REVIEW · UBUD
Central Bali Tour: Ubud Village, Kintamani Volcano, and Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by Eco Bali Tours - Day Tours · Bookable on Viator
Ubud to volcano in one tight day. This private tour strings together temple-and-art Ubud with Kintamani highland views, then wraps up at Tegenungan Waterfall, all starting with an 08:00 hotel pickup. The mix of wildlife, crafts, and big scenery makes it a smart one-day checklist.
I like that the price already includes entrance tickets plus lunch, so you’re not constantly stopping to pay as you go. You also travel in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, which keeps the day comfortable even when you’re clocking around 10 hours total.
The main trade-off is time: you’ll spend about an hour (or less) at most big stops, so if you prefer slow strolling and lingering, the pace may feel a bit tight.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Ubud Village: Monkey Forest, Palace, and the Art Market stop
- From Ubud to Kintamani: the volcano viewpoint that’s built for lunch
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace: scenic views plus activities (and a small extra cost)
- Tegenungan Waterfall: a convenient nature finale near Ubud
- Private transport and the “who’s driving” factor for $70
- What the full route feels like as a day plan
- Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Ubud–Kintamani–waterfall day?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- Is this a private tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are there any extra costs during the day?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key points to know before you go

- Private and hotel-to-hotel: your group only, with pickup and drop-off included.
- Tickets and lunch are covered: Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, market, Kintamani viewpoints, rice terraces, and waterfall entrances are part of the deal.
- Kintamani is built around views: you’ll get Mount and Lake Batur seen from a distance, plus a restaurant area where lunch is the move.
- Tegallalang has optional add-ons: you can do activities like swing and zip lining, with an extra donation for tracking not included.
- Guides get praise for the experience: names that come up include Darma and Nyoman Budi, with consistent notes about friendliness, calm driving, and helpful guidance.
Ubud Village: Monkey Forest, Palace, and the Art Market stop

Your day starts in Ubud, and the first stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This place isn’t just a photo spot—it’s a nature reserve and also a religious temple complex, so you’re seeing a mix of greenery, structures, and daily Balinese worship in the same area. With about 1 hour here, you’ll have enough time to walk the main areas and soak in the atmosphere without feeling like the day is already rushing.
Next comes Ubud Palace, typically around 15 minutes. It’s a compact stop compared to the rest, but it works well on a full-day route because you still get the cultural centerpiece without losing half your morning. If your group likes quick hits, this short duration is actually a plus: you keep momentum while still touching something iconic.
Then you head to the Ubud Traditional Art Market for about 1 hour. This is one of the easiest places to shop without overthinking it, because you’ll find a wide range of items in one go—silver jewelry, precious stones, batiks, T-shirts, sarongs, wood carvings, and even cane work bags. I like this stop for first-time visitors because it’s practical: you can browse, grab gifts, and still be out before the rest of the day gets too hot or heavy.
Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. Even with a timed schedule, these Ubud areas involve walking, and it’s more enjoyable when your feet aren’t arguing with you.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
From Ubud to Kintamani: the volcano viewpoint that’s built for lunch

After Ubud, the route climbs toward Kintamani Highland, centered on a volcano-and-lake vista. You’ll get views of Mount and Lake Batur from a distance, with about 1 hour at the viewpoint area. This is one of those spots where the timing matters less than the atmosphere—sit, look around, and let the scenery do the work.
What I like here is the way the tour sets up lunch. The Kintamani area has restaurants positioned for views, and the best choice is to eat right there while you’re still in the mood for the scenery. If you prefer not to hunt for food later, this is a smart use of time.
There’s also a little mental payoff to the route. Ubud focuses on arts and temple life; Kintamani shifts you to dramatic highland scale. That contrast is the point of this tour, and it’s why the day feels varied instead of repetitive.
Consideration: if the weather isn’t cooperating, the view can be less impressive. Still, the Kintamani break is useful either way because you get a clear change of pace from Ubud and a proper pause for lunch.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace: scenic views plus activities (and a small extra cost)

After lunch, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for about 1 hour. This is the part that most people picture when they think of Bali’s rice terraces: sweeping views down the valley, sloping fields, and a roadside position that’s often cooler and breezy. The scenery is the main draw, but the terraces also offer activities, including tracking, swing, and zip lining.
Here’s the key money detail: a donation for tracking at the rice terrace isn’t included. If you’re planning to do any walking beyond the easiest paths, it’s worth bringing a little extra cash just in case you want to join those options.
My advice: decide what you want most—photos, easy scenic walking, or the action activities. With only 1 hour, mixing everything can turn into rushing. If you’re the type who likes to move at your own pace, pick one main focus and let the rest be optional.
Tegenungan Waterfall: a convenient nature finale near Ubud

Your last stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, with about 1 hour on site. This is a popular nature option for people staying around Ubud (or nearby Sukawati) because it’s convenient—halfway-ish between Ubud and Bali’s pro… areas. In plain terms: it’s an easy ending to a day that’s already heavy on sightseeing.
The waterfall works best as a decompression moment. After volcano views and rice terraces, you get a different kind of energy—water, sound, and a change in footing from walkways and viewpoints to a more natural environment. It’s a solid finish for couples, families, and solo travelers who want one more “wow” before heading back.
Practical tip: bring a small towel or plan for mist. Even when you aren’t walking into the loudest spray, you’ll likely get some damp air around the falls.
Private transport and the “who’s driving” factor for $70

At $70 per person for a roughly 10-hour private day, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay to piece it together. What makes this price feel reasonable is that it includes a lot of the usual add-ons: hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, all entrance tickets, lunch, and service/government tax.
And the driver quality is a big deal for Bali day trips. In the feedback for this kind of route, specific driver names come up with strong praise. Darma is mentioned for being friendly, calm, kind, and for taking a generous approach with time. Nyoman Budi is credited as more than just a good driver—also as an excellent guide who’s helpful and welcoming. Putu Irwan (with Eco Bali Tours) gets highlighted for friendliness and, especially, putting safety first.
Even if you don’t know exactly what to ask, a driver who can explain what you’re seeing and keep things smooth matters. You’re not just getting transportation; you’re getting a calmer day with someone who understands timing, entrances, and when to shift from one stop to the next.
One more thing: your group is private, but the listing also mentions group discounts. If you’re traveling with friends or want to add extra people to share the day, it can improve the per-person value.
What the full route feels like as a day plan

Putting it all together, this is a structured day with clear transitions.
- Morning starts with Monkey Forest and quick culture at Ubud Palace.
- Midday shifts to shopping at the Art Market and then to the climb toward Kintamani.
- Lunch anchors the volcano portion, where you eat with the view.
- Afternoon becomes scenic with Tegallalang and optional activity time.
- Evening winds down at Tegenungan Waterfall.
This format works if you want to cover the top highlights without needing to plan your own driving between stops. It also works well when you don’t want to gamble on finding tickets, directions, and timing on your own.
Consideration: because each major stop is time-boxed, the day favors “see a lot” more than “take your time.” If your dream Bali day is slow cafés plus long walks, you may prefer a shorter tour or one with fewer stops.
Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a first-time Ubud day that still hits volcano country and ends with a real waterfall. You’ll likely enjoy it if you like a mix of places: temple-and-nature at Monkey Forest, art and shopping in Ubud, big scenery at Kintamani, classic rice terraces at Tegallalang, and then the satisfying finale of Tegenungan.
It’s also a good choice for groups who want one reliable plan. The included entrance tickets and lunch reduce decision fatigue, which matters when you’re trying to enjoy your day instead of budgeting it in your head every hour.
You might want to choose something else if you:
- want long time at fewer places (this tour is efficient, not slow)
- prefer to skip optional activities at rice terraces (you can still enjoy the views, but the “one hour to do it all” format doesn’t match every style)
- get overwhelmed by packed schedules
Should you book this Ubud–Kintamani–waterfall day?

Yes, if your goal is a full, high-value highlights day with minimal hassle. The best reason to book is that you’re paying for the whole bundle—pickup, private transport, tickets, and lunch—so your budget stays steadier than it would with separate tickets and a DIY plan.
I’d book it especially if you appreciate guidance from drivers who know how to keep the day smooth. The names that show up with consistent praise—Darma and Nyoman Budi, plus Putu Irwan—suggest the company’s day tours often come with a calm, friendly approach.
If you hate the idea of time limits, then don’t force it. This is for people who like clear itineraries and checking off the big sights in one go.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 8:00 am.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 10 hours.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes private tour service, an English-speaking driver, hotel pick-up/drop-off, all entrance tickets, lunch, and service/government tax.
Are there any extra costs during the day?
A donation for tracking at the rice terrace is not included.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.






















