Best Of Ubud Scenic Full Day Private Guided Tour

This private full-day Ubud route is interesting because it packs major cultural stops and two big nature photo moments into one smooth loop. You start with a classic Balinese performance in Batubulan, then move through Ubud art villages, rice terraces, a swing photo stop, and end at Tegenungan Waterfall with late-day light.

I like that you get an English-speaking private guide who keeps the day organized, and I also like the mix of hands-on craft watching plus scenic stops, not just drive-by photos. In a low-cost tour, that balance matters.

One consideration: it’s a long 10 hours, and while the tour includes entrance tickets on a premium all-inclusive option, there can still be extra entrance costs depending on the exact attractions you visit, plus lunch is on you.

Key highlights if you like this kind of day

• Private, air-conditioned transport means you’re not fighting scooters or random buses between far-flung stops
• Barong and Kris dance in Batubulan gives you a real taste of Balinese performing arts early in the day
• Celuk Village silver work lets you watch the making process for rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces
• Happy Swing Bali includes a costume/dress option and a guided photo moment with a local photographer
• Tirta Empul holy water temple adds a spiritual stop beyond the usual sightseeing checklist
• Tegenungan Waterfall late afternoon is timed for great viewing in the sunset direction

Why This Ubud Full-Day Feels Like a Greatest-Hits Route

This is the kind of day trip I recommend when you want to hit a lot of Ubud’s famous scenes without turning your vacation into a logistics project. The itinerary stitches together culture, craft, views, and temples, with a sensible pacing that moves you north out of the Ubud area and back down for the waterfall finale.

The key is that it’s not just sightseeing. You get to see how things are made (silver in Celuk), you get a performance with music and story (Barong and Kris), and you get a couple of built-in moments designed for photos (Bali Swing and Tegenungan Waterfall). It’s a full “we saw it, we did it” day, not a slow amble.

Pick-Up, Timing, and the Reality of a 10-Hour Loop

This runs about 10 hours, and you’ll usually start with pickup. The tour notes say pickup and drop-off cover all areas of Bali including south, middle, east, north, and west Bali, and you’ll travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle. If you’re staying outside Ubud, that matters. Ubud sites can be spread out, and having transport lined up saves time and stress.

You also get an English-speaking private guide, plus insurance. That’s not just comfort. It can make the difference between a day where you’re guessing what you’re looking at, and a day where you know what the stop is about.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. You’ll be at viewpoints, walking around temple areas, and moving through scenic areas where uneven surfaces are common.

Batubulan Barong and Kris Dance: Start With Performance Energy

Your day begins with a sacred Balinese dance performance at Barong And Kris Dance in Batubulan village. The tour description frames it as the classic battle theme between God and evil spirits, with the action tied to Balinese gamelan music. Even if you’re not fluent in the story, the show works because the rhythm and movement are the point.

What I like about starting with this stop is the energy. You’re fresh, not yet tired from the day’s driving, and you get a cultural anchor early. It’s a strong way to understand what you’re seeing later, since temples, symbols, and ceremonies are part of the same worldview.

What to consider: this is a performance, so you’ll want to be ready to watch and listen rather than multitask on your phone. If you dislike crowds or prefer quiet sightseeing, performances can feel intense.

Celuk Village Silver Craft: Watching Jewelry Get Made

Next is Celuk Village, famous for its Balinese silver jewelry. The tour takes you into the process, showing you how artisans make pieces in different styles, including rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Seeing the workflow makes the whole place feel more real than a souvenir shop.

I love stops like this because they slow you down in a good way. You can watch hands at work, ask questions through your guide, and understand why designs look the way they do. If you like buying locally made items, this is also one of the safest places to do it, because you can see quality before you pay.

Potential drawback: if you’re not interested in crafts, this can feel more shop-like. The value comes from watching the making process and asking questions.

Happy Swing Bali: The Photo Stop That’s Actually Planned

Then comes Happy Swing Bali, where you can experience Bali Swing as an additional stop. The tour includes a costume option, so you can wear a dress or Balinese costume for pictures. It also notes that you’ll get photo guidance from a professional local photographer.

This is one of the most “vacation shareable” parts of the day. It’s built for photos, and the guide helps with timing so you’re not just standing around hoping for a good shot.

What to consider: this is a one-hour block, so don’t expect a super relaxed, linger-everywhere pace. If you want to maximize photos, it helps to decide what you want first, then follow the photographer’s cues.

Also, if you’re uncomfortable with heights, you might want to choose positions carefully or consider skipping the swing portion. The tour does describe it as a swing experience, so your comfort level matters.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Green Views With a Guided Angle

After the swing, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, described as lush green rice padi views north of Ubud. This is the kind of place that looks great from every angle, but it can also feel like you’re surrounded by the same photo poses.

The value here is that you’re guided. Your guide can help you find viewpoints that are good for photos and explain what you’re looking at, rather than you just snapping and moving on.

What I’d do if you care about the photos: bring a bit of patience and let your guide lead you to the best spot. Rice terrace viewpoints can get busy, and a small change in position can make your photo look much cleaner.

Lunch at Tebasari Resto Bar and Lounge: Local Food, Your Choice

For lunch, you stop at Tebasari Resto, Bar & Lounge, described like a local warung style restaurant with fresh cooking from a hygienic kitchen. The itinerary says you can choose a main course option such as Crispy Duck, Steam Chicken, or Pork Gri… (the menu list is cut off in the info, but the idea is clear: you pick from several local dishes).

The big practical note: lunch is not included as part of the base price. It’s listed as an extra personal expense of about $5.00 per person, more or less. That’s actually reasonable if the rest of the day includes private transport and a lot of stops.

How to make it worthwhile: pick something you haven’t had before. If you go with the local specialties available on the menu, you’ll leave lunch feeling like you ate in Bali, not just somewhere near Bali.

Tampaksiring Coffee and Tea Time: A Cooling Reset North of Ubud

Next is Tampaksiring, with complimentary refreshment described as tea and coffee in a green traditional garden. You also take a little walk and see the process of making coffee and tea from the plant stage (the itinerary mentions the process, though the steps aren’t listed in detail).

I like this stop because it’s a breathing point. After temples and viewpoints, a garden break with a warm or cool drink keeps the day from feeling like nonstop movement.

What to keep in mind: it’s scheduled as a 1-hour slot. If you’re someone who loves to linger, you’ll feel time pressure here. Use the hour to taste, ask what you can, and move on.

Tirta Empul Temple: The Holy Water Stop With Real Meaning

Your route then includes Pura Tirta Empul Temple, also called the Water Temple in north Ubud. This is the spiritual core of the day, and the itinerary specifically describes it as a Balinese spiritual experience, with the visit accompanied by a friendly professional guide.

The key detail here is the holy water element. The temple is known for water use as part of ritual. Even if you don’t participate in the ritual side, you’ll understand the setting better by being there with a guide who can explain the meaning and how the space is used.

What to consider: temple areas often have etiquette and dress expectations. The tour info doesn’t list rules, so go prepared for the basics: modest clothing and patience while people move in and out.

Tegenungan Waterfall Late Afternoon: Your Big Scenic Finish

Finally, you end at Tegenungan Waterfall. This stop is framed as capturing amazing photos in a green surrounding area, with the description pointing out the way water fragments radiate from rocks. The route timing is also noted as late afternoon, with light support facing to the sunset direction.

This is a classic “capstone” stop. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the views, get pictures, and still make it back to your hotel while daylight is fading.

Practical note: water areas can be slippery. Wear grippy footwear and move carefully. Even if you’re just standing for photos, the ground can be wet.

Price and Value: What You Pay, What It Really Covers

The price listed is $20.00 per person, and the tour runs about 10 hours with private transportation and an English-speaking guide. That is strong value on paper, especially because you’re not sharing the day with strangers in a group bus.

But you should read the inclusions carefully, because there are two different statements in the info:

• Included says all entrance ticket on premium all inclusive ticket
• Not included says special private guided only pay entrance tickets if visiting all attraction, about $20.00 per person

So the clean advice is: confirm what “premium all inclusive” means for your specific booking and which entrances are covered for your exact stop choices. If your day includes everything on the route, plan for the possibility of extra entrance charges. Also remember lunch is separate, about $5 per person.

What’s also included that adds value:

• Water bottle
• Insurance
• Hotel pickup and drop-off across Bali areas
• Mobile ticket
• Private transportation air-conditioned
• Airport pickup or drop-off only noted if you book a minimum 3-day tour (so don’t assume airport service for a single day)

Finally, the reviews add credibility: this tour has a 5 out of 5 rating with a 100% recommendation rate based on the provided feedback. One highlight is the guide experience, especially with Kadek Nanda, who was praised as both guide and driver, including helping with fantastic photos.

Who Should Book This Ubud Private Tour

This works best if you want:

• A one-day “Ubud highlights” plan that includes culture, art villages, viewpoints, a swing photo stop, and a waterfall finale
• The ease of private transport with pickup and drop-off
• Guidance in English so you understand what each place is about, not just where to stand for photos

It may not be ideal if:

• You prefer slow travel with minimal stops
• You dislike performances or any activity-based photo moment like the swing
• You want everything included with zero extras, because lunch and entrance ticket coverage can vary based on your specific inclusions

Should You Book This Tour?

I think you should book it if your ideal Bali day includes a packed route, a guide who keeps you moving, and at least two big scenic moments that are actually timed for good light. The price is low enough that you can spend a little extra on lunch and still feel like you got a full day’s worth of value.

Book it especially if you like balance: Barong and Kris culture, Celuk silver craft, rice terraces, a temple with holy water meaning, and a waterfall finish. If you’re okay with a 10-hour day and you confirm entrance ticket coverage for your exact route, this private Ubud day trip is a smart use of limited time in Bali.

FAQ

How long is the Best Of Ubud Scenic Full Day Private Guided Tour?

The tour runs for approximately 10 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included across Bali areas, and the tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking private guide.

What major stops are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Barong and Kris dance in Batubulan, Celuk Village, Happy Swing Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tebasari Resto, Tampaksiring tea and coffee time, Pura Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegenungan Waterfall.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is listed as an additional personal expense of about $5.00 per person.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are listed as included on a premium all inclusive ticket. The info also notes that special private guided entrance tickets may cost about $20.00 per person if you visit all attraction. It’s best to confirm what’s covered for your exact booking.

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.