Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip
Bali’s best day hits, in one loop. This full-day charter strings together classic sights around Ubud and the Kintamani volcano viewpoint, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking driver to keep the day moving smoothly. I like the variety: you get nature at Tegenungan and Mount Batur, plus temples and craft shopping in Ubud. The car is air-conditioned, so you’re not sweating through the drive.
I also like how the timing gives you real moments at each place: around an hour at Tegenungan, Tirta Empul, Kintamani, Tegalalang, and Monkey Forest, then shorter stops at Puri Saren and the Traditional Art Market. You’ll see more than one side of Bali, without the frantic feeling of trying to race across the island. One possible consideration: the stops with admission tickets can add costs, and you’ll want to confirm whether your booking includes tickets and lunch or if you’ll pay those separately.
If the weather is good, it’s a strong day plan. If the weather is poor, the operator notes the experience may be canceled and you’ll get a different date or a full refund. Also, temples and animals mean basic etiquette—smart casual dress and some caution around monkeys go a long way.
In This Review
- Quick Highlights
- Ubud + Kintamani From Seminyak: Why This Route Works
- Tegenungan Waterfall (About 1 Hour): Palm Trees, Palm Trees, Falling Water
- Tirta Empul Temple (About 1 Hour): The Holy Water Purification Stop
- Kintamani Volcano / Mount Batur View (About 1 Hour): The Caldera Moment
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace (About 1 Hour): Subak Irrigation and Photo Spots
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (About 1 Hour): Long-Tailed Macaques and Temple Grounds
- Puri Saren Palace (About 30 Minutes, Admission Free) and Ubud Art Market (About 30 Minutes, Free)
- Car Charter Details and What $40 Really Buys
- How the Day Flows: Timing, Lunch Choice, and Comfort
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
- Should You Book This Ubud and Kintamani Car Charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the Bali Ubud and Kintamani trip?
- Where do you pick me up from in Bali?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- Does the driver speak English?
- Are entrance tickets and lunch included?
- How much time do we spend at each stop?
- Is the palace and art market free to enter?
- What should I wear and bring?
- Can I have lunch at Kintamani?
- Is free cancellation available?
Quick Highlights

- Waterfall first, then holy water: start at Tegenungan’s up-to-20m fall before Tirta Empul’s purification pools
- Mount Batur and Lake Batur views: Kintamani’s caldera scenery is the big draw here
- Ubud’s iconic stops in one run: Tegalalang rice terraces, Sacred Monkey Forest, Puri Saren Palace, and the Art Market
- Long-tailed macaques with village management: the Monkey Forest is operated by Padangtegal village with a governing council
- A driver who can act like a guide: one recent guide named Nengah was praised for being helpful, kind, and a true gentleman
- Flexible lunch at Kintamani: you can tell the driver you’d like lunch during the viewpoint stop
Ubud + Kintamani From Seminyak: Why This Route Works

This is a day-trip format that makes sense for a lot of people on Bali: you base in Seminyak, then you get a full mix of Central Bali highlights without planning, transfers, or timing headaches. The big advantage is simple: an air-conditioned vehicle plus an English-speaking driver keeps you from spending your energy on logistics.
The route is also paced like a guided sampler, not a sprint. You’ll get longer blocks at the nature and cultural anchor stops—about an hour at Tegenungan, Tirta Empul, Kintamani, Tegalalang, and the Monkey Forest. Then you shift into shorter “hit the main points” time for the palace and the Traditional Art Market.
Value-wise, the stated price is $40 per person with pickup and drop-off in the surrounding areas listed by the provider, plus petrol/parking and taxes/services. The key is what you choose: the info you provided shows two different ways this can be booked—an all-inclusive version that may include entrance tickets and lunch, and a car charter-only version that excludes them. That’s not a deal-breaker; it just means you should check what’s included at booking.
Other Ubud tours we've reviewed in Seminyak
Tegenungan Waterfall (About 1 Hour): Palm Trees, Palm Trees, Falling Water
You start with Tegenungan Waterfall, and it’s the kind of place that feels like Bali is doing its postcard thing—only you also see local visitors there. The falls come from the Petanu river, running through the village area of Kemenuh, and the height is up to around 20 meters. That matters because the water is loud enough that you actually feel the vibration when you’re close.
Plan on using that first hour for two things: quick photos, and time to take in the view from the main stop point. There are also local stalls around the area selling food and beverages, which can be helpful if you arrive feeling hungry.
Possible drawback: waterfalls mean slippery surfaces and unpredictable footing. You’ll want comfortable footwear and a steady pace, especially if you’re planning photos near the drop.
Tirta Empul Temple (About 1 Hour): The Holy Water Purification Stop

Next comes Tirta Empul Temple, known for its holy spring and the purification rituals associated with Balinese Hindu life. This is more than a scenic temple stop. The complex is described as a holy mountain spring in Manukaya, and it’s tied to a traditional legend about good versus evil. It’s also identified as a national cultural heritage site.
You’ll be visiting a site built in 960 AD, and the information given also points to its role during the Warmadewa Dynasty era. Another nearby reference in the route is Istana Tampaksiring, a presidential palace built during Soekarno’s years. Even if you don’t have time to explore everything, it gives you context for why this part of Bali is historically important.
Dress and behavior matter here. The tour calls for smart casual dress, and you’ll want to act respectfully around the water areas, since this is a working religious place with purification activity at the center of the experience.
Kintamani Volcano / Mount Batur View (About 1 Hour): The Caldera Moment
The Kintamani Highland stop is where the day “clicks” visually. You’re coming for the views: Mount Batur (also referred to as Kintamani Volcano) and the caldera setting with Lake Batur filling much of it. The provided details say the crater area is estimated at about 13 square kilometers, and the viewpoint is the main reason people schedule a stop here.
In practical terms, you’ll want to arrive ready to look slowly. One hour is enough to take photos, find a spot to watch the valley stretch below, and decide if you want to spend extra time around the areas mentioned for the region—like Toya Bungkah, Pura Ulan Danu Batur, or the hot springs (if your schedule allows).
If lunch matters to you, this is where flexibility helps. The tour description explicitly says you can inform the driver if you want to have lunch here at Kintamani. That’s a big deal: it prevents you from doing a rushed meal back in traffic later.
Possible drawback: this is a weather-dependent viewpoint. The provider’s notes say the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace (About 1 Hour): Subak Irrigation and Photo Spots

After the volcano viewpoint, you switch to Tegalalang Rice Terrace—one of the most recognizable Ubud-area scenes. The focus here is rice paddies and the subak irrigation system, described as a traditional Balinese cooperative system. The information given also connects subak’s transmission to a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century.
What I like about making Tegalalang a mid-day stop is that it feels calmer than the temple-water and monkey-forest energy. It’s scenic, but it’s also human-scale: you’re moving through terraced farming areas rather than only staring at a single monument.
The provided details also mention that Tegalalang forms three of the most splendid terraced landscapes in the Ubud area, with Pejeng and Campuhan as the other two. Even if you never visit the other terraced sites, you’ll leave with a sense of why this region is so strongly associated with rice cultivation.
If you’re someone who gets annoyed by crowds, keep expectations realistic. Tegalalang is popular, so bring patience for slower walking and photo timing.
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Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (About 1 Hour): Long-Tailed Macaques and Temple Grounds
This stop is unforgettable, but it needs a little common-sense. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary covers 27 lush acres at the lower end of Jalan Monkey Forest in Padangtegal. It’s home to over 400 long-tailed macaques, and they’re divided into four groups that occupy different areas of the sanctuary.
The description you provided also includes a key detail: the sanctuary is owned and operated by the village of Padangtegal, with village members serving on a governing council to uphold the grounds’ integrity while promoting it as a tourist destination. That helps explain why this feels like a protected cultural space rather than just a monkey attraction.
I’d plan your visit like this: stay aware, keep your valuables secure, and avoid getting too close for photos. The point isn’t to “win” a face-to-face moment with a macaque—it’s to watch how they move through the trees and around temple areas.
Possible drawback: animals mean unpredictable behavior. Give yourself buffer time and don’t schedule this stop if you have a hard need for calm, controlled conditions.
Puri Saren Palace (About 30 Minutes, Admission Free) and Ubud Art Market (About 30 Minutes, Free)
At this point, the tour becomes more “Ubud center” than countryside. Puri Saren Ubud (Ubud Royal Palace) is on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road and intersection, which makes it easy to find and easy to pair with other strolling plans afterward.
The information given says the palace was built during the lordship of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823), and it’s well kept by successive heirs. It’s also described as a key location for viewing dramatic Balinese dance performances, so even a short visit gives you a sense of why arts lovers build this stop into evening plans.
Admission is listed as free for this stop, and the time is about 30 minutes. That’s just enough to see the palace setting and take a few photos without turning it into a full museum-style visit.
Then you head to the Ubud Traditional Art Market for about 30 minutes. This is a shopping stop, but it’s also a cultural one. You’ll find knick-knacks, art tools, handicrafts made of wood and rattan, plus paintings and silver items listed as available with good quality. The market layout is described as a complex where each shop offers different items, so you can walk between stalls comparing style and price.
Practical tip: if you want good bargaining energy, arrive ready with a rough idea of what you like. For small souvenirs, 30 minutes goes fast.
Car Charter Details and What $40 Really Buys

Here’s how I’d frame the price and inclusions based on what’s provided. You’re paying for an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, petrol and parking fees, and tax/services. You’re also getting a professional English-speaking driver who acts as a tour guide.
What may cost extra depends on the booking type. The stop notes list admission ticket not included for many locations, but the inclusion section also states that all-inclusive tours may include entrance ticket and lunch, while a car charter-only option excludes entrance ticket and lunch. So the most honest advice is: check which option you’re buying before you land in Bali.
Either way, you’ll still likely use the value of the charter. Transport between these sights in Central Bali can be the biggest hidden time-and-energy cost. Paying for the driver and the AC is what makes it a comfortable day.
How the Day Flows: Timing, Lunch Choice, and Comfort
The tour duration is listed as about 8 to 10 hours. That’s long enough to feel like a real day trip, but not so long that you’re constantly rushing.
The pacing is built around a simple rhythm:
- Nature + views (Tegenungan, then Kintamani)
- Cultural sites (Tirta Empul)
- Arts and heritage in Ubud (Tegalalang, Monkey Forest, Puri Saren)
- Local shopping (Art Market)
You’ll also get flexible time arrangement based on your request. The description specifically invites you to tell the driver if you want lunch at Kintamani, which makes that stop more than just a photo break.
One small logistical note from the provided info: the tour mentions you may pass a very famous temple on the way, but it doesn’t specify which one. So don’t anchor your expectations on a guaranteed named site unless it’s clarified in your booking confirmation.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
This charter is a strong fit if you want:
- A one-day way to see Ubud and the Kintamani volcano viewpoint without complex planning
- Comfort from an air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver
- A mix of nature, religion, and local culture, plus free time for shopping
It’s also a good match if you like structured sightseeing with clear time blocks, like an hour at the big anchors and shorter stops at the palace and market.
I’d reconsider if you want a slow, unstructured day, or if you’re the type who hates animal situations. Monkey Forest involves macaques by definition, and the day includes multiple busy stops.
Should You Book This Ubud and Kintamani Car Charter?
My take: book it if you want a clean, high-efficiency day that connects Ubud’s highlights with the Kintamani volcano views, all from Seminyak. The biggest selling points are the AC car charter, the English-speaking driver, and the way the route stacks major sights without leaving you stuck in transit.
Before you pay, do two quick checks:
- Confirm whether your exact booking includes entrance tickets and lunch, since the information you provided shows both “included” and “not included” styles depending on tour type.
- Think about weather. If you’re traveling in a period where conditions can be iffy, keep your plans flexible, because the provider notes the experience needs good weather.
If you get lucky with the driver, this can be a very smooth day. One recent guide named Nengah was praised for being helpful, kind, and a real gentleman, which is the kind of support you feel in small ways all day long.
FAQ
How long is the Bali Ubud and Kintamani trip?
The duration is listed as approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Where do you pick me up from in Bali?
Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels or villas in Seminyak and also other listed areas such as Ubud, Sanur, Denpasar, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Legian, Kerobokan, and Canggu.
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate.
Does the driver speak English?
Yes. The included service lists a professional English-speaking driver who serves as a tour guide.
Are entrance tickets and lunch included?
The information provided shows mixed details. Many stop descriptions say admission ticket not included, while the inclusions section says all-inclusive tours may include entrance tickets and lunch, and a car charter-only option excludes entrance ticket and lunch. Check which option you booked.
How much time do we spend at each stop?
The schedule lists about 1 hour at Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Kintamani Highland, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It lists about 30 minutes each for Puri Saren Palace and the Ubud Traditional Art Market.
Is the palace and art market free to enter?
Puri Saren Palace is listed as free, and the Ubud Traditional Art Market is also listed as free for admission.
What should I wear and bring?
The dress code is smart casual. You’re advised to bring sunscreen and a camera.
Can I have lunch at Kintamani?
Yes. The description says you can inform the driver if you wish to have lunch during the Kintamani volcano viewpoint stop.
Is free cancellation available?
Free cancellation is listed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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