Private Tour to Enjoy Barong Dance, Ubud Art Village and Volcano

Exploring Bali’s Cultural Heart: Private Tour to Enjoy Barong Dance, Ubud Art Village, and Volcano

Bali isn’t just about beaches and sunsets — it’s also a vibrant hub of traditional arts and spiritual sites. This private day tour offers a thoughtfully curated taste of Bali’s rich heritage, combining a mesmerizing dance performance, visits to iconic art villages, a scenic lunch overlooking the volcano, and a sacred temple experience. It’s ideal if you want to explore with ease, luxury, and personal attention.

What we love most about this tour is its flexible private setup, meaning you skip the crowds and travel at your own pace. The highlight for many is the Barong dance, a captivating display of Bali’s mythic storytelling through dance and costume. The tour also shines in showcasing authentic artisan villages — perfect for those craving genuine craftsmanship.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s price covers the vehicle, driver, and local entrance fees but not the individual tickets for attractions or meals. So, budgeting for those extras is wise. This experience is perfect for travelers keen on culture, comfortable logistics, and scenic views, especially if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive Bali experience.

Key Points

• Private, stress-free transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies your day.
• Authentic cultural experiences including the legendary Barong dance and visits to artisan villages.
• Scenic lunch with views of Lake Batur and Mount Batur for a memorable meal in a breathtaking setting.
• Visit to Tirta Empul Temple offers spiritual insight and a chance to participate in traditional purification rituals.
• Flexible itinerary allows for a personalized experience, focusing on your interests.
• Additional costs are for entrance tickets, meals, and personal expenses, giving you control over your budget.

A Deep Dive into the Bali Private Tour Experience

Starting with the Cultural Highlight: The Barong & Kris Dance

Your day begins with a drive from Nusa Dua to Batubulan, roughly an hour’s journey. The Barong and Kris dance is the perfect introduction — a vibrant performance portraying the eternal battle of good versus evil through intricate costumes and hypnotic movements. As one reviewer pointed out, “The dance is performed artistically and must be done by professionals,” adding to its captivating nature. Since it’s a morning-only show, it’s a chance to see authentic Bali traditions in action, performed with passion and precision.

Expect approximately 2.5 hours at this first stop. Admission isn’t included, but the experience is well worth it for the lively storytelling and impressive costumes. We loved the way dancers seemed to lose themselves in their trance-like performance, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that sets a cultural tone for the day.

Exploring Ubud’s Art Villages: Celuk, Mas, and Batubulan

Following the dance, the tour moves onto Ubud’s artisan communities, starting with Celuk Village, renowned for its fine silver jewelry. Here, you can observe skilled artisans at work, sometimes even trying your hand at jewelry making. The 30-minute stop offers a glimpse into Bali’s craftsmanship, revealing how traditional techniques are preserved.

Next is Mas Village, famous for its woodcarvings and fine art paintings. Visitors often remark on the high quality of the handmade pieces, making it an ideal spot for souvenirs or just appreciating local talent. The 1-hour visit allows enough time to walk among the workshops and chat with artists, gaining insight into their creative process.

This part of Bali’s art scene is more than just eye candy — it’s about understanding a core aspect of local culture. Based on reviews, many appreciate the authentic experience and the chance to see artisans in action rather than just browse souvenir shops.

Scenic Drive to Mount Batur: Kintamani and Volcano Views

The journey continues to Kintamani, approximately an hour away, nestled under the majestic Mount Batur caldera. The landscape here is dramatic — lush green hills, volcanic craters, and the shimmering Lake Batur. Travelers have highlighted how the views at lunch are breathtaking, offering a perfect backdrop to a buffet meal.

Many mention the cool air (around 21°C during the day) as a refreshing change from Bali’s tropical warmth. Some guests even take a dip in the nearby hot springs, especially appealing after walking or sightseeing. The drive itself is scenic, and you’ll appreciate the comfort of your private vehicle, avoiding the hassle of navigating Bali’s often confusing roads.

Visiting Tirta Empul Temple: Sacred Springs and Spiritual Cleansing

After lunch, the tour heads to Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most revered temples, built in 1954. It’s a place where spiritual purification is still practiced, and visitors can join the locals in ritual bathing. Make sure to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees — sarongs are available to rent at the entrance.

The temple’s central pools are stunning, with clear waters and ancient stone spouts that are believed to have healing powers. One reviewer noted that “the temple complex is large and well-maintained,” and the experience offers both cultural insight and a sense of peace. Expect around 2 hours here to soak in the atmosphere and explore the grounds.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Iconic Bali Landscape

The final stop is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, about 30 minutes from Ubud. This UNESCO-recognized landscape is Bali’s postcard-perfect scene — layered green terraces carved into the hillside, irrigated by traditional subak systems. Visitors often mention how “the view is breathtaking,” particularly when viewed from the cafes or walkways.

It’s a great place to relax, take photos, and marvel at the ingenuity of Balinese rice farming. Many also choose to enjoy lunch here, with restaurants offering views of the terraces. The experience encapsulates Bali’s agricultural heritage in a vivid, accessible way.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The private vehicle and driver are the core of this experience, providing seamless movement between stops, which saves time and energy. The driver is an English speaker, adding a layer of convenience and local insight. The tour fee covers petrol and parking fees, making logistics straightforward.

However, entrance tickets for attractions like the dance, temple, and art villages are not included, nor are meals and personal expenses. This offers flexibility but means you need to plan for additional costs. The buffet lunch with volcano views is a highlight, but it’s at your own expense, so bringing some cash is handy.

Authenticity and Value

While the price is $91 per group (up to 5), the value lies in the personalized experience and convenience. You get to cover many highlights in a single day without the hassle of arranging transport or navigating Bali’s traffic. The stops are well-chosen for their cultural and scenic significance, making it a balanced agenda.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler noted, “The dance performance was artistically beautiful, and seeing artisans work in their villages gave me a real sense of Bali’s craftsmanship.” Another mentioned, “The views of Lake Batur from the restaurant were stunning, and the cool mountain air was a delightful break from the heat.” These snippets show how the tour combines visual spectacle with cultural authenticity.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want an easy, curated day exploring Bali’s cultural and natural highlights. It’s especially good for those with limited time but who crave depth — the private setup ensures you avoid crowds and time-wasting. It’s ideal if you’re interested in arts, spirituality, and scenic landscapes.

If you’re a family, a couple, or a small group seeking a comprehensive Bali day trip, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of entertainment, education, and breathtaking views. It’s not perfect for those looking for intense adventure or overnight stays, but it’s excellent for a relaxed culture.

The Sum Up

This private Bali tour is a fantastic way to experience some of the island’s most treasured sights without the stress of planning or navigating. Its carefully chosen stops— from the mesmerizing Barong dance to the artisan villages and scenic volcano views— deliver a well-rounded cultural day out. The convenience of hotel pickup and private transport enhances the experience, making it suitable for travelers who value comfort and personalized service.

While you’ll need to budget for entrance fees and meals, the overall value remains high, especially considering the quality of sights and the intimate nature of a private tour. Whether you’re passionate about Bali’s traditions or simply want a day of easy exploration with stunning scenery, this tour ticks many boxes.

For those seeking a balance of cultural insight, scenic beauty, and hassle-free logistics, this experience offers a well-paced, memorable Bali adventure—perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the driver picks you up and drops you off directly from your hotel in Nusa Dua, making the day smooth and stress-free.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance fees for the dance, temples, and art villages are not included. You’ll need to pay these separately at each site.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, giving ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your driver can tailor the stops slightly based on your interests, but major sites are fixed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with moderate physical fitness will find this manageable, but keep in mind some walking and temple dress code.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Shoes should be easy to remove.

How much should I budget for extras?
Allow extra for entrance fees, meals, souvenirs, and personal expenses. The buffet lunch and temple tickets are at your own cost.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The scenic spots like Lake Batur and Tegalalang rice terraces are perfect for capturing Bali’s natural beauty.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changes in your plans.

This Bali private tour offers a lovely blend of art, tradition, and natural beauty, suited for those who prefer a relaxed, insightful, and deeply authentic experience of the island.