Bali Full Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud and Hidden Waterfall

Ubud is a great place to start—and this full day helps you do it right. You get a tight route packed with iconic sights and calmer stops, all paced by a private driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. It’s built for first-timers who want a strong overview without burning time on transit.

I especially like the mix of stops: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegalalang Rice Terrace are classic for a reason, but the day doesn’t stop there. You also get a proper view-and-break at lunch near Mount Batur and then a temple plus a waterfall that feels different from the usual Ubud circuit.

One consideration: the price is set up for private use, and you can see it when you’re solo. If you don’t have a group, you may pay more than you would in a shared setup, even though group discounts exist.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private, all-day route that connects Ubud icons with slower, less-crowded stops
• Monkey Forest + rice terraces in the morning when the light is usually best
• Mt. Batur lunch at Kintamani with a view and a full buffet break
• Kehen Temple adds royal-era depth without feeling like a mega-attraction
• Tukad Cepung Waterfall is an open-cave style stop that rewards careful footwear

A 10-hour Ubud plan that doesn’t waste your time

This tour runs about 10 hours and starts at 8:00 am, which is the smartest way to beat the heat and crowds. The big advantage is the flow: you’re moving between sites by vehicle, not hopping around with random timing. That means you spend more time looking and less time stuck.

You also get a little freedom. The day is private, and the experience is described as something you can tweak at least in terms of pacing. Translation: if you’re slower at the rice fields or you want a longer look at one viewpoint, you’re not trapped in a rigid stamp-and-go schedule.

Value-wise, the inclusions are straightforward: lunch buffet, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle are covered, plus all fees and taxes. The only stated miss on the list is alcoholic beverages, so budgeting is easy—plan for water and soft drinks from the tour, and add alcohol only if you want it.

Pickup, mobile ticket, and what the day feels like in practice

Pickup is offered, and the start time is clearly set for the day: 8:00 am. In real-world terms, that matters because your morning doesn’t evaporate while you’re hunting down meeting points.

You also get a mobile ticket, which usually makes check-in smoother. Nothing kills a travel day faster than paper tickets and last-minute phone calls, so this is the kind of small detail that can save stress.

On the ground, the rhythm is also pretty gentle for a “big day.” Each stop has a listed time block—often around an hour—so you’re not constantly sprinting. You still should have a moderate physical fitness level, mainly because you’ll be walking in temple areas and navigating the approach to a waterfall that’s reached from a cave-like setting.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (and how to handle the chaos safely)

You start at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 1 hour on the ground. This is the place where long-tailed macaques live in a protected forest area, and it’s treated as a sacred site. Expect monkeys close to paths and viewpoints, not far-away wildlife.

What I’d focus on here is how you look at monkeys. Don’t treat them like a zoo backdrop. Keep your distance, avoid sudden moves, and keep any food or tempting items secured. Even when the animals seem calm, they’re still wild creatures doing wild-creature things.

The best part of this opening stop is that it sets the tone for Ubud. You get a real “you’re in Bali now” feeling early on, before the day shifts into sightseeing mode.

Potential drawback: if you’re uncomfortable around animals, this stop may feel like more than you want. It’s not an all-day monster-monkey scenario, but it is the headline attraction at the start.

Stop 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace (walk the fields, then take a breath)

Next you drive roughly 30 minutes to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with about 45 minutes allocated there. The rice fields spread out in layers, creating those iconic green terraces you’ve seen in photos.

Here’s why this stop works in a full-day plan: the time is long enough to walk a bit, pause for views, and still keep the day moving. You’ll have room to stand among the fields and take in how the terraces stretch across the area.

A practical tip: plan to move slowly on uneven ground. You’ll often be stepping across dirt paths and viewing points, and the surface can vary. Comfortable shoes are the move for this part of the day.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, go in expecting people. Rice terraces are popular for a reason, so if you want quieter moments, hang back at the edges of viewpoints rather than hovering at the busiest photo spots.

Lunch at Kintamani: Mt. Batur views plus a real buffer

After the terraces, you head toward Kintamani for lunch near Mount Batur. The itinerary gives about 1 hour, and it’s described as lunch at the Kintamani area with views over Mount Batur and calm Lake Batur.

This lunch stop is more than a refuel. It’s your mental reset. Midday is when Bali can feel hottest and most humid, so having a guaranteed buffet lunch with included drinks like bottled water is a big value.

I also like that the schedule doesn’t just rush you through. One hour gives you time to eat without feeling like you’re racing. It’s enough to enjoy the views, then regroup before you head to temples and the waterfall.

Keep expectations realistic: Mt. Batur visibility can vary with weather. If the view isn’t crystal clear, you still get the setting and the break, which is often the point anyway.

Kehen Temple in Bangli: a calmer temple stop with royal roots

After lunch, you visit Kehen Temple in Bangli Regency. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and it’s described as the royal temple of the Bangli Kingdom.

What makes this kind of stop valuable is contrast. You’re not repeating the same big-tour circuit. Kehen Temple is presented as less touristic, and that matters because it can make the experience feel more personal. You can slow down, observe details, and connect to the idea that these sites have been maintained for generations.

Temple time can also be a good pace adjustment. After rice fields and a viewpoint lunch, you get a different kind of attention: the stone layout, the religious atmosphere, and the way you move through the space.

Consideration: like most sacred sites, you’ll want to dress and behave respectfully. Comfortable, modest clothing is the easiest way to avoid awkward moments and keep your head in the right place.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall: an open-cave waterfall that rewards timing

Toward the end of the day, you go to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, with about 1 hour on-site. The key detail is how it’s located: it’s reached inside an open cave, under a canopy-like rock formation, with the waterfall dropping within.

That cave setting changes the whole vibe. Instead of a wide open waterfall you can see from a distance, you experience it through the frame of the cave. In practical terms, that often means you’ll spend time orienting your position for the best view.

Footwear matters here. If the cave approach and surrounding areas are slick (common with waterfalls), you’ll want shoes with decent grip. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want traction and comfort.

Potential drawback: this is a more “hands-on” environment than a viewpoint terrace. You may stand, walk a bit, and move carefully. If you’re carrying heavy bags, keep it light.

The good news is that you don’t have to make this your whole day. It’s a finishing act, and then you’re driven back to your hotel.

Drivers and the real reason this tour works: pace, safety, and explanations

The most consistently praised part is the person behind the wheel and the way the day runs. In the feedback I’ve seen, guides like Eka are described as flexible and attentive, with a strong focus on safety. That shows up in how the day feels: efficient, but not frantic.

The other repeated theme is clarity. Eka, for example, is mentioned as giving good explanations, and that turns a list of places into a story you can follow. You understand what you’re seeing, even if you don’t speak local languages.

There’s also a sense of consideration—staying aware of how you’re doing, not just rushing you to the next stop. That’s the difference between a “transfer tour” and a day that actually feels guided.

If you care about details and context, this kind of driver can add real value without turning the day into a lecture.

Air-conditioned comfort and the value of included costs

At $89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do a Ubud highlights day—but it’s also not trying to be. The value depends on what you’d otherwise pay to stitch together separate taxis, pay for admissions, and still find time to eat.

Here’s what’s clearly included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Lunch buffet
• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes
• Admission tickets listed as included for the main stops

The money question is simple: if you’d struggle to plan the route, or if you’d rather not organize multiple pickups and admissions yourself, the package makes sense. You’re paying for a driver who connects the dots and keeps the timing workable.

One more value note: the tour is private, but it offers group discounts. That usually means the per-person price improves if you’re traveling as a group. If you’re solo, you may feel that private setup more, which matches the concern raised in a mixed review about pricing when booked alone.

What kind of traveler this fits best

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a first-time Ubud overview without hopping between far-flung places on your own
• Like a mix of iconic sights and quieter stops
• Prefer a set schedule with reasonable time at each location
• Appreciate when a driver keeps things safe and explains what you’re looking at

It’s also a good option if you don’t want to think too hard about logistics. Your day is already mapped: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Mt. Batur area lunch, Kehen Temple, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

If you’re traveling with very young kids, you’d want to think carefully about the walking and the waterfall environment, but the tour does state moderate physical fitness is needed, not that it’s a full-on hike. Still, plan for careful movement.

Should you book this Ubud full day?

If you want a smart, no-stress day that hits the Ubud highlights plus a couple of stops that feel less “everybody goes here,” I think this one is a strong choice. The combination of included admissions, a real lunch break, and a guide who keeps pace and safety in mind is a solid formula.

Book it if you’re short on time and want to feel like you actually covered Bali’s Ubud core. Skip it only if you’re very price-sensitive for solo travel, or if you already plan to spend most of your time doing your own transport and scheduling.

If you do book, I’d go into the day with one mindset: slow down just enough to enjoy each place, but trust the timing. This route is designed so you don’t have to.

FAQ

How long is the Bali full day tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

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

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, a lunch buffet, an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, and the private tour service.

Are admission tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Mount Batur (lunch in the Kintamani area), Kehen Temple, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

Is alcohol included with lunch?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.