One Bali day, many stories. This private Ubud to Kintamani run stacks dance, art villages, and highland views into a single, easy day with an English-speaking driver who works around real-world traffic.

I also like that you get air-conditioned comfort and a flexible plan, so you’re not trapped in a rigid bus schedule. The one thing to keep in mind: the full set of stops can shrink depending on the road conditions, since the day is traffic-dependent.

Key Points That Matter

• Private group setup: only your group rides along, with an English-speaking driver handling the route.
• Air-conditioned car or bus plus petrol/gas included for the day.
• Most entrance tickets are covered, with the Batuan painting stop listed as free admission.
• Art stops are the focus: gold and silver craft in Celuk, painting art in Batuan.
• Kintamani is the payoff: about an hour for big views toward Mount Batur and the lake area.
• Traffic decides the exact mix of stops (up to about 4 places in a 10-hour day).

How This Day Works: Ubud to Kintamani with Traffic Flex

This is the kind of Bali day you can actually enjoy, not just survive. You’re doing Ubud basics plus a highland break in Kintamani, but the operator keeps expectations realistic: the exact number of stops depends on traffic that day. Even though the route lists multiple sights, you may end up with fewer than the full list, especially if roads are slow. In practice, it means you’ll want to plan for a best-fit mix, not a strict checkbox.

The tour is built around an up to 10 hours window, and extra time costs 10% of the full-day tour price per added hour. That’s useful if you’re having a great day and want to linger—like when a dance runs on schedule, or when you want a few more minutes at a viewpoint. It also explains why your guide’s job matters so much. Your English-speaking driver isn’t just driving; they’re timing your day.

Another plus for comfort: pickup is offered, and you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle for the day. That matters because the route covers a lot of ground. And because this is a private tour, you can move at a pace that suits your group instead of waiting on strangers.

Barong Dance in Ubud: Storytelling Good vs Evil

The day starts with the Barong & Kris Dance. This is Bali performance art at its best for first-timers: it’s famous, it’s story-driven, and it’s built around the classic fight between good and evil. The session runs about 40 minutes, and the admission ticket is included.

What I like about this stop is the format. A dance gives you something culturally central without eating your whole day. You’re not just looking at a temple from the outside—you’re watching a narrative play out. If you’re the type who likes context, the storytelling element is the main reason this kind of performance belongs in an itinerary like this.

The practical note: since the dance is scheduled and timed, your tour day has a natural rhythm. If traffic slows you down, you’re more dependent on your driver to keep things on track. The good news is that past guests highlight that the driver is punctual and professional, and that flexibility is part of how the day runs smoothly.

Celuk and Batuan: Gold, Silver, and Painting Hands-on

After the performance, you shift into art and craft—very Ubud, very Bali. You hit two villages that focus on different creative skills.

Celuk Village (Gold & Silver Art)

Celuk Village is a gold and silver craft stop, around 30 minutes, with admission included. The point here isn’t just seeing finished pieces. It’s watching how an art form becomes local identity—this area is known for residents who are proactive and full of innovation in their metalwork. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll usually come away with a clearer sense of how craft culture works beyond souvenirs.

Batuan Village (Painting Art)

Then comes Batuan for painting art, also about 30 minutes. Here, admission is listed as free for this stop. The focus is on how Ubud painting evolved—traditionally connected to religious and mythological ideas, later shaped by wider influences over time.

Why these two stops pair well: you get craft (metalwork) and visual art (painting) back-to-back. It’s a nice change of pace from scenic viewpoints. And because each stop is short, you’re not stuck in one place too long—again, helpful when traffic can affect the number of sights you can fit in.

A balanced expectation

Village stops can be busy and sale-oriented in places, so go in with a mindset of observation first. If you’re shopping, set a simple budget in your head so you can enjoy the craft without pressure. If you’re not shopping, you’ll still get a lot out of the creative context.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Monkey Forest: Classic Stops, Real Character

Next are two well-known Ubud experiences: Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Both are about 30 minutes, and both include admission tickets.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang is the kind of stop that people plan their Bali trip around. It sits along the north-south road between Kintamani and Ubud, and the area is known for woodcarvings in the village and nearby spots. The setting tends to be colorful, with carvings of flowers, animals, and other designs.

This is one of those classic “see it once, then decide what you love” moments. The good strategy is to use your time well: walk a little, take photos if that’s your thing, and don’t overthink it. The tour keeps it to around half an hour, so you get a hit of the vibe without losing your whole schedule.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Then you head to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also about 30 minutes, with admission included. The forest is easy to find because it’s in the heart of Ubud. It’s also described as close to other interest points in Ubud, which makes it a practical stop for a packed day.

This one is popular for a reason, but it’s also the sort of place where you’ll want to keep your attention on your group and your belongings. Since the time is short, you’ll likely only have enough time for one main loop or one focused visit area—so it’s best to decide what you want most: photos, watching behavior, or just a quick walk through the sanctuary area.

Kintamani Highlands: Volcano Views for About an Hour

The highlight toward the end is Kintamani Highland, where you get about one hour. Admission is included, and this is where the day shifts into big open-air views.

From Kintamani, you can look out over the panorama toward Mount Batur, described as an active volcano, and you also get a wide view over the lake area. Even if you’ve seen volcano photos before, there’s something different about being at the viewpoint yourself. It’s a longer-feeling moment compared to the art stops, and that hour is a nice payoff after performance and craft.

Timing note: mountain-area weather can change, so plan to enjoy the views when you get them rather than waiting for perfect conditions. And because the tour is traffic-sensitive, your driver’s ability to keep the day running smoothly makes a big difference here. Kintamani is the stop you’ll most likely remember from the day.

Your Driver Makes or Breaks the Day

A private tour is only as good as the person behind the wheel. The standout theme in the feedback is that the driver guides the day with calm professionalism—prompt pickup, polite attitude, and a knack for making the schedule work without turning the day stressful.

Many guests connect that experience with Ketut. In multiple accounts, Ketut is described as punctual, professional, and great company, and guests specifically thank him for making the trip memorable. One review also calls out Mr. Ketut Legawa by name, highlighting helpful guidance during a trip and the intent to recommend him again. Another mentions Ketut as a go-anywhere driver who still offers suggestions if you want guidance.

That matters because this tour can’t be fully “scripted.” The number of stops depends on traffic, and you’ll feel that in real life. A driver who can flex—without cutting corners—helps you get the best version of the day. Also, the tour includes an English-speaking driver, which usually means fewer misunderstandings about timing and where to go next.

One more practical benefit that shows up in the reviews: the driver doesn’t just handle the day’s route. Some guests describe Ketut helping with other arrangements like booking tickets and organizing plans. Even if you don’t need that, it’s reassuring to know the driver tends to act like a real local problem-solver, not just a driver who drops you off.

Price, Tickets, and Food Budget

At $70 per person, this tour can be good value if you match it to how you travel. You’re paying for:

• pickup (offered)
• an air-conditioned car or bus
• an English-speaking driver
• petrol/gas
• all fees and taxes

On top of that, entrance coverage is a big part of the deal. The Barong dance includes admission. Celuk includes admission. Tegallalang includes admission. Monkey Forest includes admission. Kintamani includes admission. And Batuan’s painting stop is listed as free admission.

That means you aren’t piecing together ticket costs across multiple stops while also trying to manage timing. You’re mostly paying for transport + guidance + included entry where it matters.

One obvious thing not included: food and drinks. That’s a key budgeting point because a day lasting up to 10 hours can create hunger fast. If you’re picky about lunch timing or you want snacks, plan for it.

Also watch the extra-time rule: if you go beyond the standard day, extra hours are charged at 10% of the full day price. That’s not a huge surprise for Bali day tours, but it’s worth knowing ahead so you can decide whether to extend or wrap up.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want a single private day that mixes performance, craft, and scenery without a complicated plan. It’s especially a strong fit for first-time Bali visitors in Ubud who want more than just one type of activity.

Book it with confidence if:

• you value an English-speaking driver who keeps things moving smoothly
• you want most entrance tickets handled inside the price
• your group likes art stops and doesn’t mind a schedule that adjusts to traffic

Skip it or consider a shorter version if:

• you have tight timing and cannot risk a reduced number of stops due to traffic
• you prefer slow travel with lots of unplanned wandering, because the tour format is still structured around specific sights and durations

If you’re flexible and want a well-packed cultural day with a good driver, this is an easy “yes” for many travelers.

FAQ

How long is the Private Tour – Ubud Kintamani Tours?

The tour runs for 8 to 10 hours (approx.) and is described as up to 10 hours. The exact number of stops can depend on traffic during the day.

Is pickup included, and is the transport air-conditioned?

Pickup is offered, and the price includes an air-conditioned car or bus plus an English-speaking driver.

Are entrance tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for several stops. The Barong & Kris dance, Celuk Village, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Kintamani include admission. Batuan for painting art is listed as admission ticket free.

Is lunch or food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do children under 2 pay for the tour?

Children under 2 years have free entrance.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.