Eight hours flies by here. This Ubud day tour strings together big hitters—Barong & Kris Dance, the Monkey Forest, and a Mount Batur viewpoint—without you wrestling buses. I like that the route covers both sacred sites and scenic stops in a way that feels practical, not random.

The second thing I really like: the transport is set up as a private car with an experience driver, and you get bottled water so you can stay focused on sightseeing. Guides and drivers such as Ambo, Oka, Krisna, Cema, and Wahyu show up in past experiences, and that friendly, chat-ready style matters when you’re moving all day.

One possible drawback to plan for: it’s a long day with several attractions that list entrance fees not included, plus you’ll spend time in places where you might not want to shop (hello jewelry stop).

What Makes This Ubud–Kintamani Route Worth Your Time

A tight hit-list of Ubud icons plus Kintamani

You get village-and-temple Ubud, then north to Kintamani for Mount Batur views, then back down for rice terraces and monkey country.

Private pickup and AC comfort

The tour includes transportation in a comfortable AC vehicle, so you don’t lose your energy to heat while you’re hopping between sites.

Multiple “stop and look” moments, not just walking

There are short time blocks that let you actually take in the sights—cultural performances, temple complex time, and viewpoints.

A jewelry workshop stop built into the day

The UC Silver Gold stop is free, but it’s still 45 minutes. If you’re not into shopping, treat it as a quick break and move on.

Monkey Forest time with a real focus on nature

This sanctuary is the habitat of the Balinese long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and the tour lists a population of about 749 monkeys.

Clear ticket expectations (and fewer surprises)

Some stops include tickets on the day listed as free, while others are explicitly marked as not included.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

The price is $36.78 per person, and for that you’re mainly buying time-saving logistics: private transportation, an English-speaking experience driver, bottled water, and the fuel and parking fees. Meals and attraction entrance fees are not included, so your real total cost will depend on which ticketed stops you choose and how you handle optional add-ons.

Here’s the value math I use for tours like this: if you’d spend hours coordinating separate rides, and then lose daylight between scattered areas, the private car starts to feel like a bargain. For a destination like Ubud—where traffic can slow you down—having a driver who can keep the day moving is often worth more than shaving a few dollars off admission.

Barong & Kris Dance: A Balinese Performance You Can Understand

Your cultural anchor is the Barong & Kris Dance, a performance linked to Balinese sacred tradition and mythology. The tour description connects it to the Mahabharata story of Barong and Kris, which is a great heads-up: this isn’t just entertainment, it’s performed as part of a long-standing religious/cultural worldview.

It’s scheduled for about 1 hour, and it’s explicitly listed as admission ticket not included. That means you should budget a little extra for the show if you want to sit down and watch rather than only admire from outside.

Practical tip: plan to arrive with a little buffer so you’re not stressing about timing. Even when a stop is “only an hour,” shows can start on Bali time, and seating fills in.

UC Silver Gold: The Jewelry Stop (Yes, It’s a Real Decision)

After the dance, you’ll visit UC Silver Gold, described as processing and showcasing hand-made silver and gold jewelry. This stop is listed as 45 minutes, and it’s marked admission ticket free.

What you should know: even if the entry is free, the time is not. This part of the day is where some people love browsing, and others prefer to move quickly. I suggest going with a strategy:

• If you like jewelry, use the time to ask about materials and what’s hand-made versus mass-produced.
• If you don’t, treat it like a short restroom-and-stretch stop, then keep your eyes on the next sight.

This is also where a guide’s style matters. Friendly, patient service (names like Ambo and Oka have come up in past experiences) can make the difference between feeling pressured and feeling in control.

Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah): Sacred, Historical, and Worth a Slow Look

Next up is Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave—a historical cultural site in Ubud. The description highlights it as an ancient cave complex, and it’s part of Bali’s temple world dedicated to Ganesha (as your tour overview notes).

You’ll have about 45 minutes, and it’s listed as admission ticket not included. That time window is long enough to wander thoughtfully but short enough that you won’t feel stuck if you’re not the type to spend an hour photographing stone carvings.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can trust on uneven areas. Cave-temple areas often have slick spots, and you’ll be glad you didn’t choose something delicate for your day.

Kintamani Highland and Mount Batur Viewpoint: The Day’s Big Scenery Break

Then comes Kintamani Highland, described as a village surrounded by a lake with panoramic views toward Mount Batur. The tour gives you about 45 minutes, plus an extra segment described as an overview of the volcano from the viewpoint.

This is the moment when the day shifts gears: less culture-now, more scenery-and-breathing-room. The tour also notes you can take a rest while you enjoy the panoramic view.

Your expectation should be simple: come here to look out. Don’t rush it. Even a short pause at a viewpoint can make the rest of the day feel easier.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses and sun protection. Views are great, but Bali daylight can be strong, even when the north feels cooler than Ubud.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Photos, Walking, and Optional Swing Fun

After Kintamani, you head to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most recognizable green-step views. You’ll get about 30 minutes here, and the time is set aside specifically to admire the rice fields.

The description also notes a swing option for seeing the plantation from a bird’s-eye perspective. Importantly, the swing (and any related activities) is listed under additional activities, so it’s not automatically part of what’s included.

If you want a calm photo session, aim to walk at your own pace and avoid treating it like a race. With only 30 minutes, you’ll appreciate quick decisions: do you want more walking time or more time to pose and shoot?

Also: rice terraces are working landscapes. Stay on the areas meant for visitors, and don’t assume every edge is safe to step on.

Ubud Traditional Art Market: A Real Shopping Walk (Without Making It the Whole Day)

Back in Ubud, you get Traditional Art Market time, plus walking around the village area. This stop is about 45 minutes, and it’s listed as admission ticket free.

This is one of those parts of the day that works even if you’re not buying much. It’s a chance to:

• see what everyday Ubud craft looks like,
• browse small items that make good travel souvenirs, and
• reset your legs before the final hop.

If your group includes different shopping styles—someone who loves browsing and someone who prefers photos—this is a good compromise stop because you can split your time inside that 45-minute window.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Nature First, But Respect the Wild Side

The final major stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with about 45 minutes. The tour description is clear that it’s a sanctuary and natural habitat for the Balinese long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and it lists roughly 749 monkeys.

Two things make this stop worth your attention:

1. You’re not just seeing monkeys in a zoo-like setup—you’re walking through a sanctuary context.
2. It’s the kind of place where you can get both casual watching and quick photo moments.

A practical consideration: monkeys are monkeys. Keep small items secured, and don’t act like you can negotiate with a creature that has thumbs and opinions.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone nervous around animals, I’d go in with the mindset of short, controlled wandering—not long, slow strolling.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t)

Here’s the clean rundown based on what’s listed:

Included:

• Transportation in a private, comfortable AC vehicle
• Experience driver
• English-speaking driver (and a guide in other languages can be arranged for additional cost)
• Bottled water for each traveler
• Fuel surcharge and parking fees

Not included:

• Meals and beverages
• Entrance fees for several stops (dance, Goa Gajah, Kintamani viewpoint listed as not included for that segment, Tegalalang, and Monkey Forest are marked not included)
• Additional activities (like swing-related time at the rice terraces)

So if you like to budget tightly, you’ll want to carry some cash for ticketed entries and consider optional activities only if you’re still energized later in the day.

Timing, Pace, and Why 8–10 Hours Feels Like the Right Amount

The duration is 8 to 10 hours, which is long enough to cover real highlights but not so long that you’re stuck in a van all day. The tour uses short time blocks (30–45 minutes) plus one longer culture stop (the dance at 1 hour).

This pace works best if:

• you’re on a tight schedule in Bali,
• you want multiple “wow” moments in one day, and
• you don’t mind moving between sites rather than staying put.

If you hate time pressure, you might find that the jewelry stop plus multiple ticketed locations can feel like “checkpoints.” In that case, I’d prioritize your favorite stops and accept that the rest is about exposure, not deep research.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is ideal for you if:

• you want a classic Ubud + Kintamani day without planning the route yourself,
• you appreciate a mix of culture (dance and temple) and views (Mount Batur and rice terraces),
• you like the idea of a private car so the day stays comfortable.

You might want to rethink it if:

• you dislike shopping moments and you’re not flexible about spending 45 minutes at a jewelry stop,
• you don’t want to spend money on multiple entrance tickets,
• you’re uncomfortable around monkeys.

The Human Factor: Drivers Who Make the Day Easier

One detail that keeps showing up is how friendly and helpful the driving experience can be. Past mentions include guides and drivers such as Ambo, Oka, Krisna, Cema, and Wahyu, with people describing them as patient, communicative, and even willing to answer questions.

That matters because this day isn’t just a photo checklist. It’s a rhythm of driving, short stops, and decision-making. A good driver smooths out the day and helps you get more out of each location.

Should You Book This Ubud–Kintamani Day?

I’d book it if you want a full day that hits Ubud culture, Goa Gajah, a Mount Batur viewpoint, and Tegalalang rice terraces—without dealing with transportation stress. The $36.78 price is a strong value for the private AC transport, bottled water, and the way the day is organized.

But book with your eyes open: entrance fees aren’t included for several key stops, and you’ll spend time at a jewelry showroom. If that doesn’t bother you, this is an efficient way to see a lot of Bali in one day and come away with photos plus real context.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from your designed hotel or pickup point, based on your details.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What does the price include?

Included items are private transportation (AC vehicle), an experience driver, English-speaking driver, bottled water, and fuel surcharge and parking fees.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as not included for multiple stops, including the dance and temple, plus the rice terrace and Monkey Forest.

Is there a guide included?

You have an English-speaking driver included. A tour guide with other languages (like French, Spanish, or Chinese) is available for an additional cost.

How much time do you spend at the rice terrace and Monkey Forest?

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is about 30 minutes, and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is about 45 minutes.

Is the jewelry stop free?

The UC Silver Gold stop is marked as admission ticket free.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. After that, the amount paid is not refunded.