REVIEW · TOUR REVIEWS
Pick 5 Destinations: Customized Ubud Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Hire Bali Driver · Bookable on Viator
Ubud hits different when your day is customized. You pick up to five stops from famous sights like Monkey Forest to quieter places like Mt. Kawi, and you get door-to-door private transfers from Ubud and south Bali hotels. Two things I like a lot: the day is flexible to your pace, and the ride is simple with an air-conditioned car and bottled water ready. The one catch to plan for is that entrance fees and lunch are not included, so your final spend depends on what you choose.
This isn’t a fixed “one size fits all” tour. It’s built like a menu, so you can mix spiritual stops, scenic viewpoints, and photo moments, or slow down for fewer places and more time at each. Since it’s a private day for just your group, your driver can wait while you shop, walk, or take your time at waterfalls.
For value, the price looks very friendly for a full day of private transport—$34.62 per person. The best way to make it feel like a bargain is to choose a balanced set of attractions (some free, some paid), and avoid packing your schedule so tight that you’re sprinting between sites.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Ubud tour work
- How the custom format lets you shape Ubud (not just follow it)
- Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: wildlife, shade, and a classic Ubud vibe
- Ubud Traditional Art Market: souvenirs, bargaining, and a quick culture hit
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: a scenic walk with an easy rhythm
- Real Bali Swing and the adrenaline-photo tradeoff
- Waterfalls on your list: Tibumana, Kanto Lampo, and Tegenungan
- Tibumana Waterfall: swimming-friendly with a lagoon vibe
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: popular for photos and splash effects
- Tegenungan Waterfall: closest to the center and often the social stop
- Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah): stairs down, old ornaments, and a quieter feel
- Mt. Kawi and Batuan Temple: the “choose this for a reason” side of Ubud
- Mt. Kawi: a cliff-face shrine after 600 stairs
- Batuan Temple: part of the Tri Kahyangan concept
- Tirta Empul and the cleansing ritual vibe
- Mount Batur: lunch with volcano and lake views
- Choosing your five stops: a few smart ways to build a day
- The driver experience: why names like Agung Rai, Winata, and Sakha matter
- Should you book this customized Ubud tour?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Customized Ubud Tour?
- How many places can I visit during the tour?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is the tour fully private?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are entrance fees included?
- Is lunch included?
- What can I expect to see on the tour?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- Do I need special fitness for the tougher stops?
Key things that make this Ubud tour work

- Pick up to five attractions from a long menu, based on your pace
- Private two-way transfers from many Ubud and south Bali areas
- Full-day timing (8 to 10 hours) with a car that handles the driving
- Photo and nature variety: rice terraces, jungle swings, and multiple waterfalls
- Cash planning matters because entrance tickets and lunch cost extra
How the custom format lets you shape Ubud (not just follow it)

The big idea here is control. You select up to five places from the options, and your private driver builds the day around those picks. The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours, which is long enough for a proper loop without feeling like you’re stuck in a waiting room all day.
That flexibility is great if you’re doing Ubud as a base for a few days. You can prioritize what you personally care about:
- Temples and rituals for a deeper cultural day
- Rice terraces and viewpoints if scenery is your thing
- Waterfalls if you want a swim or just a change of pace
- Adrenaline stops like Bali Swing if you like your photos with a little adrenaline
You also have the option to swap between “big-name” Ubud highlights and quieter, more demanding sites. Mt. Kawi, for example, is an archaeological temple reached by a long set of stairs—exactly the kind of place that feels rewarding when you choose it on purpose.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $34.62 per person, this tour is priced like you’re mostly buying transportation and a driver for the day. And that’s exactly what you’re getting:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Parking fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Free pickup from a long list of areas (Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu)
What you should budget separately:
- Lunch (not included)
- Entrance fees (not included for the stops where tickets apply)
So is it good value? Yes—if you choose attractions thoughtfully. If you pick five paid sites, your “all-in” total will climb fast. If you mix a paid highlight with at least one free stop (like the traditional art market area), you keep the day feeling like a smart deal rather than an expensive sightseeing marathon.
One more practical note: you’ll get a mobile ticket. That’s useful in Bali where you may be shuffling between entrances, ticket counters, and quick reminders from your driver.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: wildlife, shade, and a classic Ubud vibe

If your list includes the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, plan for a walk through thick, shaded forest paths with lots going on around you. The experience is described as shaded trails where you might see birds, lizards, butterflies, and monkeys among the trees. It’s also presented as sacred, which adds a different tone than a standard zoo-like attraction.
What I’d watch for:
- Timing matters. This is a “must-see” kind of place, so expect that it can get busy.
- Wear shoes you’re happy to walk in on uneven ground.
- Keep your phone and belongings secured the way you would anywhere with active monkeys—basic common sense goes a long way.
The upside is that it’s not just a photo stop. You’re moving through a real forest environment, and even if you’re not a wildlife person, it’s one of the places that makes Ubud feel like Ubud.
Ubud Traditional Art Market: souvenirs, bargaining, and a quick culture hit

The Ubud Traditional Art Market is the place to slow down and browse. This is described as the center of the art market in Ubud, with handmade products and lots of opportunities to haggle.
A practical tip: you’ll want to bring your “bargain brain.” The market is built on negotiating, so don’t expect fixed prices. It’s also a good spot for gifts—small things, local crafts, and items that feel more personal than mass souvenirs.
One nice add-on mentioned with this stop: you can also go into the Ubud King Palace area in front of the market. That means this isn’t just shopping. You can turn it into a short culture-and-objects stop without burning your whole day.
Entrance here is marked as free, which also helps your overall budget.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: a scenic walk with an easy rhythm

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace stop is all about views and the feeling of moving through Bali’s signature landscape. It’s described as one of the most beautiful rice fields in Ubud, with green surroundings that make it an excellent spot for photos.
You’ll also get a short trek along the rice paddies. That matters because it turns this from a “stand and shoot” attraction into a more active, stretch-your-legs moment.
Potential drawback: it’s naturally a popular scenic area, so expect crowds at peak times. If you want the terraces without the crush, you’ll get the best experience by staying flexible—your driver can help you sequence your stops so you’re not always hitting the hot spots at the busiest moment.
Entrance is not included, so again: your final cost depends on what you pair it with.
Real Bali Swing and the adrenaline-photo tradeoff

The Real Bali Swing option is for people who want their Ubud memories to include a big jump and a dramatic photo. It’s described as a famous jungle swing where you zip on a giant swing and get an adrenaline hit with jungle and landscape views.
Here’s the tradeoff to think about before you pick it:
- It can be time-consuming compared with quieter temple or market stops, especially if there’s a line or you need a minute between photos.
- It’s also an “activity” stop, not just a scenic viewpoint. If you’re traveling with anyone who’s not into heights or physical activities, you’ll want a plan.
If you do it, you’ll likely get the most out of it when you keep the rest of the day reasonable. Pairing it with two other moderate stops can keep the whole day fun instead of exhausting.
Waterfalls on your list: Tibumana, Kanto Lampo, and Tegenungan

This tour includes multiple waterfall choices, and they’re different enough that you can tailor your day.
Tibumana Waterfall: swimming-friendly with a lagoon vibe
Tibumana is described as a waterfall on the east side of Ubud with a blue lagoon and fresh water from the mountains. It’s also specifically noted as a nice place for swimming, and the lagoon setting is the kind of place where you naturally spend more time than you expect.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: popular for photos and splash effects
Kanto Lampo is described as very popular and a great instagram photos type of spot. You get natural beauty in the way water splashes with sun rays, which is the kind of lighting effect that can look great on camera.
Tegenungan Waterfall: closest to the center and often the social stop
Tegenungan is described as the closest waterfall to the center and the most popular spot to hang out. It’s also good for swimming. There’s one note for mobility: if you have a problem walking, you can use a vehicle option for access (the exact details aren’t listed, so ask your driver what’s practical for you when you’re there).
The broader tip: if you want maximum relaxation, choose one waterfall and surround it with calmer stops. If you want to “check boxes,” you can fit a couple in, but plan on how wet and tired you’ll feel after.
All waterfall options listed here have entrance fees not included.
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah): stairs down, old ornaments, and a quieter feel

The Elephant Cave option (Goa Gajah) is described as an archaeological spot with temple pieces and a main cave. You walk down about 80 stairs before you reach the cave area. Inside, you might see old temple ornaments.
This stop tends to be a good contrast to waterfalls and markets. It’s more about atmosphere and the sense of history you feel through stone and space. If you’re the type who likes to break up photos with something slower and more grounded, this fits.
Practical consideration: it includes a stair descent, so if stairs are a concern for you or your group, pick your order carefully with the other steep options on your day.
Mt. Kawi and Batuan Temple: the “choose this for a reason” side of Ubud
These two are the kind of stops that feel rewarding when you intentionally add them, rather than treating Ubud like a checklist.
Mt. Kawi: a cliff-face shrine after 600 stairs
Mt. Kawi is an archaeological spot with a temple shrine on the face of a cliff. It’s described as an 11th-century temple reached after walking around 600 stairs down and the same way up.
That’s a big deal. This stop isn’t a quick photo moment. It’s a commitment. I’d only include it if your group is comfortable with strenuous stairs, because the effort is part of what makes it feel worth doing.
If you want quiet and less commercial energy compared with the most famous Ubud hotspots, this is the kind of choice that can deliver that.
Batuan Temple: part of the Tri Kahyangan concept
Batuan Temple is described as Pura Puseh Batuan, a shrine owned by villagers, and connected to the concept of Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti taught by Mpu Kuturan around the 10th century.
It’s also a shorter stop on the listed time, which can make it easier to fit into your five attraction limit. If you’re trying to balance “scenery day” with “temple day,” this can be the right kind of cultural punctuation.
Entrance is not included.
Tirta Empul and the cleansing ritual vibe
Tirta Empul Temple is described as an important Bali temple in the Tampaksiring area, where local people do holy blessings for cleansing the body and soul. The stop is framed as something you can potentially participate in if you have the chance and follow what’s appropriate.
What’s valuable here is that it’s not just architecture. It’s a living ritual space where spirituality is part of everyday practice. That’s why it often feels more meaningful than another “temple photo” stop.
Practical tip: show up respectfully, dress for a temple setting, and let your driver point you toward the correct flow for visitors.
Entrance is not included.
Mount Batur: lunch with volcano and lake views
Mount Batur is presented as the best place to enjoy your lunch, with views over the volcano and the lake. In other words, you’re not just adding another attraction—you’re setting up a scenic meal moment.
The “value move” here is to use Mount Batur as your visual centerpiece. Instead of spreading your best views across the day, use Batur to anchor it. It’s the kind of stop that can make the rest of the day feel more worthwhile, especially if you end up doing more active places like stairs or a jungle swing earlier.
Entrance is not included, but it’s one of those options that can justify extra spend because the payoff is the view and the pause for lunch.
Choosing your five stops: a few smart ways to build a day
Because this tour lets you pick up to five places, you’ll have to decide your style. Here are a few practical approaches based on the types of stops you have:
- Icon + calm + one activity: Monkey Forest + rice terraces (or art market) + one waterfall + Tirta Empul + a final calmer temple like Batuan.
- Nature-heavy without burning out: One waterfall (like Tibumana) + Tegalalang + Bali Swing + another viewpoint option + a cave or temple stop.
- Culture and effort mix: Tirta Empul + Elephant Cave + Batuan Temple + Mt. Kawi if your group can handle the stairs, then swap in a market if you want a break.
In every version, keep one thing in mind: this day is 8 to 10 hours. If you cram in strenuous stops (like Mt. Kawi) plus multiple “walk and wet” locations (waterfalls), your group will feel it.
The driver experience: why names like Agung Rai, Winata, and Sakha matter
This tour is only as good as the driver running it. The service is built around a private vehicle and a driver who can adjust your day to how you’re feeling, and the names in the feedback show a pattern: drivers like Agung Rai, Winata, and Sakha are described as careful with pacing and helpful with options.
What that looks like in real life:
- They suggest a route that keeps your day moving without constantly rushing you.
- They’re patient while you do activities, shop, or take photos.
- They add context while you’re in transit—especially around Balinese culture and history.
If you want your Ubud day to feel smooth, this is a strong sign that you’re not just hiring a taxi for the day. You’re hiring someone to translate the region into a workable plan.
Should you book this customized Ubud tour?
I’d book it if:
- You want a private, flexible Ubud day with pickup and a driver handling the logistics
- You like choosing between famous sights and quieter options
- You’re comfortable paying entrance fees and lunch separately depending on what you select
- You want the option to include both temples and nature in one outing
I’d think twice if:
- Your budget can’t handle extra entry tickets for multiple major stops
- Your group struggles with stairs, especially if you’re considering Mt. Kawi or Elephant Cave
- You hate crowds and you’re set on doing the most popular photo hotspots in peak hours
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Customized Ubud Tour?
The tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
How many places can I visit during the tour?
You can choose up to five attractions from the available options.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is free from many areas including Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu.
Is the tour fully private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, bottled water, fuel surcharge, and parking fees. You’ll also receive a mobile ticket.
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees for attractions are not included and you buy them on the spot.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What can I expect to see on the tour?
Your options include Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Traditional Art Market, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Real Bali Swing, Mount Batur (lunch with volcano and lake views), Tirta Empul Temple, Mount Kawi, Elephant Cave, and several waterfalls including Tibumana, Kanto Lampo, and Tegenungan.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Do I need special fitness for the tougher stops?
Most travelers can participate, but some options involve significant stairs like Mt. Kawi (about 600 stairs down and up) and Elephant Cave (about 80 stairs down), so plan based on your comfort level.

























