This private shore excursion is fun because you’re not locked into a fixed script. You pick which sights fit your mood, and you build a route with your English-speaking driver/guide, timed to your cruise schedule when you’re coming from Benoa. I especially like that it stays door-to-door, not just a vague “meet us somewhere” plan, and that you can swap stops as your day evolves.

Two things I really enjoy here are the pacing and the people. You get help from drivers/guide names that come up again and again, like Putra, Gede, Jay, Ari, Kadek, and Desna, and the core theme is practical guidance plus calm control when Bali traffic gets loud. The second big plus is that even with a long list of classic Bali stops, you can choose only what you’ll actually enjoy.

One drawback to consider: entrance fees and donations are not included, and several key temple stops list admission as not included. Also, because this is truly customizable, you’ll want to decide early which cluster of sights you want to prioritize so the route stays feasible and you don’t burn the day in the car.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Private, 100% customizable route: you choose the mix of temples, Ubud sights, and viewpoints.
• Benoa port timing friendly: door-to-door transfers are built to match your ship schedule.
• Real balance of nature + culture: Monkey Forest, rice terraces, waterfalls, and holy spring temples.
• Sarong provided for temple visits: saves you from last-minute shopping.
• Not all entrances are free: Ubud art market and Ubud Palace are free, most others are not included.
• Traffic handling matters: guides like Gede and Jay are repeatedly praised for keeping things moving.

How the Benoa shore setup keeps your Bali day actually doable

If you’re doing Bali from a cruise, the biggest stress isn’t the sightseeing. It’s getting there, getting back, and not losing hours to logistics. This tour is built around door-to-door round-trip transportation from the Port of Benoa, and it’s designed to fit your ship’s timing window.

That setup changes the feel of the day. Instead of worrying about where to meet, you start the morning with a driver/guide waiting for you and you can focus on choosing sights.

And yes, traffic in Bali can be intense. A big part of why guides like Putra and Kadek keep getting high marks is that they plan routes around real road conditions, not a perfect map fantasy.

The 9:00 AM start from Port of Benoa (and what it means for your choices)

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the Port of Benoa (Jalan Dermaga II). Typical duration is 6 to 10 hours, depending on which stops you choose and whether you go for late light options like sunset at Uluwatu.

That means you should decide your top 1–2 priorities early. If you want Uluwatu Temple during sunset, you’ll likely end up shifting other choices earlier or keeping the list shorter. If sunset is not a priority, you can fit more Ubud-area sights without rushing.

Also, because the itinerary is customized, the operator notes that sights should be chosen in one route for feasibility. Translation: you’ll have a better day if you group stops by geography instead of bouncing across the island.

Uluwatu Temple at the edge of the ocean: the sunset option

One of the most popular choices in this tour is Uluwatu Temple. It’s set on dramatic cliff rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, and you get an option to visit during sunset. The time you’ll spend here is about 1 hour (admission ticket not included).

What makes Uluwatu worth considering is the combination of setting and atmosphere. Even if you’re not a hardcore temple person, the view is the show. Sunset makes it even better because the temple sits above the sea like a postcard that moves.

The trade-off is timing. Sunset Uluwatu can make your day run later, especially if you pick other south-coast stops too. If you’re aiming to keep the day comfortably within a 6–8 hour window, you may want to skip sunset and do Uluwatu earlier.

Good news: there’s sarong included for temple entry, so you don’t have to track one down before you go.

Puseh Batuan Temple for the locals’ side of Bali

If you want a less obvious temple stop, Puseh Batuan Temple is a strong candidate. The visit is about 35 minutes, and it’s described as a community temple where locals go for ceremony.

This one appeals to me because it feels more rooted in daily life than the “big photo” version of Bali. You’ll see unique Balinese temple architecture among shrines, and you’re not just checking a landmark—you’re seeing how temples fit into routine religious practice.

The possible drawback: since it’s a ceremony temple, your experience depends on what’s happening that day. You’ll still enjoy the architecture and atmosphere, but plan to be respectful with your timing and space.

Admission isn’t included here, so budget for that along with any donations you choose to make.

Sacred Monkey Forest: the Ubud highlight with real macaque energy

In Ubud, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the classic stop for a reason. Expect about 1 hour, and you’ll walk through a natural habitat with more than 700 long-tailed macaques.

The value here isn’t just the monkeys. It’s the setting—green forest paths, temples and stonework, and the feeling that you’re watching wildlife live their normal day. It’s one of the best choices when you want Ubud that’s more than cafes and shopping streets.

Consideration: you’ll be in close proximity to animals, so keep your focus and keep your space. Also, plan your photos around safety and calm rather than speed.

Admission isn’t included, but it’s also not one of the “free entry” stops, so if you’re trying to control costs, this is where your entrance-fee budget matters most.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: a short trek with a big payoff

Next up is Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The visit time is about 45 minutes, with a short trek through the rice paddies on the hills around Ubud. Admission ticket not included.

This stop works when you want scenery you can’t get anywhere else. The terraces are visually strong from every angle, and the walk gives you more than a single viewpoint. You get that sense of stepped green fields and rural rhythm.

A fair caution: the terrain is a short trek, so wear shoes you trust. If your day includes multiple temple steps plus a waterfall climb, comfortable footwear matters more than you think.

Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace: quick stops that keep your day authentic

Two shorter, lower-cost Ubud stops are Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace.

• Ubud Traditional Art Market: about 30 minutes, with admission ticket free. This is the traditional market in Ubud center for arts and crafts.
• Ubud Palace: about 15 minutes, also admission ticket free. You’ll see the palace area associated with Ubud pride and the king’s legacy.

I like these because they prevent your day from feeling like a nonstop sightseeing sprint. Markets give you a taste of local buying culture, and the palace stop is a quick dose of Ubud identity without eating a full hour of your time.

Even with free admission, you’ll still want cash or cards for purchases, snacks, or small items. The market can be tempting.

Tegenungan Waterfall: nature break with a refreshing short walk

If you want a reset from temples and markets, Tegenungan Waterfall is a great break. It’s about 35 minutes. The setting is described as green and fresh, and you can take a short walk to get closer—or just view from the top hill.

This stop is valuable because it’s a quick nature hit. It also helps balance the day so you’re not only in religious sites and dense villages.

Consideration: waterfalls can mean slippery paths. Keep it slow, especially if you’re combining this with other outdoor walks like Tegalalang.

Admission ticket is not included.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring rituals you can watch (respectfully)

Tirta Empul Temple is one of the more meaningful stops on the menu. The time here is 1 hour, and it’s described as a holy spring temple. You can see Balinese people doing a holy blessing before they pray at the main temple.

This is where the day can feel more spiritual and less touristy. You’re witnessing a ritual setting rather than only viewing from a distance.

Practical note: you’ll probably be observing more than participating, and that’s fine. The value is in learning how daily devotion looks in real life.

Admission isn’t included, so add that into your day budget along with any donations you choose.

Taman Ayun Temple and the Mengwi royal story

For history with atmosphere, Taman Ayun Temple is a strong choice. You’ll spend about 35 minutes here. It’s described as the royal temple of the Mengwi Empire, built in 1634 by King I Gusti Agung Putu as a family temple to a deified ancestor.

Even if you don’t memorize dates, the beauty of this stop is the context. It’s a royal temple setting, meaning it often feels more formal and intentionally designed than neighborhood ceremony spaces.

As with most temple visits in Bali, admission is not included, and you’ll want to plan your time so you’re not rushing through details.

Tanah Lot Temple: a coastal temple timed to tides

Tanah Lot Temple rounds out the ocean-side side of Bali. You’ll spend about 1 hour. The key detail is that it’s accessed only when it’s in low tide, and it’s described as one of Bali’s most important temples.

This stop is worth prioritizing if you like dramatic coastlines. The temple location is what makes it iconic, but the tide timing is what makes it work.

So here’s the smart way to plan: if Tanah Lot is on your list, keep your schedule flexible enough that your driver/guide can time the visit based on real-world conditions.

Admission ticket not included.

Mount Batur and the buffet lunch view: why that hour is worth it

One stop that can turn a long day into a satisfying day is Mount Batur. You’re scheduled for about 1 hour, and the plan includes a buffet lunch overlooking Mount Batur and the lake view.

Even though lunch is not included in the tour package, the time is built around enjoying that viewpoint while you eat. If you’re the type who hates “spend time, eat later,” this stop solves that problem.

The trade-off: it’s one more inland drive and one more outdoor scene. If you’re short on time or trying to keep the day closer to 6 hours, you may want to swap it out for fewer stops.

But if you like mountain scenery and a proper break, this is one of the better uses of the day’s middle hours.

Price and what you should really budget for

The cost is $45.00 per person for a private shore excursion. Average booking lead time is listed as 115 days, so it’s wise to book early if your cruise dates are fixed.

Here’s the value angle I’d focus on: you’re paying for a private English-speaking driver/guide, door-to-door port transfers, parking fees, and bottled water, plus sarongs for temple entry. That’s not just convenience—it’s time and stress control.

What’s not included is the thing that changes total cost fast: entrance fees and donations. In your itinerary, Ubud art market and Ubud Palace are listed as free admission, but most other temple and attraction stops say admission tickets are not included.

So my practical advice is to plan your spending like this:

• Decide your must-do sights first.
• Then assume you’ll pay at least some entrance fees.
• Keep a little extra cash for donations if you want to participate respectfully.

Who this Best of Bali private tour fits best

This is a smart choice if you want the classic Bali highlights but don’t want a cookie-cutter group tour. It’s also a great fit for cruise passengers who want more control than the ship schedule gives you.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Care about picking your own mix of Ubud culture, temples, and nature stops
• Want a driver who can handle Bali traffic while keeping you on time
• Prefer small, flexible decisions over long bus rides

It may be less ideal if you want a rigid timetable, or if you dislike paying entrance fees on top of the tour price. Also, if you’re hoping to pack in every single listed stop, you’ll need to trust your driver/guide’s advice on what’s feasible.

Should you book this private Best of Bali shore excursion?

Yes—if your priority is flexibility and you like building a day that matches your interests. I think this tour shines because it’s genuinely private, starts from Benoa, and puts planning power in your hands with an English-speaking guide driving the logistics.

If you’re budget-conscious, you’ll still probably be fine, just plan for entrance fees since only a couple stops are listed as free admission. If sunset Uluwatu is a must, tell your driver/guide early so your itinerary can breathe.

When guides like Putra, Gede, Jay, Ari, Kadek, and Desna are repeatedly praised, it usually means the day stays smooth even when the roads don’t. That’s exactly what you want on a shore day—sightseeing without the chaos.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the Port of Benoa.

How long is the customized tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 10 hours, depending on how your route is planned.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

Are entrance fees included?

No. All entrance fees are not included, except the itinerary lists Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace as free admission.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as not included, even though the plan includes time at Mount Batur with a buffet lunch option.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, an English-speaking driver/guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, parking fees, and sarongs for temple entry.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel 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.