REVIEW · KINTAMANI & VOLCANO TOURS
Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali 4U Tours · Bookable on Viator
A volcano view and sacred temples in one day.
This private Bali route is built for smooth pacing: you ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle, your driver/guide handles the logistics, and you hit several top sights in a single 8-hour loop starting from Ubud.
I love two things most: entrance fees are included (so you don’t get hit with extra gate costs all day), and you get pickup and drop-off from major areas. It also includes the small but memorable touch of tea and coffee tasting at a Balinese plantation, with the option to try Luwak.
One thing to consider: it’s a full-day plan, so the schedule can feel tight. Waterfall time can get slippery and hot, and temple visits are best done with respectful clothing and some patience for crowds.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Private comfort: getting from Ubud to Bali’s big sights
- Tegenungan Waterfall: jungle steps and the best photo spot
- Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals you should watch with care
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: quick time, big north Bali views
- Mount Batur viewpoints from Kintamani: when the weather cooperates
- Besakih Temple on Mt. Agung: the biggest temple complex feel
- Coffee and tea at the Kintamani plantation: Luwak if you want to try
- How the included “extras” affect value (the real price story)
- What this tour is best for (and when you’ll feel glad you booked)
- Should you book this private Bali tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- Is pickup available, and where does it include drop-off areas?
- Are entrance fees included in the price?
- Is there an English-speaking guide?
- Is food or drink included?
- Can I try Luwak coffee during the tour?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away

- Private air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off across Bali’s popular beach and city areas
- All entrance fees included, plus parking and petrol
- English-speaking driver/guide who keeps the day moving and explains what you’re seeing
- Tegenungan Waterfall time with a photo spot and optional steps closer to the falls
- Kintamani/Mount Batur viewpoint with the Mt. Batur + lake panorama and a lunch-friendly stop
- Tea, coffee, and possible Luwak tasting during the Kintamani coffee plantation visit
Private comfort: getting from Ubud to Bali’s big sights

This tour is designed for people who don’t want to micromanage Bali all day. You start at 9:00 am and you’re out for about 8 hours, using a private, air-conditioned vehicle. If you’re staying around Ubud (or in places like Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kuta/Legian, or Denpasar), pickup is part of the deal.
That private vehicle matters more than it sounds. In Bali, traffic and distance can make a day feel longer than you expect. With a single route and a driver who knows where to go, you spend your energy looking at temples and views instead of figuring out directions.
You also get an English-speaking driver/guide, not just a driver who drops you off and hopes for the best. That’s especially helpful at sacred sites, where a little context can turn a quick photo stop into a meaningful visit.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Tegenungan Waterfall: jungle steps and the best photo spot

Your first stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll get about 1 hour here, and the time is split between two ways to enjoy it: from a designated photo spot or by using the steps to get closer.
Practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable getting a bit wet in. Even if you don’t climb all the way down, the ground near waterfalls can be slick. If you like photos, go early in your hour for clearer angles before you hit the busiest moments.
The waterfall is a great warm-up stop because it’s visual and easy to understand fast—no long explanations needed. It’s also one of the few places on the day where you’re moving more freely, which helps after the pickup and drive.
Possible drawback: humidity can be real. If you’re prone to feeling overheated, plan to drink water and pace yourself. You can always stay closer to the top viewpoint if you don’t want the extra walking.
Tirta Empul Temple: purification rituals you should watch with care
Next comes Tirta Empul Temple, a site built in the 11th century and known as a purification temple. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and it’s one of those places where the atmosphere is the main attraction.
Many local Hindus come to perform purification rituals. That means you’re not just visiting a landmark—you’re sharing space with religious practice. The best way to enjoy it is simple: give people room, keep your movements respectful, and follow any guidance from your driver/guide on where you can stand and what you should avoid.
What I like about this stop is that it changes the tone of the day. The waterfall is nature and sound. Tirta Empul is temple, ritual, and meaning. Even if you’re not sure what every step symbolizes, seeing how deeply practiced the ritual is can make the place feel real.
One practical note: this is a temple with ritual water. You might get damp or end up dealing with wet surfaces. Wear clothing that’s comfortable for walking, and consider bringing something lightweight you don’t mind getting splashed.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: quick time, big north Bali views

After Tirta Empul, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace in north Ubud. It’s a 45-minute stop, with terraced fields and coconut trees creating that classic Bali view.
This is where the tour balances culture with scenery. In a short time, you get the famous stepped greenery and lots of viewpoints for photos. If you’re the type who likes to move slowly, 45 minutes is still enough to walk to one or two viewpoints without feeling rushed.
The trade-off: because it’s a short stop, you won’t have hours to explore every path. If you want a slow, photography-heavy stroll, you may wish you had more time. If you’re okay with a focused visit—see the terraces from a couple angles, take your photos, then move on—the timing works.
Practical advice: bring sun protection. Terraces are open, and north Ubud heat can add up when you’re standing still for photos.
Mount Batur viewpoints from Kintamani: when the weather cooperates

Now for the main event vibe: Mount Batur. Your schedule includes a viewpoint stop with Mt. Batur and its lake view, and you’ll have about 1 hour.
This is one of those places where the day can swing based on visibility. If clouds sit low, you might not see as far. If the sky is clear, you’ll get wide, dramatic views of the volcano area and surrounding water.
What I like about placing Mount Batur mid-day is that it’s a natural lunch moment. This stop is also known as a good area for lunch while you’re looking at the scenery, so it fits the day well even though food isn’t included in the tour price.
Practical tip: even in warm Bali weather, viewpoints can feel cooler with wind. Bring a light layer if you run cold easily. And keep your phone/camera protected—breezes and dust happen at viewpoints, and you don’t want to fuss.
Besakih Temple on Mt. Agung: the biggest temple complex feel

The tour finishes with Besakih Temple, described as the biggest temple in Bali. You’ll get about 1 hour there, and it sits on the slope of Mt. Agung in east Bali.
Besakih can feel like a whole world of steps, shrines, and stone details. Because it’s a major temple complex, it also has a strong sense of place—less like a single photo spot and more like exploring a sacred area that’s lived in.
What’s worth knowing before you go:
- Dress matters at temples. Go for clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Plan for walking on uneven ground and stairs.
- Let your guide help you with where to go so you don’t spend time trying to figure out the best route.
Possible drawback: since it’s a top attraction, it can get busy. Your 1-hour time is enough for a meaningful circuit, but you won’t feel like you’re the only person there. If you prefer quiet exploration, focus on respectful movement and specific areas your guide highlights.
Coffee and tea at the Kintamani plantation: Luwak if you want to try

Between the volcano views and the rest of the day, you stop for tea and coffee tasting at a Balinese plantation in the Kintamani area. This is where the tour adds personality beyond temples and viewpoints.
You’ll learn how coffee is presented and processed locally, and you’ll get to taste. The big name here is Luwak (civet coffee), which the tour mentions as an option for trying during this stop.
Here’s a practical way to approach it: treat the tasting as a curiosity. You’re sampling a famous product, not committing to anything. If it’s not your thing, you can stick to other coffee and tea offerings without making it a whole event.
Also, since food and drinks aren’t included elsewhere on the tour, this tasting can feel like a nice win for your budget and your afternoon. Just remember you’ll still want water during hotter stretches.
How the included “extras” affect value (the real price story)

The price is $72.00 per person for about 8 hours, and that cost is more meaningful than it looks at first glance because several big expenses are already covered.
What’s included:
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup & drop-off from multiple areas (Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, Denpasar)
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Entry/admission fees
- Parking fees and gas/petrol
- Mobile ticket and an included route plan
What’s not included:
- Food and drink (available for purchase)
- Gratuities (optional)
So yes, it’s not a cheap half-day. But it’s also not one of those tours where the “low price” turns into a stack of entrance fees and parking charges later. For a route with multiple ticketed stops—waterfall, temple sites, and rice terrace—having the entrances covered can keep your day predictable.
If you’re traveling as a pair or a small group, a private vehicle also helps the math. Two people splitting the day can feel like a fair trade for convenience and time saved.
What this tour is best for (and when you’ll feel glad you booked)
This tour works especially well if you want:
- A focused highlight circuit without hopping between multiple independent tickets
- Culture + scenery in the same day: waterfall, purification temple, rice terraces, volcano viewpoint, and Besakih
- A schedule that’s built around included admissions, parking, and guided interpretation
It may be less ideal if you:
- Want unhurried, hours-long wandering at one single site (this is time-boxed)
- Hate walking stairs and uneven temple paths
- Are extremely weather-dependent about volcano views (the Mount Batur panorama depends on what the sky is doing)
That said, the route includes a mix of easy-to-love stops and deeper sacred visits. It’s the kind of day that keeps giving you different “types” of experiences instead of repeating the same thing five times.
Should you book this private Bali tour?
If you like your Bali days planned but not stressful, this one is a strong choice. The biggest reasons to book are private comfort, included entrance fees, and a route that hits several top sights starting early at 9:00 am.
I’d book it if you want one day that covers a lot of ground with less friction—and you don’t mind moving through multiple stops in a single afternoon. I’d think twice if you prefer long, slow time in just one location or you’re sensitive to walking on temple steps and slick waterfall areas.
Bottom line: at $72 per person, the value is in the included admissions and private transport for a full-day mix of nature, ritual, and volcano views. If that’s your style of travel, you’ll probably feel like you got your money’s worth.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:00 am.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 8 hours.
Is pickup available, and where does it include drop-off areas?
Pickup and drop-off are available from Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar.
Are entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Entry/admission fees are included, along with parking fees and gas/petrol.
Is there an English-speaking guide?
Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking driver/guide.
Is food or drink included?
No. Food and drink are not included, though they are available for purchase.
Can I try Luwak coffee during the tour?
Yes. During the plantation stop, you can taste tea and coffee, and you can try Luwak (civet coffee).
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.



























