tickets one after another, you might prefer a lighter itinerary. But for a first-time Ubud day that actually uses your time well, this one earns its place.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Best of Ubud Private Tour?

It runs for about 8 to 10 hours.

Where does the tour operate, and do you get pickup?

The tour is in Bali (listed as Seminyak). Pickup and two-way transfers are offered from addresses in Ubud and much of south Bali.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included, and you pay them yourself.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but there is a restaurant stop on the itinerary.

Which stops does the itinerary include?

The itinerary includes Celuk Art Village, Tegenungan Waterfall, Batuan Village, Tirta Empul Temple, D’Alas Warung Restaurant, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Can someone menstruating enter the temple?

Travelers undergoing menstruation are strictly not allowed to enter any temple in Bali. If this happens after booking, the booking can be rescheduled or the temple destination can be replaced with another non-temple destination.

How soon is this tour usually booked?

On average, it’s booked 8 days in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes within 24 hours of the start time aren’t accepted.