Bali: Bedugul Temple, Banyumala Waterfall, UNESCO Rice Terrace

Explore Bali’s Less-Trodden Paths with a Private Full-Day Tour

This Bali day tour offers a refreshing escape from the popular tourist spots, taking you into the island’s more tranquil and rural corners. Designed for those who prefer a personalized experience, the tour combines iconic sights like the Bedugul Temple with natural wonders such as Banyumala Waterfalls and the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. What makes this experience stand out? It’s the chance to enjoy these sites without the crowds, thanks to a carefully curated itinerary and the comfort of private transport.

One thing we really appreciate is how the tour is incredibly flexible—your guide will give you undivided attention, allowing you to spend as much or as little time as you’d like at each stop. Plus, the scenic drive through Bali’s highlands offers a chance to unwind while soaking in breathtaking views. That said, with entrance fees not included, travelers should budget a bit extra for admission costs, which can be cheaper if purchased during the activity itself. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace, intimate insights, and a more authentic look at Bali’s countryside.

Key Points
– Private and personalized experience with a dedicated guide.
– Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Bali hotel.
– Visit iconic and lesser-known sites away from crowds.
– Enjoy the scenic drive through Bali’s lush highlands.
– Flexible timing allows you to linger at your favorite spots.
– Suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility, as it involves walking and uneven terrain.

An Overview of the Bali Full-Day Private Tour

This tour is thoughtfully designed to combine Bali’s natural beauty with cultural highlights, all while avoiding the busy tourist hubs. For just $39 per person, you’ll get a private vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and a full day of exploration. Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as major highlights, making it a worthwhile choice for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

The tour begins at 8:30 am, with convenient pickup from your hotel in Seminyak or other central locations. The day’s itinerary is packed but flexible enough to allow a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to appreciate each stop. The group size is limited to your private party, which enhances intimacy and personalized attention.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive up into Bali’s highlands, culminating at the Ulun Danu Temple. This water temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and photographed sites. Floating on Lake Beratan, it appears almost surreal, especially on a calm morning. Visitors describe the view as “beautiful,” and many appreciate how the temple’s reflection creates a mirror effect on the lake’s surface, making it perfect for photos.

While the admission ticket isn’t included, the temple’s exterior alone offers plenty to marvel at. The tranquil setting and panoramic lake views create a peaceful start to the day. Several reviewers, like sb2tr29mpw, mention that everything went smoothly and appreciated the freedom to spend as much time as they liked here.

Stop 2: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Next, you’ll venture into Bali’s lush rainforest to find the Banyumala Waterfalls. The walk there is pleasant, offering a chance to enjoy Bali’s greenery and fresh air. Banyumala is acknowledged for its twin streams, but visitors visiting after rain report multiple waterfalls with an impressive cascade effect.

A highlight? The natural swimming pool right under the waterfall, where you can bathe in the clear, cool water. Many travelers love the opportunity to swim in such pristine surroundings, as noted by reviewers who found the waterfalls “very pleasant” and perfect for a refreshing dip. The natural setting, combined with the chance for a quick, scenic hike, makes this a highlight of the day.

Stop 3: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The day wraps up at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its truly stunning landscapes. The lush green layers of rice paddies extend as far as the eye can see, backed by Mount Batukaru. Visitors often comment that this is “the most interesting scenery in Bali,” thanks to the well-preserved traditional farming techniques and organic methods still used here.

This spot offers a peaceful atmosphere, away from the typical tourist bustle, allowing for some excellent photography and a chance to simply breathe in the fresh mountain air. As noted in reviews, the scenery is “breathtaking,” and many travelers feel it’s a quintessential Bali experience.

Transportation and Comfort

Throughout the day, you’ll travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which is a significant upgrade from crowded buses or shared tours. The driver, who doubles as your guide, is praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the long drives enjoyable. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel eliminate the hassle of navigating Bali’s roads, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

The tour is designed to be flexible, with around 45–50 minutes allocated per stop, allowing you to soak in each location without feeling rushed. If you’re interested in swimming at Banyumala, remember to bring a towel and extra clothes, as these are not included.

Entrance Fees and Extras

Admission tickets aren’t included, and prices are recommended to be purchased during the activity for savings. Since the sites are free to admire from outside, the costs mainly cover the entrance to the waterfalls and rice terraces, which are quite reasonable. This means you can control your spend while enjoying the experience.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Reviewers consistently emphasize the expertise of the guides, especially mentioning Santanu, who seems to go above and beyond in sharing insights and making the day enjoyable. Caroline_P noted that Santanu provided a lot of information and made the day fun, enriching her understanding of Bali’s culture and landscape. Similarly, Cline_R appreciated the extraordinary driver who accompanied every part of the trip.

Another visitor, Cline_R, pointed out that the temple, waterfall, and rice terraces all provide “incredible sights”, and the fact that the tour avoids crowded spots makes the experience much more personal and relaxed. This private approach is a clear advantage for travelers seeking intimacy and a tailored pace.

Pricing and Value

At $39 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the private transport, guide, and access to three major sites. When you compare this to individual entry costs and the hassle of organizing transport or navigating Bali’s rural roads, the price feels more than justified.

While admission fees are extra, buying tickets during the activity can be cheaper, and the convenience of having everything organized for you is a bonus. The personalized service allows you to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than stressing over logistics.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurers who prefer a relaxed, guided day without the pressure of navigating oneself. It appeals particularly to first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded Bali experience with stunning landscapes and cultural highlights. The private setup suits travelers who want flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, off-the-beaten-path locations and prefers a slower, more meaningful exploration of Bali’s rural beauty, this tour will serve you well. It’s also great for small groups or couples looking for an intimate day out.

The Sum Up

This Bali private day tour offers a well-balanced mix of cultural, natural, and scenic sights, all delivered with personal attention and comfort. The inclusion of important landmarks like Ulun Danu Temple, Banyumala Waterfalls, and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces ensures you get a comprehensive taste of Bali’s lesser-crowded treasures.

The experienced guides, especially those who can share insights and local knowledge, make this experience more meaningful. The scenic drives and tranquil locations are perfect for those wanting to escape the busy tourist spots and enjoy Bali’s natural beauty at their own pace.

Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences, convenience, and value. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or just after a peaceful day away from Bali’s bustling beaches, this tour delivers on multiple fronts.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private pickup and drop-off in selected Bali locations, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, a private English-speaking driver/guide, parking fees, and local taxes. Entrance fees are not included but can be purchased during the activity.

What is the start time?
The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, and the actual sightseeing starts around 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you enough time to explore each site comfortably.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider walking and uneven terrain at waterfalls and rice terraces.

Can I customize the pace?
Yes, the private guide allows you to spend more or less time at each stop, depending on your preferences.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase at the stops.

How do I purchase admission tickets?
It’s recommended to buy tickets during the activity for better prices. The guide can assist with this.

In summary, this Bali tour is a fantastic way to see some of the island’s gems with less fuss and more personal attention. It’s ideal for those wanting a scenic, cultural, and relaxed day in Bali’s serene countryside.