Best of Ubud – Kintamani Volcano View – Private Tour

Ubud and Kintamani in one day is interesting because you get both the calm, spiritual side of Bali and the big-sky volcano views, without hunting for drivers or juggling tickets. This is a private setup with door-to-door pickup, so the day flows instead of feeling like a logistics puzzle.

Two things I really like here are the guide time, especially when you get someone like Ketut Suwenda who explains what you are seeing in clear, detailed ways, and the way the plan keeps costs predictable with entrance fees included for the main stops.

One possible consideration is the temple rule: women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter Tirta Empul, so it can affect the experience for part of your group.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel in Your Day

• Private just your group touring with an English speaking driver-guide, not a crowded bus experience
• Entrance fees handled for Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Penelokan/Kintamani Highland
• Ubud to Kintamani timing built for a single day overview, including Lake Batur views from the highlands area
• Ketut Suwenda style of guiding: detailed explanations, plus help with photos and adjusting the pace to your interests
• Practical stop flow: monkeys, rice terraces, a volcano view point, then Tirta Empul for the spring water ritual site

Why This Private Best of Ubud and Kintamani Day Works

This tour works because it hits four very different parts of central Bali, but it keeps the transitions simple. You start in Ubud with the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, move through the iconic Tegallalang rice terraces, then head up toward Kintamani for panoramic views around Penelokan, and finish at Tirta Empul for its holy spring water temple.

The private format matters more than it sounds. You are not waiting around for other groups. You can slow down when you want a photo, speed up when you do not.

Also, it is built as an overview day. Think of it as a great first pass through the region, not a deep specialist trip. If you want one day that gives you a mental map of what Bali’s interior feels like, this does that.

Meeting Your Guide and Using Door-to-Door Pickup Like a Pro

A huge part of the value is the hotel pickup and drop-off. In Bali, that can be the difference between enjoying the day and feeling worn out before you even reach the first viewpoint.

You get an experienced English speaking driver/guide, and that is important because the stops are not just scenery. Tirta Empul, in particular, makes more sense when someone explains why the water works the way it does in the purification tradition.

Ketut Suwenda is specifically called out for going out of his way, including showing additional areas and taking time to capture great photos. That means you are not stuck with only the official photo spots. You also get a guide who can tweak the pace to your comfort level.

Stop 1: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the 10 Hectares Detail

Your first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This area is about 10 hectares and filled with tropical trees, which is exactly why it supports Balinese long-tailed monkeys.

What I like about starting here is energy. You walk into a living setting right away, and you can see how Bali’s nature and culture mix. It is also an early start that can help you enjoy the place at a calmer tempo, since you are not arriving later in the day.

What to know: you will be close to monkeys, so treat this like a wildlife area, not a zoo. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be mindful with how close you get. If you are not comfortable around animals, this is the one stop where you should think twice.

Stop 2: Tegallalang Rice Terrace for Quick Iconic Views

Next up is Tegallalang Rice Terrace, one of the famous rice terraces just north of Ubud. The view comes from the way the rice paddies form terrace layers along the river bank, creating a stacked pattern you can photograph from several angles.

This stop is short, about 30 minutes, which I actually appreciate. Rice terraces look great, but you can also burn time in crowds if you try to linger too long. With a tight time block, you get the highlights and move on while your day still feels fresh.

The practical win: your driver-guide can position you for the best viewpoints without you having to guess. If you care about photos, this is one of the easiest places in Bali to get a strong shot quickly.

Stop 3: Penelokan and Kintamani Highland for Volcano and Lake Batur Views

Then comes the money stop for many people: the Penelokan/Kintamani Highland viewpoint area. Penelokan is famous for panoramic volcano views and the surrounding green nature in the highlands.

This is also where you typically get that big-scale Bali moment: the sense of the island dropping away into the crater region, with Lake Batur in the mix. Even if you have seen volcano images before, seeing the view in real life from this kind of high viewpoint changes your mental picture fast.

Timing note: this stop is about 30 minutes. That is enough to take in the view and snap photos, but you still have time to reach the temple site later without feeling rushed for the rest of the day.

If the weather is hazy, you might not get the crispest outlines. When that happens, focus on the layers of the view and the overall atmosphere instead of obsessing over sharp volcano edges.

Stop 4: Tirta Empul Temple, Holy Spring Water Fountains, and Real Meaning

Your final stop is Tirta Empul Temple, also called the holy spring water temple. It is one of the oldest in Bali, and the plan notes it dates back to 969. The temple is tied to purification rituals and water blessing ceremonies, using water that runs to multiple fountains inside.

This is the stop that feels most grounded in tradition. Even if you only watch and observe, the idea is clear: the spring water is part of the process, and the fountains matter because they connect people to a ritual way of cleansing and blessing.

Important restriction: women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple. If someone in your group is affected, you should plan around it so the day does not turn stressful.

Also, because this is a ritual site, keep your behavior respectful. You will likely get more out of the experience when you slow down slightly and treat it like a living place of practice, not a quick photo stop.

How the Included Entrance Fees Change the Value Equation

A lot of Bali tours look “cheap” until you start adding tickets. This one is clearer. Entrance fees are included for:

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Tirta Empul Temple
• Penelokan/Kintamani Highland
• Tegallalang Rice Terrace

That matters because it keeps your day from turning into a last-minute cash shuffle. It also reduces uncertainty about whether you are walking up to a ticket desk at each stop.

You should still plan for two non-included items: lunch and gratuities. Lunch is not provided, so you will want to either eat on the route or bring a plan for where you will have your meal. Gratuities are optional, but if your guide does a great job, it is a nice way to show appreciation.

Price and Value: Is $63 Per Person a Smart Move?

At $63 per person, the value is best understood by what you are not paying extra for. You are getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• An experienced English speaking driver-guide
• Fuel surcharge
• Entrance fees for the main sights

For a private day that spans Ubud and the Kintamani highlands, that is a solid bundle. The private format is especially valuable if you want a flexible pace or you do not want to coordinate multiple rides.

You also get group discounts, which can make this even more appealing if you are traveling with friends or family. With a group, one person does not have to settle for watching the rest of you explore, because you can keep the day aligned.

One more practical detail: the tour is marked as mobile ticket, which tends to make check-in simpler. It is a small thing, but on a long day it helps.

Practical Tips to Make the Day Feel Smooth (Not Chaotic)

Your day is about 8 to 10 hours, so plan like it is a full outing. Here is how to keep it comfortable:

• Bring water and a snack plan. Lunch is not included, and you will feel better if you are not starving at the later stops.
• Wear shoes you can walk in for temple areas and uneven ground. The monkey forest and temple sites often mean a bit of walking and standing.
• If you care about photos, tell your guide what you want. Ketut Suwenda is specifically known for taking wonderful photos and explaining things in detail, so you will get more if you share your preferences.
• Set your expectations for the highlands stop. You get great views, but the time is limited, so focus on the overall panorama and not only one angle.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This private tour suits you if you want an efficient overview of central Bali without turning your day into transportation math. It is especially good for:

• First-time Ubud visitors who also want volcano and highland views
• Couples and small groups who prefer privacy over crowds
• Anyone who values explanations, history, and meaning, not just quick sightseeing
• People who want a guide who can customize the pace and show additional areas when possible

If you are someone who wants a slow, multi-day deep dive into temples or rice farming, this may feel a bit condensed. But for a one-day best-of plan, it is focused and well paced.

Should You Book This Private Best of Ubud and Kintamani Tour?

If your goal is one day that covers monkeys, iconic Ubud, sacred spring purification at Tirta Empul, and a volcano-and-lake viewpoint around Kintamani, then yes, I think you should book it.

The biggest reasons are practical: door-to-door pickup, entrance fees included, and a private guide like Ketut Suwenda who adds real value through detailed explanations and helpful photo time. The only “no” I would consider is if your group includes someone impacted by the Tirta Empul entry restriction, since that can change how the temple stop works for you.

If you like your travel days organized and meaningful, this is a smart use of time in Bali.

FAQ

How long is the Best of Ubud and Kintamani private tour?

The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Does the price include entrance fees?

Entrance fees are included for Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tirta Empul Temple, Penelokan/Kintamani Highland, and Tegallalang Rice Terrace.

What is included in the tour besides transportation?

You get an experienced English speaking driver/guide, fuel surcharge, and admission to the listed sites.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

This is a private tour. Only your group participates.

Are there any restrictions for Tirta Empul Temple?

Yes. Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple.

What ticket do I receive?

You get a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.