Bali Custom Tour: Ubud, Temples & Waterfalls with Private Driver

Summary

Ubud’s green heart, cliff temples, and jungle waterfalls in one day

You’ll spend your day weaving through Bali’s lush rice terraces, sacred temples like Tirta Empul, and dramatic coastlines at Tanah Lot—all with a private driver who knows every shortcut and story. Expect small moments: laughter over mispronounced snacks, cool air after jungle hikes, and real conversations that linger long after the ride ends.

What’s the experience like?

How do you even pick just five places in Bali? I remember sitting in the back of our air-conditioned car, still sticky from the morning heat, trying to narrow it down. Our driver—Kadek—just grinned and said, “No rush. Tell me what you feel like today.” That’s how we ended up chasing light through Tegalalang Rice Terrace before most tourists showed up. The air smelled like wet grass and incense from a nearby shrine. Kadek explained how his uncle still works these fields—he waved at a man balancing two baskets on a bamboo pole, who actually waved back.

After that, we zigzagged through Ubud’s traffic (scooters everywhere), stopping for coffee and something called jajan pasar—sweet rice cakes wrapped in banana leaf. I tried to pronounce it right; Kadek laughed and said I was close enough. We made it to Tirta Empul Temple just as a group of locals were finishing their purification ritual. The sound of water splashing against stone was oddly calming. I didn’t expect to feel so welcome there—even as an outsider, nobody stared or hurried us along.

We finished our custom tour at Tanah Lot Temple for sunset. There were crowds but also this hush when the sun dropped behind the sea temple—the kind of silence that makes you want to whisper. Kadek found us a quiet spot away from the main path. I still think about that view sometimes, the salt air and all those colors bleeding together. If you’re after a day trip from Ubud that feels both easy and personal—with someone local who genuinely cares—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bali's iconic temples and nature

• Meet your driver and car
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple
• Visit Uluwatu Temple
• See Tegallalang Rice Terraces
• Explore Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Discover Ubud Art and Culture
• Visit Mount Batur
• Visit Besakih Temple
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple
• See Sekumpul Waterfall
• Pass by Nusa Penida island

Top questions

How many places can I visit on this Bali custom tour?

You can choose up to 5 spots for your itinerary, as long as they’re along one route.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud Bali driver tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and return transfers are included in your day trip.

Can I visit places outside Ubud on this custom tour?

The service area covers Ubud, Gianyar, Denpasar, South Badung, Bangli, and Tabanan; other areas may require a surcharge.

Is lunch included in this Bali private driver tour?

No lunch is included by default; however, your driver can recommend local spots along the way.

Are entry fees included in the price?

No entry fees are not included; you’ll pay those directly at each attraction if needed.

What languages do the drivers speak?

The drivers speak English and Indonesian fluently.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can I extend my travel time during the day?

You can extend your travel time within service areas for an additional USD 5 per hour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout the trip. You’ll be picked up from your hotel anywhere in Ubud or surrounding service areas by an English-speaking driver who’ll help plan your route—and dropped off again at the end of your custom Bali adventure.