Reviewed · UBUD HIGHLIGHTS TOURS
Pick 5 Destinations: Customized Ubud Tour
Ubud can be planned, or it can be yours. This private custom tour lets you pick up to five attractions from a menu, with 2-way hotel pickup and an air-conditioned ride. I like the way it mixes big-name Ubud icons with quieter temple stops so you can match your energy, not someone else’s schedule.
What I like most is the combination of personal pacing and driver support. Guides such as Agung Rai, Winata, and Sakha are praised for sharing Balinese culture and history, offering options, and staying patient while you do activities.
One thing to consider: entrance fees and lunch are not included, so your total day cost will depend on which attractions you select.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Private Custom Day in Ubud: How the 5-Stop Choice Works
- Price and Value: What $34.62 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
- Pickup Across Ubud and South Bali: Losing Less Time
- Choosing Your Five Stops: Mixing Icons With Calmer Temple Time
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Shade, Wildlife, and Crowds
- Ubud Traditional Art Market: Souvenirs, Snacks, and Bargaining
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: A Scenic Hit You’ll Remember
- Real Bali Swing: Big Photos and Adrenaline Energy
- Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah): Archaeology With a Staircase
- Waterfalls and Temples: How to Keep Your Day Balanced
- Tibumana Waterfall: A Swim-Friendly Break
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Popular, Splashy, and Photo-Forward
- Tegenungan Waterfall: The Closest Big Hangout
- Tirta Empul Temple: Cleansing Ceremony Vibe
- Mount Kawi: A Temple Built Into a Stair Climb
- Batuan Temple: A Cultural Side Path
- Mount Batur Lunch Over Volcano Views
- Driver-Guides Make It Worth Doing Private
- Tips to Build Your Perfect Ubud Mix in 8–10 Hours
- Should You Book This Customized Ubud Tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Customized Ubud Tour?
- How many attractions can I choose?
- Are entrance fees included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Do you offer pickup from hotels?
- Is this a private tour or a group tour?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key points before you go

- Up to five stops from a menu means you can build your own Ubud story without rushing every corner
- Private, only your group setup makes it easier to move at your pace
- Entrance fees are extra, but you can buy them on the spot
- Hotel pickup covers Ubud and south Bali areas, so you lose less time to transfers
- Stops range from 60 minutes to short 30-minute hits, so you can balance sightseeing and downtime
- Reviews highlight accommodating, patient guides and knowledgeable cultural context (Agung Rai, Winata, Sakha)
The full-day loop that ties the big Ubud sights together.
- Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing★ 5.0 · 8,571 reviews
- Best of Ubud 1-Day Private Tour★ 5.0 · 4,451 reviews
- Best of Ubud Attractions: Private All-Inclusive Tour★ 5.0 · 1,150 reviews
- Private Day Tour: The Highlight of Ubud★ 5.0 · 1,136 reviews
Private Custom Day in Ubud: How the 5-Stop Choice Works
This tour is built around one simple idea: you choose. You can select up to five places from an options list, and the day runs about 8 to 10 hours total. The practical magic here is that you’re not locked into a fixed route—you’re shaping the route.
That flexibility matters in Ubud, because the area is packed with different styles of sights. One stop might be lively and scenic (rice terraces, jungle swings), while another is archaeological and a bit quieter (temples like Mount Kawi). With a custom plan, you can stack what you care about most.
Two more details make the day smoother. First, you get air-conditioned transportation plus bottled water. Second, your driver handles the logistics while the attractions handle the entry fees. You’re paying for the ride and the route—then you decide which entrances to add.
If you like a fast, check-everything pace, you can fit more. If you prefer a slower day, the same five-stop limit still works—you just won’t feel trapped by tight timing at each stop.
Price and Value: What $34.62 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

At $34.62 per person, this is a good value for what you’re buying: private transport for a full day, pickup included, plus the freedom to choose up to five attractions.
Here’s the tradeoff: entrance fees and lunch are not included. The tour specifically notes that all entrance fees are at your expense and you can buy them on site. That’s normal for tours like this, but it does mean your real budget depends on what you pick.
The value calculation is basically this:
- If you choose multiple paid attractions (monkey forest, rice terrace viewpoints, waterfalls, temples), the added entrance costs will be noticeable.
- If you prioritize free options (the art market is listed as free), you keep the day more budget-friendly.
- If you’re traveling with people who hate “group tour herding,” the private setup can feel like an upgrade even if the total day spend ends up similar to a cheaper tour.
Also worth noting: the tour is booked about 18 days in advance on average. That suggests people plan ahead to lock in a day that matches their itinerary.
Pickup Across Ubud and South Bali: Losing Less Time

The included pickup is one of the most practical perks here. You can be picked up from Ubud and from south Bali areas including Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu. That’s a wide net and it can save you from the usual hassle of coordinating transport on your own.
You also get 2-way private transfers, meaning you’re not left arranging a return ride after a long day. For an 8 to 10 hour tour, this matters more than it sounds. You’ll feel the difference when you’re tired and don’t want to hunt down transportation.
You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you prefer keeping everything on your phone.
Choosing Your Five Stops: Mixing Icons With Calmer Temple Time

The menu is broad enough that you can build your day around a theme—or around contrasts. A classic Ubud blend is:
- One wildlife or nature attraction
- One cultural activity
- One scenic viewpoint (rice terraces and/or swing)
- One waterfall
- One temple or archaeological site
Why this works: your senses stay fresh. You’re not doing five similar “lookouts” back to back.
Below are the standout options, what they’re like, and the main drawback to think about before you pick them.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Shade, Wildlife, and Crowds
Time: about 1 hour
This is Ubud’s famous jungle sanctuary. You walk through thick forest paths under shade, and the experience is built around wildlife you may spot along the way—monkeys plus birds, lizards, and butterflies.
Why I’d include it: it’s one of those places that feels like Ubud in one stop. The setting is immersive, and it’s a good “morning or early slot” style attraction.
Possible drawback: it’s a popular stop, so it can feel busy. If you’re someone who hates crowds, you’ll want to keep the rest of your day calmer to balance it out.
Ubud Traditional Art Market: Souvenirs, Snacks, and Bargaining
Time: about 1 hour
This is the center of the art market area in Ubud. You can browse handmade products and—this is the key—you’re meant to bargain with local vendors.
Why it’s worth your time: markets add texture to a trip. Instead of just taking photos of places, you get a feel for daily life and you can bring home something that actually connects to Ubud.
Possible drawback: if bargaining makes you uncomfortable, you may not enjoy this stop as much. But even then, browsing without buying is still fun.
Also, the market area connects near the Ubud King Palace, so it can serve as a cultural hinge in your day.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace: A Scenic Hit You’ll Remember
Time: about 1 hour
Tegalalang is one of Ubud’s best-known rice terrace areas. You’ll see the green terracing patterns that make people stop and stare—and it’s also a strong spot for photos. The description includes a short trek along the rice paddy path, so it’s not only a viewpoint from one spot.
Why I’d pick it: it’s an easy win. Even if you’ve seen rice terraces elsewhere, this one hits differently because of the terracing scale and the way the paths give you angles.
Possible drawback: it’s a photo-friendly place, so expect it to be active. Also, a short trek still adds some walking time, which affects how you plan the rest of the day.
Real Bali Swing: Big Photos and Adrenaline Energy
Time: about 1 hour
This is the swing stop that’s famous for its giant jungle swing setup. The purpose is simple: go for the adrenaline and get a memorable shot with the jungle backdrop.
Why it fits a custom tour: if your group wants fun and dramatic photos, it’s a high-impact choice.
Possible drawback: if you’re not into heights or you prefer calm sightseeing, this might feel like wasted time. It can also take longer than you expect if your group wants to do the swing more than once.
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah): Archaeology With a Staircase
Time: about 1 hour
Elephant Cave is an archaeological site. You descend around 80 stairs to reach the cave area where you’ll see old temple pieces and the main cave with old ornaments.
Inside, you can see what’s described as old decorative elements—so it’s more than a quick photo stop.
Why it’s a strong choice: it adds history and atmosphere, and the cave setting gives you a change of pace from open scenery like rice terraces and waterfalls.
Possible drawback: stairs. The whole point includes a descent of around 80 stairs, and that means you’re also dealing with the climb back up afterward.
Waterfalls and Temples: How to Keep Your Day Balanced

This is where you can dial the mood. Waterfalls bring movement and cool-down time. Temples and archaeological sites bring the slower, reflective part of Ubud.
Tibumana Waterfall: A Swim-Friendly Break
Time: about 30 minutes
Tibumana is on Ubud’s east side and includes a waterfall plus what’s described as a blue lagoon feel. The text specifically says it’s a nice place for swimming, and you may spend more time in the water here.
Why you might love it: it’s a short block in a long day, but it can still feel like a mini escape. If your itinerary is mostly viewpoints and walking, a swim option makes it more varied.
Possible drawback: since it’s built for relaxing in the water, you’ll want to keep an eye on your overall timing so it doesn’t swallow your other stops.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Popular, Splashy, and Photo-Forward
Time: about 30 minutes
This is a popular waterfall for Ubud photos. The description highlights water splash with sun rays that create natural picture effects.
Why it works: if you want a quick hit of scenery, this is a good fit. Short duration makes it easier to fit after something busier like the art market.
Possible drawback: popularity can mean a busy feel. If your top priority is quiet, choose a different waterfall.
Tegenungan Waterfall: The Closest Big Hangout
Time: about 30 minutes
Tegenungan is described as one of the closest waterfalls to the center. It’s a big waterfall and a common social spot. It’s also listed as having a swimming option.
Why you might choose it: it’s convenient in a day packed with other places, and the chance to swim keeps it lively rather than just scenery.
Possible drawback: because it’s close and popular, it may feel more active than the more niche-feeling options.
Tirta Empul Temple: Cleansing Ceremony Vibe
Time: about 1 hour
Tirta Empul is located in the Tampaksiring area and is one of Bali’s important temples. The description notes that local people do holy blessings for cleansing the body and soul, and you can participate with your guide.
Why it’s powerful: this adds spiritual context. It’s not only about architecture—it’s about a living practice.
Possible drawback: it’s an experience tied to ceremony. If you prefer purely sightseeing over participation, you may want to go in with a flexible mindset and decide how involved you want to be on-site.
Mount Kawi: A Temple Built Into a Stair Climb
Time: about 1 hour
Mount Kawi is an archaeological spot with a temple shrine on the face of a cliff. The big catch is the route: you reach it after walking around 600 stairs down and the same way up.
Why I’d include it: it’s the kind of stop that feels like effort is part of the reward. The effort means you’ll likely feel you earned the view and the atmosphere.
Possible drawback: strenuous walking. This is the one stop in the menu I’d flag hardest for people who don’t want stair work or long climbs.
Batuan Temple: A Cultural Side Path
Time: about 30 minutes
Batuan Temple is described as a shrine connected to villagers and to Balinese paintings, with context around “Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti” taught by Mpu Kuturan.
Why it’s useful in a custom day: it’s shorter, and it can give you cultural texture without taking over your whole afternoon.
Possible drawback: short time means you may not get deep into explanations unless your guide adds context.
Mount Batur Lunch Over Volcano Views

Time: about 1 hour
Mount Batur is described as a top place to enjoy lunch with a volcano and lake view. It’s framed as one of the highlights of a trip because of the magic view from the area.
Why it belongs on your list: it’s a clear “big view” choice. In a day of forests, terraces, and temples, a volcano/lake view is a strong change of scenery.
Possible drawback: lunch is not included in the tour price, so you’ll budget for food. Also, if you prefer not to focus on viewpoints, it may feel like time you could use on waterfalls or temples instead.
Driver-Guides Make It Worth Doing Private

This is where the reviews line up with what matters day-to-day. The highest praises focus on drivers and guides acting like real partners, not just chauffeurs.
Agung Rai is praised for being knowledgeable about Balinese culture and history. Winata is praised for being extremely accommodating and for taking people wherever they chose while keeping time for activities. Sakha is praised for being considerate and patient—waiting while people did their activities, and giving options.
So what should you expect in practical terms?
- You’ll get real input when you’re deciding between nearby stops.
- Your driver will wait while you do your chosen activities, instead of pushing you to sprint.
- If you like learning as you travel, the guide can turn sightseeing into story.
Also, the tour includes parking fees and fuel surcharge. That’s small, but it matters because it keeps the day smoother and keeps you from piecing together extra costs.
Tips to Build Your Perfect Ubud Mix in 8–10 Hours

You only have a limited number of stops, so strategy beats randomness.
1) Pick one “high effort” option
Mount Kawi’s 600 stairs down and up is the obvious one. If you choose it, consider keeping other stops easier on your body.
2) Balance wildlife with culture
Monkey Forest gives you the living-jungle feel. Pair it with a slower cultural stop like Ubud Traditional Art Market or a temple for contrast.
3) Use the short 30-minute waterfalls intentionally
Tibumana, Kanto Lampo, and Tegenungan are all listed at about 30 minutes. That makes them ideal if you want a nature break without eating your whole day.
4) Let the market shape the rest of the day
If you bargain at the art market and pick up souvenirs, you may feel like slowing down after. That can guide you to a scenic or easy stop next.
5) Don’t forget lunch planning if you go to Mount Batur
Since lunch isn’t included, plan for that cost so you’re not surprised when you reach the viewpoint.
Should You Book This Customized Ubud Tour?
I’d book this if you want a private, flexible Ubud day where you can mix your favorites—monkeys, terraces, temples, waterfalls, and even a volcano-view lunch. The pickup coverage is strong, and the best part is that you’re choosing up to five places instead of following a one-size-fits-all loop.
I’d think twice if you’re trying to keep costs very tight or you don’t want to pay multiple entrance fees on top of the tour price. Also, if stairs are a problem, avoid or carefully consider stops like Mount Kawi and Elephant Cave, both built around stair access.
If your group values comfort, time-saving pickup, and a guide who stays patient while you enjoy each stop, this is the kind of tour that tends to feel worth it.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Customized Ubud Tour?
The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours.
How many attractions can I choose?
You can select up to five places from the available options.
Are entrance fees included in the price?
No. All entrance fees are not included and are paid at the sites.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Do you offer pickup from hotels?
Yes. Pickup is included from Ubud and many south Bali areas including Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This is a private tour with only your group participating.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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