A full day packed with Bali’s big emotions. This private Ubud Kintamani tour strings together dance, waterfalls, and highland views, so you see more than you could on your own. I especially like the 2-way transfers that keep the stress low, and I love that lunch comes with a view of Mount Batur.

One thing to weigh: this route spends real time on Bali’s curvy central-highlands roads. If you dislike long car stretches, plan to go in expecting some bumpy moments and arrive ready to relax.

Key highlights at a glance

• Barong & Kris Dance (about 1 hour): Balinese sacred storytelling where a shaggy monster faces Rangda the witch
• Tegenungan Waterfall (about 45 minutes): a popular, photogenic stop near Ubud
• Mount Batur in Kintamani (about 45 minutes): semi-active volcano and crater-lake views, plus lunch overlooking the area
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces (about 30 minutes): rice paddies tied to the subak irrigation system, made for photos
• Ubud Monkey Forest (about 45 minutes): Wanara Wana, with close-up grey macaques near central Ubud

The Ubud to Kintamani drive, minus the headache

This is a classic “Ubud up, Kintamani high” day. The big win is that you’re not piecing together rides, tickets, and timing across multiple neighborhoods. Pickup is offered, and the tour runs about 10 hours total, which is long enough to hit the main sights without feeling rushed every minute.

Because the stops are spread out, you do trade sleep and lounging for movement. Bali’s central highlands roads can be challenging, so I recommend treating this as an active day, not a sit-and-snack itinerary. Bring water, wear shoes you trust on uneven ground, and keep your phone ready, because the view moments come fast once you reach the uplands.

The tour is private, so it’s just your group. That matters. You can ask the driver to pause for a better photo angle, and you’re not stuck waiting for a larger crowd to regroup.

Barong and Kris dance: myth on four legs

Your day starts with a performance built around Balinese mythology. Barong is a sacred dance featuring a strange creature shape, with four legs like a lion or tiger, performed by two men. It’s less about realism and more about symbolism and spectacle, and it moves like a living character.

The story centers on a battle between good and bad. In this version of the myth, Rangda shows up as the witch, and the Barong faces her. The Kris, a traditional dagger, is tied into the performance, and that clash of characters gives the show its energy.

Practical note: this is usually the easiest stop in the sense that it’s indoor or theater-based and doesn’t ask much physically. It’s a good way to start strong before you switch to outdoor walking and viewpoint hopping. Plan for around 1 hour, and you’ll have time to settle into the flow of the day.

Tegenungan Waterfall: quick visit, big photo payoff

Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall, near Tegenungan village in Gianyar Regency and close to Ubud. It’s described as isolated, but it’s also a well-known tourist attraction, which tells you two things: the setting can look wild in photos, and you should still expect other visitors around the viewing areas.

You’ll get about 45 minutes here. That’s enough time to:

• take photos from the likely viewpoints,
• stretch your legs at a moderate pace, and
• enjoy the sound and mist without turning it into an all-day hike.

If you’re sensitive to slippery surfaces or wet stairs, move slowly. Waterfall areas can be unpredictable underfoot, especially after rain. Also, the timing can feel short if you want long, slow portrait sessions. If you’re the type who takes photos for every five steps, you may need to manage your expectations with the time you have.

Kintamani and Mount Batur: volcano views with lunch value

Kintamani is the heart of Bali’s central highlands. Here you’re looking at a semi-active volcano, Mount Batur, plus a crater lake. The whole area is surrounded by ancient villages, which helps explain why the views feel both dramatic and lived-in, not just scenic.

You spend about 45 minutes in this part of the day. The standout part is that lunch is included and is served with views of Mount Batur. That one detail often makes these day trips feel worthwhile. You’re not just passing by a viewpoint. You pause, eat, and actually absorb what you came for.

A reality check: volcano regions can be cool or change quickly in clouds. So if you care about photos of the crater and the sharpest-looking skyline, it helps to keep your camera battery warm and your expectations flexible. If the sky isn’t perfect, you still get a strong sense of place, just with softer contrast.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: where irrigation becomes part of the show

Then you shift from volcano to farming. Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are famous for the subak irrigation system, the traditional Balinese cooperative arrangement that helps manage water for rice fields. In other words, the terraces you photograph are not just pretty shapes, they reflect how communities organize farming and water.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. That is enough time for the classic terrace angles and one or two detours if you’re quick. The best approach is to arrive focused: decide which viewpoint you want first, then use the remaining time to explore side angles or lower viewpoints for a different perspective.

This stop is very popular for a reason. Even when the light isn’t ideal, the terrace pattern still reads clearly in photos. Just watch your footing. Terraces and paths can be uneven, and you’ll likely be moving near edges.

Ubud Monkey Forest: grey macaques up close

Ubud’s Monkey Forest Sanctuary is called Wanara Wana in Balinese. It’s close to Ubud’s Palace area, on the southern side of downtown Ubud around Padang Tegal village.

You get about 45 minutes, which is a good match for how these places usually work. You can wander, observe behavior, and still have time to exit before the crowds feel like they’re pressing in.

A practical tip: be mindful with bags and anything dangling. Macaques can be bold, and the closer you treat them like they’re in charge, the more attention you’ll get. Keep sunglasses and loose items secured. Also, avoid sudden movements. Calm wins here.

This is also one of those stops where your experience depends on the conditions of the day. If animals are active and moving around, you’ll get great moments. If they’re tucked away, you may need patience to spot them.

What you actually pay for: $60 that includes the heavy stuff

At $60 for roughly 10 hours, the value comes from what’s bundled. This isn’t only transportation. The package includes entrance fees, lunch, bottled mineral water, and even a Bali map. It also includes transfers and uses a mobile ticket.

The hidden value is time. When a day trip includes entrance tickets and scheduled stops, you spend less effort figuring things out on the ground. That matters a lot in Bali where roads and traffic can stretch your plans.

Could you DIY this? Sure. You could also spend hours coordinating drivers, tracking ticket locations, and losing daylight to logistics. For a private day, paying for the plan often feels like getting your time back.

Transfers, timing, and road reality

Pickup is offered, and you can expect the tour to run for about 10 hours. That timeframe includes the movement between Ubud and Kintamani and the time you spend at each stop, each with admission included.

Because roads can be challenging in the highlands, I treat the car time like part of the experience, not wasted time. Keep your day bag light, wear comfortable clothes, and expect that the timing can shift a little depending on conditions.

Also, this is a private tour, so you are not juggling multiple groups. That helps with pace. Still, the day is structured, so it’s not the right option if you want total freedom to stop whenever you feel like it.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want a single day that mixes cultural performance with major outdoor sights. You get:

• Barong and Kris dance for a clear cultural anchor,
• Tegenungan Waterfall for iconic nature photos,
• Mount Batur and crater views for a highlands payoff,
• Tegalalang rice terraces tied to the subak system,
• Ubud Monkey Forest for an up-close animal encounter.

It also suits you if you like order. The stops are planned, tickets are included, and lunch is handled. That’s a relief after travel, especially if you’re staying around Seminyak and don’t want to wrangle transfers.

If you hate car rides or you need a slow, flexible schedule with minimal movement, consider whether this day’s stop density matches your style.

Should you book the Ubud Kintamani tour?

I’d book it if you want a smooth, private day that hits the big names with fewer logistics headaches. The pricing feels fair because entrance fees, lunch, water, and transfers are bundled, and the route connects cultural and scenic stops in a way that makes a full day feel complete.

I’d think twice only if the central highlands road time will make you cranky, or if you need very long, slow visits at each outdoor spot. This plan works best when you’re open to a tight but enjoyable rhythm.

If you’re going in shoulder season or you’re flexible with weather, you’re also in better shape. The experience requires good weather, and if poor weather cancels it, you should expect a different date or a full refund option.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Kintamani tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

What’s included in the $60 price?

The price includes pickup offered (transfers), all entrance fees for the mentioned stops, lunch, bottled mineral water, and a Bali map. Admission tickets are also included for each stop.

Is this tour private?

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

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

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, you won’t be refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.