Private Shore Excursion: Customized Best of Bali Tour

Planning a Bali shore day? Then this private, fully customizable tour could be just what you’re looking for. Whether you want to explore temples, rice terraces, or local markets, this experience promises a tailored day at your pace—without the rush of group tours or overcrowded buses.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility it offers—work with your guide to prioritize the sights that excite you most, enjoy door-to-door transfers that sync with your ship’s schedule, and have a private driver who’s as knowledgeable as they are friendly. Plus, the reviews highlight how passionate and well-informed guides like Gede and Kantun make a difference in turning a sightseeing day into a truly memorable one.

Of course, a potential consideration is that entrance fees, meals, and optional performances are not included in the price, so you’ll need to budget for those extras. But at just $45 per person, that’s a very reasonable cost for a private, highly personalized day.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter group experiences, value local insights, and enjoy maximum flexibility. If you prefer to craft your own itinerary—whether it’s temples, waterfalls, or art markets—this could be your ideal Bali adventure.

Key Points

• Fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
• Door-to-door transfers timed to your ship’s schedule
• Knowledgeable guides and drivers with excellent reviews
• Includes transportation, parking, and sarongs for temple visits
• Entrance fees, meals, and performances are extra, allowing flexible budgeting
• Ideal for independent-minded travelers seeking authentic Bali experiences

Why Choose the Private Best of Bali Tour?

This private shore excursion is a real gem for anyone wanting to explore Bali on their own terms. Unlike standard tour buses, you’re in charge of your day, working closely with your guide to include only the places that matter to you. From iconic temples to scenic rice terraces, this tour offers a broad palette of Bali’s highlights—all at your preferred pace.

Transportation is a standout feature. The round-trip, door-to-door service means no stress about navigating Bali’s busy roads or parking—your driver will pick you up from the port and deliver you back on time, making the logistics effortless. Reviewers like DJN_K and Yvonne_D praise how smooth and flexible the pickups and drop-offs are, with drivers like Gede and Ari going above and beyond in their friendliness and knowledge.

Guides make all the difference. Multiple reviews highlight guides Gede and Kantun for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and ability to make the day both informative and fun. One reviewer notes, “Gede was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful with tour recommendations,” which makes a huge difference in customizing your day.

The sightseeing stops vary widely. You might choose to visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple at sunset, a favorite among travelers for its stunning cliffside views. Or perhaps Ubud’s Monkey Forest and art market top your list for a dose of local culture. Rice terraces like Tegalalang are also popular, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities.

Pricing and value are critical. At $45 per person, this tour combines affordability with the perks of privacy and customization. Since entrance tickets and meals are not included, you can decide whether to indulge in a buffet overlooking Mount Batur or keep it budget-friendly by skipping optional extras.

In-Depth Tour Breakdown

Start at Port of Benoa — 9:00 am

Your driver will greet you at the cruise port, ready with bottled water and a friendly smile. From here, the journey begins with a sense of freedom—your guide will help craft the day’s route, ensuring it fits your ship’s departure time.

Uluwatu Temple

A visit to Uluwatu is high on many Bali itineraries. This temple, perched on a cliff, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You might choose to visit at sunset, which many reviewers say enhances the experience. Note: Admission isn’t included, so budget accordingly. Visitors rave about the sense of serenity combined with dramatic scenery, making it a highlight.

Puseh Batuan Temple

For a glimpse of local religious life, this community temple is a must-see. Its unique Balinese architecture and active ceremonies give a genuine feel of local spirituality. You can observe the shrines’ intricate carvings and perhaps catch a ceremony if timing aligns.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Ubud’s famed jungle habitat is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. As you walk along shaded paths, expect lively interactions with the monkeys—some cheeky enough to snatch your belongings if you’re not careful, so keep your valuables close! Reviewers mention that the natural habitat and the lush greenery make this a memorable stop.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

One of Bali’s most iconic sights, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a marvel of lush greenery and layered paddies. Many visitors, including those who took this tour, find the short trek through the terraces a lovely way to soak in Bali’s agricultural beauty. Expect photo ops and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Ubud Traditional Art Market

This bustling market is perfect for souvenir hunters or those wanting to see local crafts firsthand. With stalls brimming with textiles, jewelry, and art, it’s an authentic slice of Ubud life. Reviewers appreciate that it’s free to browse, making it a budget-friendly cultural highlight.

Puri Saren Palace

Ubud Palace offers a peek into Bali’s royal history and architecture. Its colorful carvings and traditional Balinese design make it a quick but enriching stop. Visitors love that it’s free and centrally located, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Ideal for nature lovers, this waterfall offers a refreshing break with green surroundings. You can take a short walk to get closer to the cascade, or simply enjoy the view from above. Entrance isn’t included, but the lush scenery is worth the optional entry fee.

Tirta Empul Temple

An important spiritual site, Tirta Empul is known for its holy spring water and blessing rituals. If you’re interested, you can witness or even participate in a traditional purification ceremony. The temple’s serene atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a favorite among those seeking a deeper connection.

Mount Batur Viewpoint & Buffet Lunch

Many travelers enjoy a meal with a view here. The restaurant offers a buffet overlooking Mount Batur and its lake, with green mountains surrounding you—perfect for a relaxing break. Reviewers mention the stunning scenery and the fresh mountain air as major highlights.

Taman Ayun Temple

This royal temple, built in 1634, features multi-tiered roofs and Balinese architecture, set around a big fish pond. Visitors often comment on its peaceful ambiance and beautiful setting, making it a quiet retreat after busier sites.

Tanah Lot Temple

Arguably Bali’s most famous temple, Tanah Lot is best visited at sunset for that magical photo moment. Only accessible during low tide, this ancient sea temple offers breathtaking ocean views and a sense of history. Expect crowds at sunset, but the scenery is well worth it.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The price covers bottled water, a knowledgeable driver/guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, parking fees, and sarongs for temple visits—so you won’t need to worry about those details. However, lunch, entrance tickets, donations, and performances are extra, giving you flexibility to spend based on your interests and budget.

Travelers like Yvonne_D and Marie_R praise how punctual and helpful their drivers are. Even if it’s their first time doing a Bali tour from the cruise port, the drivers made it smooth—making sure everyone’s back in time for the tender.

How It Works Logistically

Starting at 9:00 am, your private driver will meet you at the port. From there, you’ll work together to craft a route that matches your interests and timing. The tour generally lasts between 6 to 10 hours, so it’s flexible enough to include many stops or just a few highlights. Since it’s a private experience, you’ll avoid the rush and crowds found in larger tours.

The duration and stops can be adjusted, so if you want more temple visits or prefer to spend extra time in Ubud, your guide will accommodate. For travelers who value authentic experiences and insider knowledge, this personal approach makes all the difference.

Authentic Experiences & Reviewer Insights

Many reviewers highlight how guides like Gede and Kantun bring Bali’s culture alive. One mentions Gede’s helpful recommendations and flexible planning, ensuring a personalized day: “He made a day of fighting traffic enjoyable, was very flexible and gave us much information about Bali.”

The natural beauty of Bali also shines through in shared stories of enjoying rice terraces, waterfalls, and temples at sunset. Some travelers appreciated the extra touches, like the sarongs provided for temple visits, which add an extra layer of convenience.

Most travelers found the journey smooth, with drivers navigating Bali’s lively streets expertly. The ability to customize stops based on personal interests was a recurring theme—whether it was enjoying the scenic views or exploring local markets.

The Sum Up

This private Bali tour is a fantastic choice for those who want control over their day and value local insights. The flexible itinerary, attentive guides, and door-to-door service make it an easy, enjoyable way to see Bali’s highlights without the hassle of group travel.

It’s especially suitable for independent travelers, cruise ship passengers, or anyone seeking a personalized experience that highlights Bali’s diverse beauty—from ancient temples and lush rice terraces to lively markets and scenic waterfalls.

At a reasonable price point, this tour offers impressive value—not just in sights, but in the quality of the experience. If you’re after a stress-free day that caters to your preferences, this customized Bali tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Can I choose which sights to visit? Yes. This tour is fully customizable, so you work with your guide to select the stops that interest you most.

Are entrance tickets included? No, admission to sites like Uluwatu Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, and Tirta Empul are not included. You can plan your budget accordingly.

What is the start time? The tour begins at 9:00 am, but the schedule is flexible depending on your cruise or hotel pickup.

How long does the tour last? Typically between 6 and 10 hours, depending on your chosen stops and pace.

Is this suitable for small groups or families? Absolutely. It’s a private experience designed for your group, offering a personalized and intimate setting.

Do I need to prepare anything? Just let your guide know your interests and any must-see spots. Remember to bring cash for entrance fees, meals, or optional performances.

What is the price? The tour is priced at $45.00 per person, offering great value for a private, customizable day in Bali.

This flexible, personalized Bali tour offers a chance to craft a memorable and authentic experience tailored just for you. Whether you’re after cultural sights, scenic nature, or local markets, it’s a smart choice for an independent, stress-free day in paradise.