2-Day Private Bali Tour: Temples, Rice Terraces & Sunset Dinner

Summary

Private Bali Highlights Tour with Local Guide & Seafood Dinner

You’ll explore Bali’s best temples, meet local artists in their villages, taste fresh coffee in the highlands, and watch sunset over Tanah Lot—all with a friendly local guide and private car. If you want to see Bali’s highlights without rushing or missing those small moments (like chatting with a woodcarver or tasting fruit at a market), this tour is for you.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off early in the morning, the air still cool as our driver, Wayan, greeted us with a big smile. First stop: Batubulan Village for the Barong and Kris dance. The gamelan music was loud and lively, and honestly, I could feel the floor vibrate under my sandals. After the show, we wandered into a small batik workshop—watching the artists dip their tools into hot wax and work on the fabric by hand. The smell of dye lingered in the air, and the ladies there didn’t mind us peeking over their shoulders.

Next up was Celuk Village, famous for its gold and silver smiths. I tried on a delicate bracelet—couldn’t resist. Mas Village came after, where the woodcarvers worked right outside their homes. You’ll see wood shavings everywhere, and the sound of chisels tapping is oddly soothing. In Batuan, we stopped at a family compound and then stepped into the Batuan Temple. Our guide explained the temple’s three courtyards and pointed out the mossy statues—he said they’re cleaned before every big ceremony.

By midday, we reached Temen Village for a quick walk through a spice garden—coffee beans drying in the sun, ginger root piled in baskets, and a faint whiff of cloves in the breeze. Lunch was up in Kintamani, overlooking Mount Batur and its lake. The clouds drifted low, so sometimes the volcano peeked through, sometimes not. Afterward, we made our way to Tegalalang rice terraces. The green was almost unreal, and there were a few farmers in conical hats working the fields. We drove through Ubud’s busy center, past the palace and market (lots of scooters!), before ending the day with a seafood dinner right on Jimbaran Beach. Sand between my toes, grilled fish on my plate, and the sky turning pink—can’t beat that feeling.

Day two started later, which was nice after a long first day. Taman Ayun Temple was peaceful in the morning; you could hear birds more than people. At Pacung, we stopped for a quick look at more rice terraces—different vibe from Tegalalang, quieter somehow. The Bedugul market was next; it’s busy but not overwhelming, with piles of mangosteen and snakefruit stacked high. Lunch came with a view of Lake Beratan—cool breeze, buffet spread, and locals selling strawberries by the parking lot.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits right on the water, and sometimes the mist rolls in so thick it feels like you’re in a dream. Our guide told us about the goddess Dewi Danu and why locals bring offerings here for water blessings. We took a short drive to Wanagiri Hills to see the twin lakes—Buyan and Tamblingan—where it’s noticeably cooler and there’s this earthy scent after rain. Last stop: Tanah Lot Temple for sunset. It gets crowded, but if you walk down to the rocks early enough, you can find a quiet spot to watch the waves crash below the temple. Dinner was simple but tasty at a local spot nearby—fried rice and satay sticks, nothing fancy but just right after a long day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Barong, Ubud & Kintamani Volcano

• Barong and Kris Dance at Sukawati Batubulan
• Visit traditional Batik making
• Gold & Silver smith visit
• Wooden work at Mas Village
• Painting village and Bali House Compound at Batuan
• Enter Batuan Trinity Temple
• Explore spices garden at Temen Village
• Lunch with Volcano Batur & Lake Batur view
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Drive through Ubud forest, king palace, and market
• Seafood dinner at Jimbaran Beach

Day 2 — Temples, Markets & Tanah Lot Sunset

• Visit Taman Ayun royal family temple
• Visit rice terraces at Pacung Baturiti Village
• Visit Bedugul fruit market
• Buffet lunch with Beratan lake view
• Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• See Buyan & Tamlingan twin lakes at Wanagiri Hills
• Stop around twin lakes area
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple for sunset
• Dinner near Tanah Lot temple

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! Kids can join and there are infant seats available if you ask ahead. The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of stops.

What should I wear for temple visits?

Wear modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees. A hat and sunscreen help too—it gets sunny by midday.

Are meals included?

Yes, both lunch and dinner are included each day—seafood on Jimbaran Beach and local dishes near Tanah Lot.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Absolutely! Your driver is also your guide and speaks good English. They’ll share stories and help with photos too.

What’s included

Your own private tour (just you and your group), hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned car, all entrance tickets, local taxes, mineral water, English-speaking driver-guide, all scheduled meals (lunches and dinners), plus guided visits at every stop—not just drop-offs in parking lots like some tours. Just bring comfy clothes, a camera, some cash for souvenirs, and sunscreen!