REVIEW · 3-DAY EXPERIENCES
Explore Bali in 3 Days – Custom Itinerary – Private Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by East Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
One very efficient way to see Bali. This 3-day private tour strings together classic east Bali sights with Ubud-area stops, so you’re not burning hours figuring out routes or switching drivers. I like the private A/C car (comfort matters when you’re doing temples, terraces, and coastline in quick succession) and the way the plan mixes culture with scenery, from the Sahadewa Barong & fire dance to Lempuyang Temple’s dramatic gates. The main drawback to plan around: several top attractions have admission fees listed as separate costs, including Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Lempuyang Temple.
You start early (8:00 am) and you’ll keep moving across different regions. If you’re the type who loves photos but also wants context, this style works well because each stop has a clear “what to notice” focus—like the luwak coffee process at Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism or the water features at Tirta Gangga.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Private East Bali by car: why this 3-day format works
- Day 1 from Ubud to Batuan: barong fire dance, luwak coffee, and the best “first-day” photo stops
- Sahadewa Barong Dance & Fire Dance: culture with real energy
- Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism: luwak coffee, traditionally made
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: carvings, temple details, and monkeys up close
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: yes, it’s famous, but it’s famous for a reason
- Tegenungan Waterfall: dramatic drop into a pool
- Puseh Batuan Temple: a more local, calmer closer
- Day 2: Bedugul highland calm, Handara’s iconic gate, and Tanah Lot at sea
- Taman Ayun Temple: garden-temple setting and pond views
- Lake Beratan (Bedugul): cool air feeling, scenic lake time
- Handara Iconic Gate: golf-resort views and photo-friendly angles
- Wanagiri Hidden Hills: new selfie spots in the hills
- Tanah Lot Temple: offshore shrine and sunset-backdrop energy
- Day 3 in Karangasem: Lempuyang’s gate, Tirta Gangga water palace, Ujung, and Virgin Beach
- Lempuyang Temple: Sad Kahyangan position and that famous gate scene
- Tirta Gangga: water palace visuals you can’t fake
- Ujung Water Palace: Dutch-era architecture meets water features
- Virgin Beach (Perasi Beach): white sand and a viewpoint drive
- Price and ticket reality: what you’re paying for at $105 per person
- Timing, comfort, and weather: how to make this tour feel smooth
- Who should book this private Bali 3-day tour
- Should you book Explore Bali in 3 Days – Private Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Does this tour include hotel pickup and return transfers?
- Is this a private tour or a group tour?
- What transport and language support is included?
- Are attraction admission tickets included in the price?
- Which places are visited during the tour?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about

- Private, air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking driver, plus hotel pickup and return transfers
- Day-1 Ubud hits: Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, and a local temple stop in Batuan
- Highlands and icons on Day 2: Lake Beratan (Bedugul), Handara Iconic Gate, and Tanah Lot’s offshore shrine setting
- East Bali classics on Day 3: Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, Ujung Water Palace, and Virgin Beach (Perasi Beach)
- Admissions are partly add-on costs, so budget for a few key entrance tickets up front
Private East Bali by car: why this 3-day format works

Bali is big, and “I’ll just drive myself” gets expensive fast in time, stress, and wrong turns. This tour uses a private vehicle with hotel pickup and return transfers, which is exactly what you want when you only have 3 days and you’d rather spend the day looking at temples than negotiating traffic.
What I like about this setup is the rhythm. You’re not doing one giant day with zero breaks. Instead, you’re covering the Ubud area first, then moving up into central highland scenery and key landmarks, and finally finishing in east Bali (Karangasem) with the most dramatic temple and water-palace visuals.
One practical point: the tour starts at 8:00 am, so it’s best if you’re comfortable with an early start. If you’re hoping for a slow morning, you’ll feel it on day 1.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Day 1 from Ubud to Batuan: barong fire dance, luwak coffee, and the best “first-day” photo stops

Day 1 is where the tour builds momentum. You’re stacking cultural performance, hands-on food/drink curiosity, and Bali’s famous greenery all in one go. It’s a strong combo for first-timers because you get a quick taste of what makes Bali feel like Bali: ceremony, craftsmanship, and dramatic outdoor views.
Sahadewa Barong Dance & Fire Dance: culture with real energy
You’ll watch the Sahadewa Barong Dance & Fire Dance with chanting and powerful choreography. This isn’t just “a show.” It’s one of those experiences that helps you understand why so many Bali sights are built around ritual and symbolism.
Timing tip: the listing notes admission isn’t included, so if you’re budgeting, treat this as a paid-on-the-day part of the plan. Also, bring patience for performances because they’re scheduled as part of the cultural flow, not a tourist conveyor belt.
Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism: luwak coffee, traditionally made
Next up is Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism, where you’re guided through the plantation and the process of making luwak coffee traditionally. Even if you’re not a coffee nerd, it’s worth paying attention because luwak coffee is tied to the island’s farming traditions and local knowledge.
A smart way to enjoy this stop: don’t only focus on the final cup. Ask what each step is trying to achieve (taste, aroma, processing). That turns a “tourist coffee stop” into a mini lesson in local agriculture.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: carvings, temple details, and monkeys up close
Then comes Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This is one of those places where the main “wow” is visual even before you get to the temple and carved artwork. You’ll see sculptures and temple architecture, with monkeys moving freely through the area.
Practical consideration: you’ll want to follow the guide and stay mindful around animals. This is a sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Also, the entrance fee for Sacred Monkey Forest is listed as $8.00 per person, so plan for that add-on cost.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: yes, it’s famous, but it’s famous for a reason
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is near Ubud and is the classic Bali rice-terrace photo stop. You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough time to walk viewpoints, take photos, and soak in the layered hillside pattern.
Here’s the balanced view: it is touristy, but that doesn’t erase why it’s popular. It’s genuinely photogenic and it’s a window into how rice farming shapes Bali’s hills. Admission for Tegalalang is listed as $2.00 per person, so budget lightly but don’t forget it.
Tegenungan Waterfall: dramatic drop into a pool
Tegenungan Waterfall is next. The key detail to keep in mind is the scale: it’s about 20 meters (66 feet) high. The water cascades over dark stone into a pool below.
One thing I’d plan for: bring footwear that’s comfortable for uneven ground around waterfalls. You’ll be standing, walking a bit, and changing angles for photos. Also, water routes can be slick, so don’t rush.
Puseh Batuan Temple: a more local, calmer closer
The day ends at Puseh Batuan Temple, a local Balinese Hindu temple supported by residents from the Batuan countryside. The selling point here is the ornaments and the sense that you’re seeing something less “showy” than the big brand-name landmarks.
This stop is a nice counterbalance. After dance, monkeys, terraces, and waterfall energy, you get something quieter: more time for details in temple design and local life.
Day 2: Bedugul highland calm, Handara’s iconic gate, and Tanah Lot at sea

Day 2 shifts your scenery upward and outward. You go from Ubud-area energy into highlands and then back toward the coast for a landmark temple that Bali does extremely well: dramatic sea views.
Taman Ayun Temple: garden-temple setting and pond views
Start with Taman Ayun Temple, often described as one of Bali’s most attractive temple gardens. The standout feature is how it’s laid out in a park setting with trees and ponds, which makes it feel less like you’re just passing through and more like you’re in a composed space.
Admission isn’t listed as part of the paid add-ons in the data you provided, so treat it as included unless your guide says otherwise on the day.
Lake Beratan (Bedugul): cool air feeling, scenic lake time
Lake Beratan in Bedugul is next. The listing frames it as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bali, and you’ll get about an hour. This stop helps balance day 1’s mix of close-up culture and action.
Even without extra context, lakeside stops are valuable because they reset your senses between temples. Just plan for changing light if you’re photographing—overcast vs sun can make the same scene look totally different.
Handara Iconic Gate: golf-resort views and photo-friendly angles
Then you’ll hit Handara Iconic Gate at Handara Golf and Resort. If you love photos, this is one of your big “camera moments.” The listing also notes it’s Instagram-worthy, but I’d interpret that more practically: the gate is designed for framing, and the views around it are part of the effect.
Budget note: the entrance fee isn’t listed separately here, but the general tour data says some attraction tickets are included and others aren’t. Your driver should clarify which fees are required at each stop.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills: new selfie spots in the hills
Wanagiri Hidden Hills follows. This is presented as a selfie-focused set of viewpoints—perfect if your group wants something more casual and fun between formal temple stops.
Practical tip: if everyone is taking turns at viewpoints, you might want to set a simple routine (who goes first, how long you’ll wait). That keeps the day moving.
Tanah Lot Temple: offshore shrine and sunset-backdrop energy
Day 2 ends at Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most important landmarks. The “why it’s special” detail is its offshore setting with an ancient Hindu shrine perched on an outcrop while waves crash below.
Even though this tour doesn’t promise exact sunset timing, Tanah Lot is known for sunset backdrops. So if the timing works out, it’s worth staying long enough to catch the best light.
Day 3 in Karangasem: Lempuyang’s gate, Tirta Gangga water palace, Ujung, and Virgin Beach
Day 3 is where Bali gets dramatic. You’re moving deeper into Karangasem, where temples and water features are built as visual experiences, not just places to walk through.
Lempuyang Temple: Sad Kahyangan position and that famous gate scene
Pura Lempuyang (also noted as Lempuyang Luhur Karangasem) is one of Bali’s Sad Kahyangan Temples, and the listing calls out its eastern position on the island. It’s about spirituality, yes, but it’s also about the way the temple frames views.
Admission for Lempuyang Temple is listed as $8.00 per person, so plan for that. Also, if you’re photographing, treat this as a “slow down” stop: you’ll want time for angles and for the temple setting to feel real instead of rushed.
Tirta Gangga: water palace visuals you can’t fake
Next is Tirta Gangga Water Palace, known for breathtaking scenery and gardens built around water. The point of this stop is the water-and-stone layout, the way channels and pools create an orderly calm.
Since admission isn’t listed in your not-included fees list for Tirta Gangga specifically, you’ll want to confirm what’s covered when you meet your driver. Still, the tour includes bottled water, which helps on long photo days.
Ujung Water Palace: Dutch-era architecture meets water features
Then you’ll visit Ujung Water Palace (Taman Ujung Karangasem). The listing notes it was built since the Dutch era and explains why it’s called a water palace. Water plays an important role here, and that theme is visible in the design.
This stop is a smart choice because it adds a different historical flavor than the temple-only route. You get a “Bali meets colonial-era planning” perspective without turning the day into a museum lecture.
Virgin Beach (Perasi Beach): white sand and a viewpoint drive
Finally, you end at Virgin Beach, also known as Perasi Beach. The listing calls it a hidden white sand beach in Karangasem and notes you enjoy a view from uphill when you drive down to the shoreline.
With a beach finish like this, the tour feels earned. You close the loop after temple gates and water palaces with something simpler and slower—sand, horizon, and time to breathe.
Price and ticket reality: what you’re paying for at $105 per person
At $105.00 per person for 3 days, the value is really about logistics. You get hotel pickup and return transfers, private air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver. That alone can be more than the cost of a day of “just transportation” if you were trying to build it yourself.
Where you need clarity: admission fees. The data says admission tickets to all attractions are included only at a certain price tier (Price A), and it also lists several attractions with separate fees not included.
The not-included admission fees specifically listed are:
- Tirta Empul Temple: $6.00 per person
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: $2.00 per person
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: $8.00 per person
- Lempuyang Temple: $8.00 per person
So the practical move is simple: set aside a little cash for entrance fees, because not every marquee stop is bundled. Also pack for the day: bottled water is included, which helps, but you’ll still want a plan for snacks if you’re the kind who gets hungry between stops.
Timing, comfort, and weather: how to make this tour feel smooth

This tour starts at 8:00 am and runs 3 days, which means you’ll be on the move. The car is air-conditioned, and you have bottled water, which matters more than you think on Bali’s warmer hours.
Weather is another big factor. The tour data states it requires good weather, and if poor weather forces cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s comforting because these sites are very visual, and rain can shut down photo plans.
If you’re planning your wardrobe, think “temple + photos + some walking.” Bring clothing that’s comfortable and respectful for temple visits. Also, for waterfalls and beach time, wear shoes you trust.
Who should book this private Bali 3-day tour

This is a great fit if:
- you want private transport instead of sharing rides
- you’re short on time and still want iconic east Bali sights plus Ubud-area highlights
- you like a balanced mix of performance, temples, terraces, water features, and a beach finish
- you appreciate an English-speaking driver who can keep the day moving
It might not be ideal if:
- you hate paying separate entrance fees at multiple stops
- you want a very slow, unstructured pace
- you only want one “type” of activity (only beaches, only nightlife, only beaches with zero temples)
Also, the tour is described as private, meaning only your group participates, which is a big deal if you have kids, want quieter moments, or just don’t want a “random group vibe” added to your day.
Should you book Explore Bali in 3 Days – Private Tour?
If you want a solid first-pass Bali plan that hits Ubud and then stretches into east Bali without turning your trip into logistics homework, I think this is a smart booking. The best part is the setup: private car, hotel pickup/return transfers, and a route that makes sense for 3 days.
Make your decision based on two realities:
1) you’ll likely pay a few key entrances on top (Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, Lempuyang are specifically listed)
2) you’ll start early and keep moving
If that matches your style, book it and use the time for what matters most: temple details, water-palace views, and the kind of Bali scenery that’s hard to recreate on your own without wasting hours.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is listed as 8:00 am.
Does this tour include hotel pickup and return transfers?
Yes. Hotel pick up and return transfers are included.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
What transport and language support is included?
You get private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver.
Are attraction admission tickets included in the price?
Some admission tickets are included, but several are listed as not included. Not-included admission fees listed are: Tirta Empul Temple ($6), Tegalalang Rice Terrace ($2), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary ($8), and Lempuyang Temple ($8). The tour also notes that admission tickets are included at a specific price tier (Price A).
Which places are visited during the tour?
The tour includes stops such as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, Puseh Batuan Temple, Taman Ayun Temple, Lake Beratan (Bedugul), Handara Iconic Gate, Wanagiri Hidden Hills, Tanah Lot Temple, Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, Ujung Water Palace, and Virgin Beach.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted, and cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be refunded.


































