Bali from above, then back to real Ubud. This tour blends a short hot air balloon flight (about 8 minutes) with temple-and-market sightseeing, so you get both that bird’s-eye feel and the cultural bits on the ground. I like that the balloon rides run at sunrise or sunset, which changes the look and temperature of the island. One thing to consider: balloon flying depends on wind and minimum ride numbers, and if the balloon can’t fly you choose a consolation option instead of a refund.
You’ll start with pickup from select hotels (or head to the launch point), then ride in an air-conditioned minivan. This is also one of those rare small-group setups (max 2 people), which can make the day feel calmer. Just note the flight window is strict: the operator only waits until 7:30am for sunrise or 18:00 for sunset, so you’ll want to be early and ready.
Quick take: what’s good about the Ubud balloon + meals
- Sunrise or sunset flight: two different vibes over the paddies and jungle
- Meal included: breakfast or tea or dinner tied to your chosen package
- Temple + market stops: Goa Gajah and Ubud Palace/Market are built into the same outing
- Photo time at Tegalalang: you get a focused window for rice terrace views
- Small-group experience: capped at 2 people for a less crowded feel
Sunrise or sunset balloon over Ubud: the whole point
This is really a “Bali from the sky” experience with a practical twist. The balloon ride is brief—about 8 minutes—but that’s also what makes it doable in the early morning or late afternoon without eating your whole day. From up high, the views are all about the patterns of Bali: rice paddies, jungle cover, mountain shapes, and the hot-spring area spread across the island.
I especially like that you can choose sunrise or sunset. Sunrise flights usually feel crisp and misty, and the light is soft on the greens below. Sunset rides can look warmer and more dramatic, with long shadows over the terraced areas. Either way, remember you’re not going for a long, slow cruise. You’re going for the look, then you’re back on land for the cultural stops.
One more timing detail that matters: the pickup time depends on where your hotel is, but the actual boarding and flight timing can differ and is sent by email separately. That means you should treat the ride time as a “be ready when they say ready” situation, not as a casual morning plan.
Price and value: is $200 per person worth it?
At $200 per person, you’re paying for several things at once: the balloon admission, transport in an air-conditioned minivan (round-trip from select hotels), and admissions for multiple stops—Goa Gajah, Ubud Palace, and Tegalalang.
That math works best when you value the mix. If you only wanted temples and markets, you could DIY it for less. If you only wanted the balloon, you’d often find balloon tours that don’t neatly bundle sightseeing and meals. Here, the price is really for the package design: you get the sky portion plus structured time on the ground, and you don’t need to stitch together transport and tickets yourself.
The catch is the balloon is weather and wind dependent, and it also needs at least 2 rides per flight session to operate. So the “value” depends on whether you actually get to fly. If conditions won’t allow it, the tour offers two compensation choices (a 60-minute Balinese massage for two, or rescheduling the morning to the afternoon session), rather than cash back.
So I’d judge the price like this: it’s fair if you’re flexible with time and comfortable with the balloon risk. If you need a guaranteed balloon ride no matter what, this kind of tour will always feel stressful.
How the meals fit the day (and why that’s helpful)
The tour includes meals—but the exact meal depends on your selected package: breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner (food only; beverages aren’t included). The timing matters because sunrise rides start very early, so having food built into the plan saves you from hunting for breakfast at 5am and hoping the place is open.
I also like that the meal can be enjoyed before or after the balloon flight. That gives you a little breathing room if the morning feels rushed or if you want to calm down after the flight before you eat.
One practical note: meal contents can change without notice and exclude beverages. So if you’re the type who needs a specific diet, don’t assume the menu will match what you might have eaten elsewhere in Bali—ask when you confirm your package.
Pickup, minivan comfort, and the “max 2” setup
This tour uses transport by air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off available for select accommodations. If you’re not in one of those pickup areas, you’ll typically be directed toward the departure point tied to the program.
The program departs from Ubud’s Chedi Club. That matters because it’s where the schedule funnels people together before you head to the first stop.
Also, the group is capped at 2 travelers. That tends to make the day feel less like a cattle call and more like a private-style route. For you, it usually means:
- less waiting around with a large group
- fewer “where’s that person?” pauses
- a better chance of staying on schedule
If you’re sensitive to heat or sun between stops, that minivan step is a real comfort. Bali can be bright and warm, especially after a sunrise start.
The Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) stop: more than a photo stop
Goa Gajah—often called Elephant Cave—is where the tour anchors its cultural side. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, including admission.
What makes this stop worth your time is the mix of atmosphere and architecture. Even if you’re not a history person, you can still enjoy the feel of the place: carved stone elements, temple structures, and the sense that you’re stepping into a different pace than the streets outside.
The main drawback is also simple: one hour goes fast once you start walking and taking photos. If you want extra time, treat the hour as enough for a solid visit and keep the rest of your time for the next two stops.
Ubud Palace and the Ubud Market: a taste of real Ubud energy
Next comes about 1 hour for Ubud Palace and the Ubud Market, with admission included.
This is your “see the town up close” segment. The Ubud Palace area gives you a sense of local ceremonial spaces and the look of Balinese royal history. The Ubud Market is more about daily life and shopping: you can browse, pick up small snacks, or just watch how people move through the space.
Two practical considerations:
- Market time can be dusty and busy—so bring a light layer and stay hydrated.
- Since the time is fixed at about an hour, you won’t have unlimited wandering. Decide early if you’re shopping or just soaking it in.
I like that this stop is paired with Goa Gajah and then followed by Tegalalang. It keeps the day moving between different “Ubud moods”: temple calm, market bustle, then rice-terrace views.
Tegalalang rice terraces: the photo window you should use well
The last stop is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces area, famous for the way the irrigation works and the way the terraces layer into the valley. You get about 30 minutes here, with admission included.
The standout detail you’ll likely hear during your visit is the subak irrigation system—Bali’s traditional water management approach. Even if you don’t go deep into the mechanics, it’s visible in how water channels and fields relate to each other. That’s why photos here often look “real” rather than posed. You’re capturing a living system.
Because the time is short, plan your photo strategy:
- Go for one wide shot first (so you don’t miss the big view)
- Then pick one perspective closer to the terrace patterns
- Don’t get stuck at one spot if the angle isn’t working
This is the kind of stop where your camera roll can go from “nice” to “wow” if you use the time efficiently.
Weather rules: what happens if the balloon can’t fly
This is the part you should take seriously. The balloon ride is subject to weather and wind approval, and it only operates when there are at least 2 rides in each flight session. So even if you show up, the sky might decide otherwise.
If the balloon can’t fly, you get two alternative compensations to choose from:
- a 60-minute Balinese massage for two, or
- rescheduling the flight from the morning session to the afternoon session
This is a key point for your decision-making. One unhappy experience that can happen is paying for the package and then not getting the balloon ride due to weather, which can feel unfair if you were counting on that specific flight day. The structure here is built around choice and rescheduling, not a refund.
My practical advice: if you’re only in Bali for a short time, try to book this earlier in your schedule so you have room to reschedule if needed. And if you’re the type who needs predictability, keep expectations flexible.
Insurance and who should think twice
The balloon experience includes insurance coverage for:
- total and permanent disability or death caused by the activity (IDR 500,000,000)
- medical expenses due to injuries caused by the activity (up to IDR 50,000,000)
That’s reassuring, especially with an activity that takes place in open air.
That said, this activity is not recommended for pregnant women and people with PWDs, and there’s a weight limit structure: a ride ideally for a couple, or otherwise a maximum of 2 adults or small children, with a total maximum weight of 150kg. Children aged 0 to 1 are free of charge.
If you fall into any of those categories, it’s worth checking directly with the operator before booking to avoid surprises on the day.
What to do (and what not to do) on flight day
This tour has a few “small but important” timing rules.
- The operator only waits until 7:30am for sunrise or 18:00 for sunset. If you’re late, it’s treated as a no-show and refunds aren’t provided.
- Your pickup time depends on your hotel, but the exact boarding departure time is shared separately by email.
- Admission tickets are included for each stop, but souvenir photo packages are not.
So pack like you’re going out early and walking a bit:
- comfy shoes for temple and terrace paths
- a light layer (sunrise air can feel cool)
- sunscreen and water
- a hat, especially for the market and rice terrace segment
And if the balloon is weather-cancelled, be ready to choose between massage or rescheduling. Make the choice based on what fits your Bali schedule.
Should you book this Ubud balloon + meals tour?
Book it if you want a single, well-organized package that combines a balloon ride, a meal, and three major Ubud sights in one day. The value works best when you’re flexible about weather and you’re excited by the sunrise or sunset views over Bali’s paddies and jungle.
Skip or think twice if you:
- can’t afford schedule changes on short notice
- are coming with strict expectations of an always-flying balloon
- need guaranteed accessibility accommodations beyond what’s listed
- are sensitive to early-morning starts and strict wait-time rules
If you’re booking with the right mindset—sky first, then culture—you’ll likely enjoy the way the day flows from clouds to temples to terraces.
FAQ
What’s the hot air balloon ride length?
The hot air balloon experience is about 8 minutes.
Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels. Transport is by air-conditioned minivan, and the start is tied to Ubud’s Chedi Club.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals are included as food only and depend on your chosen package: breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner.
Which sightseeing stops are included?
You’ll visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Ubud Palace and the Ubud Market, and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
What happens if the balloon can’t fly due to weather?
If the balloon can’t fly, you’ll be offered two compensation options: a 60-minute Balinese massage for two, or rescheduling the flight from the morning to the afternoon session.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount paid is not refunded.