Bali Temples & Waterfalls: Private car tour with local driver

Summary

Private Bali day trip with local guide to temples, rice fields & more

You’ll ride through Bali’s villages and lush landscapes with a local driver who knows every shortcut. Expect spontaneous stops at temples or waterfalls, stories from your guide, and plenty of time to wander rice terraces or try fresh coffee. With hotel pickup and a flexible plan, you’ll get glimpses of daily life in Bali you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not incense, but something green and sharp as we rolled down the window near Ubud. Our driver, Putu, grinned in the rearview mirror and asked if we wanted to see the Tegalalang Rice Terrace or head straight for Tirta Empul Temple. I’d read about both but didn’t expect to choose on the fly. We picked the rice terraces, mostly because my partner had never seen anything like them. The light was soft, almost milky, and you could hear water trickling somewhere below all that bright green.

Putu told us stories about his grandmother’s offerings at Batuan Temple (I tried to say “Pura Batuan” and he laughed — apparently my pronunciation means “stone” instead of “temple”). At Celuk Village, we watched a woman hammering silver so quickly her hands blurred; she winked when she caught me staring. The air smelled faintly metallic there. Lunch was simple — some grilled fish by Mt. Batur — but honestly, I still think about that sambal. It burned in a good way.

We ended up at Tanah Lot Temple just before sunset. There were crowds, sure, but it didn’t matter once you saw the waves hitting those black rocks. Putu pointed out a couple taking wedding photos and said it’s good luck if you spot one (not sure if that’s true or just his way of making us smile). By then I’d stopped worrying about what was next on our Bali private car tour; it felt like we could go anywhere as long as Putu was driving. We skipped Uluwatu this time — too tired — but maybe next trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali Private Car Tour Highlights

• Tour operator introduction and place options
• Visit Batuan Temple
• See sacred gray macaques in forest temple
• Explore Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Photo spots and swing
• Coffee and herbal plantation visit
• View Mount Batur scenery
• Visit Tirta Empul Temple and blessing ritual
• Tegenungan Waterfall visit
• Explore Celuk Village silver crafting
• Visit Tanah Lot Temple at sunset
• See Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and lake
• Relax at popular beach from "Eat Pray Love"
• Enjoy beach water sports
• Visit Uluwatu Temple and watch Kecak fire dance
• Seafood dinner by the beach with airport view

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Bali private car tour?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup and drop-off are included in the service area.

Can I customize my Bali day trip itinerary?

Yes, you can choose which attractions to visit during your private tour.

How long does the private car tour last?

The service lasts 10–11 hours depending on your chosen stops.

Is an English-speaking driver provided?

Yes, your driver also serves as an English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

No, entrance fees and meals are not included; only transport and bottled water are covered.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants or wheelchair users?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available upon request.

Which areas does the tour cover without extra charge?

The standard service covers Ubud, Badung, Denpasar, Gianyar, Bangli, and Tabanan.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or airport pickup by air-conditioned car with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide for 10–11 hours across central Bali regions. Bottled mineral water is provided along with petrol and parking fees before returning you comfortably at day’s end.