A private day in Bali beats rushing. You’ll get hotel pickup, a private car, and the freedom to choose a route across the island. One guide example that really sticks is Putu Tedy, praised for clear English, calm patience, and being flexible when plans change.
I love the way this tour builds in choice. You can pick an East, North West, Ubud full day, or Bali Temple route, and you can also shape the day around what you care about most. I also like the “your pace, your stops” feel that comes from traveling by private vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
The main thing to watch is cost creep. The base price covers transport and the driver, but lunch and admission fees are not included, so plan a little extra spending on top of $37.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you pick your Bali route
- Private full-day touring from Kuta: how the 9:00 start really matters
- East Bali tour (Kertha Gosa, Goa Lawah, Tenganan, Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang)
- North West Bali tour (Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Beratan, Candikuning, Jatiluwih, Tanah Lot)
- Ubud full day (Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Coffee Plantation, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest, Ubud Market)
- Bali Temple tour (Kehen, Besakih, Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi Rocky Temple, Goa Gajah)
- Price and logistics: what $37 covers and what you should budget
- Driver quality and flexibility: Putu Tedy’s punctual, patient style
- How to make the day feel smooth (not rushed)
- Should you book this Bali Full Day Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the Bali full day tour start?
- Is this tour private or shared with other people?
- Are pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Are admission tickets included?
Quick hits before you pick your Bali route

- Private car, hotel pickup and drop-off means less waiting and more time at sights
- Four set itineraries cover different corners of the island, so you’re not stuck with one “standard” route
- English-speaking driver helps with timing and on-the-ground decisions
- Lunch is scheduled but not included, so bring budget for meals and snacks
- Comfortable private transportation helps you see more in one day without public-transport stress
- Moderate physical fitness helps, because temple and viewpoint stops usually mean walking
Private full-day touring from Kuta: how the 9:00 start really matters

This is built for one full day, starting around 9:00am with hotel pickup in Kuta. You’re not sharing the car with strangers, and you’re not trying to coordinate multiple drop-offs. That matters in Bali, where traffic and timing can change fast, and a private setup gives you the best chance to actually hit the places on the schedule.
The tour runs about 8 hours depending on the route you select and how long you want to linger at each stop. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which makes check-in simpler when you’re coordinating by phone.
The “private” part isn’t just a marketing line. With a private vehicle, you can shift priorities if you’re more interested in a market, a garden, or a temple stop—without having to “fit” yourself to someone else’s group plan.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta.
East Bali tour (Kertha Gosa, Goa Lawah, Tenganan, Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang)

If you want a day that mixes courts, temples, a traditional village, and water/garden scenery, the East route is a strong pick. It’s also one of the routes that runs later—about until 7:00pm back at your hotel—so it can feel like a full “day out.”
Here’s how it flows:
- 10:00am Kertha Gosa Court of Justice: Start with a cultural landmark tied to Bali’s civic past, giving you something a little different from only temples.
- 11:30am Goa Lawah Temple: Move from the court setting to a temple visit, adding a religious stop to balance the day.
- 1:00pm Lunch in a Local Restaurant: There’s a set lunch break at a local restaurant. Since lunch isn’t included in the tour price, this is where you’ll spend extra.
- 2:00pm Tenganan Traditional Village: Switch gears to a traditional village experience.
- 3:30pm Tirta Gangga Water Garden: A change in tone here—more scenic and relaxed than a temple-and-travel grind.
- 4:30pm Lempuyang: Another major temple stop closes out the sightseeing run.
- 7:00pm Return to your hotel: The late return gives you a slower finish.
Why you might like this route: it’s varied without feeling random. You get a “Bali mix” day—cultural landmark, temple moments, village atmosphere, and garden scenery—without changing cars or coordinating group logistics.
One consideration: the day stretches long. If you don’t like late departures or you know you’ll want frequent breaks, you might prefer one of the shorter routes.
North West Bali tour (Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Beratan, Candikuning, Jatiluwih, Tanah Lot)

This route is ideal if you want temples plus views, with a market stop and some rice terrace time. It’s also tightly scheduled, with return around 5:30pm, so it can feel like a “packed but controlled” day.
It goes like this:
- 10:00am Taman Ayun Temple: A classic temple start, letting you ease into the day after pickup.
- 12:00pm Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Another temple stop, keeping the religious theme going.
- 1:00pm Lunch in a Local Restaurant: Again, lunch is scheduled but not included in the price.
- 2:00pm Candikuning Fruit Market: A palate and pace change. Markets are great for quick tastings and easy souvenirs, and this one is built into the schedule.
- 3:30pm Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: Rice terrace time, with a chance to slow down and enjoy the view.
- 4:30pm Tanah Lot Temple: Finish with a famous temple stop.
- 5:30pm Return to your hotel: Back earlier than some other routes.
Why this is good value: it includes both “see it” moments (temples, terrace) and “do something” moments (market). You’re not only looking—you’re also shopping, snacking, and walking around.
One possible drawback: because it’s efficient, you’ll want to decide early how long you want to stay at each site. A private driver can help manage timing, but your choices still affect the whole day.
Ubud full day (Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Coffee Plantation, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Monkey Forest, Ubud Market)
If your idea of Bali is artful countryside, nature stops, and then town energy, the Ubud full day route is the one. It also has a great mix of structured stops plus the kind of places where you’ll naturally wander.
Schedule highlights:
- 10:45am Batuan Temple: Start with a temple stop in the Ubud area.
- 11:30am Tegenungan Waterfall: A nature stop breaks up the temple rhythm.
- 12:30pm Lunch in a Local Restaurant: Lunch is scheduled, but you’ll pay yourself.
- 2:00pm Coffee Plantation: A dedicated coffee plantation visit gives you a different kind of cultural “stop,” not just sightseeing photos.
- 3:00pm Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Rice terrace time in the heart of the Ubud orbit.
- 4:00pm Ubud Monkey Forest: A fun, energetic stop—also a place where you may want to keep your belongings secure.
- 4:30pm Ubud Market: End with shopping and snack chances, so you can pick up gifts without scrambling later.
- 5:30pm Return to your hotel
Why I think this fits a lot of people: it covers variety in a single day—temple, waterfall, plantation, terraces, monkey forest, and a market. That’s a lot of different “vibes,” and it’s easier with a private driver managing transport.
One consideration: this route stacks several active stops. If you prefer to do fewer things at a slower pace, you might find it a bit full. Still, you’ll have the advantage of controlling your time within the private-day framework.
Bali Temple tour (Kehen, Besakih, Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi Rocky Temple, Goa Gajah)
If you want a day centered on temples across different styles and settings, this is the most temple-heavy route. It’s also the one that runs until about 6:00pm, with several major religious sites scheduled.
Your day shape:
- 10:30am Kehen Temple
- 12:00pm Besakih Temple
- 1:30pm Lunch in a Local Restaurant (extra cost)
- 3:00pm Tirta Empul Temple
- 4:00pm Gunung Kawi Rocky Temple
- 5:00pm Goa Gajah Temple
- 6:00pm Return to your hotel
Why it’s worth considering: it gives you a focused theme—temples—without forcing you into a “one-stop” style day. If you know you want to see more religious sites in one go, this route is built for that.
One drawback to plan for: with several temple visits, walking time can add up. The tour info notes moderate physical fitness is helpful, so if your mobility is limited, you’ll want to be honest with your driver about pacing and rest breaks.
Price and logistics: what $37 covers and what you should budget
Let’s talk value in plain terms. The headline price is $37, and for that you get the parts that are hardest to DIY: private hotel pickup/drop-off, a private car, and an English-speaking driver with petrol and parking covered.
What’s not included is equally important:
- Admission fees for attractions
- Lunch
- If you go longer than planned, there’s an extra hour charge equal to 10% of the initial price
So how do you judge value? This tour is best when you want convenience plus structure. If you’re the type who’d otherwise spend time bargaining transport, coordinating stops, and losing time to “where do we go next,” a private driver can be worth it quickly—even on a tight budget.
If you’re already planning to spend on temple tickets and a full meal, the base price becomes only part of your total day cost. Still, you’re buying a full day of private movement and a driver who can keep your day organized.
Driver quality and flexibility: Putu Tedy’s punctual, patient style
The most praised part of this kind of tour is usually the same: the person behind the wheel. In one standout case, Putu Tedy was highlighted for very good English, punctual timing, and a patient, flexible approach. That combination is practical. Clear communication helps you understand what’s next, what costs extra, and how much time you really need at each stop.
Flexibility is also where private tours shine. One experience described an opening cultural stop that included watching a play, with the driver happily adjusting the day and taking people to places they wanted. Even if your chosen route has a set flow, a flexible driver can help you balance must-see sights with the parts that make the day feel personal.
If you care about food recommendations, that’s another plus. Putu Tedy was mentioned as providing suggestions on where to eat, which matters because lunch is scheduled but not included—so you’ll want good options.
How to make the day feel smooth (not rushed)
Here are a few practical moves that help you get the best out of a full-day private schedule like this one:
- Pick your priorities before pickup. If you love temples, choose the temple-heavy route. If you want markets and terraces mixed in, choose the North West or Ubud day.
- Decide how long you want to stop. The tour is timed by visit blocks, but your “linger time” changes the day. A private car is flexible, yet the schedule still exists.
- Budget for lunch and tickets early. Lunch is listed at local restaurants across the routes, but lunch is not included. Admission fees also aren’t included, so expect those costs.
- Plan for walking. The tour notes moderate fitness. Even if you’re not hiking, you’ll likely be walking through temple compounds and sightseeing areas.
- Bring small-stops energy. Market time and coffee plantation time can become your favorite moments if you give them attention instead of treating them as quick checkboxes.
With a private driver, you can also ask for small timing tweaks. Ask what’s best to see first, what can be shortened, and where you can take a quick break.
Should you book this Bali Full Day Tour?
I’d book this when you want one organized day in Bali with the convenience of hotel pickup, private transport, and an English-speaking driver who can adjust. It’s also a good choice if you like having options: East, North West, Ubud, or a temple-focused day.
Don’t book it if your budget is extremely tight and you don’t want to pay for lunch and admission fees on top of the base price. Also reconsider if you don’t handle a full, multi-stop day well—you’ll be moving between several sights, sometimes with a longer finish time on certain routes.
If you’re choosing between routes, here’s the quick match:
- Want variety and long scenic time: East Bali
- Want temples plus market and terraces, with an earlier return: North West Bali
- Want waterfalls, coffee, rice terraces, monkey forest, and shopping: Ubud full day
- Want a temple-centered day: Bali Temple tour
FAQ
What time does the Bali full day tour start?
The start time is listed as 9:00am with hotel pickup.
Is this tour private or shared with other people?
It’s a private tour, and only your group participates.
Are pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included.
What’s included in the price?
You get car with petrol and parking fee coverage, an English-speaking driver, and fuel surcharge. The tour also includes a private tour format.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, even though lunch breaks are scheduled during the day.
Are admission tickets included?
No. Admission fees are not included, and you’ll pay those on-site.






















