Bali Car-Charter: Amazing North Bali Tour

Exploring Bali’s natural beauty and cultural treasures without the hassle of self-driving? This private North Bali tour offered by Bali Full Day Tour promises a day packed with iconic sights, scenic stops, and authentic experiences—all from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. It’s a popular choice for those seeking convenience, personalized attention, and a taste of Bali’s best without the crowds.

What we love about this tour? First, the private transportation makes for a relaxed and flexible experience—no battling traffic or navigating unfamiliar roads. Second, the knowledgeable English-speaking driver acts as your guide, sharing insights and tips along the way, which makes the journey all the more enriching. Third, the diverse itinerary covers everything from breathtaking waterfalls to spiritual monasteries, ensuring you’ll leave with a well-rounded view of North Bali’s natural and cultural highlights.

A potential consideration? The duration can extend to 10 hours, so it’s a full day, and some stops like Tamblingan Lake or Munduk Waterfall involve a fair bit of driving from South Bali or Ubud. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or shorter trips, this might feel like a long day.

This tour suits travelers who want the convenience of door-to-door service, enjoy scenic photography, and are keen to explore iconic spots in North Bali with a flexible, tailored approach. It’s especially great for those who value local insights and want a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Key Points

• Private, air-conditioned transport ensures comfort and flexibility.
• All-inclusive price covers entrance tickets and lunch, providing good value.
• Expert driver/guide offers insightful commentary, making the journey educational and engaging.
• The itinerary includes a mix of cultural sites, natural beauty, and hot springs, appealing to varied interests.
• The tour involves some long drives, but the scenic stops and photo opportunities make it worthwhile.
• Pickup from accommodations in Ubud and South Bali simplifies logistics.

Exploring the North Bali Highlights

This tour starts with a visit to the famous Handara Iconic Gate, a must-see for Instagram lovers and anyone wanting a picture-perfect moment. The traditional Balinese gate framed by lush greenery and smoky hills offers a stunning backdrop, perfect for capturing memories. Our reviewer mentioned that “you will see a lot of Instagram-worthy spots around the golf club & resort,” making it an ideal stop for those wanting that classic Bali shot. While admission is not included, the view alone justifies the quick stop.

Next, the tour takes you to Tamblingan Lake, a less-visited but culturally significant area. Nestled at about 4,000 feet elevation, Tamblingan is surrounded by coffee plantations, rice paddies, and traditional farms. It’s a tranquil setting, and locals still rely on fishing and farming as their main livelihoods. Tourists are increasingly discovering Tamblingan for its unspoiled charm, and it’s a peaceful contrast to more touristy spots. You might especially appreciate this stop if you’re into photography or want a quiet retreat. As one reviewer noted, “tourism is just gaining a foothold,” so it remains mostly authentic.

From there, you’ll visit Munduk Waterfall, a highlight for many. Located about 70 km from Denpasar, Munduk Waterfall is about a 20-minute drive from Lake Tamblingan, set in cool, high-altitude terrain. The village of Munduk is renowned for its abundant coffee and cloves, which give the area a fragrant aroma. We loved the way the waterfall cascades in a lush, green setting, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Expect a moderate walk to the waterfall, but most reviews mention the payoff—“beautiful and popular Bali spot”—well worth the effort.

A spiritual stop follows at Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery on the island. Built in 1970 and renovated after earthquake damage, it features beautifully decorated stupas, colorful offerings, and a peaceful hillside setting. Reviewers often highlight the calming atmosphere here, and some appreciated the informative guides. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views and learn about Buddhism in Bali’s unique blend of cultures.

Banjar Hot Springs rounds out the natural experiences. These hot springs are especially relaxing in the mornings when they tend to be quieter. The springs have been modernized with facilities, but their natural waters remain a draw for locals and travelers alike. It’s a great spot to unwind and soothe tired muscles after a day of sightseeing. Some reviews mention the “centuries-old hot springs,” a testament to its longstanding reputation.

What to Expect from the Tour

Transportation & Timing: The private vehicle is air-conditioned, making long drives more bearable, especially with a friendly driver navigating the roads. The full tour lasts around 8 to 10 hours, including stops, so prepare for a full day. Most stops last between 30 minutes to an hour, giving you enough time to explore and take photos without feeling rushed.

Flexibility: One advantage of this private tour is the ability to customize or extend your time at each stop. Our reviewer, who had a slightly modified itinerary due to local holidays, appreciated the flexibility and the driver’s helpful suggestions.

Cost & Value: At $40 per person, the price offers good value, especially with all transportation, entrance fees, and lunch included. Considering the alternative of self-driving or booking separate guides for each site, this package simplifies everything into one seamless experience.

Guides & Insights: The driver doubles as a guide, often sharing stories and facts about each site. Several reviewers commented on how knowledgeable and friendly the guides were, making the trip educational as well as enjoyable.

Potential Drawbacks: The main consideration is the duration—some might find the long hours tiring, particularly if traveling with young children or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Plus, entrance tickets are not included at each site, so budget accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and Tips

Many travelers have appreciated the personalized attention and local insights provided by the drivers. One reviewer praised their guide Ketut for going “above and beyond,” even helping retrieve forgotten shoes. This level of care can make a big difference in enhancing your experience.

For photography, early mornings or late afternoons at Handara Gate and Tamblingan Lake can provide softer light. Remember to bring sunscreen and a camera—some reviewers mentioned capturing “awesome photo opportunities,” and you’ll want to be prepared.

While the lunch is included, some reviews did not specify the menu, so if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider bringing snacks or confirming with the provider beforehand.

The Sum Up

This private North Bali tour from Bali Full Day Tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and convenience. The private transport and expert driver make it a stress-free way to see some of Bali’s most iconic and lesser-known spots in just one day. For travelers who value authentic experiences, excellent photo opportunities, and personalized service, this tour checks all the boxes.

It’s particularly suited for those who want a full-day, all-in-one outing without the hassle of planning each stop. Whether you’re into nature, spirituality, or photography, you’ll find plenty to love here. Just be prepared for a long day—and a lot of incredible sights.

If you’re after a flexible, comfortable way to explore North Bali’s highlights with a local touch, this tour delivers on that promise.

FAQ

Is this tour private? Yes, it is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, providing a personalized experience.

What does the price include? The $40 fee covers private air-conditioned transportation, a professional English-speaking driver, petrol, parking fees, and tax and service charges. Entrance tickets and lunch are included as well.

Can I be picked up from my hotel? Absolutely. Pickup and drop-off services are available from hotels and villas in Ubud, South Bali, and surrounding areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua.

How long is the tour? Expect about 8 to 10 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and traffic conditions.

Are entrance tickets included? No, entrance tickets are not included, so you might want to budget for these separately or ask the driver about options.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, a camera, comfortable clothing, and some cash for entrance fees or souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for children? Given the long hours and various stops, it could be suitable for older children who enjoy sightseeing and nature but may not be ideal for very young kids.

What if I want to customize the itinerary? Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the driver beforehand to spend more time at certain locations or skip others.

Are meals included? Yes, lunch is included in the tour price, giving you a convenient break and a chance to try local cuisine.

In essence, this Bali North tour is a practical, scenic, and culturally enriching day out, perfect for travelers who want to experience Bali’s authentic side without the stress of self-driving. It offers a great value for the price and the flexibility of a private guide—making it a smart choice for many visitors.