Hot Air Balloon Experience with Meals at Ubud

Taking a hot air balloon ride over Bali’s lush interior is one of those bucket-list moments many travelers dream of. While we haven’t personally floated above Bali’s rice paddies, this tour promises a blend of scenic aerial views, cultural stops, and a touch of adventure—all for around $200 per person. The experience has received a solid 4-star rating from four reviews, which suggests it’s a popular choice—but, like any activity, it has its pros and cons.

What we really like about this experience are its stunning panoramic views of Bali’s iconic paddies, jungles, and mountains, the inclusion of a traditional Balinese breakfast or dinner, and the opportunity to visit culturally significant sites like Goa Gajah and Ubud Market. The slight downside? There’s quite a bit of dependency on weather conditions, which can lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

If you’re someone who craves unique perspectives of Bali, enjoys cultural sightseeing, and doesn’t mind an early morning or late afternoon adventure, this tour will likely hit the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a memorable flight combined with cultural exploration—all bundled into a tidy, 8-minute lift-off.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Bali’s rice terraces, mountains, and jungles.
• Cultural Stops: Visit the Goa Gajah temple and Ubud Market to get a taste of Bali’s spiritual and local life.
• Inclusive Meals: Breakfast or dinner is included, providing a good value for a full-day experience.
• Flexible Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas make logistics smoother.
• Weather-dependent: Flights are subject to weather conditions, with options for rescheduling or alternative compensation.
• Group Size and Safety: Limited to two travelers per ride, with insurance covering injuries and disabilities.

An In-Depth Review of the Ubud Hot Air Balloon Experience

The Overview

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and culture. Starting from Ubud’s Chedi Club, the experience begins with a pickup—either at sunrise (around 5:00 am) or sunset (around 4:00 pm). The choice of timing affects the view, with sunrise flights providing a magical start to the day, and sunset rides promising a golden hour spectacle.

A highlight of this trip is the hot air balloon ride itself, which lasts approximately 8 minutes. While that may seem brief, the views are what make this worthwhile. Expect to see Bali’s famous green rice paddies, undulating hills, and volcanic mountains from a perspective impossible from the ground.

The Balloon Ride: What to Expect

Travelers typically find the balloon experience to be a peaceful and awe-inspiring moment. The cables and the basket are sturdy, and the experience is designed for small groups—usually just two adults or a small adult-child combo—making the ride feel intimate.

One reviewer noted that the operator’s safety precautions are clear, and insurance covers injury, which adds peace of mind. However, weather plays a significant role; if conditions aren’t suitable, the ride will be canceled, and passengers may need to reschedule or choose a different compensation like a Balinese massage or a rebooked flight.

The Cultural Stops

After the aerial adventure, the tour continues with visits to historic and lively sites. The Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) temple is a small but fascinating site, with carvings and a river setting that reveal Bali’s spiritual past. Reviewers mention that the temple visit takes about an hour, providing a nice cultural break from the high-altitude views.

Next, the group heads to Ubud Palace and Ubud Market. The palace offers a glimpse into Bali’s regal history, while the market is a bustling hub for local crafts and souvenirs. One reviewer shared that the market is a great place to experience local life and pick up handmade items, though it can get crowded.

Scenic Lunch at Tegalalang Rice Terrace

The tour’s last stop is Tegalalang Rice Terrace, famed for its stepped paddies and running irrigation system called Subak. The views here are truly unforgettable—perfect for photographs. Spending around 30 minutes allows enough time for a walk, some appreciation, and a few shots of the lush landscape.

Logistics and Practicalities

Transport is via air-conditioned minivan, and pickups are arranged from select hotels, making the experience more convenient. The entire day is well-structured, though timings depend on the chosen session—whether sunrise or sunset.

Pricing at $200 per person offers good value, considering the combination of aerial, cultural, and scenic experiences. The included meals vary depending on the package—either breakfast or dinner—which is a thoughtful addition. Keep in mind that souvenir photos are not included, so if you want to remember your flight, consider bringing a camera or purchasing photos afterwards.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer expressed frustration, claiming, “Unfortunate but try anything else! The absolute worst experience. It would have been perfect if you actually do the hot air balloon but 9/10 the weather won’t permit and you will not get a refund.” While weather can be unpredictable, the operator offers alternatives such as rescheduling or a massage, which shows some flexibility.

Another customer mentioned that the operator’s team is punctual, and the safety measures are reassuring. They also appreciated the chance to combine the flight with cultural stops, making it a full, rewarding day.

Additional Considerations

• Weather Dependency: Flights depend heavily on weather conditions, and cancellations are possible. The operator’s policy offers rescheduling or compensation, but you should remain flexible.
• Group Size: Limited to two travelers per balloon, which enhances safety and intimacy but might not suit those seeking larger group experiences.
• Suitability: Not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with disabilities, due to safety and physical constraints.
• Timing: Pickup times are set depending on your hotel location, and the experience ends by early afternoon or evening.

The Value of This Tour

At $200, the combination of a scenic flight, cultural stops, and meals offers a good deal for those wanting a comprehensive Bali day out. The inclusion of a cultural tour makes this more than just a flight—it’s an opportunity to see Bali’s highlights from both the sky and ground.

The personalized, intimate nature of the ride, along with safety assurances and insurance coverage, adds confidence to the experience. The scenic beauty of Bali’s rice paddies and volcanic mountains seen from above is hard to beat, making it a memorable highlight for many travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those who seek a unique perspective of Bali’s landscape, combined with culture. It’s ideal for couples or small groups looking for a special, photo-worthy adventure. The inclusion of meals and cultural stops ensures it’s a full-day activity that balances thrill and cultural depth.

If you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or someone curious about Bali’s spiritual sites, this tour offers a well-rounded day. However, travelers who prioritize flexibility due to weather or are prone to motion sickness might want to consider the risks involved with weather-dependent activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hot air balloon ride suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0 to 1 are free of charge, but the ride is generally designed for small groups of two adults or an adult with small children, depending on weight limits (maximum 150kg total). Always check with the operator about specific age or weight restrictions.

What happens if the weather cancels the flight?
If the weather isn’t suitable for flying, passengers can choose to reschedule their flight or opt for a compensation such as a 60-minute Balinese massage for two, or rescheduling the flight to the afternoon.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations, making it easier to enjoy the day without worrying about transportation logistics.

How long does the entire experience last?
The main balloon ride lasts about 8 minutes, but the full day—from pickup, cultural stops, scenic views, to meals—takes several hours, typically fitting into a full-day itinerary.

Is the experience suitable for pregnant women or people with disabilities?
No, the activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women or travelers with disabilities, mainly because of safety concerns associated with altitude and transportation.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the hot air balloon ride, entrance tickets to the stops, meals (breakfast or dinner depending on your package), transportation, and insurance coverage for injuries or disabilities.

Can I buy souvenir photos?
No, souvenir photos are not included in the package. Travelers wanting keepsakes should bring their own cameras or consider purchasing photos separately if available.

The Hot Air Balloon Experience at Ubud offers an attractive mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. While weather can be unpredictable, the effort to include cultural highlights and meals makes it a richer experience than just a flight. It’s best for travelers who want a memorable, photograph-worthy day that combines Bali’s stunning landscapes with its cultural depth.

If you’re after a peaceful, visually spectacular activity that also introduces you to Bali’s spiritual sites, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to keep your plans flexible in case weather doesn’t cooperate—those breathtaking views are often worth the wait.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see Bali from a different angle, this tour could be the highlight of your trip—if you’re comfortable with the weather dependency and small group format. It’s a balance of adventure and culture that delivers genuine value for the price.