Reviewed · ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS & FULL-DAY TOURS
Customizable full-day tour of Bali with private driver
One long day, perfectly paced for your energy level. This private full-day Bali charter is built around a simple idea: you get hotel-to-hotel convenience plus an English-speaking driver, so you spend less time wrestling traffic and more time seeing what you chose. I especially like how the itinerary is customizable, with optional stops you can turn on or off without stress; just note that each site’s admission is typically not included, and one temple has an extra booking surcharge to budget for.
A key drawback to consider: the tour is private, so the quality depends heavily on the driver’s choices and timing. I’d go in prepared—agree on your plan up front, keep an eye on tickets and any extra charges, and protect your day from running early or getting shortened.
In This Review
- Quick take
- Why a private driver beats self-driving in Bali traffic
- Price and what $18 per person really means
- Building your full-day route: Temples, water, terraces, and a sea temple finish
- Stop-by-stop guide: what to expect and what to watch for
- Stop 1: Lempuyang Temple and the optional Heaven Gate time
- Stop 2: Tirta Gangga and the optional Water Palace visit
- Stop 3: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary plus an optional swing stop
- Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Stop 5: Batuan Temple (Puseh Batuan Temple)
- Stop 6: Tegenungan Waterfall
- Stop 7: Tanah Lot Temple
- Stop 8: Uluwatu Temple
- Stop 9: Tirta Empul Temple and holy spring water
- How the customization actually helps you (and when it can go wrong)
- Practical tips that make the day feel smooth
- Should you book this private Bali day charter?
- FAQ
- Is this tour private or shared?
- How long is the private driver charter?
- Where do you get picked up and dropped off?
- Are entrance tickets to temples and attractions included?
- Is food included during the tour?
- Are there any extra temple charges?
- What’s included in the driver price?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- What type of ticket do I receive?
Quick take

- Private charter with hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud or south Bali, saving you a lot of time
- Fuel included for the day, so you avoid surprise basics mid-route
- Flexible departure times that help you match your body clock
- Optional add-ons at most stops so you can fine-tune the pace
- Admission tickets not included, with a specific Lempuyang Temple IDR 250,000 surcharge per booking
- Private vehicle for your group only, with pricing shown per person
Why a private driver beats self-driving in Bali traffic

If you’ve ever tried to drive in Bali with a tight schedule, you already know the problem: you can lose your whole plan to traffic, turns you didn’t expect, and roads that don’t feel friendly for unfamiliar driving. This tour avoids that by putting the driving load onto an English-speaking driver in a private vehicle, with fuel included.
For me, the value is simple. You get control over what you want to see, but you avoid the stress of parking, directions, and negotiating roads while you’re trying to enjoy temples and viewpoints. That matters because many of the famous sites you’ll visit are spread out across the island, and a full-day charter is only enjoyable when the route stays smooth.
The other reason this works well is timing. The tour runs about 10 to 12 hours, and you get a wide choice of departure times, so you can start earlier or later depending on your heat tolerance and your appetite for early-morning temple time.
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Price and what $18 per person really means

The listed price is $18.00 per person, and the service is a one-vehicle booking. That means your real “value” depends on how many people are sharing that vehicle. If you’re traveling with someone, this can be a budget-friendly way to get a private driver for a whole day. If you’re solo, it may feel like you’re paying more than a standard day bus—though you still gain the big advantages of hotel pickup, drop-off, and a customized plan.
Here’s the trade you should understand before you book: entrance fees are not included for the stops, and there are also added costs you may need to handle during the day. Parking fees, toll fees, and any fuel surcharge (if applicable) aren’t part of the base deal. On top of that, there’s a Lempuyang Temple surcharge of IDR 250,000 per booking.
So yes, the headline price looks sweet. But plan your budget like this: think of the driver and transport as the main value, then set aside extra money for entry tickets and the one Lempuyang add-on charge.
Building your full-day route: Temples, water, terraces, and a sea temple finish

The tour structure is flexible. You’ll typically move through a route that can include East Bali sights, Ubud-area highlights, and some of the classic coastal temples on the south and west side. The big idea is that most stops come with an optional add-on, so you can match the day to your interests and your energy.
Your itinerary can include:
- Lempuyang Temple (with an optional Heaven Gate visit)
- Tirta Gangga (with an optional Water Palace visit)
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (with an optional Best of Ubud & Swing add-on)
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Batuan Temple (also known as Puseh Batuan Temple)
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Uluwatu Temple
- Tirta Empul Temple (holy spring water water temple)
A practical note: the clock is real. When a day includes several major stops, some will feel like quick visits. The tour’s stop durations are roughly 1 hour each for most sites (with Lempuyang Temple set at about 2 hours). That’s enough time to see the essentials, but not enough time to wander slowly forever at every location.
Stop-by-stop guide: what to expect and what to watch for

Below is how the day feels when you choose these locations. I’ll also flag the little friction points that can make or break a long day.
Stop 1: Lempuyang Temple and the optional Heaven Gate time
This is the long stop on the route, planned for about 2 hours. You can add the Heaven Gate option, but admission is not included, and there’s also a Lempuyang Temple IDR 250,000 surcharge per booking to factor in.
Why it’s worth it: Lempuyang is one of those names that Bali keeps bringing up, and the gate add-on lets you tailor your visit to what you came for.
What to watch for: the optional add-on can shift your time budget. If you’re trying to fit multiple distant stops after this, keep the number of add-ons realistic.
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Stop 2: Tirta Gangga and the optional Water Palace visit
Plan around 1 hour for Tirta Gangga, with an optional Water Palace visit. Admission tickets are not included.
Why it’s a nice change of pace: after temples, a water-focused stop can feel refreshing—different visuals, different atmosphere.
What to watch for: if you get behind schedule here, you’ll feel it later when you’re trying to reach the south-coast icons.
Stop 3: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary plus an optional swing stop
This stop is another about 1 hour. You may choose an optional Best of Ubud & Swing add-on.
Why it can work: it’s an easy “yes” if you want a classic Ubud-style experience without adding extra transport stress.
What to watch for: because admission isn’t included, check your budget early. Also, decide if the swing add-on is something you truly want, because it can expand your stop in a day that already has tight timing.
Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Expect about 1 hour here, with admission not included.
Why people keep choosing this: rice terraces give you the kind of visual structure that makes Bali feel distinctly Bali.
What to watch for: sun and walking add up. Wear casual clothes and bring a hat and sunscreen; the tour strongly recommends it, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Stop 5: Batuan Temple (Puseh Batuan Temple)
This is a calmer, local-feeling temple stop in the plan, with about 1 hour. It’s described as a Balinese Hindu temple looked after by residents of Batuan countryside.
Why it’s valuable: it’s a reminder that not every temple stop has to feel like a big tourist production.
What to watch for: since it’s optional and admission isn’t included, decide whether you want this as a cultural breather or a quick checkpoint.
Stop 6: Tegenungan Waterfall
This is another about 1 hour stop. The tour places it in the village of Tegenungan Kemenuh on the Petanu River area.
Why it’s a good mid-day reset: a waterfall stop is the kind of visual payoff that helps a long day feel worth it.
What to watch for: water + sun = unpredictable comfort. If you’re doing this later in the day, you might feel the heat more than you expect.
Stop 7: Tanah Lot Temple
Plan about 1 hour at Tanah Lot. The description highlights it as home to Pura Tanah Lot, a pilgrimage temple, and it’s noted as a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography.
Why it’s worth including: it’s one of the most recognizable “Bali on postcards” locations, and it’s timed well for taking breaks from inland stops.
What to watch for: since it’s one of the photo-famous places, you’ll want to keep your expectations flexible. Your best shot is to arrive with patience and a plan for where you want to stand.
Stop 8: Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu comes next, with about 1 hour. It’s described as a Balinese sea temple in Uluwatu, dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra.
Why it’s a strong closer: the sea-temple setting changes the mood of the day and helps your last stop feel like a finale rather than another box on the list.
What to watch for: it’s easy to underestimate walking and stairs if you only think about the view. Wear comfortable footwear even if your day starts “casually.”
Stop 9: Tirta Empul Temple and holy spring water
This stop is near Tampaksiring and is described as a Hindu Balinese water temple. The compound includes a petirtaan bathing structure, and it’s famous for holy spring water.
Why it’s meaningful: water temples often feel different from dry-land temple visits, and this one is specifically tied to holy spring water.
What to watch for: this is another admission-not-included site, so if you add it late in the day, your budget can get squeezed.
How the customization actually helps you (and when it can go wrong)

The main selling point is that you’re not trapped in a fixed sightseeing circuit. You can choose the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t. That’s great when:
- you want a temple-focused day without forced “extra” stops
- you love a photo stop but aren’t into the rest of the standard tourist route
- you have a late riser or an early starter in the group
- you’d rather spend longer at one “must see” place and shorten the rest
But customization also means you need to act like a good captain of your own day. You’ll want your driver to follow the itinerary you choose, and you’ll want clarity on tickets and any temple surcharges.
A key positive in practice: a solid driver will help you manage the money side by letting you know the ticket prices when you arrive and by keeping the experience calm. One driver style that really works is quiet and professional: you get to focus on the day, not on awkward small talk.
A key warning: if your driver starts sending you to attractions through a personal contact arrangement or charging amounts that feel off, stop and ask questions before you pay. Also, protect your schedule. One bad outcome can look like the day ending early, leaving you feeling rushed and frustrated. Keep an eye on the time and make sure your booked hours are respected.
Practical tips that make the day feel smooth
Here are the small, real-world things that help this kind of day charter stay enjoyable.
- Plan for tickets: admission tickets are not included at the listed sites, and the Lempuyang surcharge applies per booking. Budget ahead so you’re not making decisions under pressure.
- Bring the recommended clothing: casual clothes, plus a hat and sunscreen. You’re outdoors for long stretches.
- Pack light but smart: you’ll be moving between spots, so bring what you need for sun and comfort, and keep essentials in the same bag.
- Know you’re paying for your time: the tour is private, and your time is the currency. If you add too many optional add-ons, you’ll feel rushed at the later stops.
- Respect the calendar: start time flexibility is a benefit. Use it. Starting when you feel fresh usually beats trying to “power through” in the hottest part of the day.
- Watch for extra fees: parking fees, toll fees, and fuel surcharge (if applicable) aren’t included, so keep a little cash or payment flexibility.
Should you book this private Bali day charter?

Book it if you want a private, customizable full-day Bali plan without the stress of driving. This is a strong fit when you care about temples, water sights, rice terraces, and iconic Bali coastal views, and you like the idea of a driver who waits while you visit each stop.
Skip it or be extra careful if you’re the type who hates any uncertainty about costs or timing. Because admission isn’t included and there are extra charges (including a known Lempuyang Temple surcharge), you need to budget and stay alert. Also, the day’s success depends on driver follow-through—so agree on your plan clearly, ask about ticket pricing as you arrive, and don’t assume the day will always run long enough to enjoy every stop slowly.
If you book with realistic expectations—then this can be a very good value way to see a lot of Bali in one day, with less hassle and more control than doing it on your own.
FAQ
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s private. Only your group will participate, and it’s for one vehicle only.
How long is the private driver charter?
The service runs for 10 to 12 hours (approx.), and it’s listed as a 12-hour private charter service.
Where do you get picked up and dropped off?
Pickup and drop-off are direct to your Ubud or south Bali hotel.
Are entrance tickets to temples and attractions included?
No. Each stop lists admission tickets as not included.
Is food included during the tour?
Food and drink are not included, so plan for meals and snacks on your own.
Are there any extra temple charges?
Yes. There’s a Lempuyang Temple IDR 250,000 per booking surcharge noted for this service.
What’s included in the driver price?
You get an English-speaking driver, a private vehicle, and the 12-hour private charter service, with fuel included.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What type of ticket do I receive?
You get a mobile ticket.
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