A volcano day can be chaotic without a plan. This private tour strings together Ubud and Kintamani highlights with easy pickup and a driver who keeps the day moving. You’ll hit Mount Batur and Lake Batur, Tegenungan Waterfall, Gunung Kawi, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with a Bali swing as an optional extra.

I love that it’s private (only your group) and built around practical stops you can enjoy even if you do not want to drive. Two things I also like: the air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver, and the fact that temple prep is handled with sarongs provided.

One possible drawback to note: entrance fees and lunch are not included, so you’ll want some cash and a lunch plan so the day stays smooth.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private transport so you do not waste time coordinating rides or finding parking
• Mt. Batur and Lake Batur are part of the core route for classic Kintamani views
• Gunung Kawi rock-cut shrines add a rare cultural stop, not just scenery
• Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace give you both water views and rice-field photo angles
• Sarongs provided for the temple visit helps you show up prepared

A Private Ubud and Kintamani Route Built for People Who Hate Driving

If you’re in Ubud, it’s tempting to rent a scooter and DIY. But a volcano day trip is where driving stress quietly steals your energy. This is set up as a private tour with pickup from Ubud and many south Bali hotels, so you start the day already in “go mode.”

The timing also feels smarter than a scattered self-drive plan. Instead of bouncing around trying to squeeze in “one more” place, you’re carried between the big hits: Tegenungan Waterfall, Gunung Kawi Temple, Kintamani highland views near Mount Batur, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You get a full day of variety without the constant navigation headaches.

Private also means your group sets the pace. If someone wants extra photos at a viewpoint, you usually can do that without the pressure of matching a large group’s rhythm.

Price and Value: What $38.47 Really Covers

At about $38.47 per person, the big value isn’t just the sites. It’s the whole package of transport and logistics.

Here’s what’s included:

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• English-speaking driver
• Sarong for the temple visit

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Entrance fees
• Personal expenses

That last part matters. Entrance fees can add up across multiple stops, and lunch is typically where people get surprised. Still, you’re paying for a day of organized transfers and an English-speaking driver, which often costs more when you piece it together yourself.

Also keep this in mind: it’s marked as having group discounts and private service. If you’re traveling with friends or family, that usually makes this kind of full-day routing easier to justify.

The 9-Hour Flow: How the Day Fits Together

This tour runs about 9 hours and starts at 9:00 am. Each main stop is roughly 1 hour, which is a helpful structure. You won’t be stuck at one place all day, and you also won’t feel like you’re sprinting every 10 minutes.

A realistic expectation: you’ll spend extra time in the car between sites. That’s not wasted time. On a route like this, the drive is part of the experience because you’re moving from Ubud area highlights toward the Kintamani highlands around Mount Batur.

Practical tip: plan for sun and comfort. Water and AC help, but you’ll still be outside at waterfalls, viewpoints, and rice terraces. Light layers and good footwear make the day feel way easier.

Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall by the Petanu River

Tegenungan Waterfall is a great first stop because it gives you an immediate “Bali wow” moment. It’s located by the sacred Petanu River, in the area around Tegenungan Village and Kemenuh Village.

What you’ll likely enjoy here:

• Sharp, dramatic drops that make for easy photos
• A spot that’s described as fun to visit
• The chance to swim, since it’s noted as nice for that

One heads-up: entrance fees are not included. Also, waterfalls mean uneven ground and slippery areas. Bring shoes that handle wet surfaces, or at least be ready to go slower than you would on a dry walkway.

If you care about photos, go in with a simple plan. Walk a bit first to check angles, then settle in. In one hour, you can get a few good shots without turning it into a photo marathon.

Stop 2: Gunung Kawi (Mount Kawi) and Its Rock-Cut Shrines

Gunung Kawi Temple complex, also locally referred to as Pura Gunung Kawi, is the cultural anchor of the day. It’s unique because it features ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock.

This stop is worth it for two reasons:

1. It’s not just a temple for looking at from a distance. You’re looking at something engineered into the landscape of the site itself—old carvings and shrine reliefs that feel more “archaeological” than decorative.
2. You get a calmer pace than some of the busier photo spots. One hour is enough to take it in without feeling rushed.

Temple etiquette is partly handled for you. The tour includes sarong use for the temple visit, which helps you meet the basic dress expectations without scrambling at the last minute.

Practical caution: bring a respectful attitude and keep movement gentle around shrine areas. It’s a sacred site, so you’ll enjoy it more if you treat it like one.

Stop 3: Kintamani Highland Views Near Mount Batur and Lake Batur

When you head into Kintamani, the day starts to shift from “Ubud highlights” to highland views. This region covers the Mount Batur caldera area and includes places like Penelokan, Toya Bungkah, Batur, Kedisan, Abung, Songan, and Kintamani villages.

The classic reason to come is Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Even if you’re not doing a hike, the viewpoint gives you a feel for how dramatic the caldera setting is. It’s one of those places where the photos look good, but the real value is how it changes your sense of where you are on the island.

Keep in mind:

• One hour here is a tight window for both photos and atmosphere. Use that time wisely.
• Weather matters. Cloudy conditions can reduce the view, so if the sky looks iffy, stay flexible and make the best of what you get.

If you love volcano country, this is the stop that turns a “nice day” into a “memory day.”

Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Subak Water System

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of those Ubud-area stops people talk about for a reason. The rice paddies here are known for their striking visuals—terraces and layers that create a lot of depth in photos.

What makes it more than just scenery is the traditional irrigation system called subak. It’s a cooperative system passed down through local tradition, connected to how rice farming works over time.

What to do in your one-hour window:

• Look for the irrigation channels and the way water moves through the fields.
• Walk a little for better angles, then pause for photos.
• Keep your footing careful—terraces can be uneven.

Entrance fees are not included, so factor that into your budget. Also, wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty or wet. Rice terraces usually mean ground that’s not designed like a mall walkway.

This stop is a great contrast after Kintamani’s highland views. You go from volcanic caldera impressions to green farming geometry.

Bali Swing Option: A Fun Add-On If That’s Your Thing

The tour mentions a Bali swing (optional). That means you can decide based on your mood and comfort level.

If you like photo experiences and you’re already in the area feeling “day trip energy,” it can be a fun break from temples and viewpoints. If you prefer slower, culture-first stops, you can skip it and keep the day focused on the core route.

Either way, one hour per main stop keeps the schedule from turning into a time sink.

The Driver and Vehicle Experience That Makes It Worth It

This kind of day succeeds or fails on the driving. Long routes with multiple stops need a driver who understands pacing, arrival timing, and the art of keeping people calm.

The service here stands out because the driver experience is repeatedly praised: a friendly, polite, funny driver can turn “a checklist of places” into an easy, comfortable day. Clean, well-maintained vehicles and working AC also matter in Bali, especially once you’re outside near waterfalls and fields.

You also get bottled water, which sounds small until you’re halfway through the day and realize you didn’t need to guess where you’d buy it.

One more practical detail: pickup is offered from Ubud and many south Bali hotels. That reduces the risk of losing time at the start of the day, which is usually when delays cascade.

What to Pack so You Enjoy Every Stop

You’ll have a mix of temple, waterfall, viewpoint, and rice terraces. Pack like you’re mixing water and sun.

Bring:

• A small towel or quick-dry cloth if you plan to swim at Tegenungan
• Swimsuit if you want the waterfall option
• Comfortable, grippy footwear
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Cash for entrance fees and lunch, since those are not included

At temples, the tour handles sarong use. Still, dressing in a way that’s easy to adjust helps you stay comfortable, especially in heat.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit if:

• You want a private day with a driver rather than self-driving
• You want both culture and nature: Gunung Kawi plus waterfall and rice terraces
• You’re aiming for classic Kintamani views around Mount Batur
• You prefer a balanced schedule with about 1 hour per stop

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A long, intensive hike day (the stops are time-boxed)
• A fully all-inclusive day where everything is included (entrance fees and lunch are not)

Should You Book This Private Ubud and Volcano Day Trip?

If your goal is a smooth, organized volcano day that hits the big Ubud-to-Kintamani highlights without the driving stress, I’d book it. The value is in the transport, the private setup, and the mix of stops that actually fit together in one 9-hour day.

I’d especially recommend it if you care about seeing Mount Batur and Lake Batur, want to add Gunung Kawi’s rock-cut shrines, and still want the famous photo stops like Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

If you hate paying extra once you arrive, plan for entrance fees and lunch ahead of time. But if you’re okay with that, this is the kind of day trip that feels well-paced and genuinely satisfying.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the private Ubud and volcano day trip?

It runs for about 9 hours (approx.).

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Ubud and many south Bali hotels, with 2-way transfers.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included are bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and sarong use for the temple visit.

Are entrance fees included?

No. The price excludes entrance fees.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there an optional activity?

Yes. A Bali swing is listed as optional.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, it’s booked 6 days in advance.