Hire a Private Car and Driver

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, the idea of navigating its busy roads, tricky parking, and scooter chaos can sound daunting. That’s where this private car and driver experience shines. It offers the freedom to customize your itinerary, skip the crowds, and enjoy Bali’s most stunning sights comfortably and safely.

One thing we love about this tour? The personalized approach — your guide isn’t just a driver but a knowledgeable companion who can suggest sights tailored to your interests. Plus, at just $30 per person, it offers notable value considering the flexibility and access to multiple attractions in a single day.

A potential drawback? Because it’s a private experience, it’s best suited for those who want a more tailored, unrushed day. If you’re after a structured group tour with fixed stops, this might feel a little freeform. However, if you value customization and local insight, this tour is a perfect fit for adventurous travelers, culture seekers, or anyone wanting an authentic Bali experience without the hassle of self-driving.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Fully customizable routes and start times.
• Comfort and Convenience: Private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup.
• Expert Guidance: Your driver can act as a knowledgeable guide, sharing insights.
• Variety of Attractions: From temples and waterfalls to rice terraces and scenic viewpoints.
• Good Value: All-inclusive price, with parking and mineral water included.
• Ideal for: Couples, families, or small groups looking for a flexible Bali adventure.

Why Choose This Tour?

This private Bali tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, culture, and scenery. It’s designed for those who want to avoid the frustration of Bali traffic, especially since the roads are often clogged with scooters and tour buses. Instead, you get a dedicated driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the ability to shape your day according to your desires.

The reviews underscore the value of a knowledgeable, friendly guide — one who not only drives safely but also enriches your experience with local insights. For example, guests have praised drivers like Dika and Ketut for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness, often going above and beyond by sharing facts about Balinese culture or taking excellent photos.

The price point of $30/person makes this a very cost-effective way to see a lot in one day, especially given the private nature. You’re paying for the flexibility to choose your stops and the comfort of private transport, which can be a real game-changer when visiting popular but often crowded destinations.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour is designed to cover a vast array of sights, blending iconic landmarks with lesser-known gems. Each stop offers a different flavor of Bali’s natural beauty, spirituality, and local life.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

The classic Bali postcard shot, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a must-see. We loved the way the terraces cascade down the hillside, creating an almost surreal green pattern. Many reviewers comment on how picturesque this site is, with one noting that after the walk, a small restaurant with sweeping jungle views provides the perfect spot for a snack or refreshment.

Tip: The admission isn’t included, so budget for that if you want to explore further.

Tirta Empul Temple

Next, the Tirta Empul Temple offers a peek into local spiritual practices. Known for its spring water used in ritual purification, this temple is an active site of devotion. Witnessing Balinese Hindus performing blessings here adds an authentic touch.

Guests have appreciated the opportunity to see locals engaging in traditional rituals, and many mention the spring water as “holy” and refreshing. It’s a peaceful place that also offers interesting photo opportunities with the temple’s ornate architecture.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Ubud Monkey Forest is always a hit, especially for animal lovers. Gray macaques roam freely among ancient Hindu temples and lush greenery. Visitors should be cautious with their belongings, as the monkeys are known for being curious and mischievous.

One reviewer shared that the forest is “an interesting mix of nature and spirituality,” giving insight into how the monkeys are part of local culture. It’s a fun, slightly chaotic experience that’s perfect for families or those curious about Bali’s wildlife.

Hidden Waterfalls: Tukad Cepung and Tibumana

For waterfall lovers, this tour hits the jackpot. The Tukad Cepung Waterfall is famed as Bali’s most hidden waterfall, tucked away behind high rocks and reachable via a short trek. The journey through a river valley makes this special, and the view at the end is well worth the effort.

Similarly, Tibumana Waterfall offers a serene swimming spot with clear, mountain-fed blue water. Visitors love swimming in the cool waters and relaxing beneath the cascade. Both waterfalls are praised for their natural beauty and refreshing escapes from the heat.

Rice Field Swing & Scenic Views

The Terrace River Pool Swing provides a fun photo op and adrenaline rush. About 30 meters long, the swing lets you hang over the rice terraces or jungle, capturing stunning scenery in every shot. Many reviewers have raved about the experience, noting how it offers a unique way to appreciate Bali’s lush landscape.

Mount Batur & Local Cuisine

For a taste of Bali’s volcanic landscape, the tour includes a stop near Mount Batur, where panoramic views are spectacular. Here, a buffet serves traditional Indonesian fare like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Sate, and other Balinese dishes. Guests mention the food as “delicious” and a great way to refuel with a view.

Iconic Gates and UNESCO Heritage Sites

The Handara Iconic Gate is one of Bali’s most Instagrammable spots, framed by lush greenery and traditional Balinese architecture. Visitors love snapping photos here, often describing it as a “must-stop” for its breathtaking scenery.

Jatiluwih Green Land offers expansive terraced rice paddies against the backdrop of Mount Batukaru and Mount Agung, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that illustrates Bali’s agricultural traditions.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills & Tirta Gangga

Wanagiri Hills is another picture-perfect stop, where swings over lakes and bird nests create a surreal setting. It’s a favorite for social media posts and offers a bird’s-eye view of Bali’s lush landscape.

Tirta Gangga, with its elaborate water pools, fountains, and sculptures, provides a calming, spiritual experience. It was built in 1948 and still exudes a sense of serenity and beauty, perfect for wandering and photography.

East Bali and Uluwatu Temples

Further afield, the Lempuyang Temple, known as the “Gate of Heaven,” challenges visitors with over 1,700 stairs but rewards them with panoramic views and iconic photo ops. Many travelers say it’s “spectacular” despite the climb.

Uluwatu Temple offers a scenic cliff-top setting with the chance to witness the famous Kecak and Fire Dance in the evening. The dance, based on the Ramayana story, is a captivating cultural performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Beach Time and Cultural Wrap-Ups

The tour wraps up with a visit to Virgin Beach, a pristine white sand beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, or snorkelling. The calm turquoise waters and powdery sands create a perfect scene for unwinding.

Ujung Water Palace adds a historical touch with its pools, gardens, and statues, while the Tenganan Village showcases Bali’s traditional culture, distinct from other villages.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour is all about flexibility — you choose how long you want it to last (8 or 10 hours), and the driver adapts the stops based on your preferences. Most guests find that within 10 hours, they can comfortably see 4-6 major sites, though the exact number depends on how long you linger at each.

Traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle means you can enjoy Bali’s scenic drives without the chaos of public transport or self-driving. The driver, who often doubles as a guide, is well-versed in local sights and culture, often sharing stories or helping with photo-taking.

You might find yourself hopping in and out of the car frequently, especially when visiting waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The stops are typically around 30 minutes each, giving enough time to explore but not so long that your day drags.

The Value for Money

For $30 per person, this experience offers excellent value, considering the private transport, parking fees, and mineral water included. The ability to customize your route makes it a better option than fixed group tours, which often have rigid schedules and less flexibility.

Considerations

While the tour covers a lot, it’s worth noting that some attractions, like Lempuyang Temple, require a challenging climb with over 1,700 stairs. Be prepared for physical activity if you want to visit the gate of heaven. Also, entrance fees are not included, so budget extra for those.

In bad weather, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, but the provider offers full refunds if that happens. Starting early for the east Bali sites, like Lempuyang, is recommended to avoid crowds and beat the heat.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or families who want the freedom to explore Bali without the stress of navigation. It’s perfect if you enjoy customized itineraries, cultural insights, and scenic adventures.

Travelers who value local knowledge and want to avoid the tourist crowds will find this experience particularly rewarding. It also suits those with limited time but a desire to see a broad cross-section of Bali’s landscape and culture.

FAQs

Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience. Only your group will participate, making it flexible and personal.

How long is the tour?
You can choose between 8 or 10 hours. The 10-hour option covers more ground, typically including up to 6 stops, depending on your pace.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included. You should budget extra for tickets to attractions you want to visit.

What areas does the tour cover?
The 10-hour tour generally covers Ubud, Gianyar, Badung, Tabanan, Bangli, and Karangasem. The 8-hour version covers Ubud, Gianyar, Denpasar, Badung, and Bangli.

Do I need to plan the itinerary?
You can customize your stops, or simply ask your driver for suggestions. Many reviews mention that guides like Ketut and Dika offer personalized recommendations based on your interests.

What’s the best time to start?
For the eastern sites like Lempuyang, starting early (around 4-5 am) is recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Final Thoughts

This private car and driver experience in Bali offers the perfect mix of flexibility, comfort, and culture. For those who want to see Bali on their own terms—without the stress of driving or rigid tours—it’s an excellent choice. The quality of guides, the variety of stops, and the value for money make it a standout option for a memorable day exploring the island’s highlights and hidden gems.

If you’re after a tailored, relaxed, and genuinely authentic Bali adventure, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate local insights, stunning views, and the freedom to craft their perfect day out.