Discover Ubud: 2 Days Ubud Private Tour

Ubud in two days, properly done. This private plan mixes Balinese performing arts with temple visits and some of the most camera-friendly spots in the Ubud area, all in a tight, logical route.

I especially like the pairing of culture and spirituality. You start with the Barong and Keris dance, then later you get the cleansing ritual energy at Tirta Empul, plus a stop at Gunung Kawi Sebatu for those ancient shrines and bathing pools.

One thing to keep in mind is the pace. You’ll hop between several sights across two full days, and you should have moderate physical fitness for temple steps, jungle paths, and waterfall walking.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Private transport from Seminyak keeps the schedule smoother and gives you hotel pickup plus air-conditioned comfort.
• Barong and Keris dance in Batubulan gives you classic Balinese storytelling, good versus evil.
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary combines tropical forest time with a real sanctuary setting (hundreds of long-tailed macaques).
• Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the jungle-view lunch break make the “Ubud postcard” moments feel less rushed.
• Waterfalls at Kanto Lampo and Tukad Cepung offer both splashy photo moments and a gorge with light beams.
• Tirta Empul purification ritual adds a spiritual finale that’s more than sightseeing.

Price and logistics, how this tour earns its cost

At $130 per person for a 2-day private tour, the main value is your time. You’re not just visiting Ubud, you’re getting an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and pickup that helps you avoid the worst part of Bali planning, stitching together transport across multiple destinations.

This price also works because it includes “the boring stuff” that adds up fast. The tour lists all fees and taxes and includes lunch both days, plus admission is covered for most of the attractions on your route. Alcohol is the only clear extra called out, so if you skip drinks while you’re out, you won’t get surprised later.

Private tours can be pricey when you’re traveling solo or as a couple. But if you have a small group, this format often becomes a better deal than buying separate tickets and arranging transport on your own, especially with a plan this packed.

From Seminyak pickup to Ubud, the real benefit is less stress

Even before you reach Ubud sights, the schedule starts with your hotel pickup, then a drive toward Batubulan. The first leg takes about one hour, and that matters because it sets expectations for the rest of the two days. You’re not commuting “randomly” between stops. You’re following a guided route where someone else is handling timing.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and you get bottled water. On Bali day trips, that’s not a small detail. Heat and wait times can drain your energy fast, so these basics help you enjoy the moments instead of just surviving them.

The operator behind the scenes is Hire Bali Driver, and one review highlighted the driver experience with the name Kiut. The point for you is simple, a good driver can mean fewer wrong turns, calmer arrival times, and more time doing the fun parts.

Day 1 in Ubud: Barong and Keris, monkeys, terraces, and quiet temples

Day 1 is where the tour leans into Balinese identity. You get performance arts, forest wildlife, famous farming scenes, a relaxed lunch with a swing stop, and then temples that feel less like big ticket attractions and more like place-based spirituality.

Batubulan, Barong and Keris dance (about 1 hour)

Your day begins in Batubulan after pickup, with about one hour of driving. The Barong and Keris dance is described as the quintessential Balinese performance with an eternal good-versus-evil theme. It’s the kind of cultural stop that helps your later temple visits make more sense, because you’re seeing the beliefs behind the scenery.

Admission for this stop is noted as free, and it’s timed so you can settle into the day without losing half your morning to logistics. If you’re sensitive to crowded venues or want quieter viewing, you might prefer arriving with a calm, patient attitude rather than expecting a museum-like experience.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Next is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is both a nature reserve and a sanctuary. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the admission is included.

The forest covers about 27 acres and is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. That’s exactly why this stop is memorable, it’s not just a zoo moment. You’re walking through a real tropical forest while wildlife roams around you.

Here’s the practical consideration. Monkeys are used to visitors, but you still need to manage your stuff. Keep bags zipped, avoid loose items like hats or dangling jewelry, and don’t try to “befriend” any monkey that gets too close. If you don’t like unexpected animal encounters, this is the one moment of the itinerary that can feel stressful.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace (about 1 hour)

Then you get to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the iconic terraced paddies that cascade down the hills. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and admission is included.

What you’ll like is that it’s scenic without requiring a lot of effort. You can stroll, look for the irrigation views, and take photos from different angles. The tradeoff is that it’s famous, so you may see crowds depending on the time of day.

Lunch at D Alas Warung, plus the jungle swing break (about 2 hours)

Your lunch stop is D Alas Warung Restaurant, and this is one of the smart pacing choices on Day 1. You get about 2 hours, and lunch is included.

The best part is the setting: the restaurant looks out over jungle and rice terraces. That makes your meal feel like a mini reset instead of just “eat and go.” The tour also notes a jungle swing here, so if you want a fun photo with a view, this is where it fits.

Admission ticket is listed as free for this stop, and the whole block is timed so you don’t feel like you’re just rushing between sights.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple (about 1 hour)

Day 1 ends with Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, about one hour away on the schedule. This stop is presented as a serene, lesser-known temple complex near Tegalalang, known for ancient shrines and bathing pools.

Admission is included, and the setting matters. Because it’s described as being in a lush jungle setting, you tend to experience a calmer tone here than at more famous temples. It’s a good contrast after Monkey Forest energy.

The only “watch out” is respect. Even if you’re just watching or taking photos, stick to temple rules you’re given and keep your pace slow around bathing-pool areas.

Day 2 in Bali’s nature zone: waterfalls, Kintamani views, then Tirta Empul

If Day 1 is about culture and Ubud classics, Day 2 turns more outdoor and more dramatic. You’ll chase waterfalls in the morning, shift to volcanic views in the afternoon, then close with a purification ritual.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall (about 1 hour)

You start Day 2 with Kanto Lampo Waterfall, about one hour on the schedule. Admission is included.

This is described as a great place for photos with water splash, and it’s noted as one of the Instagram-famous spots in Ubud. If you’re coming for pictures, wear shoes you trust on wet surfaces. Also plan for spray, not just “standing there.”

Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where light makes the magic (about 1 hour)

Next is Tukad Cepung Waterfall, another included admission stop, with about one hour set aside. This one is called a hidden gem near Tembuku, and the highlight is the unique beauty created by sunlight filtering through a nar row opening.

That means your timing can affect how you experience it. You’ll want to follow your guide’s direction for where to stand and when to look, because the sunbeam effect is part of what makes the place special.

Practical note, this is a waterfall stop. Expect slippery ground and a bit of a crouch, so bring patience and dress for water exposure.

Kintamani Highland, Mount Batur and Lake Batur views (about 2 hours 30 minutes)

After the waterfalls, you shift to the Kintamani highlands for views of Mount Batur, an active volcano, and Lake Batur. You’ll spend about 2 hours 30 minutes, and admission is included.

This is your biggest “big view” block. You’re looking out over a volcanic panorama, and you also get time to enjoy the area rather than being rushed through. It’s also a good moment for photos that are wider, not just close-up waterfall shots.

Just remember, views depend on the day’s weather. If clouds move in, it can reduce visibility, so keep your flexibility and manage expectations.

Tirta Empul Temple purification ritual (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

To close, you’ll visit Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred Hindu temple known for holy spring water believed to have purifying and healing properties. Your time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and admission is included.

This is where the itinerary comes full circle. After a day of waterfalls and volcanic scenery, you get water in a sacred, ritual context. If you’re interested in understanding Bali beyond scenic photos, this stop is a must.

You should also treat this as a respectful experience, not a quick photo stop. Follow local guidance on where to stand and how to participate, and give people space if you’re watching the ritual closely.

What’s included, what you’ll probably pay for anyway

Based on what’s listed, the tour includes all fees and taxes, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private tour service, and lunch on both days. It also notes a mobile ticket, which usually makes the day feel simpler.

Most admissions show up as included across the itinerary: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Gunung Kawi Sebatu, both waterfalls, Kintamani, and Tirta Empul. Barong and Keris dance is listed as free for admission ticket, and D Alas Warung’s admission ticket is also listed as free because the focus is lunch plus the swing moment.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. That’s the main “heads up” cost. If you want to keep spending predictable, skip alcohol and grab bottled water and soft drinks during stops.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want a different plan

This is a strong fit if you want two full days of Ubud without the stress of planning transport, ticket timing, and backtracking between sites. The private format is also ideal for couples, friends, or small families who want to move together and keep a consistent pace.

It’s also a good match for people who like variety. You get performance culture, forest time with monkeys, rice terrace views, jungle swing fun, temple quiet, waterfall photography, volcanic scenery, and a purification ritual.

If you hate close animal encounters, Day 1 at Monkey Forest could be the tough spot. If you dislike crowds, Tegalalang can feel busy. And if you’re walking slowly or need long rests between stops, the two-day schedule might feel full, so you’d want to assess your comfort level with moderate fitness.

Small practical tips that make the day easier

A tour like this rewards preparation. Here are a few things that help based on the kind of stops you’ll do.

Wear shoes that handle wet ground. You’ll hit waterfalls where slick surfaces are part of the experience, especially at Kanto Lampo and Tukad Cepung.

Bring a plan for temple attire. You’ll be at Gunung Kawi Sebatu and Tirta Empul, both places where modest, respectful clothing matters. If you arrive prepared with a cover-up or sarong-style option, you’ll waste less time figuring it out.

For Monkey Forest, keep your hands free. Secure your phone and valuables, and avoid loose snacks. A big part of having a good time is not turning the monkey situation into a daily stress event.

Finally, hydrate. The tour includes bottled water, but you’ll still sweat through tropical heat. Sip often, not only when you feel thirsty.

Should you book the Discover Ubud 2 Days Private Tour?

I’d book this if you want a balanced Ubud hit list that goes beyond one theme. The itinerary mixes Balinese storytelling at Batubulan, Ubud icons like Monkey Forest and Tegalalang, and then adds real nature variety with two waterfalls plus Kintamani views. The closing Tirta Empul purification ritual is the kind of finish that makes the whole trip feel meaningful.

I’d think twice if your main goal is slow travel and you hate crowds or animals. This plan is built for momentum. It fits best when you’re happy to see a lot, in a smart order, with a driver who keeps things moving.

If your priority is comfort, value, and fewer planning headaches, this private 2-day route is a solid call, especially with the included admissions and meals that keep the day’s budget under control.

FAQ

How long is the Discover Ubud 2 Days Private Tour?

The tour is listed as 2 days (approx.).

Where does the tour start, and is pickup included?

The location is Seminyak, Indonesia, and pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

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

What does the price include?

The included items are all fees and taxes, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, private tour service, and lunch (2). Admissions are also covered for the sights marked as included.

Are meals included on both days?

Yes. Lunch is included twice during the 2-day tour.

Are the attraction admission tickets included?

Most are included per the itinerary. Barong and Keris dance in Batubulan is listed as free admission ticket, while places like Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul are listed as included.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drink is listed as not included.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel soon?

The tour has free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.