Ubud hits you with myth, views, and monkeys. This private day stitches Barong & Kris dance culture together with a Mount Batur viewpoint and an easy Ubud walk at the end. I especially like how the route mixes big sights with time to actually look, not just pose and move on. One thing to consider: several stops charge entrance fees you’ll pay on-site, and with an 8 to 10 hour day, you’ll want comfortable shoes.

This is a practical setup for first-timers. You get pickup, a comfortable AC vehicle, bottled water, and a driver who speaks English. There’s also the option of an English/French/Spanish/Chinese guide for an extra cost, and the company uses a mobile ticket. From the service stories I’ve read, guides like Ambo and Cema are often praised for being friendly and patient—exactly what you want when you’re juggling temple time, viewpoints, and a big day of driving.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Barong & Kris dance (1 hour) with a myth-and-duality theme tied to Balinese tradition
• Mount Batur viewpoint from Kintamani for panoramic volcanic views and a needed break
• Tegalalang rice terraces (30 minutes) plus swing time if you want it as an add-on
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) (45 minutes), a major spiritual site in Ubud
• Monkey Forest Sanctuary (45 minutes), a real sanctuary setting with about 749 long-tailed monkeys
• Good value for a private day: AC transport, fuel/parking fees, and bottled water are included

A Ubud day built around five big themes (plus two classic stops)

This is an all-day private route in and around Ubud and northern Bali. Plan for about 8 to 10 hours, and expect an efficient rhythm: performance and craft stops early, a temple and volcano viewpoint mid-day, then rice terraces and nature/city time toward the end.

Because it’s private, you won’t get dragged into someone else’s pace. Your group travels together in one comfortable AC vehicle, with your driver handling the logistics. That matters here, since the day includes both cultural stops (dance, temples, market) and viewpoint stops (Kintamani), where you’ll want a little slack to look around.

Barong & Kris Dance: the mythology show you should actually watch

The day starts with Barong & Kris Dance, a one-hour performance where Balinese tradition and religious mythology show up in action. I like this stop because it’s not just entertainment. It’s a living cultural story that connects to Balinese ideas about duality—good and evil, and how forces balance out.

You’ll hear about the sacred background through the dance performance itself, including references to the Mahabharata tradition behind the story. If you usually skip performances because you think they’ll be rushed, don’t. This one is timed as a full hour, and it’s a great way to put meaning behind the temples and rituals you’ll see later.

Important practical note: admission for this stop is not included, so budget a bit extra at the start of the day.

UC Silver Gold (45 minutes): see silver and gold craft in a real shop setting

Next up is a visit to UC Silver Gold, focused on handmade silver and gold jewelry. This is one of those stops that people either love or tolerate—so here’s how I’d approach it.

If you enjoy craft, you’ll likely appreciate seeing the process and learning how the jewelry is made. It also pairs well with the cultural start of the day, because Balinese art isn’t only temples and dance. It’s also objects people wear and use every day.

Admission for this stop is listed as free, and the time block is 45 minutes. That gives you enough time to look, ask a few questions, and decide whether you want to buy anything without feeling trapped.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): a temple stop with atmosphere, not just photos

Then you’ll head to Goa Gajah, also called the Elephant Cave. This is a major historical and cultural site in Ubud, built around an ancient cave complex. I like this stop because it feels more grounded and mysterious than the performance portion of the day.

The site is dedicated to the God of Ganesha, which helps explain the spiritual vibe once you’re standing in the space. This is a 45-minute visit, and entrance fees are not included, so expect to pay on-site.

One practical tip: wear something you can move comfortably in. Cave-and-temple sites usually mean uneven stone paths and a quick shift from open air to enclosed spaces.

Kintamani highland and the Mount Batur viewpoint: where the day slows down

After Ubud, the tour moves toward Kintamani Highland, a village area known for its cooler air and big northern views. Your main payoff is the overview of Mount Batur from the viewpoint.

This is scheduled as 45 minutes, and it’s framed as a rest break built around the panoramic scenery. I like that the schedule gives you time to do the simple thing well: stand there, look out, and take in scale. Volcanic views are one of those moments that feel better when you don’t feel rushed.

Admission isn’t listed for this portion, since it’s primarily a viewpoint experience. Still, use this time wisely: if you’re prone to motion sickness on winding roads, bring whatever you use for that. The drive up is the sort that can make people feel a little off before the view fixes it.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: green views, short time, and swing options

Next comes Tegalallang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous rice terrace areas. The time here is 30 minutes, so this is not the stop to over-plan. It’s for the best angles, the quick walk-around, and then moving on.

What you’ll get is a classic view of green rice plantations and terraces. The description also notes bird-eye style viewpoints, plus swing options available in the area. Some visitors treat the swing like the main event. If you’re doing it, plan for extra time and understand it’s an extra activity not listed as included.

Entrance fees are not included for this stop. It’s worth budgeting, because Tegalallang is popular and the pricing can add up when you stack multiple entrance sites in one day.

Ubud Traditional Art Market and Monkey Forest Sanctuary: local life plus real animals

After the terraces, the tour goes back toward Ubud for a Traditional Art Market walk and then ends with Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Ubud Traditional Art Market (45 minutes)

This is a 45-minute sightseeing block, with admission listed as free. I like markets like this for one simple reason: they help you understand what “everyday Bali” looks like after temple and performance time. You can browse at your own speed and use the time to pick up small gifts without committing to a long shopping spree.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (45 minutes)

Then you’ll visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to Balinese long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The key detail here is the scale: about 749 monkeys live in this sanctuary.

Entrance for Monkey Forest is not included, and the time block is 45 minutes. I recommend treating this like a nature stop, not a zoo-style show. You’re walking through a real sanctuary environment, so it’s best when you keep your expectations flexible and focus on the setting.

Price and timing: the value check (what’s included vs. what you’ll pay)

At $36.78 per person, this is priced low for an all-day private experience with transportation. The big reason it stays affordable is that several major experiences have entrance fees that are not included.

Here’s what’s included:

• Private AC transportation and an experience driver
• English-speaking driver
• Bottled water for each traveler
• Fuel surcharge and parking fees

A tour guide in additional languages is available for an extra cost. Meals and beverages are not included.

Not included (entrance fees):

• Barong & Kris Dance
• Goa Gajah
• Kintamani viewpoint portion is listed as no admission, but double-check any local charges at the viewpoint area
• Tegalallang Rice Terrace
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• UC Silver Gold is listed as free, and the art market is listed as free

So what should you expect your total day spend to look like? Most of your extra costs will be entrance tickets for the temples, performances, and nature areas. If you also want any optional activities (like swing time at Tegalallang), that can add more.

The timing is also worth thinking about. This route is built for breadth: dance, cave temple, volcano viewpoints, terraces, market, and monkey forest in one day. If you’re the type who hates rushing, you may feel the pace after a few stops. On the other hand, if you’re trying to see Ubud’s highlights without planning a complicated self-drive, this day is a strong fit.

Who should book this private Ubud day tour?

This works best if you:

• want a single-day overview of Ubud plus northern views around Kintamani
• like pairing culture (dance + temples) with scenery (Mount Batur + rice terraces)
• prefer the ease of pickup and an AC vehicle over renting a scooter or driving yourself
• travel as a family or mixed ages and want one driver to manage the flow

You might want to skip it (or choose a slower variant) if you:

• want long time in just one place, like only Monkey Forest or only rice terraces
• get uncomfortable with an 8 to 10 hour schedule
• hate paying multiple entrance fees in one day

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if your goal is a packed-but-manageable Ubud highlight day with a private vehicle and clear stop timing. The value is real: you get transport, water, and key sights that people often try to combine anyway. I’d especially recommend it for first-timers who want the meaning of Balinese culture (through the Barong & Kris dance) paired with the big “wow” factor of Mount Batur views.

If you do book, bring a simple strategy: expect to pay entrance fees for several stops, plan for a full day, and wear shoes that handle temple paths and walking in rice terrace areas. And if your driver offers thoughtful guidance along the way, take it—names like Ambo and Cema show up in past service stories for a reason: the day runs better when your guide keeps the pace comfortable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from your designated hotel or pickup point in Ubud, based on your details.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private activity, and only your group participates.

What does the price include?

Included are private transportation (AC vehicle), an experience driver, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and fees for fuel and parking.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included for several stops, including Barong & Kris Dance, Goa Gajah, Tegalallang Rice Terrace, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Are there any stops with free entry?

Yes. UC Silver Gold is listed with admission free, and the Ubud Traditional Art Market is also listed as free.

What places are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Barong & Kris Dance, UC Silver Gold, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Kintamani Highland with Mount Batur viewpoint, Tegalallang Rice Terrace, Ubud Traditional Art Market, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The tour offers mobile ticket.

What languages are available for guidance?

You’ll have an English-speaking driver. A tour guide with other languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, etc.) is available for an additional cost.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.