One day, three ancient stops, one volcano view.

I love the private guide feel here—your route moves at your pace, and you get context at each place instead of just photo stops. I also love the Mount Batur viewing time, which pairs big volcano scenery with a relaxed coffee break in the area. One thing to plan for: it’s a long day starting at 8:00 am, and several major stops have admission fees not included, so check budget early.

The logistics are the easy part. You get hotel pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle (group size up to 5), plus bottled water and fuel included, so you’re not juggling drivers or figuring out parking. You’ll also use a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in all weather, so you’ll want to dress for rain or heat.

What makes the day feel special is the mix of sacred sites and everyday Bali. You’ll visit Gunung Kawi (an 11th-century temple and funerary complex known as the Valley of the Balinese Kings), then Tirta Empul, famous for the cleansing and purifying ceremony. And between temples, you’ll hit a produce area in Susut and finish at Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud.

Key highlights worth waking up for

• Private pacing with a dedicated driver/guide so you can slow down when you want photos or a longer look
• Tirta Empul’s cleansing ritual area, where you may be able to witness the ceremony in action
• Gunung Kawi’s royal-temple story in the Tampaksiring area, tied to Bali’s past
• Mount Batur viewing time with time to eat or sip coffee while you watch the volcano area
• Susut produce stalls for fruits, flowers, spices, and bamboo-related local life
• Tegalalang rice terraces as a classic capstone before you’re dropped back in Ubud

How this private Kintamani day works (and why it’s good value)

This is built for convenience: an 8 to 9 hour full-day private tour from Ubud with pickup and drop-off. The price is $80 per group (up to 5), which is usually where value shows up. If you’re traveling with friends or family, private transport for the whole day often costs less than separate taxis plus entrance hassles plus time wasted.

The tour also includes things that tend to get forgotten in “cheap” tours: bottled water, fuel surcharge, and gratuities. You’re not paying those extras at the door. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck timing your day around strangers who move slower—or faster—than you do.

The tradeoff is simple: you’re covering a lot of ground. If you hate early starts or you want lots of downtime, this route may feel packed. But if you like seeing several standout Bali stops in one day without the stress, it’s a strong setup.

Tegenungan Waterfall: your first hit of Bali water and views

Tegenungan Waterfall kicks off the day with about 2 hours on-site. It’s in the southern part of Bali, and the focus is what you’d expect: the sound of water, great photo angles, and the chance to splash around in the clearer spring water fountain area.

Why I think this stop works early in the itinerary: you’re not yet tired, and your energy is high. Waterfalls are best when you’re ready to move—walk a little, take photos, and then just listen for a while. If the weather is damp, the waterfall usually feels louder and more dramatic.

Two practical considerations. First, admission isn’t included here, so plan for a ticket. Second, water areas can be slippery. Keep your shoes sensible and give yourself a little time to pick a safe path for photos.

Gunung Kawi Temple (Valley of the Balinese Kings): history you can actually picture

After the waterfall, you’ll head to Mount Kawi, sometimes described as the Valley of the Balinese Kings. It’s an 11th-century temple and funerary complex in the Tampaksiring area, and the stop runs about 1 hour.

This is the part of the day where a good guide makes a difference. When someone explains what you’re seeing—why it’s here, who it was connected to, and how the site fits into Bali’s story—you stop treating it like a quick viewpoint and start seeing it as a meaningful place.

The drawback: with only about an hour, you’ll want to keep expectations realistic. You can look, take photos, and absorb the story, but you won’t have unlimited time for slow wandering. Also, admission is not included, so budget for a ticket.

Tirta Empul and Bali’s cleansing ritual: respectful watching, not just sightseeing

Tirta Empul is one of the most famous names in Bali for a reason. You’ll spend about 1 hour here at the temple known for its cleansing and purifying ceremony, which draws people from around the world as well as local Balinese visitors.

What makes this stop powerful is that you’re not just looking at statues and buildings—you’re observing a living practice. The tour specifically notes the chance to see the cleansing ritual at Empul Temple. Even if you don’t witness every moment, being in the space where the ceremony happens adds a layer you won’t get from purely scenic stops.

Practical notes:

• Admission is not included.
• This is a place people come for spiritual purposes, so treat it like a quiet, respectful viewing experience.
• In wet conditions, temple areas can be slick—again, wear shoes you trust.

Susut: the agriculture stop that turns the day human

Halfway through the route, you switch gears at Susut. This 1-hour stop is an agriculture area known for fresh produce—vegetables, fruits, and bamboo. You’ll also have a chance to stop by a local stall to buy items like fresh fruits, flower, and spice.

This is one of my favorite types of travel breaks: a reminder that Bali isn’t only temples and viewpoints. Even if you don’t buy much, you get a feel for how people live and what they grow. It also helps your energy level. After several stops that involve walking and looking, this feels more like a practical pause.

The big plus here is that admission is listed as free for this segment. If you want a snack, a small souvenir, or just something colorful to remember the day by, it’s a good moment.

Mount Batur: volcano views, coffee shops, and time to breathe

Mount Batur is the centerpiece for many people, and the schedule gives it the time it deserves: about 2 hours in the area. Since this is an active volcano, the view is the point—big shapes, dramatic weather, and a sense of being close to something powerful.

The tour also connects this stop to what you’ll actually do besides stand and stare. Near the volcano viewing area, there are coffee shops and restaurants where you can dine while you take in the view. And the tour description mentions a coffee plantation element as part of the day, so you’re not just getting the postcard shot—you’re also getting a taste of Bali’s coffee culture.

A couple of practical considerations:

• Admission is not included for this segment.
• This is a popular area, so plan for the fact that you’ll likely be sharing viewpoints.
• If clouds roll in, the view may change. You can’t control weather, but you can control whether you’re dressed for it.

Tegalalang rice terraces: the classic ending near Ubud

To finish strong, you’ll go to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most visited rice terraces in Bali. You’ll have about 1 hour here, which is just enough time to walk a bit, find a viewpoint, and understand why people keep coming back.

Why this works at the end of the day: you’ve already seen temples and volcanic scenery. Rice terraces feel like a calmer, slower contrast—something you can look at without needing to rush to your next checkpoint.

As with many popular sites, admission is not included, so expect to pay an entry fee if you want to access the areas being used for visitors. Also, terraces usually mean uneven ground. Take your time where steps are slick or steep.

Ubud drop-off: choose your next move after the tour

At the end, you’ll spend about 1 hour in Ubud, where you can choose what fits your mood. The tour indicates you can visit the Ubud Traditional Art Market or do a walk like Campuhan Ridge walk, and your chauffeur will be happy to drop you there before heading back.

This is a nice way to keep the day from feeling abruptly finished. Instead of rushing straight back to your hotel, you get a window to grab a snack, browse a market, or take an easy stroll while you still have energy.

Because this final segment has “free” listed for admission, it’s also a good place to spend time without feeling like you’re paying for another ticket.

Price check: is $80 per group worth it

At $80 per group up to 5, this tour can be a bargain if you’re doing it as a small group. You’re getting a private vehicle for the day, hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, fuel surcharge, and your driver/guide. Those items add up fast if you try to build the day independently.

Where the value can dip slightly is the same place it does for most Bali day tours: admission fees and food/drinks aren’t included. Several major stops have tickets listed as not included (waterfall, Mount Kawi, Tirta Empul, Mount Batur, and Tegalalang). Susut is listed as free, and Ubud has free admission.

My advice: treat it like a planning worksheet. Set aside a rough budget for entrance tickets at the paid stops, and decide in advance whether you want to eat at the volcano area (you likely will have that opportunity during the Mount Batur time).

What to wear, what to pack, and how to keep the day enjoyable

This tour asks for a moderate physical fitness level and operates in all weather. That combination means you should think “comfortable and practical,” not “cute outfit.”

• Dress code is smart casual, so aim for clean, comfortable clothes you can move in.
• Expect wet and slippery spots around waterfall and temple areas.
• Bring a light rain layer if there’s any chance of showers.
• Comfortable shoes matter more than you think. This day includes multiple outdoor areas with uneven ground.

And because it’s a private tour, you can likely ask your guide to adjust timing if something runs late—just remember the overall day is still built around several stops.

Should you book the Kintamani Volcano View Tour from Ubud?

Book it if you want a private, structured day that hits Bali’s big categories in one go: a waterfall, two cultural/temple stops (including Tirta Empul’s cleansing ceremony area), a local agriculture break in Susut, and the Mount Batur viewing time that people come for.

Skip it (or choose a different format) if you hate long days, you’re sensitive to early starts, or you really want lots of free time between stops. This is a “see a lot without driving yourself” tour, not a slow retreat.

If your priority is value for a small group and you like meaningful context as you go, this Kintamani day tour is an easy yes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the Kintamani Volcano View Tour?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

How much is the tour?

The price is $80 per group, up to 5 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, bottled water, fuel surcharge, gratuities, and your driver/guide. You also get a private tour and a mobile ticket.

What isn’t included?

Food and drinks aren’t included, and admission fees are listed as not included for multiple stops.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. It operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. 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.