Ubud: Hot Air Balloon Experience

Tiny basket, huge Bali sky. From Tanah Gajah in Ubud, you get an intimate hot air balloon ride with views toward Mount Agung, plus a proper resort meal around the flight. I like the calm, safety-first vibe, and I also like that the food is timed to your adventure. The trade-off is that the ride is short and tethered, so it is not a long, drifting flight.

Expect a 23-metre balloon with a cosy wicker basket. It climbs about 50 metres over rice fields, then floats for 7 to 10 minutes at the end of a tether, staying close to the takeoff area. I also like the pacing because it is a small group experience, limited to 10 participants.

Key things that make this Ubud balloon ride worth your time

• First-and-only Ubud ballooning from Tanah Gajah (Bali’s first and only balloon adventure in this area)
• 50-metre climb with a tethered float so the motion stays gentle and controlled
• Views that can reach Mount Agung on the eastern horizon on clear sunny days
• A full meal plan built in: sunrise breakfast, afternoon tea, or a three-course dinner
• An on-site photographer is part of the experience, and you should plan around their setup
• Weather and wind matter, with the real possibility of rescheduling for safety

Why Tanah Gajah is the smart place to fly from in Ubud

This hot air balloon experience is set up at Tanah Gajah, a resort by Hadiprana, in the Ubud area. That matters more than it sounds. You are not just showing up for a quick thrill, you are starting and ending the day in a calm, resort-like setting.

I like that this experience is designed around a specific moment in the morning or afternoon. If you choose the sunrise slot, you get your balloon time first, then you land into a ready-made breakfast plan. If you choose the evening option, dinner becomes part of the arc of the experience, not an afterthought.

Ubud itself is famous for its scenery, especially around Tanah Gajah. From the air, you are aiming for a wide view that stretches from the lush Ubud greenery toward Mount Agung in the east. That view is the big reason people are willing to wake up early, show up on time, and accept that weather will ultimately have a say in what happens.

The tethered flight: what 7 to 10 minutes really feels like

Let’s talk about what is actually happening above those rice fields, because the details change your expectations.

The balloon is tethered. Each ride climbs to about 50 metres, then floats while still attached at the tether point. From the ground, the feeling is more like a controlled hover than a free-roaming balloon drifting across the countryside. One practical benefit: you typically do not feel like you are being carried far away from the takeoff area.

The total balloon time is listed as 7 to 10 minutes. That is short enough that you will want the view to be clear, and it is also short enough that this can work for people who get nervous about longer thrills. In other words, you should go in expecting a bright, intense burst of scenery, not a half-hour sky drift.

Inside, you are in a cosy wicker basket. The ride is designed for a maximum of 2 adults per ride, with a total weight limit of 150 kg. If you are traveling with anyone outside those limits, this specific flight setup will not work.

One more expectation check: how the scenery looks depends on weather conditions and the flight time. On sunny days before darkness, the panorama can run from Ubud’s forested areas out to Mount Agung on the eastern horizon. If it is cloudy or visibility is poor, the same route can look more muted.

What you get after landing: sunrise breakfast that makes the early start worth it

The sunrise option is built around an inclusive breakfast. Morning passengers enjoy breakfast either before or after the balloon adventure, depending on timing for that day.

Breakfast is based on an a la carte menu. That is good news if you do not want a one-size-fits-all buffet. It also lets you pick what you actually feel like eating after you have just woken up early and climbed into the air.

I like the way this meal is positioned. The balloon is exciting, but the day can feel like a scramble if there is no planned reset afterward. Here, breakfast becomes that reset. The setting also helps, because the resort environment and views from the dining area pair naturally with the balloon perspective you just gained.

If you are doing this as a couple, the sunrise slot can feel extra intimate. You are doing the sky part first, then sharing a slower meal while the excitement is still fresh.

Afternoon tea and evening dinner: how the included meal changes your budget

Not everyone wants the earliest departure. The experience also offers an afternoon option and an evening option, each with a different included meal.

For sunset afternoon flights, you get tea and treats. The plan includes a premium tea and coffee selection, plus savouries from East to West. This is a nice match for people who want the balloon experience but do not want to lose half their day to an early wake-up.

For evening adventures, dinner is included as a three-course Indonesian or Balinese set menu. The key detail is that dinner is food only. Beverages are extra, except for house-poured water.

That beverage rule matters for value. The balloon itself is only 7 to 10 minutes, so the meal is part of what justifies the price. But if you want cocktails, iced drinks, or fancy coffees at dinner, you should budget for that add-on. If you keep beverages simple, dinner becomes closer to a true all-in experience.

The on-site photographer: great portraits, and a reason to plan ahead

Most people remember the moment they rose and the view they saw. But many also remember how easy it was to capture it.

This experience includes an on-site photographer. The idea is that you get high-quality photos of you during the flight. There is typically at least one photo included, and you can buy additional images if you want more.

Here is the practical caution: personal phone photography may be restricted during the balloon ride. The setup is designed so you rely on the photographer for the in-air shots. So if your goal is to get your own phone videos while airborne, adjust your plan. Bring your phone for everything before and after, but expect the flight itself to be a different photo workflow.

Also consider cost. Extra photos can be priced separately, and it is worth deciding ahead of time whether you want the included shot only or a larger photo pack. If you love photos and you want more variety, expect you might spend extra after the flight.

Choosing a flight time in Ubud: sunrise, afternoon, or evening

When you pick your time slot, you are really choosing two things: the light for photos and the atmosphere for the day.

Sunrise morning

Morning is often the best choice for a clear view and cooler conditions. It is also the option that pairs most naturally with Ubud’s greenery, because you are more likely to see the range of scenery toward Mount Agung. If you want the most classic “first light” feeling, sunrise is usually the best bet.

One more perk: the day stays structured. Balloon first, then breakfast, then you can go do other Ubud plans without feeling like you have to wait around for dinner.

Afternoon

Afternoon tea makes the balloon feel less like an all-day commitment. It can also be a good middle ground if you do not want to get up extremely early but still want daylight.

The view is more dependent on weather and cloud cover in this window. If visibility is limited, the balloon will still be a fun ride, but the Mount Agung horizon can be harder to pick out.

Evening

Evening is best if your priority is dinner and a relaxed, couple-oriented schedule. But note that the clarity of views depends on weather and the time of the flight. If it is too dark to fully enjoy the ride, you can reschedule.

So for evening bookings, I would think of it as: dinner plus sky time, where sky visibility is the variable.

Price and value: is $182 per group up to 2 a good deal?

This experience is priced at $182 per group for up to 2 people, for a 1-day outing. That is not cheap, but it is not wildly out of line for a balloon ride that includes more than the flight itself.

Here is what you are paying for, based on what is included:

• A hot air balloon experience for 7 to 10 minutes
• Breakfast or afternoon tea or dinner, depending on your selected time
• Insurance
• A hot air balloon certificate
• Small group handling (limited to 10 participants)

When you think about value, the key is that the flight is short, so the included meal helps balance the overall cost. If you were paying for the balloon alone, you might reasonably feel sticker shock. But since breakfast or tea or dinner is included, the experience becomes closer to a full package, not just a quick ride.

The two biggest cost add-ons to watch are:

• Dinner beverages are extra (water is included)
• Photo upgrades are extra if you want more than the included shot

And one more non-price factor: hotel transfer is not included. So if you are not already near Tanah Gajah, you will need to plan transport separately.

If you want a romantic, scenic “Bali moment” with a resort meal attached, this can feel like good value. If you want a long aerial adventure, or you want lots of flexibility during the flight itself, you may feel the time limit more.

Practical details that can affect your day

Before you book, make sure you fit the rules and you can plan around the limits.

• Age range: 3 to 70 years old
• Weight limit: total weight limit is 150 kg
• Capacity per ride: designed for a maximum of 2 adults
• Insurance coverage: applies only within the 3 to 70 age range
• Flight depends on weather and wind: cancellation is possible for safety, and you may be offered a reschedule
• Meeting point: varies depending on which option you book
• Group size: limited to 10 participants
• English host or greeter: available

One more rule that travelers often forget: flying drones is prohibited around the resort perimeter. If you are bringing a drone, plan to leave it behind for this area.

Finally, remember the balloon experience is designed for a short flight with a tether. If you are nervous about heights, that short duration can actually be a comfort. If you are chasing the thrill of a long balloon adventure, this format may not match your idea of what ballooning should feel like.

Should you book this Ubud hot air balloon experience?

Yes, if you want a scenic, couple-friendly balloon moment tied to a resort meal, and you are happy with a short flight time. I think this works especially well for people who value the view toward Mount Agung and appreciate that the ride is calm and controlled, not a far-roaming drift.

I would skip or rethink it if you are specifically hoping for a longer, free-floating balloon experience, or if you dislike paying extra for photos and beverages. Also be honest with yourself about weather. If you are booking during a period where wind or clouds are common, your ideal slot might shift.

If you match the vibe, you will likely come away feeling like the whole day flowed naturally: sky time first, then a meal that actually feels worth getting dressed for.

FAQ

How long is the hot air balloon experience?

The flight time is listed as 7 to 10 minutes.

What meal is included with the balloon ride?

Depending on the option you book, you will get sunrise breakfast, sunset afternoon tea, or a three-course evening dinner.

Is hotel transfer included?

No, hotel transfer is not included.

Is insurance included?

Yes, insurance is included as part of the activity.

What is the age range to participate?

Participants must be between 3 and 70 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The ride has a total weight limit of 150 kg.

How big is the group?

The experience is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants.

What happens if weather or wind is unsafe for flying?

The activity is subject to weather and wind, so cancellation is possible for safety reasons. If canceled due to weather, you may be able to reschedule.

Can I fly a drone near the resort?

No. Flying drones is prohibited around the resort perimeter.

Is there a photographer, and are phone photos allowed during the ride?

An on-site photographer is part of the experience, and personal phone photography during the balloon ride is restricted. You are directed to use the hired photographer for in-flight photos.