A full Bali highlight day, minus the hassle. This private tour strings together culture and scenery in one long, well-paced outing across Ubud and Kintamani, with an English-speaking driver and pickup included.

I especially like the mix: you get Balinese storytelling at the Barong and Kris dance, then move into hands-on creativity at art villages like Celuk and Batuan. Second, the day stays flexible—your driver can adapt stops based on what traffic allows, so you are not stuck watching a clock all day.

The main thing to think about is that it is a packed schedule: depending on road conditions, you may reach fewer than all the planned stops, and you will have limited time at each place.

Key things that make this tour a smart pick

• Private group only: it’s just your group, no mixing with strangers
• English-speaking driver + AC transport: comfortable for a long day of driving
• Culture first, views last: dance, craft villages, rice terraces, then Mount Batur panorama
• Tickets included for most stops: saves time and spares you from ticket-hunting
• Traffic-flexible route: the day can adjust, often up to four places in 10 hours
• Driver support beyond the route: past guests praised Ketut for being helpful with planning

What this private Ubud–Kintamani day is really like

This is the kind of day that works best when you want a lot of “Bali highlights” without steering, map-checking, or negotiating with everyone individually. You get a car/bus with air-conditioning, an English-speaking driver, and a schedule that mixes art, performance, and big scenery payoffs.

One practical point: the plan is designed around time and traffic. The route can usually fit up to four destinations in the full 10 hours, so don’t expect every single stop to feel like a slow, lingering visit. Think of it as a guided sampler—then you can decide later what you want to revisit on your own.

If you like structure but still want breathing room, this setup hits the sweet spot. You’re not trapped in a rigid group tour, and you’re not planning every turn from scratch. It’s also easier for first-timers because the stops are spread across the classic Ubud-to-Kintamani corridor.

Barong & Kris: the storytelling dance that kicks off the day

The day starts with Barong and Kris dance, a famous Balinese performance that tells a story of good versus evil. This isn’t just dancing for dancing’s sake. It’s a classic example of how Balinese culture uses performance as storytelling.

You’ll usually have about 40 minutes here, and the admission ticket is included. That time box matters: it’s long enough to watch the whole arc without feeling like you missed the point, and short enough to keep the rest of the day moving.

Practical tip: since this is a performance, you’ll get more from the experience if you watch closely for the dramatic shifts in the story. If you are the kind of traveler who likes to understand what you are seeing, this dance gives you a cultural entry point before you move into crafts and landscapes.

Celuk Village for gold and silver craft

Next up is Celuk Village, known for gold and silver artistry. The big value here is watching the craft process in a place where local makers keep the tradition alive through day-to-day work, not just retail display.

This stop runs about 30 minutes, and admission is included. That’s enough time to look at items, observe the craftsmanship, and understand what you’re buying—without turning it into a long shopping push.

What I like about this kind of stop is the context. Instead of grabbing a souvenir because it looks nice, you’re seeing a village where the product exists because people here do the work. If you want to buy something later, you’ll at least have a better eye for what’s special.

Batuan painting art stop (and why the shorter time works)

Then you head to Batuan, a village associated with painting arts. The description ties these paintings to expressions of religious and mythological ideas, which helps you see them as more than decorative wall art.

This one is about 30 minutes, and admission is free. That is a rare combo: you get a cultural look, and you are not paying extra for the ticket.

Because it’s free and scheduled tightly, you can treat it like a sampling stop. You can enjoy the visuals, take a few photos, and keep energy for the scenery later. If you are short on patience for craft displays, this is still worth a quick look because the theme is meaningful, not just goods.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace: the view stop with extra nearby flavor

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the classic rice-terrace scenery you came to Bali for. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, and the admission ticket is included.

Even if you are not a hardcore “rice terrace” person, this stop is valuable because you’re getting one of the easiest-to-recognize Balinese landscapes. It also connects nicely to the rest of the day: art villages in the morning, then a dramatic outdoor scene before you head back into Ubud.

One helpful detail from the tour description: you can find colorful woodcarvings and designs around this area and nearby neighbors. So even if the rice-terrace viewpoint gets crowded, there are other small visual moments nearby.

Practical note: 30 minutes can fly. If you want photos, plan for a quick rhythm—arrive, find a viewpoint fast, take your shots, then roam briefly before moving on.

Ubud Monkey Forest: a quick stop with clear rules

The tour continues with Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. It’s easy to spot because it sits in the heart of Ubud, and it’s about an hour drive from Denpasar town.

Your time here is about 30 minutes, with the admission ticket included. The short length is good if you want the vibe without losing the whole afternoon to browsing and wandering.

Here’s the practical part: monkeys are still monkeys. For a better experience, stick to basic safety habits—keep bags secure, avoid feeding, and follow the site’s posted guidelines. You’ll enjoy this stop more if you treat it as an observation experience rather than a photo-shoot at close range.

Kintamani Highland and Mount Batur panorama: why this stop feels like the payoff

After the culture stops, you get the scenic reward at Kintamani Highland. This is where the day pays off.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, and admission is included. The view is the main event: the panorama stretches from Kintamani toward Mount Batur (described as an active volcano) and across to the wide lake area.

This is the moment to slow down a bit. If the weather is clear, the volcano-and-lake perspective is exactly the kind of “wow” that makes a long travel day worth it. If clouds roll in, you’ll still get the highland feel and a sense of the region’s scale.

Since this is only an hour, I suggest you choose your viewpoint early. Don’t wait until the last minutes to take in the whole scene.

Price and value: what $70 per person buys you

At $70 per person, the value depends on what you would otherwise pay and how you would otherwise travel.

What you get here includes air-conditioned car/bus, an English-speaking driver, petrol/gasoline, and all fees and taxes. For many stops, admission tickets are also included, including Barong dance, Celuk, Tegallalang, Monkey Forest, and Kintamani. Batuan’s admission is listed as free, which helps.

Two practical “value” takeaways:

• You are paying for fewer separate transactions during the day (tickets and transport are handled).
• The driver reduces stress on a route where timing can shift due to traffic.

What is not included is food and drinks. That’s normal for Bali day tours, but it matters for your budget. Plan to spend on meals and water separately, and factor that into your total day cost.

Also note the tour is private, and there can be group discounts. That can make it even more reasonable if you are traveling as a small group rather than solo.

Ketut’s driving style: the human factor you can feel

A good tour is more than a checklist. This one leans heavily on the driver.

In the feedback you can see a clear pattern: Ketut is praised for being punctual, professional, and friendly. People also mention that his service feels flexible and stress-free, not rigid. In one story, Ketut even helped with booking boat tickets and organizing an itinerary during a longer stay.

Even if you do not need extra help beyond the day’s route, that kind of competence matters. You’ll likely get better timing choices, smoother transitions between stops, and real-world knowledge about how to manage the day.

If you see the name Ketut on your booking details, that is a good sign. The reviews also reference Ketut Legawa in messages, which suggests the same driver is recognized under a similar name.

Timing reality: up to 10 hours, traffic-flex stops, and extra time rules

The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours. You start with a pickup option, and you can usually reach up to four destinations during a full 10-hour day depending on traffic.

That means you should treat the itinerary as a menu, not a guarantee. If traffic slows down, your driver may adjust the number of stops rather than rushing you through everything. This is usually better than the alternative, where you end up sprinting from place to place.

If you want more time, extra hours can be added, but the rule given is straightforward: extra hours are charged at 10% of the full-day tour price. So if you plan to add more stops, you’re better off confirming timing priorities early.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You’re moving through performance venues, villages, and outdoor viewpoints. Keep it simple:

• Comfortable shoes for terraces and walking
• A light layer for changing weather at higher elevations
• Sun protection for the outdoor stops
• Money or card for meals and drinks (since they are not included)

If you are sensitive to animals, decide ahead of time how you want to handle the Monkey Forest section. A short visit means you can choose how adventurous you want to be without it consuming your entire day.

Who this tour suits best (and who might skip it)

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a private day that covers multiple Ubud/Kintamani highlights
• You like art and culture (dance, gold and silver craft, painting) as much as scenery
• You value an English-speaking driver and air-conditioned comfort for the driving

It might be less ideal if:

• You prefer long, slow visits at one or two places rather than a tight schedule
• You dislike the idea that traffic may reduce the total number of stops
• You want food included in the price (meals are not part of this package)

Also consider age: children under 2 have free entrance listed for the tour.

Should you book Private Tour – Ubud Kintamani Tours?

If your goal is a single-day hit list of Ubud culture and Kintamani views, I think this is a good match. The strengths are clear: you get private comfort, an English-speaking driver, and a route that balances dance, craft villages, scenic terraces, Monkey Forest, and the Mount Batur panorama.

The one caution is schedule density. You are booking a day that aims to cover a lot, and the number of destinations depends on road conditions. If you can accept that and go with a flexible mindset, you’ll likely feel satisfied with what you see.

My advice: if you are short on time in Ubud and you want the classic highlights without self-driving stress, book it. If you already plan to spend days in Ubud and Kintamani, you might still book—but treat this as a structured sampler, then plan longer returns on your own.

FAQ

How long is the Private Ubud Kintamani tour?

The tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours, depending on timing and road conditions.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

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

What does the price include?

The price includes air-conditioned car/bus, an English-speaking driver, petrol/gasoline, and all fees and taxes.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for several stops, and Batuan Village has admission listed as free. Kintamani also lists admission included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I add extra time during the day?

Yes. Extra hours are charged at 10% of the full-day tour price.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children under 2 years have free entrance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available 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.