Ubud: Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ubud is a special place for a hot air balloon because you are flying over real green countryside, with the big payoff of a view toward holy Mount Agung on the eastern horizon. This is Bali’s first and only hot air balloon adventure, starting from the Tanah Gajah resort area, and it lifts you in a cosy wicker basket above the rice fields. On clear, sunny mornings, the panoramas can feel almost unfair.

Two things I genuinely like about this experience are the staff’s safety-first approach and the way the food fits the flight. You get picked up by an English-speaking host/greeter, and the team is focused on making you feel secure before you climb into the balloon basket. Plus, your time slot includes breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner, so you are not just buying minutes in the sky.

The main drawback to consider is simple: the flight itself is short. You’re looking at a 7 to 10 minute ride, and you mostly go up and down instead of doing a long, scenic cruise. Add in weather and wind effects (and the fact that views depend on conditions), and you should book with realistic expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Bali’s first and only hot air balloon adventure from the Ubud area
• Mount Agung view on the eastern horizon when the weather cooperates
• A 23-metre hot air balloon with a cosy wicker basket
• Short flight, big views: about 7 to 10 minutes (with about 2 hours total including your meal)
• Food is included, but drinks at dinner are not (water is included)
• Photography rules may limit phone photos, so plan around the on-site photographer

Ubud’s balloon ride: what you’re really paying for

Let’s call it what it is. You’re paying for a rare sky view over Ubud, plus a well-managed morning, afternoon, or evening experience at a beautiful resort setting. The balloon ride climbs to around 50 metres over rice fields and then floats at the end of a tether. That tether detail matters because it explains why the experience feels more like a “wow from above” moment than a long flight.

The sky time is short, but the view is the point. On sunnier days before darkness, you can see across lush tropical forests around Ubud and out toward Mount Agung. Even if your specific horizon view is hazier, you still get that overhead perspective of patchwork greens, rivers of farmland, and the way Ubud’s countryside spreads out in every direction.

If you want a full-hour adventure with nonstop motion, this will feel brief. If you want a tightly run experience that delivers dramatic scenery in under 10 minutes, it makes a lot of sense.

Choosing your slot: sunrise breakfast, afternoon tea, or evening dinner

You will pick one option, and your experience timing will determine both the light and the included meal.

Morning (sunrise breakfast option). Your breakfast happens based on an a la carte menu, and you can have it before or after your balloon flight. Morning is also usually cooler, which is a real comfort upgrade when you are waiting around. If you care most about maximum clarity and that early light look over the forest, morning is the best bet.

Afternoon (sunset afternoon tea option). You get premium tea and coffee plus savouries. The value here is that you can turn the balloon into a slow, relaxed couple-style outing, with food that feels more like a proper treat than just a snack.

Evening (dinner option). This comes with a 3-course Indonesian or Balinese set menu. Key detail: dinner is food only, and beverages cost extra, except for house-poured water. If you like having a drink with dinner, factor that into the overall budget.

One more thing: clarity depends on weather and the time of your flight. If it gets too dark to fully enjoy the ride, you may be able to reschedule. That flexibility is helpful, but you should still plan your Bali schedule with the understanding that conditions can shift.

Tanah Gajah: where your day begins (and why it’s more than just a meeting point)

Your host/greeter meets you at a meeting point that can vary by option, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. In practice, you are spending time at the Tanah Gajah resort area, and that setting matters.

The experience is run as a small group, limited to 10 participants. That feels important because balloons can get chaotic fast in other places. Here, the smaller group size typically means you are not shuffled around like cargo, and you get attention from the team.

The resort environment also gives you something for your eyes while you wait. Even if you only think about the sky ride at first, you’ll likely appreciate the calm, pretty surroundings before you climb into the basket.

The balloon mechanics: why the ride is short, and why it still works

Here’s the real mechanics you should know. The balloon you ride is a 23-metre hot air balloon. The flight climbs to about 50 metres above the rice fields, then floats at the end of a tether.

A tethered balloon is not “wrong,” it just changes the experience. You get a stable, controlled view from above, but you are not drifting for a long time like some far-flying adventure. That is why many people feel the ride is quick. In return, you get a smooth, controlled experience that stays focused on scenery.

Duration-wise, a regular flight can be 5 to 7 minutes, but your booking includes exclusive access to a 7 to 10-minute flight. Either way, you should treat it as a short experience with a high visual payoff.

Also, the basket is wicker, and it feels cosy rather than huge and industrial. That contributes to the calm vibe. You want calm up there, because wind and movement are part of the balloon story.

Breakfast, tea, or dinner: what’s included and what to budget for

This is where the package feels most practical. Your chosen time slot includes a meal, and the food portion is genuinely part of the value.

Sunrise breakfast: It’s based on an a la carte breakfast menu, so you have choices rather than one fixed plate. Breakfast also pairs well with the morning slot because you can eat without rushing, then focus on the flight.

Afternoon tea: You get a premium tea and coffee selection, plus savouries that mix flavours from East to West. This is the kind of included food that makes the afternoon option feel like an outing instead of an add-on.

Evening dinner: You’ll receive a 3-course Indonesian or Balinese set menu. The big budgeting note is beverages. Dinner is food only, and you pay extra for drinks. House-poured water is the exception.

Why this matters for your decision: if you planned to eat anyway, the included meal softens the cost of the sky time. If you were hoping for a longer flight, the meal won’t fix that. It just makes the overall experience feel more complete.

Safety, comfort, and group size: the part you should not ignore

Small group balloon operations live or die by how they handle boarding and safety checks. This one is run with a safety-first mindset, and that shows in how the team communicates with you.

You’re flying in a hot air balloon experience that includes insurance and a hot air balloon certificate. Those are not flashy items, but they are reassuring. The certificate is a nice keepsake when your time in the basket is done.

Capacity is also clearly defined. A maximum of 2 adults and 1 child are allowed, depending on weight, with a maximum total weight of 150 kg. If you are booking for a family or a group with more size, it’s worth checking weight limits early rather than hoping it works out on the day.

Also, there’s an English-speaking host/greeter. That helps with instructions, especially around safety and any rules for what you can do on site.

Photography and the on-site photographer: plan ahead so you’re not surprised

This is one area where I would be very direct with you. Some balloon rides restrict phone photography during the flight, and the substitute is an on-site photographer. That photographer approach can be great for getting better shots, but it also means you should expect additional charges.

In at least one case, the photo package was described as around $60 for five digital images, with no physical copies included. Even if the exact price changes, treat it as a real cost possibility.

My practical advice: if having photos is a big part of why you’re booking, ask about phone rules and photographer packages before you go. Then decide if you want to spend extra for a set, or if you are fine going with your own quick views and memories.

Weather and wind: the Bali reality check

Ballooning in Bali is weather-dependent, plain and simple. The activity is subject to weather and wind, so cancellation is possible for safety reasons. If it gets cancelled due to weather, you may be able to reschedule.

View clarity also depends on conditions and your flight time. On sunny days, panoramas can stretch from Ubud’s tropical forest area toward Mount Agung. On cloudier or less clear mornings, you might not see as far, even if you still get a great flight.

Timing can also run a little different than you expect. One morning account described a scheduled start that felt earlier on paper, but actual movement was closer to 7:00 AM. For that reason, I’d build a little buffer into your day, and do not stack tight morning plans right after.

Price and value: is $189 per group up to 2 worth it?

At $189 per group up to 2, this sits in the “not cheap, but not insane for a once-in-a-while Bali wow” category. Here’s how I think about value.

You get:

• A short but real hot air balloon flight (7 to 10 minutes for your booking)
• Insurance
• A hot air balloon certificate
• An included meal (breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner)
• Small-group handling, limited to 10 participants
• English host/greeter support

What you do not get:

• Hotel transfer
• Drinks with dinner (water is included)
• A long, multi-part scenic flight

So the question is not just time in the air. It’s whether you want a controlled, safe, high-impact view experience plus an included resort meal. If that matches your style, the price starts to feel more fair. If you want a longer time aloft, or you hate paying for optional add-ons like photos, look at your expectations first.

Who this experience is best for

I think this is a good match for:

• Couples who want a scenic experience plus a proper included meal
• People who like nature views but do not want heavy trekking
• Travelers who prefer small groups and clear safety communication
• Anyone who is specifically chasing the Ubud and Mount Agung view from above

It may not be the best match if:

• You hate waiting around and want a super tight schedule every minute
• You need a longer flight to feel like it was worth it
• You are sensitive to extra costs tied to photography packages

Should you book Ubud’s hot air balloon at Tanah Gajah?

My take: book it if you want a high visual payoff in a short time, and you’re okay with the balloon basics, weather dependence, and the possibility of extra charges for photos. The included meal options help the overall experience feel complete, and the small group setup is the kind of detail that often makes balloon days smoother.

If you are trying to decide between morning, afternoon, and evening, I’d lean morning for clearer views and cooler comfort. If your schedule is tight and you can only do one slot, pick the one where you’ll actually enjoy the included food without stress.

One last check before you commit: confirm the photography rules and plan for how you want memories saved. Once you do that, you are set up for the main event, a short climb into the sky over Ubud, with Mount Agung as the big backdrop when the day is clear.

FAQ

How long is the hot air balloon flight?

The flight is 7 to 10 minutes. The total duration of about 2 hours includes your meal.

How long does the whole experience take?

The overall duration is about 2 hours, including the meal that comes with your selected time slot.

Where does the activity start and end?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included.

What meal is included with my booking?

You’ll get one of these, depending on your option: sunrise breakfast, sunset afternoon tea, or a 3-course evening dinner set menu.

Are drinks included with dinner?

Dinner is food only. Guests have to pay extra for beverages, except for house-pour water which is included.

What’s the maximum group size?

This is a small group limited to 10 participants.

Are there limits on who can fly?

Yes. A maximum of 2 adults and 1 child are allowed, depending on weight, with a maximum total weight of 150 kg.

Can the flight be cancelled due to weather?

Yes. The activity is subject to weather and wind, and cancellation for safety reasons is possible. If cancelled due to weather, you may be able to reschedule.

Is cancellation free if I change my plans?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.