Waterfalls and volcano views in one day. This private Ubud and Kintamani day trip strings together two-way transfers with big scenery at Mt. Batur. You get a smooth, driver-led route that covers Ubud’s classics without the stress of map-hunting or parking.

I also love how the itinerary hits both nature and culture: Tegenungan Waterfall for a quick swim break, then Gunung Kawi’s rock-cut shrines for a very different kind of wow. The day’s flow is built for photos too, especially around Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

One consideration: the price covers the ride and guiding, but entrance fees and lunch are not included, so you’ll want a bit of cash or a card ready for each stop.

Key takeaways before you go

• AC private transportation with an English-speaking driver so your day stays low-stress
• Gunung Kawi (Pura Gunung Kawi) with ancient rock-cut shrines, including a 1,000-year-old element
• Tegenungan Waterfall at the Petanu River with time that can include swimming if you want
• Kintamani highlands around the Mount Batur caldera with Lake Batur views
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace photo time tied to the traditional subak irrigation system

Private pickup in Ubud: why this works better than self-driving

This is the kind of Bali day trip that makes sense if you want variety, but you don’t want to spend your vacation wrestling with a scooter or figuring out routes between valleys. Your day starts with a 9:00 am departure, and the big win is pickup from Ubud and many south Bali hotels, plus return transport.

In practice, that means you can treat the day like a guided highlights loop: you show up, get dropped at each named spot, and move on when it’s time. With an air-conditioned car and a driver who speaks English, you’re free to ask questions and keep the schedule moving.

The other hidden value is that private format. Even though the trip is advertised as private for your group, it can still feel flexible in the moment. One driver detail that stood out was Dewa—friendly, polite, and funny, with a vehicle that was clean and cool (AC working well). That kind of energy matters when your day runs around timed photo stops.

Price and what’s actually included (so you don’t get surprised)

At $38.47 per person, this is positioned as a budget-friendly way to cover multiple top areas in one stretch. For this price, you’re paying mostly for transport, driver time, and the included gear for temples.

Here’s what’s included:

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• English-speaking driver
• Sarong provided for temple visit

Here’s what’s not included:

• Lunch
• All fees and taxes
• Personal expenses

The big budgeting point is the entrance fees. The itinerary stops explicitly note admission tickets not included at each major site. So plan on paying a little extra at places like the waterfall, Gunung Kawi, and the rice terrace (amounts will vary by site and rules on the day). If you hate budgeting uncertainty, you’ll do better if you carry some cash and don’t plan a strict lunch cost.

Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall and the quick swim option

Your first major nature stop is Tegenungan Waterfall, associated with the Petanu River and located near Tegenungan Village (south part of Kemenuh Village). It’s one of those spots that works well early in the day: you get photos, fresh air, and time to cool down without turning the day into a wall-to-wall commute.

The itinerary highlights a practical detail: it’s a waterfall that’s fun to visit and nice for swimming. That doesn’t mean you must swim, but it’s worth bringing what you need if you want to. If you’re the type who likes a quick splash break before the temples, this is a smart first stop.

One small reality check: since admission isn’t included, your total cost depends on paying the entry fee once you arrive. Also, waterfall sites can get crowded, and changing conditions can affect how comfortable the walkways feel. I’d treat it as a place to enjoy and photograph, then decide on swimming based on what the area is like when you get there.

Stop 2: Gunung Kawi (Pura Gunung Kawi) and its rock-cut shrine reliefs

Next up is the most distinctive cultural stop: Gunung Kawi Temple, locally known as Pura Gunung Kawi. This complex is known for ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock—exactly the kind of site that feels different from the typical “pretty gate and courtyard” temple visit.

The key detail here is age. You’ll be looking at 1,000-year-old rock-cut shrines as part of the experience. For me, that’s what separates Gunung Kawi from a basic temple stop: you’re not just seeing structures, you’re seeing the work carved directly into the stone.

You’ll also be using a sarong for the temple visit, which is included. That matters because temple etiquette can otherwise become a last-minute scramble, especially if you didn’t pack something appropriate.

Potential drawback: this is a 9-hour tour, so you’ll want to move efficiently. If you love spending long stretches reading inscriptions and studying carvings, you might wish you had more time here. The upside is that it still gives you a solid look and plenty of time to appreciate the layout.

Stop 3: Kintamani highland views over the Mount Batur caldera

After the temple, the day shifts to wide-open views at Kintamani, the area around the Mount Batur caldera. The description covers several surrounding villages (Penelokan, Toya Bungkah, Batur, Kedisan, Abung, Songan, and Kintamani), which hints at how spread out this region can feel.

This stop is built around the big Bali interior viewpoint: you get scenery tied to Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Even if you’ve seen volcano imagery before, Kintamani’s value is how “present” it feels—caldera terrain changes the whole mood of the day compared with Ubud’s green lanes.

A practical note: Kintamani is often a photo magnet, which means the timing of when you arrive matters. If you’re taking pictures, treat it like a light plan: get your main shots, then give yourself a second round for different angles before you move on.

Also, admission tickets aren’t included here. It doesn’t always mean you’ll pay at every viewpoint spot, but you should assume there may be entry or parking-related fees depending on where you stop.

Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace photos and the subak irrigation system

The final named highlight is Tegalalang Rice Terrace. This is one of those Ubud-area places people talk about because the visual rhythm is instantly recognizable: rice paddies stacked in layers and framed by hillside contours.

Here’s what makes Tegalalang more than just scenery: it’s known for the subak, the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. The itinerary specifically mentions that subak is passed down through tradition, tied to how the community manages water and cultivates rice. That context helps you look at the terraces as a living system, not just a photo backdrop.

Expect to spend about an hour here. That’s enough time to walk the most common viewpoints and get a good set of photos, but not so much time that you feel stuck. If you’re also chasing an optional stop, this is likely where it can fit.

About the optional Bali swing

You’ll hear that a Bali swing (optional) is part of the experience. The listing doesn’t spell out details like the exact operator or timing, so treat it as a choose-your-own-adventure moment. If swings are your thing, you’ll enjoy the quick thrill and photo vibe. If you’d rather keep it nature-only, you can simply skip and spend the time on the terrace views.

How the private day keeps your schedule under control

A packed day sounds exhausting on paper, but private transport changes the feel. You’re not waiting for others at each site or coordinating multiple vehicles. You’re in one car, with one driver, moving step by step.

The driver piece matters more than most people expect. In the feedback I’ve seen, Dewa stood out for being friendly, polite, and funny, with a clean, well-maintained vehicle and working AC. That’s not fluff: when the car stays comfortable, you arrive at each stop ready to enjoy it.

Another practical note from the experience details: the driver can help adapt the day to what you care about. One example was being able to skip drops that weren’t of interest. That’s a big advantage if your group has mixed priorities—someone wants more temple time, someone else wants faster waterfall photos.

If you’re traveling as a couple or family, private is especially helpful. It’s also a good fit if you don’t want to rely on your phone for every turn, since the main benefit here is getting the route handled for you.

A realistic timeline for a 9-hour highlights route

This is approximately a 9-hour day, starting at 9:00 am. With four major stops (plus optional swing), that means each location gets a focused block rather than a slow, wandering pace.

Here’s the practical rhythm you can expect:

• Tegenungan Waterfall first: energy and scenery early, with a chance to swim
• Gunung Kawi next: a culture-heavy stop where you’ll want to look closely
• Kintamani highland: viewpoint time for Mount Batur and Lake Batur
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: photo time tied to subak irrigation

Because entrance fees and lunch aren’t included, you’ll want a simple plan for what you’ll do during those “in-between” moments. If you arrive hungry, the day can feel longer than it needs to. If you arrive prepared, it feels efficient.

Also, keep in mind that the order matters. Waterfall to temple to caldera to terraces is a good spread: it prevents the day from feeling like only one type of attraction.

What to bring for a smooth day in Ubud and Kintamani

This trip includes bottled water and temple etiquette support (sarong), so you can travel a bit lighter. Still, I recommend you bring the basics for comfort.

Bring:

• A small day bag for water and essentials
• Swimwear or a quick-change plan if you want to take the waterfall up on its swimming option
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, since some stops are outdoor photo-heavy
• A light layer for the car and any breezy highland moments you might feel

You’ll also want a bit of cash/card ready for entrance fees since the itinerary notes tickets not included at each stop. If you hate surprise expenses, it’s easier to enjoy when you know the extras are expected.

If you plan to use the swing option, wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. The swing itself depends on the operator, but the walking part is usually your responsibility.

Who this tour is best for

This private Ubud and Volcano day trip is a strong match if:

• You want multiple major Bali highlights in one day
• You don’t want to self-drive or deal with navigation between areas
• You like a mix of nature (waterfall, terraces) and culture (Gunung Kawi)
• Your group has different interests and you want room to adjust

If you’re the type who wants long, unhurried museum-style pacing, you might find the stops feel time-efficient rather than slow. But if you’d rather see the key places without wasting half your day on logistics, this route is built for you.

Should you book this private Ubud and Volcano Day Trip?

I’d book it if your goal is a practical, high-value day with private transfers, AC comfort, and a route that hits Ubud’s must-sees plus the Mount Batur caldera views. The included sarong and bottled water remove common annoyances, and the driver experience—like the friendly, polished approach from Dewa—makes a difference over a long 9-hour day.

I’d think twice if you prefer flexible pacing at one site over speed between several. This day is designed to cover ground, and entrance fees plus lunch will add to your budget.

If you want an efficient way to experience Ubud, Gunung Kawi, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Kintamani in one go, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

What time does the Ubud and Volcano day trip start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as approximately 9 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Ubud and many south Bali hotels, with two-way transfers.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and sarong use for the temple visit.

What’s not included?

Lunch, all fees and taxes, and personal expenses are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Admission tickets are not included for the stops listed in the itinerary.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.