Bali can feel like two islands in one day. Ubud culture plus Kintamani volcano views makes this long tour feel like a highlight reel with real variety. I like that it’s built as an all-day circuit—Barong & Kris dance, Tegenungan Waterfall, Mount Batur, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Ubud Monkey Forest—so you don’t have to stitch separate plans together. I also like the practical side: entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, and 2-way transfers are handled, plus there’s a mobile ticket so you’re not digging through paperwork.

One thing to keep in mind is the ride. This goes into Bali’s central highlands, where roads can be a bit challenging, and the tour runs about 10 hours total. Also, it requires good weather, so if conditions are rough, the plan may shift or you may be offered another date or a full refund.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private, 2-way transfers: It’s designed so only your group participates, without shared logistics.
• Lunch with Mt. Batur views: You get a proper meal as the day turns toward the volcano area.
• Photo-heavy stops in Ubud: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Ubud Monkey Forest are both built for close-up moments.
• A classic Balinese performance: The Barong & Kris show brings the myth of good versus evil to life.
• Admission fees handled: Entry tickets for each listed stop are included.

Why This Ubud Kintamani Plan Feels Worth It at $60

$60 for a 10-hour, private-style day with multiple major stops is the kind of price that makes sense when you add up the real costs: entrance fees, transfers, and lunch. Instead of paying piecemeal, you get one bundled plan that covers the obvious items that usually add up fast.

You’re also buying time and sanity. Bali driving can slow you down, and getting from Ubud to the Kintamani area takes longer than people expect. This tour keeps the day structured, so you spend energy on viewpoints and photos instead of figuring out routes, ticket lines, or who’s supposed to do what.

The biggest value is the mix. You’re not just doing scenery. You’ll also see a Barong & Kris dance, then switch gears to waterfalls, rice terraces, macaques, and crater-lake volcano views. For a day trip, it’s a smart balance of culture and nature.

Pickup, Timing, and the Mobile Ticket That Saves Headaches

This is offered as a private activity, with pickup included and 2-way transfers built in. That matters because it reduces the two biggest stressors on Bali day trips: finding your ride on time and coordinating the return.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, which is handy if you don’t want to deal with printed paper. And because it’s your own group, the schedule tends to feel more flexible for your pace at the stops (within reason—this is still an all-day loop).

One practical note: this experience requires good weather. If weather is bad enough to cancel, you should expect an offer for a different date or a full refund. So if you have one day that you can protect for this, pick the day that looks most stable.

Stop 1: Barong & Kris Dance, Good vs. Evil in Full Costume

The Barong & Kris dance is where the cultural energy starts. Barong is a sacred Balinese dance represented by a strange, four-legged creature (often lion or tiger imagery), performed by two men in costume. The story follows the mythological fight between good and evil—good versus bad—played out through movement and dramatic ritual-style theater.

This is scheduled for about one hour, and since the admission ticket is included, you can treat it as a set-and-watch experience. The upside is that you’re not just seeing a building or a temple from a distance. You’re seeing a living performance with symbolism you’ll feel in the pacing and intensity.

The possible downside is that this stop is more about watching than wandering. If you’re the type who gets bored sitting still, plan to treat it like a show: arrive with patience, turn your attention to how the characters move, and use your photos early if you’re worried about lighting.

Stop 2: Tegenungan Waterfall for Quick Power and Photo Time

Next comes Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s located near Tegenungan village (Kemenuh village area, Gianyar regency), relatively close to Ubud. The descriptions for this place call it isolated, yet it’s also become a popular tourist attraction—so you may see crowds depending on timing.

You’ll have around 45 minutes here. That’s enough time to get photos and enjoy the view without feeling like you’re spending half the day on one spot. It also keeps the overall schedule from turning into a stop-and-start crawl.

Practical tip: waterfalls make people underestimate footwear. Plan on uneven ground and stick with shoes you can trust. Bring a light layer if it’s breezy, and keep an eye on water spray if you’re using a camera you care about.

Stop 3: Mount Batur and Kintamani, the Crater Lake Stop With Real View Value

Then you hit Kintamani, centered on Mount Batur—described as a semi-active volcano—with its crater lake. This is one of those places where the view is the main event, and it’s built into the day’s pacing.

You’ll have about 45 minutes at the Mount Batur viewpoint area. The tour also includes lunch, and it’s specifically described as lunch overlooking Mt. Batur volcano. That combo is what makes the stop feel more than a photo pull-over: you eat while you’re looking at the mountain and crater-lake scenery.

The highland setting also means weather can change how the view looks. Clouds can soften the mountain outline. Clear conditions give you sharper panorama vibes. So even though the schedule is set, the sky influences how dramatic the crater-lake view feels that day.

One consideration: the crater-lake area can be more sensitive to visibility than the lower Ubud sites. If it’s foggy, manage expectations and treat the meal and the overall experience as the win—not just the perfect photo.

Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Subak Irrigation in a Classic Photo Frame

After the volcano area, the day swings back toward Ubud with Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is famous for dramatic views of rice paddies and for the subak irrigation system, a traditional Balinese cooperative method for managing water.

You’ll get about 30 minutes here. That sounds short, but for Tegalalang it’s usually about walking a bit, picking a few angles, and shooting the layered terraces. It’s a “pick your best viewpoint fast” kind of stop.

What makes this one worth your attention is that it’s not just pretty. You’re seeing how people shape and maintain the paddies through shared irrigation. If you enjoy cultural landscapes, even briefly, this stop gives you a clearer sense of how rice farming is organized—not just what the scenery looks like.

The main drawback is the surface. Terraces can mean steps and slippery patches depending on conditions. Go slow, keep your camera strap secure, and don’t assume smooth walking paths.

Stop 5: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Grey Macaques Up Close

Finally, you finish at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. It’s not far from Ubud Palace, and the area is called Wanara Wana in Balinese. The description also highlights the chance to get close to grey macaques.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is long enough to watch the monkeys move and interact, but not so long that it turns into a patience test. This stop feels like the natural close to the day: after waterfalls and volcano views, you get a compact, lively sanctuary experience.

A reality check for planning: macaques are curious. Keep your bag closed, secure any food, and don’t let them treat your belongings like an ice-cream stand. If you’re cautious and aware of your space, this can be a fun, memorable finish.

If you’re visiting with kids, this stop can be a hit—just set expectations ahead of time that the animals are wild, not pets. You’ll get better experiences when everyone acts calmly.

Driving Days in Bali’s Central Highlands: What to Expect

This tour includes highland driving, and that’s the one constant “watch out” theme. The central highlands can mean slow bends, changing road conditions, and long stretches where the ride is the price you pay for reaching Mt. Batur and the crater-lake area.

This is why the tour is private and why transfers matter. You’re not juggling drivers who might not understand your schedule. You’re also reducing the risk of delays turning into missed entrances.

My practical advice:

• Wear layers. Highlands weather can shift, even if Ubud feels warm.
• Bring sun protection. You’ll have multiple outdoor stops.
• Keep your day efficient. Don’t over-plan additional activities after the tour.

And yes, consider the total energy cost. At ~10 hours, this is a day trip for people who enjoy being on the move. If you like slow travel days, you might want to choose a lighter day elsewhere.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Pay Separately)

Here’s the clean breakdown of what you’re covered for:

• Entrance fees for every listed stop
• Lunch
• Bottle mineral water
• Transfers (2-way)
• Bali map
• Admission tickets included at each object
• Mobile ticket

Not included:

• Personal expenses

That means you’re mostly budgeting for your own spending beyond the planned items. If you want souvenirs, extra snacks, or anything beyond what’s listed, keep a little cash or card handy.

Also, since water is included, you don’t need to hunt for it at each stop. Still, I recommend you sip regularly, especially in the heat and with driving time.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Feel It’s Too Much)

This fits best if you want a structured, multi-stop day without handling the details. If you like mixing culture (Barong & Kris dance), nature (waterfall and rice terraces), and a major viewpoint (Mt. Batur crater lake), this itinerary hits those boxes in one run.

It’s also a great choice for a group that values privacy and a driver/guide who keeps you on schedule. The experience provider is listed as Excellent Bali Tour – Private Day Tours, and the overall feedback highlights that both the guide and driver are polite, friendly, and considerate—exactly the kind of service you want when you’re spending a long day in a car.

Who might not love it:

• People who hate long driving days
• Anyone who prefers fewer stops and more time per location
• People who struggle with unpredictable weather and visibility in the highlands

Should You Book This Ubud Kintamani Tour?

If you have one day to cover a lot of Bali in a smart order, I think this is a strong pick. The price works because it bundles entrances, lunch, water, and transfers—so you’re not doing the annoying add-up in your head. The schedule also makes sense: start with performance culture in Ubud, add the waterfall and rice terrace photo moments, then end with macaques before the day finishes.

Book it if you’re excited by a full day of variety and you want your day planned for you. Skip it if you want a slow, relaxed itinerary or you’re traveling on a day where you can’t risk weather changes. If the forecast looks shaky, treat it as a flexible plan—because weather can matter here.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Kintamani tour?

It runs about 10 hours (approx.).

Is pickup and round-trip transport included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour includes 2-way transfers.

What are the main stops on the tour?

You’ll visit the Barong & Kris dance, Tegenungan Waterfall, Mount Batur in the Kintamani area, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it’s described as lunch with views overlooking Mt. Batur.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. All entrance fees for the listed stops are included, along with admission tickets.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. A bottle of mineral water is included.

What ticket format will I get?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free 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. The experience also requires good weather—if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.