Private Tour – Ubud Kintamani Tours

Review · UBUD DAY TRIPS FROM KUTA

Private Tour – Ubud Kintamani Tours

5.0 · 7 reviews From $70 Operated by Giri Dara Bali Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Eight hours can feel like Bali highlights. This private Ubud to Kintamani day strings together private tour pacing and the kind of local insight you usually only get with a trusted driver, guided by Ketut Legawa in many past trips. You’ll get a classic cultural show, art village time, and big-time scenery all in one run, and I like that key admissions are built in rather than left to you. One thing to plan around: food and drinks are not included, and traffic can change how many stops you truly fit.

What makes this tour practical is the transport setup. Pickup and an air-conditioned car help you spend less energy on the road and more on the places. The tradeoff is that most stops are short, about 30 minutes each (dance is 40, Kintamani is 1 hour), so you’ll want to decide what you care about most before you arrive.

Key highlights to know before you go

Private Tour - Ubud Kintamani Tours - Key highlights to know before you go

  • A packed Ubud to Kintamani route with art villages, a major dance performance, rice terraces, a monkey sanctuary, and volcanic views
  • English speaking driver plus A/C transport, with petrol and all fees and taxes included
  • Admission tickets largely covered, so you avoid extra line-and-ticket math during the day
  • Flexible stop count based on traffic, usually up to 4 places even though the full list is longer
  • Pacing that depends on your priorities, since each stop is time-limited

Other ways to do the Ubud run from Bali

Price and Logistics: What $70 Gets You, and What It Does Not

Private Tour - Ubud Kintamani Tours - Price and Logistics: What $70 Gets You, and What It Does Not
At $70.00 per person for an 8 to 10 hour day, the value mostly comes from bundling the essentials: an air-conditioned car or bus, an English speaking driver, and petrol included. On top of that, all fees and taxes are included, and admission tickets are covered for most of the main stops on the route. For a day that would be annoying to coordinate yourself, this kind of packaging is where the money usually makes sense.

But keep your expectations clear. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll be on a schedule with short visits. If you’re the type who likes to linger, plan on using the driver’s suggestions wisely so your time does not evaporate.

Also note the tour length is listed as up to 10 hours, with extra hours charged at 10 percent of the full day tour price. In Bali traffic, that can matter, so I’d budget for the possibility that your day runs right up to the limit.

Finally, the route can shift with traffic. Even though the full menu of destinations is there, the day is usually limited to up to 4 places when the timing gets tight. That means you should book with the mindset of choosing the best version of the day, not expecting every stop to be guaranteed.

The Route Through Ubud and Kintamani: How Traffic Shapes Your Day

Private Tour - Ubud Kintamani Tours - The Route Through Ubud and Kintamani: How Traffic Shapes Your Day
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, which is a big deal in Bali. You’re not stuck behind other groups or waiting for someone else’s pace. And because the driver is English speaking, you can ask practical questions on the move, including what to prioritize if you’re running late.

Still, the itinerary itself is designed around time. Stops are typically:

  • 40 minutes for Barong and Kris Dance
  • 30 minutes for Celuk Village, Batuan, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and the Monkey Forest
  • 1 hour for Kintamani

If traffic slows the day, you may not reach every listed place. Usually, the best outcome is hitting up to 4 destinations during a 10 hour day. That is not a failure, it’s how the plan stays realistic.

My advice: before you start, do a quick mental ranking. For example, pick one cultural stop, one art stop, one nature or views stop, and one easy local add-on. That way, if the day compresses, you still get the parts you care about most.

Stop 1: Barong and Kris Dance, the Story of Good vs Evil

This tour starts with one of Bali’s most recognizable cultural performances: the Barong Dance. You’ll watch a storytelling dance that frames the fight between good and evil, using dramatic characters and traditional movement. The show runs about 40 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

Why this stop works early in the day: you get a clear cultural anchor before you scatter into craft villages and scenic locations. It also helps if you’re jet-lagged or tired from travel, because once you’re seated, you just watch.

A practical note: seats at performances can vary, so if you’re particular about sight lines, tell your driver when you arrive. He can help you get positioned so you’re not craning your neck for the whole show.

Stop 2: Celuk Village for Gold and Silver Art

Next is Celuk Village, known for gold and silver craftsmanship. Your visit is about 30 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

This stop is less about passively looking and more about seeing how Bali’s artistic side becomes a real industry. The area is famous for local residents who stay proactive and innovative in their metalwork. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, you’ll likely appreciate the level of skill behind the finished pieces.

Value tip: if you’re shopping, set a budget in your head before you enter. Art village pricing can vary widely, and time is short. If you’re not shopping, still take a moment to watch the work style and details, because that’s what you’ll remember later.

The same day, just yours

Stop 3: Batuan Village Painting Art, and Why Free Time Matters

Batuan Village is your painting stop. The visit is about 30 minutes, and admission is free.

You’ll see Ubud’s painting world through a different lens than Bali’s dance or metalwork. The story here is how local artistic expression evolved from traditional religious and mythological themes into the painting tradition associated with the area.

This stop is a nice counterbalance to Celuk. Metalwork is hands and shine. Painting is story and symbolism. And because the admission is free here, you get the benefit of a major art stop without extra ticket pressure.

Drawback to consider: painting villages can feel similar to you if you’re not into art themes. If you are more into landscapes and viewpoints, you might want to keep your questions simple and focus on the pieces that catch your eye first, then move on.

Stop 4: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Photos Plus Local Crafts

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the nature and photo moment. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and admission tickets are included.

This rice terrace area sits on the north-south road connecting Kintamani and Ubud, which makes it practical for this kind of itinerary. It’s also known for nearby woodcarvings, including colorful designs of flowers, animals, and other patterns. So even in a short visit, you can combine views with some quick browsing.

How to get more out of 30 minutes:

  • Focus on one or two viewpoints instead of trying to see everything at once
  • Take your photos, then slow down just enough to enjoy the actual scene
  • If you want carvings, decide if you want small items first, since time is limited

One more practical thing: rice terrace visits can be hot. Even though the itinerary includes air-conditioned driving, plan to wear sun-safe clothing and bring water or a snack outside the tour, since food and drinks are not included.

Stop 5: Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Quick Nature Break in Town

Your next stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. The visit is about 30 minutes, and admission tickets are included.

This is conveniently located in the heart of Ubud village, and it’s about an hour’s drive from Denpasar. The big advantage for your day is that it acts like a reset. After art villages and terraces, you get green space and something different for your senses.

You should also go in with common-sense expectations. In any monkey forest, the animals are part of the environment, so keep your items secured and avoid anything that could tempt attention. Keep your energy calm, follow your driver’s timing, and treat the visit like a short stroll rather than a long outing.

Because this stop is time-limited, prioritize what you want to see quickly. If you’re focused on photos, decide where you’ll stand before you start. If you’re focused on plants and atmosphere, spend more time walking than waiting.

Stop 6: Kintamani Highland, Views Over Mount Batur and Lake

The day finishes with Kintamani, the highland area known for panorama views. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and admission tickets are included.

Kintamani is described as countryside in the hills, and the standout is what you can see: Mount Batur, an active volcano, plus a wide lake in the view. This is the kind of stop that pays off even if the rest of your day is crowded with appointments, because the payoff is open sky and big scenery.

How to make the most of one hour:

  • Arrive ready to look, not just walk
  • Take a few photos, then spend your time watching the view change as clouds and light move
  • If the air feels cooler at the elevation, a light layer can help

This part of the tour is also where a good driver earns their keep. If you get delayed earlier, Kintamani can be squeezed. A punctual, experienced driver, like the ones praised in past feedback about Ketut Legawa, helps keep the day on track and reduces stress.

What I Like Most About This Private Setup, From the Details

The biggest win here is how the day is structured for real life. You’re not expected to figure out transport between Ubud and Kintamani on your own. You get an air-conditioned car or bus, an English speaking driver, and petrol taken care of.

Then there’s the human part. Past feedback repeatedly praises Ketut for being punctual, polite, and professional, plus helpful with planning beyond the exact tour scope. That matters because Bali days can change quickly. When your driver can suggest what to prioritize, or help sort out another booking while you’re already out, your whole trip becomes smoother.

I also like that the tour covers cultural variety, not just one theme. You get:

  • a major dance story about good and evil
  • craft time in gold and silver
  • painting art at Batuan
  • rice terrace scenery
  • a monkey sanctuary in town
  • volcanic and lake views in Kintamani

That mix makes the tour appealing even if your group has different tastes. One person can love the performance. Another can focus on crafts. You can all end the day with the same shared view.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This private Ubud and Kintamani tour fits best if you want:

  • a lot packed into one day without the headache of driving and ticket planning
  • English speaking guidance so you can understand what you’re seeing
  • a balance of culture and scenery, not just temples or just beaches
  • a setup where your group pace is respected

It may not fit as well if you want a slow, deep exploration of each place. Because most stops are around 30 minutes, you’ll feel the time pressure. If your ideal day is hours in one market or a long hike with no schedule, consider a different format.

It’s also smart to note that you might not hit every listed destination in one go, especially with traffic. If Kintamani views are your top priority, make that clear early. If monkey forest or rice terraces are your must-dos, put them high on your list so the day’s limited stops still cover your priorities.

Should You Book This Ubud to Kintamani Private Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a straightforward, value-heavy way to connect Ubud culture to Kintamani views, with transport and most admissions handled. The price feels reasonable for a private day that includes an English speaking driver, air-conditioned transport, and ticketed entries across several major stops.

I would pause before booking if you’re traveling with a group that needs long pauses, or if you hate feeling rushed. With 30-minute stop windows most places, you have to be okay with quick, efficient visits.

If you do book, make your day easier on yourself:

  • bring your own snacks or plan to buy them, since food and drinks are not included
  • pick your top stops, because traffic may limit you to up to 4 destinations
  • wear sun-safe clothing and bring something light for Kintamani’s higher elevation

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Kintamani private tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours, depending on timing. The tour can go up to 10 hours, and extra hours are charged at 10 percent of the full day tour price.

What is included in the $70.00 per person price?

The price includes an air-conditioned car or bus, an English speaking driver, petrol or gasoline, and all fees and taxes. Admission tickets are included for several stops, and you’ll also have a mobile ticket.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to plan your own lunch and snacks.

Which stops are part of the tour?

The tour includes Barong and Kris Dance, Celuk Village for gold and silver art, Batuan Village for painting art, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Kintamani. The exact number of stops can depend on traffic, and destinations are usually up to 4 places.

Is this tour private?

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

Are there any child entrance notes?

Children under 2 years have free entrance.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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