Bali Shore Excursions : Private Bali Car Rental Service

If you’re headed to Bali via cruise and want to make the most of your time ashore, the Private Bali Car Rental Service offered by Rukmana Bali Tour is worth considering. This tour promises a personalized exploration of Bali’s most iconic sights, all in a comfortable, private vehicle with your own driver. While we haven’t personally taken this tour ourselves, we’ve researched thoroughly to bring you a balanced, detailed review based on genuine traveler insights, official details, and what makes this experience stand out.

What immediately catches the eye about this tour is its affordability—at just $20 per person, you get a flexible, private experience that can be tailored to your interests. The flexibility of choosing your own itinerary and pace is a major plus, especially for cruise travelers who often have tight schedules. Plus, the stress-free pickup and drop-off right at the cruise terminal minimizes logistical headaches—an important factor when you have a ship to catch.

We love that this tour is highly rated (5.0/5 from 79 reviews), with recommendation from 100% of travelers, which speaks to consistent quality and satisfaction. Travelers also praise the guides’ knowledgeable and friendly approach, which makes exploring Bali more engaging than just ticking off sights from a checklist. However, one thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees are not included, so you’ll want to budget some extra for tickets at popular sites.

This experience is best suited for those who want a tailored itinerary and prefer avoiding crowded group tours. If you enjoy discovering places at your own pace, chatting with local guides, and seeing Bali through your personal lens, this private excursion can be a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• Flexible, private experience tailored to your interests and pace
• Affordable price point offers excellent value for money
• Stress-free pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal saves time
• Guided by knowledgeable, friendly drivers who can adapt the itinerary
• Multiple sightseeing stops with free admission at each site
• Ideal for cruise travelers wanting a customized day out

A Closer Look at the Tour Highlights

This private Bali tour begins right at the Benoa Harbor, where your driver will greet you with a personalized sign. From there, the experience is all about flexibility—you’re in control of what you see and how long you spend at each spot. The driver acts as your guide, managing transportation and providing insights, but the real star is the freedom to shape your day.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Likely See

Stop 1: Mas Carving Center
The journey starts with a visit to a local wood carving workshop. Here, you observe skilled artisans using their hands to craft intricate sculptures—an authentic glimpse into Bali’s rich craft traditions. It’s a quick 15-minute stop, but it sets the tone for appreciating Bali’s artistry. Best of all, there’s no admission fee, so this is a low-cost, culturally rich start.

Stop 2: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Next, you’ll venture into a lush, forested area in Ubud filled with playful monkeys. Travelers often find the monkeys amusing and approachable—they can be fed, and their antics make for memorable photos. Many reviews mention how the guide’s commentary adds to the experience, giving context without overwhelming. Expect about an hour here, with free admission, making it a fun, relaxed stop.

Stop 3: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
This iconic landscape is a must-see. We loved the way the lush greenery unfolds in layered terraces, offering stellar photo opportunities. Visitors typically spend around an hour here, soaking in the views and listening to the gentle sounds of water flowing through the rice paddies. It’s a peaceful spot that showcases Bali’s agricultural roots.

Stop 4: Tanah Lot Temple
Famous worldwide for its stunning sunset backdrops, Tanah Lot is a sea temple perched on a rock formation. While the view is breathtaking, note that admission fees are not included, so plan for a small extra expense if you want to explore inside. Most travelers find the temple’s architecture and ocean views worth the visit, often spending about an hour.

Stop 5: Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a cliff, Uluwatu offers some of Bali’s most dramatic vistas. The temple’s setting atop a hill provides sweeping ocean views, and the open-air structure makes for great photos. Be prepared for some wind and a bit of a walk up the hill, but the scenery makes it worthwhile for about an hour of exploration.

Stop 6: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Home to one of Asia’s tallest statues, this park offers insight into Balinese culture and features impressive sculptures and panoramic views of the island. Travelers often describe it as awe-inspiring, especially the giant Vishnu statue. The park is a good place to stretch your legs and take in sweeping vistas.

Stop 7: Elephant Cave
Also known as Goa Gajah, this mysterious cave is a site with historical and spiritual significance. It’s a quick stop but adds an element of intrigue to your day with its carved stone entrances and tranquil surroundings.

Stop 8: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Set on the edge of Lake Beratan, this temple looks like it’s floating on the water. Its photogenic setting makes it a favorite for photographers. Most visitors spend about an hour here, enjoying the scenic views and cool lake breeze.

What to Expect from the Experience

Transportation & Comfort
The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan, which keeps you comfortable even on Bali’s warm days. With private transportation, you’re free from the chaos of group buses and can enjoy the scenery at your leisure.

Guide & Personalization
Your driver doubles as your guide, offering insights but respecting your pace and preferences. Reviewers mention guides like Mr. Merry, who’s praised for his enthusiasm and local knowledge, making the tour more engaging.

Duration & Flexibility
While the standard tour lasts around 6 to 10 hours, you can tailor the length based on your interests and schedule. If you’re tight for time, you might focus on a few key sites; if you want a full-day adventure, the driver can adjust accordingly.

Cost & Value
At $20 per person, the value is excellent, especially considering the private nature and flexibility. Keep in mind that entrance fees are not included, so factor in extra for sites like temples or parks that charge admission.

Authentic Experiences & Insights from Travelers

One reviewer shared how their guide Agus was very polite and clear about the sites, easing the process of navigating Bali’s busy spots. Another mentioned how doing some pre-trip research can help customize the tour further—adding attractions or skipping ones less interesting to you.

Travelers frequently highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide local context and make the day more memorable. The stunning views at Ubud, Tanah Lot, and Uluwatu are consistently praised, along with the ease of pickup and drop-off at the cruise port—an essential convenience for cruise travelers.

Some guests appreciated the opportunity to see Bali’s craftsmanship at the Mas Carving Center and learn about spiritual sites at the temples without feeling rushed. The flexibility of the itinerary makes it perfect for those who want to avoid overly structured tours and instead explore at their own pace.

If you’re a cruise passenger craving a personalized Bali experience without the hassle of group tours, this private car service is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who value flexibility, comfort, and local insights. Families, couples, and small groups will benefit from the exclusive feel and the ability to customize stops based on interest.

Those with limited time will appreciate the stress-free pickup and drop-off, ensuring you’re back at the port with time to spare. Meanwhile, travelers wanting a rundown of Bali’s highlights—from temples to rice terraces and cultural parks—will find this tour covers the essentials at a reasonable price point.

FAQs

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s an entirely private tour, meaning only your group participates, and you can customize the itinerary.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes an English-speaking driver, port pickup and drop-off, private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, and all fees and taxes. Entrance fees are not included.

Can I choose the places I want to visit?
Absolutely. The tour is flexible, and the driver can accommodate your interests, allowing you to spend more time at favorite spots or skip ones less appealing.

How long does the tour last?
It varies between 6 to 10 hours, depending on your preferences and how many sites you wish to see.

Is pickup at the cruise port reliable?
Yes, the driver will meet you with your name and handle your transportation to ensure a smooth start.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or snacks, especially for longer stops.

What if I want to visit a site with an entrance fee?
You will need to pay the entrance fee separately, as it’s not included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tours are designed to be flexible. If you have mobility issues, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

This private Bali shore excursion offers a perfect blend of flexibility, value, and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to craft a tailored day exploring Bali’s iconic temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture without the constraints of a rigid group tour. With highly rated guides and the convenience of cruise port pickup, you’ll find it’s a stress-free way to see many of Bali’s highlights.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a guided experience with a detailed historical narrative or included entrance fees, you might need to supplement this tour with additional planning. But for travelers who want to see Bali on their own terms—and do so affordably—this private car rental service offers genuine value and memorable moments.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, curious travelers eager to explore Bali’s diverse sights at their own pace, with the comfort of a personal driver guiding the way.