Customizable full-day tour of Bali with private driver

Bali’s landscape is a treasure trove of temples, lush rice terraces, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. While exploring these sights independently sounds appealing, the tricky roads and unpredictable driving can turn a scenic adventure into a stressful experience. That’s where this customizable full-day tour with a private driver comes in. It offers the perfect blend of freedom and comfort, letting you build your own itinerary while avoiding the hassle of navigating Bali’s sometimes chaotic streets.

One thing we really appreciate about this experience is the ability to personalize your day. Prebooking online means no haggling at the last minute, and you can choose departure times that suit your rhythm. Plus, with pickup and drop-off directly at your Ubud or south Bali hotel, you save valuable time—something especially appreciated on a busy day.

That said, do keep in mind that admission tickets to each site are not included*, so you’ll need a little extra cash for entrance fees. Also, some reviewers have noted issues with the driver’s charging practices, so it’s wise to clarify costs upfront. This tour is best suited for travelers who want to explore Bali at their own pace without the stress of self-driving, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed, flexible day.

Key Points

• Flexibility & Personalization: Build your own itinerary and choose departure times that fit your schedule.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off save travel time and hassle.
• Cost-Effective: All-inclusive price of $18 per person offers good value, especially with just your group.
• Comfort & Safety: Private vehicle and driver mean you avoid Bali’s tricky traffic and road conditions.
• Extra Costs: Entrance fees, parking, tolls, food, and drinks are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Authentic Experience: Visit iconic temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces with the flexibility to add or skip stops.

The Concept: Freedom with a Chauffeur

This tour stands out because it offers a private, fully customizable day with a dedicated driver, fuel included. Instead of a rigid group schedule, you tell your driver which sites you want to see, and they handle the logistics. This flexibility allows you to spend more or less time at each stop, which is a huge plus if you’re keen to avoid rushed visits or waiting for others.

Based on reviews, many travelers find the driver’s professionalism and punctuality reassuring. One reviewer mentioned, “Good driver. Bring us to the destination and wait for us. Didn’t talk much, just do his job,” highlighting a peaceful, non-intrusive experience. Others appreciated that the driver simply dropped them off and waited, giving them freedom to explore at their own pace.

The Itinerary: A Mix of Iconic and Authentic Stops

The suggested stops in this tour cover Bali’s most famous attractions, often listed as must-see sites. They include:

Lempuyang Temple (“The Heaven Gate”)

• This temple offers spectacular views, especially if you hike up to the famous “Heaven Gate.”
• The admission is not included, but the experience of being there early in the day to beat crowds can be magical.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

• Known for its beautiful pools and lush gardens, Tirta Gangga provides a peaceful retreat.
• It’s a favored spot for photos and a chance to enjoy some quiet moments.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

• In Ubud, this is a popular attraction, where wild monkeys roam freely among ancient temples and lush greenery.
• The review mentions a “best of Ubud & swing” combo, hinting at the added fun of swinging over the forest canopy.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

• Probably the most iconic rice terrace, offering terraced fields that stretch for miles.
• Travelers love the dense greenery and traditional irrigation systems, perfect for photos or just soaking in Bali’s rural beauty.

Batuan Temple

• Authentic local temple, less touristy, offering a glimpse into everyday Balinese Hindu practices.

Tegenungan Waterfall

• A beautiful waterfall close to Ubud, with the chance for a quick dip or just enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Tanah Lot Temple

• An image often associated with Bali—a temple perched on a rocky outcrop, especially stunning at sunset.

Uluwatu Temple

• Known for spectacular ocean views and a temple perched on cliffs. The area is popular for its sunset kecak dance performances.

Tirta Empul Temple

• Famous for its holy spring water, where locals and travelers alike participate in purification rituals.

You can choose to visit all or just some of these sites, making each trip customizable. While some sites have admission costs, the tour itself remains quite affordable.

What to Expect During the Day

The typical full-day duration (10-12 hours) allows ample time to visit all sites at a relaxed pace. Expect an early start, with your driver arriving promptly to maximize your day. The vehicle provided is private, comfortable, and fuel is included, ensuring smooth transitions from one sight to the next.

The driver’s role is primarily logistical—delivering you to each destination and waiting patiently. One reviewer appreciated this approach, saying, “Good driver. Bring us to the destination and wait for us. Didn’t talk much, just do his job.” This suits travelers who prefer a quiet, no-pressure experience.

The tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing snacks, water, and sunscreen is advisable. Casual clothing is recommended, especially for temple visits where modesty is appreciated.

The Experience: Authentic, Flexible, and Stress-Free

You’ll love the views at each site—whether it’s the spectacular terraces, ancient temples, or waterfalls. The flexibility to skip long lines or linger at favorite spots means your day can be tailored around your interests. Plus, since all pickup and drop-off are included, you’ll avoid the hassle of navigating Bali’s busy roads.

The reviews highlight some potential pitfalls. One reviewer mentioned, “Driver took us to the sites with his contact and charged us way more than the fair price,” emphasizing the importance of clarifying costs beforehand. Always confirm what’s included to avoid surprises.

Price and Value

At $18 per person, this tour offers great value, especially considering the convenience of personalized service and hotel pickup. The cost covers the private vehicle and driver, which means you’ll avoid the sometimes confusing and expensive local taxis or scooter rentals. However, remember that admission fees, parking, tolls, and food are extra.

For travelers who want to avoid the stress of navigating Bali’s roads but still see the highlights, this tour provides a cost-effective way to do so. The flexibility means you can prioritize the sites most meaningful to you, making each trip unique.

This private Bali tour is ideal for those who want a self-paced, stress-free way to explore Bali’s famous sights without the hassle of driving or large group tours. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown, families seeking convenience, or groups who prefer privacy and flexibility. If you value personalized experiences and don’t mind arranging entrance fees separately, this could be your ideal Bali day.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who are confident with basic planning but prefer to keep transportation and logistics simple. Those with limited time but wanting to see a good mix of Bali’s cultural and natural highlights will find this tour highly practical.

This full-day private Bali tour offers a fantastic mix of flexibility, comfort, and access to some of the island’s most iconic spots. With a private driver handling logistics, you can focus on soaking in the sights—from ancient temples to lush rice terraces—at your own pace. The ability to customize your itinerary makes it especially appealing for those who want a tailored experience without the stress of navigation.

While extra costs for entrance fees and food mean you should budget accordingly, the overall value remains strong given the convenience and personalized service. It’s a great option for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, intimate way to explore Bali’s highlights without the chaos of public tours.

If you’re keen on discovering Bali’s beauty on your own terms, this tour provides a smart, straightforward way to do so—especially if you want to avoid the risks of self-driving and enjoy a more peaceful, bespoke day out.

What is included in the price of $18 per person?
The price covers a private vehicle, an English-speaking driver, and a 12-hour private charter service. Fuel is also included.

Are entrance fees to sites included?
No, admission tickets are not included. You should budget extra for entry to each location you decide to visit.

Can I choose which sites to visit?
Yes, this tour is customizable, so you can pick the sites most interesting to you, or even skip some if you prefer.

What should I wear?
Casual clothes are recommended, especially for temple visits. Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s a good idea to consider physical ability, especially for sites like temples and waterfalls that involve some walking or stair climbing.

What if I want the driver to wait longer at a site?
The tour is flexible, and you can discuss your preferred timing with the driver beforehand. Just keep in mind that additional waiting time might incur extra charges.

How do I book the tour?
You can prebook online in your home currency, and a mobile ticket will be provided. It’s recommended to book at least 54 days in advance for optimal planning.