One day in Ubud can feel like three. You start in Sacred Monkey Forest, then hit Ubud Palace and the Art Market, before heading up toward Kintamani for Mount and Lake Batur views, plus a rice-terrace and waterfall finish.

I especially like that it is set up as a private, air-conditioned day with an English-speaking driver, so you spend less time sorting logistics and more time actually looking around. I also like that the important stuff is already handled for you: entrance tickets, lunch, and transport are included in the $70 price.

The main drawback is time and heat. It is a full 10-hour day starting at 8:00 am, with several outdoor stops, so you will want to pace yourself and plan for sun, humidity, and some travel time between sites.

Key things to know before you go

• Private pickup and drop-off: you start from your hotel and return to it the same day.
• A full “Ubud to highlands” route: Monkey Forest, palace, art market, Kintamani viewpoints, rice terraces, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
• Lunch with the view: the itinerary is designed so you eat when you are up at the Kintamani highlands.
• Rice-terrace activities are optional: you can track around, or choose swing and zip lining, but the tracking donation is not included.
• A driver-guide who manages the day: past guides like Darma, Nyoman Budi, and Putu Irwan have been noted for friendliness, calm driving, and putting safety first.
• Tickets and entrances are handled: most stops include admission, so you are not scrambling at each gate.

How a 10-hour Ubud to Kintamani day stays manageable

This tour runs about 10 hours and starts at 8:00 am from your hotel. That early start matters in Bali, because the later the day gets, the more traffic, heat, and fatigue pile up.

The format is simple: you move from one “big moment” to the next, with enough time at each place to see what you came for without turning it into a stop-and-rush parade. And because it is a private tour, you can usually slow down for photos, step away to cool off, or spend a few extra minutes at the viewpoints if you want.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples plus real wildlife behavior

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 1 hour on-site and admission included. This place is both a nature reserve and a religious temple complex, so you are not just wandering through trees, you are also seeing how locals connect it to everyday life.

You should expect to see crab-eating macaques. The key practical move here is to act like you are in a wildlife area, not a zoo. Keep your belongings secure, be careful with food, and keep a respectful distance when monkeys get curious.

The upside: it is a memorable first stop that mixes scenery with the feeling of a living Balinese site. The tradeoff: you will want to wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, because the paths can be uneven, and you may be moving around to avoid crowds or monkeys.

Ubud Palace and the Traditional Art Market: culture in the center of town

After the sanctuary, you head straight into the Ubud core.

At Ubud Palace, plan for about 15 minutes, with admission included. It is a compact stop, so use the time to orient yourself, then decide what you want to photograph and what you want to read on-site. Even in a short visit, the palace setting gives you a feel for Ubud beyond its reputation as a café town.

Then you move to the Ubud Traditional Art Market, about 1 hour with admission included. This is where you can browse the usual Ubud souvenirs, from batiks to silver jewelry and wood carvings. The practical advantage is that you do not have to jump between multiple markets later, because you get your shopping window right in the middle of the day.

My advice: go with a price range in mind and treat it like a browsing session first. If you see something you love, you can go back for it, but if you do not, you will not feel pressured when the clock is already moving.

Kintamani Highland: Mount Batur and Lake Batur viewpoints made for lunch

Next comes the big drive to the Kintamani highlands, about 1 hour on-site with admission included. The whole point here is the view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur from a distance, with restaurants nearby that take advantage of the scenery.

The itinerary builds lunch right into this area, which is one of the smartest choices in the schedule. Instead of eating while traveling, you pause, eat, and then look out across the caldera country with less rush.

What to expect: this is one of those places where the view is the attraction, so give yourself enough time to sit and re-check the angles. If you want great photos, the lighting can shift as you move, even within the same viewpoint area.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: how to choose your own activity level

After lunch, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with about 1 hour on-site and admission included. These terraces spread down a valley, and the views from the roadside look out over rice paddies on the slopes.

You also have activity options mentioned in the itinerary: tracking, swing, and zip lining. Not every activity will be your speed, so treat this stop as both sightseeing and choose-your-own-adventure. Want a calm walk? Do that. Want the adrenaline option? You can.

One important cost note: there is a donation for tracking at the rice terrace that is not included. So if you plan to do a walking route, budget a little extra. If you only want the viewpoints and photos, you might be able to keep costs down by skipping the tracking portion.

Practical tip: bring sun protection. This is outdoors, and even when it feels cooler than lowland Ubud, you can still burn when you stay in place too long.

Tegenungan Waterfall: the easiest nature payoff of the day

The final major stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, about 1 hour and admission included. It is a classic Bali nature stop, and it is positioned to work well for the end of the day, when you might want a break from towns and viewpoints.

Because it is a 1-hour window, you can do the essentials without feeling stuck. You can check the main viewing area, take your photos, then get some fresh air before heading back.

What matters most here is comfort. Waterfalls mean wet surfaces and changing footing. Wear shoes that do not hate a little damp, and keep an eye on where you stand when people move around you.

Price and value: what $70 actually buys you

At $70 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain if you compare it to building a similar day on your own. Why? Because the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, all entrance tickets, lunch, and service and government tax.

Most “do it yourself” days in Bali cost less on paper, but the hidden costs show up as time, multiple tickets, and the hassle of figuring out transport between far-apart stops. Here, the route is already stitched together, and the important admissions are handled for you.

Where the value gets especially good is the private format. A private air-conditioned vehicle is not just comfort. It is also a time saver, because you are not coordinating with other groups or waiting on everyone else to finish.

The driver matters more than you think

The experience is set up around the driver, and the tone matters. In past departures with this company, names like Darma and Nyoman Budi have been highlighted for friendliness and calm driving. Putu Irwan has been praised for being helpful while also prioritizing safety.

Even if your guide does not match those exact names, the pattern is clear: this is the kind of tour where the driver’s style can make or break the day. If your guide communicates clearly, manages timing, and helps you plan quick transitions, you feel less stress at each stop.

So when you book, take comfort in the idea that this is not just transportation. It is a guided day with an English-speaking driver who helps you move smoothly between Ubud, the highlands, the terraces, and the waterfall.

Small planning tips that improve every stop

This tour has a lot of different terrain, so a few small choices help.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes you can trust on uneven paths.
• Bring sun protection for outdoor stops like Monkey Forest, rice terraces, and the waterfall area.
• Keep your phone and small items secure around the monkeys, since this is a wildlife setting.
• If you want to do rice-terrace tracking or activities, plan your timing so you are not rushing right before the next stop.

You can also think about your pace. The itinerary gives you structure, but you are still the one deciding how long to linger at views and how much energy to spend on terrace activities.

Who should book this Ubud, Kintamani, and waterfall day trip

This is a strong fit if you want a classic “best of Ubud plus highlands” day without dealing with transport planning. It is also a good choice for couples, families, and anyone who prefers a private tour over joining a bigger group.

You might want to skip it if you hate early starts or if you want a slow, unstructured day. This is a full day with several stops, so it is built for people who like movement and variety.

Should you book this tour?

I would book it if you want Mount Batur and Lake Batur views, a proper rice-terrace visit at Tegalalang, and a waterfall stop, all arranged into one efficient day. The included lunch and entrance tickets also make it easier to budget and less likely that you will lose time at each gate.

If you are on the fence, decide based on your energy level. If you can handle 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am, this is a well-structured route. If you want more lounging and fewer transitions, you may prefer shorter, single-area tours.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.

Is this a private tour?

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

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

What activities are available at Tegalalang Rice Terrace?

The itinerary mentions tracking, swing, and zip lining. The donation for tracking at the rice terrace is not included.

Does the price include an English-speaking driver?

Yes. An English speaking driver is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.