Volcano views, plus real Balinese rituals. This full-day tour strings together Ubud Monkey Forest, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the holy water of Tirta Empul, then finishes with a lunch view over Mt. Batur. I like how the day is structured around big, meaningful stops instead of random driving, and I also like that you get a private, air-conditioned ride for a route that is otherwise a hassle in Bali’s hills. One consideration: it is a long day (about 10 hours) and Kintamani sits in higher terrain, so it can feel cool once you’re up there.

The driving makes or breaks highland days in Bali. Here you’re picked up from most south Bali and Ubud hotels, and you’re dropped back after a packed route with included entrance fees and bottled water. If you dislike temples, crowds, or close monkey encounters, plan your expectations before you go.

Key takeaways before you go

• Private A/C car door to door: hotel pickup and drop-off from most south Bali and Ubud hotels
• A full culture mix in one loop: dance show, sacred spring temple, rice terrace, monkey sanctuary
• Mt. Batur view during lunch: buffet lunch in Kintamani with vegetarian on request
• Included basics: entrance tickets, petrol, English-speaking driver, and mineral water (1 bottle per person)
• Celuk for craft shopping: gold and silver handicrafts in Celuk craft village with time to browse
• Good odds on guide quality: named drivers in the feedback, like Teddy and Arsa, are described as friendly and professional

A 10-hour day that actually makes sense in Bali

What I like about this tour plan is the logic of the route. You start in the Ubud area with classic cultural stops, then you move into the Kintamani highlands where you can finally see that famous Mt. Batur panorama from up top. The day is long on paper, but the stops are spaced so you’re not just passing time in the car.

There’s also a practical reality here. Public transport in Bali’s hills is limited, and roads can be narrow and winding. A private driver is not a luxury upgrade, it’s the sanity saver. You get a good A/C car, plus an English-speaking driver who can keep the schedule on track.

Price and value: what $65 covers (and why it matters)

At $65 per person for about 10 hours, this tour competes well for a day that includes both transportation and multiple paid entrances. The key is what you do not have to add later: entrance fees are included, lunch is included as a buffet, and you get mineral water (one bottle per person). You also get petrol and tax and services handled.

That means your budget stays predictable. Your main leftover expenses are personal things like snacks, drinks beyond the one bottle of water, or extra shopping. If you plan to visit at least a temple, a rice terrace, and a major cultural show in one day, this kind of bundled pricing usually feels fair.

One more value point: you’re doing this as a private group tour, meaning your time can stay focused on your route rather than constantly waiting on other people.

Morning start with Barong and Keris dance at Sila Culture

You kick things off at 8:00 am with the Barong and Keris dance performance at Sila Culture. This is the Balinese trance dance story about good and evil, centered on Barong, described as the king of the spirit world in Balinese mythology, and the Keris as a key element in the drama.

Why this first stop works: it gets you into the culture mode early, before you’re tired from the road to higher elevations. The session is about 1 hour, with admission ticket included. It’s also a good way to get context for what you’ll see later, since Balinese rituals and sacred sites often tie back to these spiritual concepts.

Possible drawback to note: performances can run fixed by the venue, so if you’re the type who hates being stuck to a clock, you’ll want to be mentally ready for that first hour to be non-negotiable.

Monkey Forest: a sacred sanctuary and real-life monkey energy

Next up is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, about 1 hour, with admission included. The full name on the entrance signs is long, but it gives you the vibe: Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

This place is not just a zoo stop. It’s a nature reserve and temple complex. That combination matters because it changes how the space feels. You’re walking through a protected area with religious sites inside it, while monkeys are part of the lived-in reality of the forest.

I like that the tour gives you a full hour here, not a rushed 20-minute photo sprint. You get time to walk at your own pace, pause for temple details, and decide how close you want to get to the action.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: timing and viewpoints without guesswork

Then you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, another about 1 hour stop with admission included. This is one of those places in Bali that people talk about for a reason. The terraced fields create layered viewpoints, and the whole area feels like it is designed for standing still and looking.

The benefit of having a driver is simple: you’re not trying to coordinate transport or arrive late. Your tour schedule also helps you avoid the worst moments of the day, since the rest of your route continues immediately after.

What to consider: rice terrace areas can be slippery or uneven in places, and the walkways can get crowded. Wear shoes you trust. This is also one of the stops where you’ll feel tempted to buy hats, snacks, or souvenirs from passing sellers. Decide your limits early so you don’t waste time bargaining you did not plan to do.

Kintamani Highland: the quick high-altitude reset

After the rice terraces, you go to Kintamani Highland for a shorter stop, about 30 minutes, with admission ticket included. Kintamani sits around 1,500 meters high, and the day can swing in temperature: cool air in the daytime and cold at night.

That 30-minute window is important. You’re using it to get oriented in the area, take in the broad highland atmosphere, and keep energy for what comes next, especially the lunch with Mt. Batur views.

If you’re the type who wants long scenic time, this might feel short. But in a 10-hour day, you’re trading that extra wandering for more stops that day.

Lunch at The Amora Bali with Mt. Batur panorama

Lunch is at The Amora Bali and is built into the day as a buffet of Indonesian specialties, about 1 hour. Vegetarian food is available on request. During the meal, you get an amazing view of Mt. Batur and the valley below.

This is one of the tour’s strongest selling points because it connects food with the scenery. You’re not just sitting in a restaurant somewhere, you’re eating while the volcano view is part of the experience. Also, the tour includes mineral water, so you can pace yourself without paying extra right away.

Practical advice: buffet lunch means options, but it also means you can snack yourself full quickly. If you want to enjoy the next temple stop without feeling heavy, go for a couple of favorites instead of a little of everything.

Tirta Empul Temple: sacred springs and purification time

Next is Tirta Empul Temple, about 1 hour, with admission included. It’s also known as the Holy Spring Temple in Tampak Siring. The site is described as a place where worshippers have come for thousands of years to take holy water for purification.

What I like here is the meaning. This isn’t just an architectural photo stop. It’s tied to a religious practice centered on cleansing and purification. Even if you’re not participating in the ritual, watching the flow of the space helps you understand why Balinese temples feel active, not museum-like.

Consideration: temple etiquette matters, and rules can be enforced at sacred sites. Bring a calm, respectful attitude and follow what your driver suggests. Since the tour includes an English-speaking driver, you’ll have support translating what to do and where to stand.

Celuk Village for gold and silver crafts, without wasting the day

Your final major stop is Celuk craft village for gold and silver handicrafts, about 1 hour. Admission is free here, and the tour gives you time to shop.

Celuk is known for incredible gold and silver handicrafts in the area, and the tour description notes that prices can be very low. I treat that as a starting point, not a guarantee. If you like crafts and want to bring something home that feels connected to Bali’s real workshops, this is a solid place to spend time.

Practical shopping tip: if you’re buying jewelry, look closely at how pieces are made, ask questions, and compare what you see in different shops within the hour. With limited time, you want to shop with intent, not impulse.

The driving and guide factor: why names like Teddy and Arsa pop up

A big part of this tour’s appeal is the human side. In the feedback tied to this experience, named guides and drivers show up as standout helpers, including Teddy and Arsa, often described as friendly, helpful, and professional. Other names linked to good experiences include Dirga, Naya, Ayu, Putu Lencong, Koming, Heri, and Oka.

Even if you do not meet the same people, those names tell you something about the service style. The best days are the ones where your driver keeps you safe on winding roads, explains what you’re seeing, and helps you adjust your plan if your group wants more time somewhere.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you want a one-day sampler of Ubud and the Kintamani region, with private transport, included entrances, and a lunch that includes Mt. Batur views. It’s also ideal if you’re staying in south Bali or Ubud and you do not want to wrestle with buses and shared rides across hills.

It might not be your best choice if you hate long days or if you strongly dislike monkey environments or temple settings. Also, if you’re hoping for a slow pace with lots of free wandering time, the schedule is too packed. Here, you’re paying for efficient experiences, not drifting.

Should you book this full day Kintamani and Ubud tour?

I’d book it if your goal is to see the highlights without turning your Bali day into logistics homework. The value is strongest when you consider what’s included: private air-conditioned transport, English-speaking driver, entrances, a buffet lunch, and water. In one run, you hit dance storytelling, a sacred monkey sanctuary, rice terraces, a highland viewpoint stop, holy spring temple time, and Celuk crafts.

If you’re on the fence, make the decision based on two things. First, can you handle about 10 hours with multiple stops? Second, do you want a guided route that removes road stress in Bali’s hilly areas? If yes, this is a smart way to spend a day.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Kintamani Volcano View and Ubud Village Tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, the private driver collects and drops at most south Bali and Ubud hotels.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes private A/C car, petrol, an English-speaking driver, entrance fees, a buffet Indonesian lunch, and mineral water (1 bottle per person), plus tax and services.

Is lunch included, and do they offer vegetarian options?

Lunch is included as a buffet Indonesian food meal, and vegetarian food is available on request.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour, so only your group participates.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund.