Mount Batur views start the day. This private Ubud to Kintamani tour strings together Barong & Kris culture and the photo-friendly Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

I also like that lunch comes with a Mt. Batur overlook, so the day feels worth it even if you are not chasing every single detail. Entrance fees and transfers are handled, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the stops.

One caution: Bali’s central highlands roads can be challenging, and the plan depends on good weather, so keep a little flexibility in your day.

Quick Takeaways

• Private door-to-door transfers: pickup is offered and you get 2-way transportation, plus only your group joins.
• Everything you need for the main sights is included: entrance fees, lunch, and a bottle of mineral water are part of the package.
• A culture-to-nature mix that actually flows: dance, waterfall, volcano views, rice terraces, and monkeys in one long day.
• Barong & Kris is more than a show: you’ll see the mythological fight between good and bad, with a shaggy creature battling a witch.
• Your best photo stops get built in: Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Tegenungan Waterfall are given dedicated time.
• Grey macaques, close-up and fast: Ubud Monkey Forest is a fun stop near central Ubud.

Price and Logistics: What a $60 Day Really Means

This tour runs about 10 hours, and the price is listed at $60. On paper, that sounds simple. In practice, what matters is what you are not paying for on the fly.

You get pickup and 2-way transfers, and the package includes lunch, bottled mineral water, and entrance fees for every stop on the plan. That is the real value. If you tried to piece together Ubud plus Kintamani on your own, you would likely spend money and time on separate tickets, separate transport, and a lot of waiting while plans get reorganized.

It is also private. That means you can move at a pace that suits your group, rather than timing everything around strangers. The experience provider is called Excellent Bali Tour – Private Day Tours, and the overall impression is that the guide and driver are polite, friendly, and considerate. That kind of calm energy matters when your day includes curvy highland roads and multiple photo stops.

The only real “logistics” caution is the combination of distance and weather. The highlands can mean longer drives than you expect, and the tour requires good weather. If conditions are off, the day can be adjusted.

Your Day Starts With Ubud Culture: Barong and Kris Dance

The first stop is the Barong & Kris Dance, with about 1 hour on the schedule. This is a traditional Balinese performance tied to sacred storytelling, where a shaggy monster figure represents a powerful force. In the basic idea, Barong is a strange creature with four legs, shown by two men as part of the performance.

What you are watching is a mythological fight between good and bad. The story includes a battle where the monster clashes with a witch, which is why the show feels dramatic even if you do not catch every line of narration.

Why I like this start: it sets the cultural context for the rest of the day. You then move from performance mythology to real-world natural landmarks, and the whole day feels like one coherent picture of Bali, not random sightseeing.

A practical tip: treat the show like a cultural moment, not just a photo moment. You will likely get better results if you watch attentively first, then take pictures during calmer moments rather than during the most intense action.

A drawback to keep in mind: dance and stage performances can vary in how much you connect with them depending on your expectations. If you hate sitting through an hour of performance, this might feel long. But if you want a genuine cultural anchor early in the day, it is a strong choice.

Tegenungan Waterfall: A Dedicated Photo Stop Near Ubud

Next up is Tegenungan Waterfall, scheduled for about 45 minutes. Tegenungan is located in Tegenungan village, close to Kemenuh village in Gianyar regency, which is not far from the Ubud area.

The interesting detail here is that the waterfall can feel more “isolated” than you would expect, yet it has become a popular attraction. That mix is why it works for a half-hour photo mission, but also why you should be ready for crowds at peak times.

You should expect a short window for photos and enjoying the falls before you move on. You are not just driving past this one. The time block is long enough to get a few angles, see the main viewpoint, and do the quick reality check of how close you want to get.

A practical consideration: waterfalls mean damp ground. Even if the route is manageable, you will want solid footwear and calm footing. The tour gives you enough time to enjoy it without rushing, but you still need to move carefully.

If you love nature, but you do not want a full-day hike, this stop is a good middle ground. You get the drama of a waterfall without turning the day into a training session.

Kintamani and Mt. Batur: Volcano Views Plus Lunch

The tour then heads to Mount Batur in the Kintamani area, with about 45 minutes on the schedule. This is the part many people come for: the highlands, the crater lake setting, and the iconic Mt. Batur view.

Kintamani is described as one of Bali’s most beautiful tourist destinations, built around the semi active volcano of Batur and its crater lake. You also get the sense of how layered the area is, since it is surrounded by ancient villages around the cauldron area of Batur Lake.

Here is what makes this stop more valuable than just a view: you also get lunch that looks out toward Mt. Batur. That matters. Eating while you can actually see the volcano turns a basic meal into a memory, and it gives you a chance to slow down for a moment in the middle of a busy day.

What could be a drawback? Highland weather can change quickly. Even when visibility is good, the air can feel different from Ubud. If clouds roll in, you may not get the same crisp look across the crater. The good news is you are not stuck here forever. You get a focused block, then continue.

If your group wants at least one “wow” moment that feels like it belongs in Bali, this is the stop that delivers it.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The Subak Story and Your Best Photos

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is scheduled for about 30 minutes. This stop is famous for scenic rice paddies and for a key Balinese water system called subak, a traditional cooperative irrigation system.

What that means for you on the ground: you are not just looking at green steps. You are seeing a living system shaped by community teamwork and careful water management. Even if you do not go deep into the details, the terraces give you a clear sense of how water, agriculture, and land use are connected.

Why it is a smart stop: it is one of those places where photos look good from lots of angles. In a single half-hour block, you can usually get a few worthwhile shots without feeling trapped for hours.

The main consideration is timing and comfort. 30 minutes goes fast, especially if you want to wander. Plan to move efficiently: get one or two angles right away, then circle once if you want more.

Also, rice terraces are not theme parks. You might see uneven footing. Light footwear can be fine, but shoes with grip are better. You are going for views, not doing parkour.

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Grey Macaques in Wanara Wana

The last stop is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 45 minutes. Ubud Monkey Forest is called Wanara Wana in Balinese language, and it is located near the Ubud Palace area in Padang Tegal village.

You are getting up close and personal with grey macaques. This is a big part of the appeal, especially if you like wildlife but do not want the complexity of booking a separate tour.

This is also the stop that tends to bring out mixed feelings. For many people, it is pure fun. For others, it can feel chaotic if the monkeys are very active in that particular moment. The good part about having it as part of an already well-structured day is that you are not stuck there as a full activity. You get 45 minutes, so you can enjoy what you like and then move on.

A practical point for monkey areas: keep your hands and small items secure. If you carry loose snacks or anything tempting, put it away. Even if you do not know the exact rules, using basic caution keeps your experience smooth.

The location matters too. Because this is in Ubud, it feels like a natural final stop rather than a weird detour far from everything.

Where the Included Lunch, Water, and Entrance Fees Add Up

This package includes:

• Entrance fees at every object listed
• Lunch
• Bottle mineral water
• Bali map

And it excludes personal expenses.

That may sound like standard “tour package math,” but it is more helpful than you might expect. When you travel in Bali, fees and ticketing can add up quickly, and the small admin tasks eat time. By bundling entrance fees and lunch, you get a cleaner day flow.

The Bali map inclusion is also practical. After a day of driving between Ubud and the Kintamani highlands, having a basic map can help you understand where you are relative to other places you want to return to.

The water helps too. On long days with multiple outdoor stops, hydration is not optional. You are not forced to search for a shop every time you feel thirsty.

Value check: at $60 for a roughly 10-hour private day with transfers plus multiple paid entries, it is built for convenience. If you are the kind of traveler who likes low-friction planning, this is the kind of deal that feels like a win.

The Big Highlights: Why This Mix Works for First-Time Bali Trips

What I like about the overall order is the balance. You start with a cultural show, shift into waterfall scenery, then land at Mt. Batur for the crater lake setting and lunch, followed by rice terraces and then monkeys.

That sequence gives you variety without making the day feel scattered. Also, each stop has a time block that fits the role it plays.

Here is how each highlight functions for you:

• Barong & Kris gives meaning to what you see later in Bali culture.
• Tegenungan Waterfall delivers a quick, dramatic nature hit that still fits the schedule.
• Mount Batur is the visual centerpiece, especially with lunch overlooking the view.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace is your most reliable photo moment of agricultural Bali.
• Ubud Monkey Forest adds a lively wildlife break near central Ubud.

This is the kind of day that suits first-timers. You get iconic sights in one go, and your transport and tickets are handled.

It can also work well for couples and small groups who want comfort and efficiency, not a do-it-yourself puzzle.

Road Time, Weather, and Energy: Make It Easy on Yourself

A 10-hour private day is not short. Even if you enjoy driving, you are still going to feel the pace by the end.

Bali’s central highlands can bring longer drives and more winding roads. If your group gets motion sickness, consider planning for it with what works best for you. If everyone is fine with car rides, then the main thing is to avoid packing the day too tightly with extras before and after.

Also, remember the tour needs good weather. If you are traveling during a rainy window, be ready for changes. The provider will handle it, but your experience depends on the skies clearing for the best volcano and terrace views.

My practical advice: wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting warm, keep a light layer in case the air feels cooler in the highlands, and keep your day bag simple. You will be happier if you are not digging for items every time you stop.

Should You Book This Ubud Kintamani Tour?

I think you should book it if you want a single day that mixes Balinese dance, famous scenery, and an iconic highland view, with transfers and entrance fees handled. The fact that lunch and bottled water are included is a big deal for a long day. It is also a strong fit if you appreciate a polite, friendly driver and guide who keep things considerate and on track.

I would hesitate if you dislike long car days, you are very sensitive to road motion, or you know you will be upset if weather clouds the volcano views. The tour is built around outdoors, so your best results come when conditions cooperate.

If your goal is to see a lot of Bali in one day without turning it into a logistics project, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Ubud Kintamani tour?

The tour is approximately 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered, and the package includes 2-way transfers.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What are the main stops on the tour?

The tour includes Barong & Kris Dance, Tegenungan Waterfall, Mount Batur, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. All entrance fees for the listed sights are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled mineral water.

Is mobile ticketing used?

Yes, the tour includes 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 less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.