If you want Bali without the usual scramble, this Ubud–Kintamani loop is an easy win. You get a private setup, with pickup and two-way transfers that keep you focused on the sights instead of traffic math.
What makes it work is the mix: dance and culture in Ubud, then the jump into the central highlands for big views. I especially like how the day includes a barong and kris performance (with that shaggy monster vs. witch story) and how lunch is paired with the Mount Batur area scenery. That combination feels very “real Bali,” not just photo stops.
One thing to consider: the central highlands roads can be a bit challenging. If you’re sensitive to winding drives, build in a calm mindset and expect some bumpy moments.
Key highlights you’ll feel right away

- Barong & Kris in one hour: a myth-style performance with a sacred barong creature theme and the good-versus-bad storytelling beats.
- Tegenungan Waterfall photo time: a solid 45 minutes at a popular but more secluded-feeling waterfall spot.
- Mount Batur as the main show: time in Kintamani for a semi-active volcano setting and crater lake views, plus lunch in the area.
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace views: classic dramatic paddies tied to Bali’s subak irrigation system—great for photos and cultural context.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Wanara Wana): 45 minutes near Ubud Palace with up-close time around grey macaques.
Why this Ubud–Kintamani day works as a single plan

Ubud is a natural starting point because it’s compact enough to feel cultural, then it’s close enough to launch into the highlands. This tour is built around that rhythm: you start with performance and temple-area energy, then you head toward Kintamani for the volcano-and-crater-lake setting.
The best part is that the “in-between” stress gets removed. You’re not trying to coordinate separate tickets, directions, and timing between far-flung stops. Instead, you’re handed a clear, single-day route and you can just show up, pay attention, and enjoy the pace.
And yes, there are photo moments—Tegalalang and Tegenungan are both known for dramatic views. But this day doesn’t feel like you’re only there for pictures. The barong and kris dance gives you a cultural anchor, and the Monkey Forest adds a living, chaotic edge right in the middle of Ubud.
Price and value: what $60 gets you (and why it matters)

At around $60 for a roughly 10-hour private day, the value comes from what’s bundled in, not just the number. You get pickup offered plus two-way transfers, and that alone is the kind of convenience that often costs extra when you book things separately.
You also get entrance fees included for each stop, plus lunch and bottled mineral water. Entrance fees and drinks add up fast in Bali, especially when you’re stacking multiple sights in one day.
Finally, the day includes a Bali map. It’s small, but it helps you orient yourself when you’re bouncing between areas of Ubud and up toward Kintamani. When you’re trying to understand where you’ve been, having that basic orientation makes the whole day feel less like a blur.
This experience also gets strong praise for the human side—people highlight that the guide and driver are polite, friendly, and considerate. In a day this long, that matters as much as the sights.
The route in plain terms: what you’ll do for 10 hours
This is a private tour, meaning it’s only your group. That’s important because it changes the feel. You don’t lose time waiting on other people, and you can move at a calmer pace between stops.
Here’s the basic flow, with the “why this stop exists” behind it.
Stop: Barong & Kris Dance (1 hour)
Your day kicks off with the barong and kris performance, a sacred Balinese dance tradition. Barong is often shown as a strange creature—four legs like a lion or tiger—performed by two men. It’s theatrical, but it’s also tied to Balinese storytelling and myth.
I love this stop because it gives context to everything you’ll see later. Bali isn’t just scenery; it’s belief, performance, and symbolism. The dance narrates the mythological fight between good and bad, including the classic scene of the shaggy monster battling a witch.
Practical note: plan to stay seated and watch closely for the storyline. If you only half-watch, you’ll miss what makes it more than a dance show.
Stop: Tegenungan Waterfall (45 minutes)
Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall, reached from the Ubud area side. It’s described as more isolated in feel, but it still draws visitors, which tells you two things:
1) it’s worth the trip, and
2) you should arrive with the expectation that it’s not empty.
You get about 45 minutes, which is enough time to move to a good viewpoint, take photos, and enjoy the view without feeling rushed. Just keep it practical: wear shoes you can trust on uneven ground, and bring your attention to your footing first. Waterfall areas can be slick.
What I like about Tegenungan in a day like this is the contrast. You go from dance drama to nature power, then you’re ready for the big volcano scenery.
Stop: Mount Batur / Kintamani (45 minutes)
Kintamani is where the day really changes gears. You’ll be in the Mount Batur area, a semi-active volcano with a crater lake. The tour schedule gives you about 45 minutes, which is focused enough to see the key views without turning into a long, draining stop.
Lunch is part of the day and is included with the Mount Batur area scenery. Eating with that crater-and-volcano backdrop is one of those “this is why I came” moments. It’s not a random lunch break—it’s timed to make the whole experience feel connected.
One consideration: this is also the part of Bali where road conditions can be tougher. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it easy on the ride, keep hydration going, and try to focus your eyes on the road ahead rather than looking around.
Stop: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (30 minutes)
Then you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Ubud’s best-known photo spots. The terraces are famous for their subak system—Balinese cooperative irrigation. That matters because it turns “pretty paddies” into something with real local structure behind it.
You’ll have about 30 minutes, which means you’ll want to move efficiently: pick your viewpoint, take your photos, and then walk a little for perspective. If you try to do everything slowly, 30 minutes can vanish.
This is also where timing and weather make a difference in how photos turn out. If conditions are bright and clear, the terrace lines look crisp. If it’s hazy, you may get a softer, moodier look, but your visibility can drop.
Stop: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (45 minutes)
You finish with Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as Wanara Wana. It’s near Ubud Palace (the southern part of downtown Ubud, Padang Tegal village).
You’ll get about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to see the main areas without turning it into an all-day commitment. Grey macaques are part of what you can encounter up close, and this stop can be entertaining—fast, active, and sometimes mischievous.
Practical advice: keep your belongings zipped, avoid dangling bags, and don’t treat it like a zoo where you can stand still for long. These monkeys are used to people. That doesn’t make them harmless, it just means they’ll act like they own the place if you leave an easy snack or grabby situation.
What’s included (and why it reduces decision fatigue)

The included items make this tour easier to book and easier to do. You get:
- All entrance fees for every included stop
- Lunch
- Bottle mineral water
- Bali map
That’s a big deal because many Bali day tours have “almost” inclusive pricing. You pay for the highlights, then get hit with entrance fees, drinks, and surprise extras once you arrive. Here, the plan is designed so you don’t need to manage that mental load.
Also, the tour offers a mobile ticket, which saves time when you’re in transit and don’t want to deal with paper.
Comfort, pacing, and the small details that matter on a long day

This is around 10 hours, give or take. That’s long enough that pacing becomes the difference between a great day and a tiring one.
The itinerary uses short-to-medium blocks:
- 1 hour for the dance
- 45 minutes for both the waterfall and Mount Batur
- 30 minutes for Tegalalang
- 45 minutes for Monkey Forest
That structure is smart because it prevents “stand and stare” burnout. You’re always either moving, looking, or experiencing something.
If you’re the type who likes to linger, you might feel a little time pressure—especially at Tegalalang. But in exchange, you’ll get the whole “Ubud + highlands” set in one day.
The praised vibe from the guide and driver is also a comfort factor. Polite, friendly, considerate service helps on long drives and in crowded spots. When you feel looked after, the day feels smoother.
Weather and road conditions: the real-world consideration

This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That matters because waterfall and highland views are weather-sensitive. Rain can reduce visibility around Mount Batur and can make paths slippery near the waterfall.
Roads in Bali’s central highlands can be challenging at times. If you’re sensitive to winding routes, go in prepared: wear comfortable clothes, bring water (you’ll have bottled water included), and keep expectations realistic about bumps.
Who this tour suits best

This is a good fit if you:
- want a private day with your own group
- like a mix of culture and nature (dance, waterfall, volcano, rice terraces, and monkeys)
- prefer having entrance fees, lunch, and transfers handled
- want an efficient day without bouncing between independent tickets and navigation
It’s also a decent choice for people who are short on time in Bali but still want the Ubud-to-Kintamani contrast.
Should you book this Ubud Kintamani tour?

If you want a structured, value-packed private day that hits the major emotional beats—culture first, then waterfall energy, then the Mount Batur crater-lake moment—this is an easy recommendation.
I’d book it if you appreciate convenience: pickup, two-way transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and water are built in. It’s also strong on service quality, based on the consistent praise for the guide and driver being polite and considerate.
Skip it or think twice if you’re very uncomfortable with mountain driving, or if your trip is in a period where weather is unpredictable. In Bali’s central highlands, conditions can change fast, and the tour explicitly depends on good weather.
If your goal is a full Ubud + Kintamani day that feels organized and culturally grounded, this one is worth your attention.
FAQ
How long is the Ubud Kintamani tour?
The duration is approximately 10 hours.
Where does the tour start?
The tour location is Seminyak, Indonesia, and pickup is offered.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate.
What’s included in the price?
Entrance fees for all listed stops, lunch, bottled mineral water, and a Bali map are included.
What activities and stops are part of the day?
The day includes a Barong & Kris dance, Tegenungan Waterfall, Mount Batur (Kintamani), Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary).
What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is not included?
Personal expenses are not included.































































































