Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip

REVIEW · SEMINYAK

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip

  • 5.06 reviews
  • From $40.00
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Operated by Bali Day Tour · Bookable on Viator

Eight hours, five big Bali icons, one smooth ride. I like this charter because it links Tegenungan Waterfall with Tirta Empul and then strings together the Ubud must-sees and Kintamani’s Mount Batur caldera—using an air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver. It’s a smart way to see a lot without turning your day into a scooter endurance test.

I also like the flexibility. If you want lunch with a view at Kintamani, you can tell the driver and work it into the timing. Main drawback: entrance tickets are listed as not included at several stops, so you’ll likely pay more on arrival unless you chose the all-inclusive ticket option.

Key things I’d clock before you go

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip - Key things I’d clock before you go

  • A car charter that keeps you comfortable: air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup/drop-off across many Bali areas
  • Tegenungan Waterfall first: about an hour at a 20m cascade with local stalls right near the viewing area
  • Tirta Empul purification springs: a sacred site tied to the Warmadewa Dynasty and an old-world bathing tradition
  • Kintamani’s caldera views (Mount Batur + Lake Batur): your visit is mostly about the view, with lunch possible if you ask
  • Ubud’s best variety in one day: rice terraces, Monkey Forest, palace grounds, and the traditional art market
  • Your driver matters: one past guest praised guide Nengah for being helpful, kind, and a true gentleman

Price and logistics: is $40 a good deal?

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip - Price and logistics: is $40 a good deal?
At $40 per person for an 8–10 hour day with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver who speaks English, and time at multiple major sights, the value is strong—especially if you’re splitting costs with friends. You’re not just paying for attractions; you’re paying for the day to run on wheels, on schedule, without you guessing routes and parking.

The catch is the tickets. The tour notes specify that admission tickets are not included for most stops listed (waterfall, temple, volcano viewpoint, rice terrace, Monkey Forest), while the included section also mentions an option where entrance tickets and lunch are part of the package. In plain terms: confirm what you’re buying. If you book the car charter only, budget for entrances. If you book the all-inclusive version, you’re likely covered.

Also, you’ll be in a car for a good chunk of the day. That’s part of the deal here—Ubud and Kintamani are not next door to each other. The upside is you get to see nature, sacred sites, and classic Ubud all in one run.

Other Kintamani volcano tours at Mount Batur & Bali highlands

Getting picked up in Bali without the headache

You start from Seminyak (and the service also lists pickup/drop-off options from places like Ubud, Sanur, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Canggu, and more). That matters because Bali days can be eaten alive by wait times and handoffs.

You’ll also get drop-off back at your accommodation area. That means you don’t have to plan your own way back after dark, if your Ubud palace stop runs into the evening dance time window. The palace stop is set at about 30 minutes, so the day stays efficient without turning your evening into another commute.

Dress code is smart casual, and that’s a helpful guideline in Bali. You’ll be okay in comfortable clothing, but expect temples and sanctuaries to require respectful behavior—bring it like you mean it.

Tegenungan Waterfall: where locals actually go

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip - Tegenungan Waterfall: where locals actually go
Tegenungan Waterfall is a great first stop because it feels alive. It’s fed by the Petanu River flowing along the village of Kemenuh, and it drops up to around 20 meters—enough that you can feel the sound vibration. From the first main viewing point, you get green rocky walls framing the falls, plus local stalls serving food and beverages.

This stop is about setting your body into Bali mode early. You’ll have around an hour here, which is enough time to admire from the viewpoint, grab a drink, and take photos without the crowds turning into a chore.

The practical side: this is a popular place, so wear footwear that handles uneven ground. Also, bring sunscreen—sun hits hard even when you’re under partial shade.

Tirta Empul Temple: purification, springs, and quiet rules

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip - Tirta Empul Temple: purification, springs, and quiet rules
Tirta Empul is one of those stops that changes the tone of your day. This temple complex is centered on holy mountain spring water in Manukaya, and it’s tied to a well-known traditional tale about good versus evil. It’s also recognized as a national cultural heritage site, with complex buildings tracing back to around 960 AD and linked to the Warmadewa Dynasty.

What makes it special for you is that this isn’t just scenery. It’s active spiritual practice—Balinese Hindu people come for purification. The site includes the bathing/purification springs area, where you’ll see people participating in the tradition.

You might also notice the area has major landmarks nearby, including Istana Tampaksiring (a presidential palace built during Soekarno’s years). Even if you don’t spend a long time here, the geography gives you a sense of how important the area is beyond tourism.

Timing matters. You’ll have about an hour, so you can observe respectfully, take in the atmosphere, and still move on before the day tightens up.

Kintamani and Mount Batur caldera: the view is the whole point

Kintamani Highland is mainly a viewpoint day. You come for Mount Batur—also known as the Kintamani Volcano—and for Lake Batur filling a large part of the caldera. The crater of Mount Batur is estimated at about 13 square kilometers, and the visuals can be dramatic when weather cooperates.

This is also where you get the best “Bali feels different here” moment. The winding roads along the lake shore run toward spots like Toya Bungkah, Pura Ulan Danu Batur, and even the hot springs area. Your stop is set at about an hour, so you’ll likely focus on the main viewpoint and surrounding area rather than hiking.

Lunch is flexible. If you want to eat at Kintamani (and you want it to happen during your time there), you can inform the driver. That’s a nice feature because it keeps you from rushing later just to find food.

Weather is the key variable. This experience notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a different date or a full refund. So don’t treat this like a guaranteed sun-and-sparkle view—treat it like a prime-time chance.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the story behind the green steps

Bali Full-Day Car Charter: Ubud and Kintamani Volcano Trip - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the story behind the green steps
After the volcano area, Tegalalang Rice Terrace brings you back to craft and farming. This is in northern Ubud and is famous for its rice paddies tied to the subak system, a traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation method. The information here even points to a revered holy man, Rsi Markandeya, associated with passing down the system around the 8th century.

What you’ll like is that this isn’t only about taking a photo from one angle. The terraces and irrigation patterns give you lots of “walk and look” moments—enough variety that you can spend your hour without feeling trapped.

You should also know that Tegalalang is a very visited area. That doesn’t ruin it, but it does mean you’ll want to choose your viewing spots thoughtfully. If it’s hot, use your shade breaks wisely and stay hydrated.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: temples, jungle, and attitude management

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the most memorable stops because it’s both natural and cultural. It covers about 27 lush acres at the lower end of Jalan Monkey Forest in Padangtegal. Home to over 400 long-tailed macaques, the park divides them into four groups across different areas.

What I like about this stop is that it’s treated as a spiritual space as much as a zoo-style attraction. It’s described as owned and operated by the village of Padangtegal, with a village council involved in governing the area and protecting its integrity while welcoming tourists.

Your practical checklist:

  • Keep a firm grip on sunglasses, bags, and anything shiny.
  • Don’t tease or chase macaques; this is their home, and your only job is to watch calmly.
  • Give yourself time to see temple structures tucked into the greenery, not just the monkeys.

You’ll have about an hour. That’s a good length: enough for a full circuit feeling, not enough time for your patience to wear out.

Puri Saren Palace and Ubud’s art market: culture without a lecture

Puri Saren Ubud Palace is the classic “Ubud landmark” stop for a reason. It sits on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road and is described as a focal point of the area. The palace was built during the lordship of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823) and is maintained by successive heirs.

You’ll have around 30 minutes here, and that works. Use it to appreciate the Balinese architecture and gardens. The palace is also known among lovers of Balinese arts as a venue for dramatic evening dance performances, though your visit is likely during daytime hours—so treat it as an architecture-and-courtyard stop first.

Right after, you’ll hit the Ubud Traditional Art Market for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to browse handicrafts: wood and rattan goods, art tools, paintings, and silver items. The market is described as having many shops with different inventories, so you can actually walk through and compare rather than buying from the first stall you see.

If you’re shopping, set yourself a simple rule: decide what you want before you arrive. Otherwise, the number of beautiful things can drain your energy faster than your phone battery.

What makes the driver and pacing so important

Because this is a car charter, your driver’s job is basically time management and navigation. The driver is listed as professional and English-speaking, and one highly rated experience specifically praised Nengah for being helpful, kind, and an absolute gentleman. Even if your guide isn’t Nengah, the lesson stays the same: choose a tour where the driver is part guide, part traffic wrangler.

The pacing is practical: major sights at each stage of the day rather than crowding you into back-to-back tiny stops. You’ll spend about an hour at each of the big “anchor” places—waterfall, Tirta Empul, Kintamani, rice terraces, Monkey Forest—then wrap with shorter stops at the palace and market.

And yes, there’s flexibility. The tour notes say time can be adjusted based on your request. That’s especially useful on Bali days, where weather shifts and crowds appear like clockwork.

Tickets, lunch, and small costs: the real budget picture

Here’s the budget reality you should plan for:

  • Entrance tickets at key stops are listed as not included in the stop notes (waterfall, temple, Kintamani viewpoint area, rice terrace, Monkey Forest).
  • The included section mentions an all-inclusive option that can include entrance tickets and lunch, but also states the car charter only excludes entrance ticket and lunch.

So your final cost depends on how you book. If you choose the car charter only, be ready to pay at least for the paid entries. If you pick the all-inclusive option, you’ll likely have a smoother day with fewer payments in the field.

Alcoholic beverages are not included, and personal expenses are always on you. That’s normal, but it’s worth saying because some people mentally bundle everything into one price.

Who this Bali charter is best for

This tour fits you if you want a one-day highlight mix: waterfall, temple purification, volcano views, classic Ubud nature, and the monkey forest experience, all with pickup and drop-off. It’s also ideal if you don’t want to drive and park around busy town centers.

It’s also a good choice for first-timers in Bali who want big-name stops without building an itinerary from scratch. If you’ve already been scooter-ing for a few days, this is your “I need a break” day.

You might not love it if you hate long drives or you prefer very slow travel with long stays. This is a “see a lot” format, not a “sit and linger for hours at one spot” format.

Should you book this Ubud and Kintamani day?

I’d book it if your priority is variety and convenience: one air-conditioned car, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a route that hits Bali’s big visuals from waterfall to rice terraces to Mount Batur views. The price is attractive for a full day, but only if you handle the ticket question up front.

I’d also book it with weather awareness. Since the experience requires good weather, you’ll be happier if you’re going into it expecting a chance at clear views rather than treating the volcano as guaranteed perfection.

If you want a smooth, practical day that feels like Bali in multiple moods, this charter is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Bali full-day car charter?

The duration is listed as about 8 to 10 hours.

Where does pickup happen for this tour?

It includes pickup from your hotel/villa in Seminyak, and it also lists pickup/drop-off service in many nearby areas such as Ubud, Sanur, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Tuban, Kerobokan, Canggu, and more.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Are entrance tickets included?

It depends on what you choose. The included section says all-inclusive tours include entrance tickets and lunch, while the car charter only excludes entrance tickets and lunch. The stop notes also list admission tickets as not included for several locations.

Is lunch included, and can I eat at Kintamani?

Lunch may be included depending on whether you book the all-inclusive option. The Kintamani stop says you can inform the driver if you wish to have lunch there.

What’s the dress code and what should I bring?

Dress code is smart casual. Bring sunscreen and a camera.

Is there flexibility in the schedule?

Yes. The tour notes say the time arrangement is flexible based on your request.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, you won’t receive a refund.

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