REVIEW · SEMINYAK
Ubud Private & Customize Day Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Sankara Tour Organizer · Bookable on Viator
A 6:00 am start makes Bali feel like yours. This private Ubud day tour is built around a customized plan, so you can follow the core hits (monkeys, art, temples, rice terraces) while still adjusting timing to what you actually want to do. The value is in the flexibility plus the fact you’re not stuck waiting on other people.
I like the easy logistics: pickup is offered, you ride in a convenience vehicle, and the cost includes fuel, parking fees, an English-speaking driver, and bottled water. I also like that the day flows from iconic culture to scenery to spiritual practice, then ends with dinner—so you get variety, not one long theme park loop.
One consideration: the price covers transport and your driver, but entrance tickets and activities aren’t included, and meals are also not included. Also, the tour duration is listed as 1 to 10 hours, so confirm what your exact plan/time window will be before you rely on it.
In This Review
- Key highlights that make this Ubud tour worth a look
- A private Ubud day that isn’t stuck in someone else’s script
- 6:00 am pickup and a flexible day length (why timing matters)
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: macaques and an ancient temple complex
- Ubud Town and the art market: where souvenirs have a story
- Local warung lunch: a taste of Bali you can actually repeat later
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace: iconic views plus a real-world feel
- Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and a choose-your-own level of participation
- Dinner to close the day: plan for your own meal expense
- What you’re paying for at $58: the value math that actually matters
- The Sankara team style: flexible, friendly, and good with details
- Mobile ticket, early start, and a private-group setup
- A short reality check before you book
- Should you book this Ubud Private & Customize Day Tour?
- FAQ
- How much does the Ubud Private & Customize Day Tour cost?
- How long is the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is pickup included?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is there an English-speaking guide or driver?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What is not included?
- How do I get the ticket?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights that make this Ubud tour worth a look

- Private, group-only experience: just your group, not shared with strangers
- Customized timing: you can shape the day while keeping the core stops
- Stops that mix culture and views: Monkey Forest, Ubud art market, Tegallalang rice terraces
- Tirta Empul ritual option: cleansing ritual if you want it, or just admire the holy spring atmosphere
- English-speaking driver support: with practical guidance and photo help mentioned in real experiences
A private Ubud day that isn’t stuck in someone else’s script

Ubud is the kind of place where you can over-plan fast. A private customized day tour helps because you’re not trying to fit your curiosity into a pre-made checklist with strangers. You start with a solid route—Monkey Forest, Ubud Town and Art Market, lunch at a local warung, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul—then you can shift the order or timing depending on how your day is going.
That matters because Bali runs on small rhythms: morning pace, temple schedules, heat, and how long you really want to spend browsing handmade items. A private setup means your driver can keep the day moving while still giving you time to slow down when something catches your eye.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Seminyak
6:00 am pickup and a flexible day length (why timing matters)

The tour lists a start time of 6:00 am and a duration of roughly 1 to 10 hours. That sounds wide, but it’s actually the point: this isn’t one rigid “8 hours no matter what” package. If you want a shorter sampler day, you can likely trim the route. If you want a full cultural morning plus scenery plus temple time plus dinner, you can stretch it.
Starting early is practical in Ubud because mornings tend to be easier for moving around. You’ll spend less time battling slowdowns and more time enjoying the stops while you still have energy. Just keep in mind: the exact ending time can change based on the version of your plan, so ask your driver to confirm the rough timeline early on.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: macaques and an ancient temple complex
Your first major stop is Monkey Forest Ubud—the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You’re there for the long-tailed macaques and for the ancient temple complex inside the sanctuary. This is one of those places where you get both wildlife watching and cultural context in the same area, instead of treating them like two separate attractions.
What I like about starting here is the mix: it’s lively and visual, but it doesn’t take away from the cultural theme of the day. If you’re the type who enjoys walking through actual sacred spaces (not just looking at them from a distance), this stop sets the tone for everything that follows.
Practical note: the tour includes transport, driver, and parking, but entrance tickets are not included, so budget for those on top of the tour price.
Ubud Town and the art market: where souvenirs have a story

Next comes Ubud Town and Art Market. This is where you can slow down and browse crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The best part of including a market stop in a private tour is that you can move at your speed. If you want 20 minutes of browsing, you can do that. If you want to compare materials and prices, you can linger.
This stop also helps you understand Ubud beyond scenery. It’s not just Instagram stops; it’s a place where art and everyday life intersect. You might even use your market time to decide what kind of keepsake you want before you hit the next viewpoint.
Again, entrance costs for specific activities aren’t included, but for the art market area itself, your main additional costs will come down to what you choose to buy.
Local warung lunch: a taste of Bali you can actually repeat later

Then you’ll have a local lunch experience at a traditional Balinese warung. The tour is set up so you can eat authentic food using fresh local ingredients. This is a smart inclusion because you’re not left hunting for something that fits your schedule after hours of walking.
Two things make this lunch valuable:
- It breaks up the day so you don’t run on just water and snacks.
- It gives you flavors you can recognize again later when you find similar dishes in other parts of Bali.
One thing to note: the tour includes the experience of a local lunch, but meals and drinks aren’t listed as included in the pricing. So your lunch cost is likely paid on your own during the day.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace: iconic views plus a real-world feel

At Tegallalang Rice Terrace, you get one of Bali’s most recognizable scenes: tiered rice fields and wide jungle-style views. The tour calls out strong photo opportunities and a glimpse into the way Bali agriculture works.
If you want value from this stop, go in with a simple plan:
- Take a few photos early,
- then spend time looking at how the terraces step down,
- and notice how the area feels from different angles.
This is also where a good driver helps, because you can keep your timing smooth and avoid wasting time in the wrong spots. Your transport and parking are taken care of, but entrance fees for the terrace area aren’t included, so add that cost.
Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring water and a choose-your-own level of participation

The spiritual highlight is Tirta Empul Temple, known for its holy spring water and its beautiful architecture. The tour notes that you can participate in a cleansing ritual or simply admire the tranquil surroundings and intricate carvings.
This is a powerful stop because it’s not only visual. Even if you choose not to take part in the ritual, the place is designed for contemplation and respect. You’ll likely feel a calmer pace here compared to earlier stops like the forest or market.
The tour structure gives you control: if you want the ritual experience, you have that option; if you’d rather observe and learn through the environment, that’s also valid. Just remember that entrance tickets and activities aren’t included, so the costs of access and any ritual participation may be separate.
Dinner to close the day: plan for your own meal expense

Your day ends with dinner at one of Ubud’s acclaimed restaurants. That’s a nice way to finish, because it turns the tour into a full day experience instead of ending abruptly after the last sight.
But meals aren’t included, so treat dinner as part of your personal budget. The advantage of having dinner tied into the plan is that your driver can likely recommend where to go based on your day, your tastes, and what you’ve already seen.
If you’re booking this for a first Ubud trip, the day-ending dinner can be a big win. It helps you close with a good meal instead of “now what” decisions after a long morning.
What you’re paying for at $58: the value math that actually matters
At $58, you’re mostly paying for transport and guidance. Here’s what is included:
- a convenience vehicle and fuel
- an English-speaking driver
- parking fees
- bottled drinking water
What isn’t included:
- entrance tickets & activities
- meals & drinks
- tips for the driver
That’s the key value equation. If you’re planning to visit multiple paid sights (Monkey Forest, rice terrace access, Tirta Empul), you’ll pay additional entrance fees anyway. Still, having a private vehicle plus a driver who handles navigation, timing, and parking can be cost-effective compared with arranging separate rides and getting stuck with “lost time.”
Also, bottled water included is a small thing that makes the morning easier. You’re not waiting for a convenience stop right as you’re heading into walking-heavy areas.
The Sankara team style: flexible, friendly, and good with details
The experience is run by Sankara Tour Organizer, and the “human part” shows up in the way people describe the guides and drivers. Several named guides appear in real experiences—EJ Wira, Komang, DJ, Dewa Agung, and Dwi Jaya Wiraguna—and the consistent theme is a positive, helpful attitude plus willingness to adjust the plan.
In practical terms, this means you’re more likely to get:
- guidance on where to go and when
- help keeping your day organized
- support with small extras that pop up during travel
People also mention photo help and restaurant recommendations, which matters because Ubud days often include a lot of walking and angles. If you care about getting good pictures without doing a complicated self-timer dance, a driver who’s comfortable taking photos can be a real quality-of-life upgrade.
Mobile ticket, early start, and a private-group setup
You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which makes it easier to manage on a phone instead of paper. The tour is also private, meaning only your group participates. That’s a big deal for comfort, especially if you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a small group who wants the day to feel personal.
The start point is listed as Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, with the tour time starting at 6:00 am. Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup details can depend on where you’re staying and how your plan is set. If you want a smooth start, message with your hotel address when you book so the coordination is clear.
Also, the info notes that the experience is near public transportation and that most travelers can participate. So if you’re planning around mobility needs, you should still double-check your comfort level with walking at each stop.
A short reality check before you book
This is a great option if you want:
- a private day in Ubud without sharing
- a route that mixes forest + art + agriculture + temple
- a guide who can help you keep the day smooth
It may be less ideal if you:
- hate early starts (it begins at 6:00 am)
- want everything included in one price (entrance fees, meals, and tips are separate)
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes having control but still wants a local to handle the details, this setup fits well.
Should you book this Ubud Private & Customize Day Tour?
Book it if you’re planning a first Ubud day and you want the main cultural highlights in one organized flow, with the freedom to adjust your timing. The private format, English-speaking driver, and included transport make it feel simple and low-stress, and the route covers different sides of Bali—from monkeys to rice terraces to Tirta Empul’s spiritual setting.
Don’t book it blindly if you’re trying to keep costs tightly controlled. Because entrance tickets and meals aren’t included, your real total will be higher than $58 once you add those items and tips.
FAQ
How much does the Ubud Private & Customize Day Tour cost?
The tour price is listed as $58.
How long is the tour?
Duration is listed as approximately 1 to 10 hours, depending on how your customized plan is set.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is listed as 6:00 am.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered, and the tour has a start point in Ubud, Gianyar Regency.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Is there an English-speaking guide or driver?
The tour includes an English speaking driver.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are convenience vehicle and fuel, an English speaking driver, parking fees, and a bottled drinking water.
What is not included?
Entrance tickets & activities, meals & drinks, and tips for the driver are not included.
How do I get the ticket?
You’ll receive a mobile ticket.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

























