Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide

REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide

  • 4.527 reviews
  • From $33.00
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Operated by East Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (27)Price from$33.00Operated byEast Bali TourBook viaViator

Early rice terraces set the whole day up right. This private Ubud day tour is built for people who want the big highlights without the hassle, using a private air-conditioned vehicle and a guide who can shape the order to your interests. It’s also comfortable timing-wise: you’re set up to see Tegalalang before the crowds thicken.

I really like the way the day balances “wow” sights with places you can slow down. The Tirta Empul purification pools are spiritual and surprisingly engaging, and the tour gives you enough time to actually understand what you’re looking at. I also like that the stops are varied, so it doesn’t feel like repeat temple-after-temple.

One thing to consider: it’s a jam-packed 10 hours, and a couple of the attractions involve physical effort (especially the Kanto Lampo waterfall climb). If you’re not into walking or uneven ground, you’ll want to plan carefully and ask your guide what’s realistically doable for your pace.

Key things that make this Ubud private day tour worth it

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Key things that make this Ubud private day tour worth it

  • Early Tegalalang Rice Terrace timing helps you enjoy the layered valley view with less stress
  • Tirta Empul’s purification pools give you a deeper reason to be there than just photos
  • A real shopping stop at the Ubud Art Market for textiles and small crafts (2 hours)
  • Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is close enough to feel wild, without needing extra transport
  • Kanto Lampo waterfall is the physical highlight, and a local guide helps you handle it confidently
  • Private group only means you’re not stuck waiting for strangers or rushed through key moments

Value for $33: what this tour includes (and what it doesn’t)

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Value for $33: what this tour includes (and what it doesn’t)
At $33 per person for a 10-hour private-style day, the big value is the logistics. You get hotel pickup and return transfers, private transportation with air-conditioning, and an English-speaking driver—plus bottled water. That removes a lot of the typical Bali “how do we get there” friction, especially in central Ubud where traffic and distances can chew up time.

The tour also gives you a simple way to think about costs: the vehicle and guide time are covered, but admission fees are not. The listing notes separate entrance costs for places like Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and other popular sites (Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Lempuyang Temple). So you’ll want to budget modestly on top of the tour price.

If you’re traveling with a small group, private transport can be a smart trade. Instead of paying for multiple rides and building your own route, you’re buying one day of planning and driving done for you. And because it’s private, you can spend your time where you care most.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ubud

Start the day early at Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Start the day early at Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Your day typically kicks off with Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most photographed views around Ubud. The appeal here isn’t just the scenery—it’s the structure of the place. You’re looking at layered rice fields that roll down the valley, and the early start helps you enjoy it before heat and crowds make everything feel more exhausting.

You’re scheduled for about 1 hour at Tegalalang, and admission is not included, so bring cash or expect a paid entry on-site. With only an hour, you’ll want to do the “walk a bit, stop a lot” strategy. Take a slower route to viewpoints rather than racing straight to the best photo spot.

Practical notes that matter here:

  • Wear shoes that handle slippery spots, since the terrain can get uneven.
  • Bring sunscreen and water, even though bottled water is included later on in the day.
  • If you don’t like stairs and steep paths, tell your guide before you arrive so they can steer you toward easier viewpoints.

Tirta Empul Temple: purification pools with real meaning

Next up is Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred site tied to holy, fresh drinking water that comes from the ground. What makes it more than a tourist stop is the purification ritual itself: visitors clean themselves at two purification pools with about 30 stations.

You get roughly 1 hour here, and the experience can feel longer in a good way because there’s a rhythm to how people move through the stations. Admission is not included, so again, you’ll likely pay on-site.

A helpful way to approach this stop:

  • Watch how people are behaving before you step into the flow.
  • Dress and act respectfully. Temples are not just photo backdrops.
  • If you’re uncertain about what’s appropriate during the purification process, you can still enjoy the space by observing and focusing on the story of the place.

This is one of those stops where a guide’s context really earns its keep, especially when you’re trying to understand why people are there and what the water stations represent.

Ubud Art Market: shopping without turning it into chaos

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Ubud Art Market: shopping without turning it into chaos
Then you head to the Ubud Art Market for around 2 hours. This is the part of the day that’s useful in a practical way: it’s where you can pick up things you’ll actually use—like silk scarves, lightweight shirts, statues, kites, handmade woven bags, baskets, and hats.

Admission isn’t listed as included for this stop, but markets usually don’t feel like a “ticketed attraction” anyway. The real value is time and convenience. Two hours gives you breathing room to browse without feeling like you’re being shoved forward.

My advice: go in with a shortlist. Markets can be overwhelming, and you’ll get more out of it if you decide ahead of time what you want—fabric items, small gifts, or decorative pieces—and then compare quality and price across a few stalls.

Also, since this is a private tour, you can ask your guide for guidance on what’s common, what’s easy to carry, and where to focus if you’re short on budget.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close-up nature with a few rules

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: close-up nature with a few rules
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is next, about 1 hour. This place is popular for a reason: you’re walking inside a park-like area where monkeys spend much of their day, and the setting is described as being without fences around the main areas.

That detail matters. You’re not just viewing monkeys behind barriers—you’re sharing space with them. So while the tour gives you time to enjoy the sanctuary, it’s on you to stay alert and handle belongings carefully.

You’ll likely pay the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary entrance fee separately (it’s listed as not included). Once you’re inside, keep these basics in mind:

  • Avoid open bags and keep valuables tucked away.
  • Don’t treat the monkeys like pets or props.
  • Let your guide know if you’d rather avoid the closest areas and focus on quieter trails.

Done with the right mindset, this stop is fun. It feels more “alive” than many zoo-style experiences, and the short time slot keeps it from becoming a slog.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall: the day’s climb and photo moment

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Kanto Lampo Waterfall: the day’s climb and photo moment
If you want the physical highlight, it’s Kanto Lampo Waterfall. This is described as a big wall of water that’s popular to climb up. Locals also spend time here on weekends, which gives you a sense that it’s not only a tourist photo stop.

You’re scheduled for about 1 hour, and admission is not included. This is also the stop where people tend to remember the guide help the most—because it can be tricky if you’re not used to wet, slippery footing.

I’d plan for effort:

  • Wear shoes with grip.
  • Bring a quick way to protect your phone/camera from splashes if you’re bringing one.
  • Be ready for a climb that’s part cautious steps, part timing.

One of the best pieces of feedback tied to this stop is that a photographer there can make a difference. Even if you don’t plan on buying photos, it helps to know that the area has people who specialize in capturing the climb and the waterfall backdrop.

Gianyar Street Night Market: a relaxed end to the day

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - Gianyar Street Night Market: a relaxed end to the day
To finish the highlights, there’s Gianyar Street Night Market, about 1 hour. It’s described as an interesting highlight to stop by when you travel to the heart of Gianyar regency’s capital.

Think of this as the low-pressure, walk-and-browse part of the day. After temples and terraces, it’s a nice contrast—more casual, more local-energy, and good for grabbing something small to eat or drink if you feel like it (the tour data doesn’t specify food details, but a night market stop is usually ideal for casual snacks).

Since it’s one hour, don’t over-plan. Use it to soak up atmosphere, buy small gifts if you spot something useful, and then head back.

The “private” part: how customization actually helps your day

Benoa Cruise Port: Private Bali Day Tour with Local Guide - The “private” part: how customization actually helps your day
This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That’s not just a label. It affects how the day flows. You’re not stuck with a fixed group tempo, so you can:

  • Spend a bit more time where you’re genuinely interested
  • Skip what doesn’t grab you
  • Adjust pacing if someone in your party needs a slower walk

The tour also says you can list up to 5 places you want to visit in the remarks section, as long as the stops run along one route so they can prepare your itinerary smoothly. That’s practical. It prevents your day from turning into an inefficient drive-around puzzle.

If you finish early or want extra time, the data says you can extend travel time within the service areas for USD 5 per extra hour. And if you want to go farther out—like Gilimanuk, Lovina, or Amed Karangasem—there’s a noted surcharge of USD 30 per area.

Where pickup can work well for Benoa-area visitors

The tour’s service area includes Ubud, Gianyar, Denpasar, South Badung, Bangli, and Tabanan. So if you’re docked in the Benoa area or staying around Denpasar/South Badung, pickup is likely possible, but you should confirm your exact pickup point.

It’s also worth knowing the tour includes hotel pickup and return transfers. That’s the kind of detail that matters on a cruise day, because you don’t want to spend your precious time hunting down meeting points.

If you’re coming from far outside the listed service areas, the surcharge rules mentioned above may apply. Ask before you book so you’re not surprised later.

How to plan your day so it feels fun, not frantic

This tour is about hitting major Ubud landmarks in one go. That’s great if you’re short on time. It’s less great if you want a slow, deep-dwell day with minimal driving.

Here’s how I’d set expectations:

  • You get 10 hours total, with short-to-mid visits at each stop (usually about 1 hour, except the 2 hours at the art market).
  • Expect early start energy, then temple pauses, then a more active waterfall climb, then a market stroll.
  • Since entrance fees aren’t included, keep a small budget handy for on-site admissions.

If you’re traveling with older family members or anyone who doesn’t handle climbing well, the key is to speak up early. The itinerary includes a waterfall climb that can be optional depending on your comfort level, but you’ll want your guide to understand your limits.

One booking hiccup to watch for (and how to avoid it)

Most feedback is positive, with a 4.7 rating from 27 reviews and 93% recommendation. Still, there was at least one unhappy note about a weird booking experience and an unclear extra fee. The response said the booking wasn’t handled by their company and may have been posted under the wrong listing.

So here’s the simple practical takeaway: before the tour date, double-check who your provider is, what you paid, and whether any extra charges apply to your specific pickup area or custom requests. Keep the booking confirmation and any messages in one place, and verify any fee details in writing.

Should you book this Ubud private day tour?

I think you should book it if you want a high-effort highlights day in Ubud with minimal planning. The combination of rice terraces, Tirta Empul, an art market with real shopping time, the monkey forest, and Kanto Lampo creates a full “first Ubud week condensed into one day” feel. Add in private AC transport, bottled water, and an English-speaking driver, and the day stays comfortable even when the schedule is full.

You might skip or rethink it if you:

  • Don’t want a packed day (10 hours with multiple locations)
  • Prefer fewer active stops
  • Want long, unstructured wandering with no temple timing at all

If you’re traveling through central Bali with limited days, this is the kind of private tour that makes your time count—especially if Kanto Lampo waterfall and Tegalalang rice terrace are on your must-see list.

FAQ

How long is the private Bali day tour in Ubud?

It runs for about 10 hours (approx.).

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed at $33.00 per person.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pick up and return transfers are included, and pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and hotel pick up and return transfers.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Admission fees are listed as not included for stops such as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and other listed sites like Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Lempuyang Temple.

Which major stops are included during the day?

The day covers Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple, Ubud Art Market, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, and Gianyar Street Night Market.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Can I extend the tour or add destinations?

You can extend your travel time within the listed service areas for USD 5 per extra hour. The tour also allows flexible itineraries, and you can list up to 5 places in the remarks section as long as they fit along one route.

What’s the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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