Bali Ubud & Kintamani Volcano Tour -All Inclusive

Batur feels close on this Bali day. I love the Mount Batur views from Kintamani, and I like the stop at Tirta Empul with its holy spring water. The trade-off is a long, packed day where you will move fast between major sights, so plan for heat and crowds at the most popular photo points.

This is a private, all-inclusive loop from the Ubud area up toward the volcano. You get pickup, an English or Japanese speaking driver cum guide, lunch, and entrance fees already handled, so you are not juggling tickets all day. One consideration: some parts of the route are commercial by design, like the art and plantation stops, so if you want zero tourist infrastructure, this might feel a bit structured.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private door-to-door pickup from your hotel lobby or port, so mornings start smooth
• Entrance fees included at every scheduled stop, plus lunch with an Indonesian menu
• The Mount Batur viewpoint at Kintamani gives you real perspective on the active volcano
• Tegallalang rice terraces are the big photo payoff, with time built around the scenery
• Monkey Forest timing matters if you want a calmer walk and better photos
• Tirta Empul’s holy spring makes the cultural stop more than just a quick look

A 9:00 am pickup that strings Ubud to Kintamani into one day

This tour starts at 9:00 am, with pickup from your hotel lobby or from the port if you are arriving that way. The total day runs about 8 to 10 hours, and because you are covering Ubud plus the Kintamani highlands, you should expect a steady schedule rather than a slow wander.

What I like about that structure is simple: you get a full day of big hitters without having to coordinate two separate excursions. It also helps if you are short on time in Bali and still want volcano views. The downside is obvious, too. You are on the road for parts of the day, and the most famous stops can bring crowds, especially around the Monkey Forest and rice terraces.

What all-inclusive covers, and why that matters for value

At $75.00 per person, the real question is not just the sticker price. It is what you avoid spending during the day, and how much mental energy you save.

Here is what is included:

• pickup (from your lodging area or port)
• a driver cum guide speaking English or Japanese
• lunch (Indonesian menu)
• fuel surcharge and parking fees
• all entrance fees for the scheduled sites
• a mobile ticket

And here is what is not included:

• other personal expenses

When entrance tickets, lunch, and parking are already handled, you can budget once and then focus on enjoying the sights. Also, this is a private tour for your group, so you are not stuck waiting on a big mixed group pace. You get a more flexible feel, as long as you stay on schedule.

One more small detail that helps: free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, so if your plans shift, you have some breathing room.

Stop 2: Pura Puseh Desa Batuan, temple carvings you can slow down for

The day begins with the pickup and then heads to Pura Puseh Desa Batuan, a temple known for Balinese carving and a history that keeps it relevant to visitors. You get about an hour here, and that hour matters.

Why? A temple visit is at its best when you are not rushing through the first gate and out the last. With a set time, you can actually look at details like carved elements on structures and the general layout of worship spaces. You may also notice how temple design and ornamentation are part of daily cultural life, not just something kept behind a ticket window.

A possible drawback: if you are mainly chasing views and volcano photos, the temple stop may feel like a cultural reset before the scenery payoff later. Still, it is a good anchor in the morning when energy levels are higher.

Stop 3: Celuk Village and the art-and-craft route (with choices)

Next up is Celuk Village, known as an art area, often associated with fine silver jewelry. The itinerary also notes that the art-village portion can vary depending on your route and options, such as Batubulan for batik, Mas for wood carving, or Batuan for painting.

In practice, this kind of stop can go two ways:

1. You enjoy meeting artisans and seeing how work is made.
2. You feel like it is a showroom tour.

Either way, I suggest using it for what it is: a chance to understand Bali’s craft culture and pick up something small if you want a real souvenir. If you tend to skip shopping, treat it like a quick cultural pause, not a must-buy experience.

Stop 4: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, worth it, but come smart

Then it is Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, with about an hour to explore. This is one of those places where the setting is natural and the animals are the headline, but the experience still depends heavily on behavior and timing.

Here is what to expect in a practical way:

• Monkeys are active, and you will likely see them moving through the forest areas.
• The site is a sanctuary, so it is not just a zoo stop. It is a living setting shared with Balinese beliefs and daily interactions.

What I like about including this stop is that it changes the texture of the day. You go from temples and village craft into something more spontaneous. The cultural and natural mix is part of why Ubud is so famous.

The consideration is also real: this place can be busy and chaotic around prime visiting hours. If you want calmer photos and less hassle, keep your belongings secure and stay alert.

Stop 5: Tegallalang rice terraces, lunch with a view

The schedule builds around Tegallalang Rice Terrace with lunch, about an hour total at this stage. This is the classic hillside rice-terrace scene, with stacked fields and farm paths carved into the slope.

Why this stop works well on a day like this:

• The terraces are an easy way to connect Bali’s geography to daily farming.
• You get a visual payoff that feels different from temples and volcano lookouts.

Lunch is included here with an Indonesian menu, and you get the bonus of eating with terrace views. That is one of the better “value per minute” uses of your day, because meals are built into the flow instead of turning into a long detour.

A watch-out: terraces mean walking on uneven surfaces, and it can be hot. Bring shoes you can trust for slippery paths, and plan on sunscreen.

Stop 6: Uma Pakel Agro Tourism, coffee and fruit on a plantation-style stop

Next, you visit Uma Pakel Agro Tourism, a stop that highlights tropical plantations. The listed crops and plants include robusta coffee, pineapple, Balinese snake fruit (salak), Balinese potatoes, fruit stars, cacao, jackfruit, durian tree, and more.

This is not a long deep-education class, but it can be a fun palate-check for what grows locally. I like these stops when they feel like taste plus context, not just a sales talk. Since the itinerary budgets about an hour, you should expect a guided walkthrough style experience.

Possible drawback: if you strongly prefer untouched nature, this part might feel more like a structured presentation than a wild, off-the-beaten path moment. For many people, though, it adds variety between Ubud and the volcano highlands.

Stop 7: Kintamani highlands and the Mount Batur viewpoint from Penelokan

Now the day turns dramatic: Kintamani Highland, with views of active Mount Batur and Lake Batur. The schedule references Penelokan as the viewing area, where you can see the volcano and the wider black rock expanse.

This is the emotional center of the tour. On a good day, Mount Batur looks different from a distance than it does in photos. You get a sense of scale, and you understand why people build around volcano environments in Bali.

Practical advice: weather matters. If clouds roll in, you might still get the general shapes, but the volcano can disappear into mist. This is one reason you are getting a full day rather than a short half-day. More time usually gives a better chance to see the area clearly.

Stop 8: Tirta Empul Temple, holy spring basics and what to watch

After the volcano viewpoint, you go to Tirta Empul Temple, about an hour. This is famous as a Holy Spring Temple, where Balinese worshippers come for purification, including using holy spring water to cleanse from bad luck in local belief.

What makes this stop worth doing is that it is not only scenic. It is active cultural practice, so you are seeing how water, ritual, and faith intersect.

That also means you should be respectful and follow the guide’s direction on where to stand and what to do. If you see people participating, it can help to watch first, then decide what you can comfortably observe.

A consideration: it is easy to feel like a quiet observer while others are doing the ritual steps. That is okay. You do not need to join in to understand why the temple is meaningful.

Stop 9: Tegallalang rice terraces again, why a second visit might happen

The itinerary lists Tegallalang Rice Terrace twice: once at lunch time and again later in the schedule. That could mean:

• you have another chance to walk a different section of the terraces
• the timing allows a second viewing angle
• you use the extra time if the earlier stop ran short

Whatever the reason, treat the second terrace segment as a bonus opportunity to take photos or do a deeper walk. The risk is repetition if you already photographed everything during the lunch stop. If you enjoy terrace views, it is a plus. If you prefer variety, you might want to focus on one or two “must-see” angles and then enjoy the rest for the atmosphere.

The guide factor, especially if you get Wayan

One of the strongest themes in the positive experiences is the guide quality. A standout name that shows up is Wayan, praised for safe driving, excellent local knowledge, and taking care of the group throughout the day. There was also mention that he answers questions quickly before the tour, which is a big deal when you want clarity on the plan.

Even if you do not get Wayan, the point is the same. In a day that moves between villages, temples, and highland views, a good guide makes the schedule feel smooth. You spend less time guessing and more time looking at the right things.

If you want the best day, ask your guide in advance what the likely timing will be for the Monkey Forest and whether you should expect a lot of crowds. Then you can adjust your pacing.

Who should book this Bali Ubud and Kintamani volcano tour

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• a one-day mix of Ubud sights plus the Kintamani Mount Batur viewpoint
• lunch and entrance fees handled, so you do not pay extra at each stop
• a private format, so you are not dealing with other group members holding you back
• a guide who can explain temple and cultural context during the day

It is also a solid choice if you are traveling with only a few people and want a controlled route without researching individual entrance fees and routes.

You might look at another option if:

• you hate structured shopping stops and prefer fully nature-based itineraries
• you want a very slow pace, with long free time in only one area
• you are sensitive to crowds at famous sites like Monkey Forest and Tegallalang

Should you book? My call on the $75 all-inclusive value

I would book this if your priority is seeing Ubud highlights plus getting real eyes-on views of active Mount Batur from Kintamani, without doing logistics on your own. At $75 per person, the value is strongest because entrance fees and lunch are included and because it is private with pickup.

If you are the type who gets annoyed by tourist crowds, go in with a plan: arrive ready to move, protect your belongings at Monkey Forest, and keep your expectations realistic at the busiest viewpoints. If you want a balanced day that mixes culture, craft, and volcano scenery, this route hits the right blend.

Just keep an eye on timing and weather for the volcano. When visibility is good, this is the kind of Bali day that sticks with you.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the Bali Ubud and Kintamani Volcano tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Do I get hotel or port pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel lobby or from the port.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

The price includes lunch, parking fees, fuel surcharge, entrance fees for the sites visited, and an English or Japanese speaking driver cum guide.

Do I need to buy tickets for the stops?

No. Admission tickets/entrance fees for the scheduled sites are included, and you receive a mobile ticket.

Is lunch included, and what type is it?

Lunch is included with an Indonesian menu.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.