Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour

Reviewed · SAFARI

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour

4.6 · 12 reviews From $70 Operated by Bali Day Trip · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Wind in your hair, Ubud in one day. This VW Safari convertible private day tour is built for checking off Ubud highlights with easy door-to-door pickup and drop-off, plus big photo stops at Bali’s best-known viewpoints. You’ll ride in a 1970s-style classic car, then spend the day working through waterfall, rice terraces, and Ubud’s temple-and-market circuit.

Two things I really like are the mix of nature and culture (you’re not stuck on only one type of stop), and the convenience of having entrance tickets plus lunch handled for you. One drawback to consider: despite being advertised with a live English guide, the experience is more driver-led than a nonstop narration show, so if you want deep commentary every minute, you’ll need to ask questions.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

  • Door-to-door pickup across many Bali areas means less hassle than meeting at a distant point.
  • Classic VW Safari convertible rides make the day feel like an event, not just transportation.
  • Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegalalang Rice Terrace are both built in as long enough stops to actually enjoy photos and views.
  • Pura Samuan Tiga and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary add real Balinese atmosphere beyond scenic viewpoints.
  • Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market finish the day with a dose of town life.
  • Lunch in central Ubud with mineral water is included, with a vegetarian option if you book ahead.

Why a Classic 70s VW Safari Works So Well in Ubud

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Why a Classic 70s VW Safari Works So Well in Ubud
Ubud can feel like a lot when you’re planning it yourself: traffic, parking, tickets, and deciding which stops are worth your time. This tour solves a big chunk of that stress by putting you in a private Volkswagen Safari convertible with a professional English-speaking driver and a clear route.

The car part isn’t just cute. A convertible makes the ride feel open and relaxed, and it changes the pace of the day. Instead of locking into “tour mode,” you get moments of normal travel: wind through the car, quick scenery glances between stops, and a sense that you’re moving through the island rather than jumping from one bus window to another.

Value-wise, it also bundles the things that normally add up: entrance tickets, petrol, and parking are included, along with a set-menu lunch and mineral water. For $70 per person, that’s the kind of pricing where you’re paying for fewer decisions and fewer surprises.

One small reality check: this is a private car day with stops. It’s not a full museum-style guided lecture where someone is narrating every detail from minute one. If you want that constant guided storytelling, go in ready to ask the driver what you’re seeing as you go.

Pickup, Drop-off, and the One-Day Route Pace

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Pickup, Drop-off, and the One-Day Route Pace
This is a one-day format, with starting times depending on availability. The big practical win is that pickup and drop-off are offered from a long list of areas, including places like Seminyak, Sanur, Canggu, Denpasar, Kuta, and even Ubud itself. If you’re staying outside Ubud, that matters a lot.

On the day, you’ll wait in the hotel lobby about five minutes before pickup. You can treat it like a curated road trip: once you’re in the car, you’re largely done with planning. That’s also why it works well for visitors who want to see several Ubud icons without cramming every minute.

The route is structured with roughly one-hour visits at each main stop. That timing isn’t rushed, but it’s not slow either. You’ll have enough time to get your bearings, take photos, and walk around at a comfortable pace. Just remember that Bali sightseeing often comes with uneven paths and steps, especially at waterfalls and temple areas.

And because it’s a private group, you’re not dealing with the stop-and-go chaos of a big coach. Still, it’s a full day with multiple attractions, so think of it as active. If you have back or heart issues, or you need wheelchair access, this setup may not be the right fit.

Tegenungan Waterfall: Your First Taste of Bali Water Views

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Tegenungan Waterfall: Your First Taste of Bali Water Views
The day starts with a visit to Tegenungan Waterfall. Expect this to be your “wow” nature stop: a classic Bali waterfall scene that’s popular for a reason. You’ll have about one hour here, which is enough time to see the main viewpoints, wander a bit, and get photos before crowds shift and the light changes.

What makes this stop worth your time is how it anchors the whole itinerary. Waterfalls in Bali aren’t just pretty backdrops; they’re also a break from the heat and a chance to feel the island’s humidity and greenery up close. You’ll also notice how quickly the atmosphere changes once you arrive—tourist energy rises, then you settle into the rhythm of short walks and lookouts.

Practical tip: bring your camera plan, not just your camera. At waterfalls, you often want a few shots from different angles, and you may be tempted to chase the best view and lose track of time. Use that one-hour window with a simple strategy: one wide scenic shot, one closer shot, and one you can share that shows the scale.

There’s no stated “ticket lines” problem for this specific stop, but the tour does include skip-the-line access overall. Translation: you’ll spend less time stuck waiting at entrances and more time using your limited daylight.

A few more Ubud trips worth weighing up

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Views Plus Movement

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Views Plus Movement
Next is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, another iconic stop with a one-hour visit. Rice terraces are one of those Bali experiences that can look almost identical in photos until you see them in motion and in person. Here, you’re walking along view points that overlook the working fields, and you’ll notice how the terrain shapes the experience.

What you’ll like most about Tegalalang is how it shifts the day from pure scenery to texture. You’re looking at layers—water, soil, paths, and vegetation—stacked across slopes. It’s a place where you can spend time just observing, then pivot to photos when the light cooperates.

A smart way to enjoy it: don’t just stand at the first view. Take a few minutes to walk and find a second perspective. Even small changes in height can make the terrace patterns look dramatically different in your photos.

Also, remember you’re in a tour schedule. If it’s sunny, protect your skin. The tour request list includes sunscreen, and you’ll feel why once you’re outside for the terrace walk.

Samuan Tiga Temple: A Cultural Pause (Not Just a Photo Stop)

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Samuan Tiga Temple: A Cultural Pause (Not Just a Photo Stop)
After the rice terraces, the tour includes Pura Samuan Tiga for about one hour. Temples can be a trap for visitors who treat them like background scenery, so use this time as a reset between nature stops.

This is where the tour’s “culture” part actually shows up. Instead of only landscapes and waterfalls, you’re stepping into the sacred rhythm of Bali through a temple setting. You’ll likely see locals treating the site with everyday respect, which changes how you experience the space. It’s one thing to photograph a structure; it’s another to notice the lived-in, practiced calm around it.

Dress code is listed as smart casual, which is your cue to avoid anything too casual or revealing. At religious sites, it’s also wise to be observant: stay on paths where you can, and follow instructions from the driver as needed.

If you like your sightseeing to include meaning—not just views—this stop is one of the better anchors in the whole day.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Indoors? No. Be Ready.

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Indoors? No. Be Ready.
The tour continues to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for about one hour. This is one of those Bali attractions where the setting is iconic and the “wild card” is obvious: monkeys.

Your experience here depends on timing, weather, and behavior of the animals on that particular day. Either way, treat it like a place where you’re sharing space. Keep your belongings secure, watch where you walk, and don’t assume every animal is interested in humans.

One bonus: the sanctuary gives you a change of scenery from terraces and temples. You’ll move through shaded areas and notice how the forest environment affects your comfort. It’s a good mid-day or afternoon-type stop, especially if you need a break from the brightest sun.

Also, since the tour is private, you’re not stuck waiting for a group. You can pause for a moment, then keep moving when you’re comfortable.

Ubud Palace and Ubud Traditional Art Market: Finish With Town Life

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Ubud Palace and Ubud Traditional Art Market: Finish With Town Life
After the nature and sanctuary stops, the day closes with Ubud cultural centerpieces: Ubud Palace and the Ubud Traditional Art Market, each with about one hour.

Ubud Palace brings you back to the “royal and ceremonial” side of the town. Even if you don’t consider yourself a history person, it’s still a great sight because it gives context. The day stops you’ve seen so far could feel like separate world fragments—waterfall, rice, temple, forest. The palace ties them to the fact that Ubud is a real town with cultural gravity, not just a scenic destination.

Then you end at the Ubud Art Market. This is the spot where you can slow down and shop if that’s your style. Markets are also useful for understanding local crafts and everyday life. You’ll see the results of Balinese artistry in a very practical way: items you can buy, items you can compare, and items you can use as souvenirs that actually came from where you went.

Practical shopping note: set a budget in your head before you arrive. Markets can turn into a spending rabbit hole because everything looks interesting and easy to justify.

Lunch in Central Ubud: Included, Simple, and Convenient

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - Lunch in Central Ubud: Included, Simple, and Convenient
Lunch is included as an Indonesian set menu in a restaurant in the heart of Ubud, plus mineral water. You also have the option for a vegetarian meal if you request it at booking.

Why this matters: when you’re doing a full day with multiple major stops, lunch planning becomes a time sink. Having it included keeps the tour moving. It also means you’re not searching for a restaurant mid-route with limited daylight.

That said, a set-menu lunch is not the time to aim for a specific culinary style. It’s there to fuel your afternoon and keep your schedule smooth. If you’re food-focused, you might still want a second meal later that evening to explore on your own, where you can choose exactly what you feel like.

The Driver-Led Experience: What to Expect From the Human Part

Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour - The Driver-Led Experience: What to Expect From the Human Part
The most consistent praise point here is simple: the driver is the standout. That tells me two things about how this tour is likely to feel from the inside.

First, the tour’s quality often comes down to the person handling your route, timing, and stop flow. An excellent driver makes the whole day feel easy. You get clearer answers when you ask, and you’re less likely to feel lost when you arrive at each site.

Second, this is more of a “car + stops” format than a nonstop guide show. Yes, it’s advertised with an English guide, but the lived experience tends to revolve around the driver doing the practical work. If you want detailed facts constantly, bring curiosity and questions. Ask about what you’re looking at, ask about best photo spots, ask how long you should spend moving through each area.

If you’re okay with that approach, you’ll likely love the relaxed vibe. If you need an expert lecturer voice in your ear at all times, you may find the pacing too light on commentary.

Price and Value: Is $70 a Fair Deal for This VW Safari Day?

At $70 per person, the price is reasonable when you compare what’s included. This isn’t just a car rental with optional tickets.

Your package includes:

  • VW Safari Classic Car
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • All entrance tickets
  • Indonesian set-menu lunch plus mineral water
  • Petrol and parking
  • A 21% service charge and government tax

When entrance fees and lunch are rolled in, the number stops being just a headline and starts being a real convenience math problem. If you tried to stitch together the same mix of locations yourself, you’d likely pay for transport, tickets, and time—and you’d still have to coordinate lunch. Here, you don’t.

Not included items are also clearly listed: alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and personal expenses. That’s normal. The smarter move is to treat the included mineral water as your hydration baseline and plan any extra drinks for later on your own.

Bottom line on value: if you want a one-day Ubud sampler with less planning, this feels priced for that convenience.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you:

  • Want a classic-car experience without doing logistics yourself
  • Like combining waterfall + rice terraces + Ubud town in one day
  • Prefer a private setup with door-to-door pickup
  • Appreciate a relaxed, driver-led flow rather than a heavy scripted tour

It may not be ideal if you:

  • Need a constant, deeply guided explanation at every stop
  • Have mobility limits or you need wheelchair access
  • Have back or heart problems, since the tour is not listed as suitable for those needs

Also, bring sunscreen and a camera. You’ll want both, especially for the outdoor nature and terrace stops.

One more note: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s a good rule for a road trip day, and it keeps the vibe focused on sightseeing.

Should You Book the Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want Ubud highlights covered in one efficient day, and you’ll enjoy the “road trip first” feel of a classic VW Safari convertible. The best reasons to choose it are the bundled logistics, the included entrances and lunch, and the fact that the driver experience tends to be the thing people remember.

I’d skip it if your priority is a highly detailed guided lecture. Treat this as a private day with smart timing and great stops, where you get the most value by asking questions and moving at your own pace inside each one-hour window.

FAQ

FAQ

What is included in the price of the Ubud VW Safari Bali Tour?

The tour includes the VW Safari Classic Car, a professional English-speaking driver, all entrance tickets, an Indonesian set menu lunch with mineral water, petrol, parking fee, and a 21% service charge and government tax.

Do I get pickup and drop-off, or do I need to meet somewhere?

Pickup and drop-off are included, with many pickup and drop-off options listed across Bali. You wait in the hotel lobby about 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

How long is the tour?

It’s a 1-day tour. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check what times are offered for your travel date.

Which places does the tour visit?

The itinerary includes Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Pura Samuan Tiga, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace, and Ubud Traditional Art Market.

Is lunch included, and can I choose a vegetarian option?

Yes. Lunch is included as an Indonesian set menu with mineral water. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a camera and sunscreen. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The dress code is smart casual.

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