Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple

REVIEW · UBUD

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple

  • 5.07 reviews
  • From $72.00
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Operated by Bali 4U Tours · Bookable on Viator

One day in Bali that feels both planned and wild. This private tour strings together jungle waterfall views, major Hindu temples, Bali’s rice terraces, and the Kintamani volcano outlook—plus a stop for tea and coffee tasting. I like that the day is structured (about 8 hours) but not rushed, and I also like that entrance fees are included so you’re not doing surprise math at every ticket booth. The only drawback: it’s a full day in a car, so if you want lots of downtime, this itinerary may feel like too much.

A big part of the value is who’s driving the day. You get an English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned private vehicle, with pickup from many popular bases like Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu, and Denpasar. And you’re not just passing by famous spots—you’re getting time blocks at each one, like an hour at Tegenungan Waterfall and Tirta Empul, plus time for a rice terrace and the Kintamani viewpoint.

Here’s the practical consideration: food and drinks aren’t included, so budget for purchases during the day. Also, there’s an optional add-on only if time allows, so don’t count on it unless your schedule has slack.

Key takeaways before you go

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Key takeaways before you go

  • All entrance fees included, plus parking and gas/petrol, so your main costs are already handled
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pickup and drop-off from major Bali areas
  • Tirta Empul gives you a real look at an 11th-century purification temple that still has living rituals
  • Tegenungan Waterfall lets you choose the classic photo spot or go closer via the steps
  • Kintamani viewpoint + coffee tasting means volcano scenery and a chance to try Luwak/civet coffee
  • A balanced day mix: nature (waterfall, rice terraces) + culture (temples) + views (Mount Batur)

A one-day circuit: volcano views, big temples, and the classic Bali stops

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - A one-day circuit: volcano views, big temples, and the classic Bali stops
This tour is built for the traveler who wants a lot of Bali in one day, without the stress of hopping between drivers or worrying about tickets. The day circles around several headline attractions: Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a Mount Batur/Kintamani viewpoint, and Besakih Temple.

What I like about this structure is that it avoids the usual all-temple or all-nature trap. You get jungle energy at the waterfall, ritual atmosphere at Tirta Empul, open-sky scenery at Tegalalang, and then the dramatic scale of volcano-and-lake views at Kintamani. Besakih adds the “big religious centerpiece” feel, especially since it’s described as the biggest temple in Bali and it’s set on the slope of Mt. Agung.

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Price and value: what $72 covers (and what it doesn’t)

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Price and value: what $72 covers (and what it doesn’t)
At $72 per person for an ~8-hour private day, the value comes from how much is included. The tour covers:

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • Entry/admission fees
  • Parking fees
  • Gas/petrol
  • Pickup and drop-off from a long list of areas

That matters because Bali admission costs and parking can add up quickly when you’re doing it on your own. With this setup, you can focus on experiences—waterfall time, temple time, and getting your photos—rather than keeping a running expense list.

What’s not included is simpler: food and drink (you’ll purchase during the day) and optional gratuities. That means you should plan for at least a couple of snack/bottle purchases and a lunch stop around the Kintamani/Mount Batur viewpoint area.

Starting at 9:00 am: how the day is paced

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Starting at 9:00 am: how the day is paced
The tour starts at 9:00 am, with you ready in your hotel lobby for pickup at the scheduled time. Since this is private, you’re not waiting around for multiple hotel stops across different neighborhoods. The driver handles logistics in one shot, then you’re moving through the day’s blocks.

The itinerary is also time-boxed in a way that keeps it workable:

  • Tegenungan Waterfall: 1 hour
  • Tirta Empul Temple: 1 hour
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace: 45 minutes
  • Mount Batur viewpoint/lunch area: 1 hour
  • Besakih Temple: 1 hour

Plus the coffee/tea plantation stop time (not broken down in the summary, but it’s part of the experience).

That pacing is part of why this tour gets high marks. If you like your day structured—without feeling like a “tour bus blur”—this schedule hits a decent sweet spot.

Tegenungan Waterfall: choosing your view and your walk

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Tegenungan Waterfall: choosing your view and your walk
Tegenungan Waterfall is a classic Bali jungle scene, the kind that makes you stop talking for a moment. You get about an hour, which is enough time to get photos from the main photo spot and, if you want more, go closer using the steps.

Here’s the practical way to plan this stop:

  • If you want quick photos: start at the photo spot and spend your time framing shots.
  • If you want a closer feel: use the steps, but do it with the expectation that your timing may get slower once you’re down near the water.

Because the day is packed with temples later, I’d use this hour to enjoy the waterfall without going so long that you feel rushed at Tirta Empul.

Tirta Empul Temple: a living 11th-century purification site

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Tirta Empul Temple: a living 11th-century purification site
Tirta Empul Temple is one of those places that doesn’t feel like a museum. It’s built in the 11th century and is well-known as a purification temple—and local Hindus still come here for purification rituals.

You’ll get about an hour at Tirta Empul. That’s a good window because you can take in the architecture and the flow of the ritual area, and you don’t have to “just pass through.” It’s also the kind of stop where a guide helps. The tour includes an English-speaking driver/guide, and part of the value is getting context for what you’re seeing—like why purification rituals matter here.

Tip: keep your pace respectful. This is a functioning religious place, and taking your time without crowding the ritual space makes the experience better for you and for everyone around you.

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Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the viewpoint stop that’s worth the half hour

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Tegalalang Rice Terrace: the viewpoint stop that’s worth the half hour
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a North Ubud favorite for a reason: terraced fields, open views, and the kind of layered scene that makes photos look good even when your skills are… basic. You get 45 minutes, plus admission is included.

What you’ll notice here is the contrast. At Tirta Empul, everything centers on stone, ritual, and religious meaning. At Tegalalang, the focus shifts to farming patterns and long sightlines. The terraced fields and surrounding coconut trees create a very Bali look that feels grounded and real.

A 45-minute stop is the right amount of time if you’re also going to climb a little or move to different angles. If you linger too long, the later temple stops become a scramble. So I’d use that time to get your favorite angle, then move on.

Mount Batur and the Kintamani viewpoint: volcano drama with a lunch-friendly rhythm

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Mount Batur and the Kintamani viewpoint: volcano drama with a lunch-friendly rhythm
This is where the day earns its “Kintamani” label. You’ll enjoy the view of Mt. Batur and its lake, and the viewpoint area is noted as a great spot for having lunch while looking out at the scenery. The time block is about 1 hour, and admission is included.

A calm way to approach this stop:

  • Take a few minutes first to scan the view and find your best photo angles.
  • Then plan your lunch so you’re not rushing your food and missing the best light.

Since the tour includes tickets and transport but not food, you’ll be making a purchase here. That’s normal, just go in ready for it. Also, because volcano view conditions can change with weather, don’t assume you’ll get perfect clarity. The value is in the overall experience of the scale and setting.

Besakih Temple: Bali’s biggest temple on the slope of Mt. Agung

Private Bali Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Besakih Temple - Besakih Temple: Bali’s biggest temple on the slope of Mt. Agung
Besakih is the heavy hitter on the culture side. It’s described as the biggest temple in Bali, located in East Bali on the slope of Mt. Agung. You’ll get about an hour here, with admission included.

Besakih has that “grand complex” feel: multiple areas, stairs, and sacred structures spread across an impressive setting. With a fixed time block, the goal is to choose a route that lets you see the most important parts without burning your energy.

If you’re comparing temples in Bali, Besakih is the one that tends to feel more expansive and ceremonial. Tirta Empul is about living ritual; Besakih is about scale and the way the island’s faith is anchored to geography—Mt. Agung and its religious importance.

Kintamani Coffee Plantation: tea, coffee, and civet/Luwak tasting

This tour includes a stop at a Balinese plantation tied to Kintamani, with tea and coffee tasting. The offer also mentions trying Luwak (civet) coffee, which is famous in Bali and sometimes divisive.

The key here is to approach it like a tasting, not a life mission. If you try it, you’ll get a sense of what makes it different, and you’ll learn a bit about how local coffee traditions are presented to visitors. The tour’s included tasting time is built into the day, so you’re not adding extra stops on your own.

Also, keep an eye on what you’re offered and how the tasting works. The tour includes the experience, but not food beyond that.

The practical side: comfort, transport, and how to wear the day

This is a private, air-conditioned vehicle day, with pickup and drop-off from many Bali areas: Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar. If you’re staying outside those zones, you’ll want to confirm fit during booking, but these listed areas cover a lot of the most common visitor bases.

Since the schedule includes waterfall steps and temple walking, I’d plan for:

  • Comfortable shoes for uneven ground
  • A light layer, since temple visits and changing weather can make temperatures feel different throughout the day
  • A small plan for snacks or water purchases, since food and drinks are not included

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, which is handy if you prefer keeping everything on your phone.

Guide quality: what to look for in an English-speaking driver/guide

The tour includes an English-speaking driver/guide, and that language piece matters more than you might expect on temple stops. At Tirta Empul and Besakih, context can turn a “pretty place” into a meaningful stop.

On past runs, guides such as Chris and Yasmika have been praised for organization and for sharing Bali history in a clear way. If your driver is chatty (in a good way), lean into it. If they’re quiet, ask what you should notice at each site—this tour format rewards that curiosity.

Who should book this tour, and who might not love it

This private Bali day tour fits best if you want:

  • A one-day sampler of major Bali experiences (waterfall, rice terraces, temples, and volcano view)
  • A schedule with included admissions so you can focus on seeing, not planning
  • Private comfort—especially helpful if you’re traveling with a family, or you just don’t want to coordinate with other groups

It may be less ideal if:

  • You hate full-day driving or prefer slower, neighborhood-based exploring
  • You want deep time at one single site rather than quick-to-medium visits across several attractions
  • You’re on a strict budget for food, since you’ll be buying meals/snacks during the day

Should you book this private Kintamani and Besakih tour?

Yes—if your priority is getting multiple Bali highlights into one organized day without micromanaging tickets or transport. The strongest reason to book is the package value: private air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking driver/guide, and entrance fees plus parking and gas covered. That’s a lot of friction removed.

I’d book it if you’re excited by variety—waterfall nature, a living purification temple, rice terraces, and then big volcano-and-temple scenery. If you’re the type who wants long, unhurried time at just one or two places, you might feel the day is packed. For most first-timers, though, this is a smart, efficient way to see a lot of Bali with decent breathing room.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is offered from Sanur, Ubud, Kuta/Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Does the price include entrance fees?

Yes. Entry/Admission fees are included in the tour price.

Is food included?

No. Food and drink are not included, so you’ll be able to purchase them during the day.

Is there a ticket included on my phone?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

Who leads the tour?

You’ll have an English-speaking driver/guide.

What stops are included?

The main stops are Tegenungan Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, the Mount Batur/Kintamani viewpoint, and Besakih Temple, plus a stop for coffee/tea tasting at a plantation.

Can additional attractions be added if there is time?

There may be optional tourist attractions if there is time left, on request, but they are not specified in the provided details.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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