Custom Day Trip in Bali

Planning a trip to Bali can feel overwhelming with so many sights packed into a tiny island. That’s where a customizable day trip like this one from Bali SUN Tours comes in handy. It offers the freedom to tailor your itinerary while still enjoying the benefits of a guided experience. Whether you’re craving cultural temples, scenic landscapes, or local markets, this tour promises a personalized Bali adventure.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility—you get to decide what makes your Bali trip special. The knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the affordable price point make it an attractive option. However, it’s worth noting that entrance fees are not included, so budgeting for some extra costs is wise. This tour suits travelers who want an intimate, self-directed day with local insights, rather than a cookie-cutter experience.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary allows you to pick your preferred attractions
• Private transportation and English-speaking driver ensure comfort and local guidance
• Affordable price at $38 per person, with flexibility on places visited
• Includes local tax, but entrance fees and meals are additional
• Ideal for travelers seeking a personalized day and authentic Bali experiences
• Highly rated guides make the experience more engaging and informative

An In-Depth Look at the Bali Custom Day Trip

This tour’s charm lies in its personalized approach. For just $38 per person, you get a full-day adventure that’s tailored to your interests, with a private driver at your service. It’s an excellent way to squeeze in multiple highlights without the rush or the cost of joining large group tours.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The standout feature here is flexibility. Bali SUN Tours provides a list of popular sites—such as Ubud’s Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints—but you’re free to choose which ones to visit. The driver is there to take you on your chosen route, adding local knowledge and making sure you get the most out of your day.

Cost-wise, $38 per person is quite reasonable given the private transportation and tailor-made experience. Keep in mind, admission fees to attractions are not included, so you should budget for those separately. For many travelers, the value is still high since you’re paying for a private, flexible service rather than a rigid group tour.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Since this is a custom tour, the schedule can change based on your preferences, but here’s a typical breakdown of the stops available:

Stop 1: Meet Your Driver and Get Started

Your day begins around 9:00 am with a pickup from your location in Nusa Dua. The driver, who is an English speaker, will introduce you to your options and help craft the perfect route. This personalized touch is a bonus for those wanting a more genuine Bali experience.

Stop 2: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Expect to see almost 900 Bali Long Tail Macaques roaming freely in their natural habitat. This site offers great photo opportunities and a peek into Bali’s spiritual harmony, with a lush forest setting and iconic temple structures. The admission ticket isn’t included, so budget around a small fee.

Stop 3: Puri Saren Palace

Admire the magnificent Balinese architecture of Ubud Royal Palace. It’s a great spot to appreciate Bali’s noble history and perhaps catch a traditional dance performance if you time it right. Again, the entrance fee isn’t included, but the palace’s intricate carvings and vibrant atmosphere make it worth a quick visit.

Stop 4: Tegalalang Rice Terrace

This famous terraced landscape is a must-see for many visitors. Set on a cliff at about 600 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views perfect for photos. You’ll learn about “Subak”, Bali’s ancient irrigation system, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The view alone makes it a highlight.

Stop 5: Tirta Empul Temple

Experience a spiritual cleansing ritual at this sacred spring. Locals come here for purification ceremonies, and the waters are believed to have healing properties. While there’s an entrance fee, the ritual itself is a fascinating cultural insight. The site’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage adds to its significance.

Stop 6: Ubud Traditional Art Market

A lively spot to hunt for souvenirs and crafts. You’ll get to experience local commerce firsthand, with stalls offering everything from textiles to jewelry. It’s a great chance to practice your bargaining skills and pick up unique gifts.

Stop 7: Campuhan Ridge Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this scenic ridge. The lush greenery and cool breezes make it a perfect break from temple and city visits. This walk is accessible and offers excellent views of Ubud’s landscape.

Stop 8: Saraswati Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of learning and arts, this temple is a serene spot to soak in Balinese spirituality. Its lotus pond and intricate carvings are photogenic highlights.

Stop 9: Tegenungan Waterfall

This waterfall is about 15 meters high, cascading into a lush pool below. It’s a popular spot for photos and swimming. The surrounding greenery and sound of rushing water make it a relaxing stop.

Stop 10: Puseh Batuan Temple

A detailed example of Balinese temple architecture, this complex offers insight into the island’s spiritual practices and community life. Its intricate stonework and layout provide a peek into traditional temple design.

Stop 11: Kintamani Highland

Here, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. It’s a highlight for landscape lovers, offering a chance to see Bali’s volcanic side up close.

Stop 12: Tanah Lot Temple

Ending with one of Bali’s most iconic temples, perched by the sea, offers stunning sunset or ocean views (depending on timing). It’s a photographer’s paradise and a fitting finale to your day.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—notably, one comments, “He told us many things on the way,” and another mentions their guide, Putu W, as “absolutely amazing”. The guides’ local insights and willingness to accompany guests everywhere, including taking photos, really enhance the experience.

Travelers also love the scenic spots, especially the rice terraces and waterfalls, describing them as “beautiful” and “great for photos.” One reviewer mentioned that their guide was very polite and friendly, making the entire day smooth and enjoyable.

However, as the tour is flexible, guests should be prepared for some additional costs for entrance fees, which are not included in the ticket price. That said, many feel the personalized service and flexibility make it well worth the extra couple of dollars.

Practical Info: Transport, Timing, and What’s Included

You’ll be picked up in a private vehicle that comfortably accommodates your group, with the driver acting as your personal guide. The start time is 9:00 am, giving you plenty of daylight hours to explore. The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the day.

The price includes local tax and the driver’s services, but parking fees, entrance tickets, and meals are separate. You can purchase lunch at a local restaurant, which the driver can recommend.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This custom day trip is ideal if you want to avoid rigid group tours and prefer a tailored experience with a knowledgeable local. It suits travelers who appreciate flexibility and want to explore Bali’s highlights at their own pace. Also, those keen on cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and authentic moments will find this tour a perfect fit.

It’s especially good for families, couples, or small groups looking for a more personalized and intimate adventure. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the value, as the price covers transportation and guide services, leaving the entrance fees and meals as optional extras.

The Sum Up

This Bali day trip offers a cost-effective, flexible way to see some of the island’s most famous sights while maintaining the freedom to choose what you experience. The private transportation and local guides make it easy and comfortable, and the variety of stops ensures you’ll get a well-rounded glimpse of Bali’s culture and scenery.

For those who love authentic insights, stunning landscapes, and a personalized approach, this tour provides excellent value without sacrificing quality. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a curated, yet flexible Bali adventure that hits all the highlights on their terms.

If you want a less rushed, more customized Bali experience, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember—be prepared for some extra costs for entry fees, and communicate your preferred stops beforehand for the best experience.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized day.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting around 9:00 am and ending in the evening.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to attractions like the Monkey Forest, temples, and rice terraces are not included. You should budget extra for these.

Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be flexible, so you can choose your preferred attractions from the list provided.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, private transportation means a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for a long day of sightseeing.

Who is the guide?
Your driver is also your guide, with good English skills and local knowledge. One reviewer praised their guide, Putu W, as “absolutely amazing.”

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it suits families and small groups seeking a flexible, guided day with a mix of cultural and scenic stops.

How do I start?
The tour begins with a pickup at 9:00 am from your location in Nusa Dua, arranged by Bali SUN Tours.

Whether you’re after cultural insights, stunning landscapes, or a mixture of both, this custom Bali day trip offers an excellent way to explore on your own terms. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and the flexibility to craft your perfect day, it’s an experience worth considering for your Bali itinerary.