Your Bali, on your schedule. This private shore excursion lets you pick the exact highlights you want around Ubud and the coast, then adjust the route with your English-speaking driver/guide. I love the door-to-door pickup from Port of Benoa and the way you set the pace with a private car instead of a crowded bus. One thing to plan for: entrance tickets and lunch are not included, so your total depends on which stops you choose.

I also like that it’s built for real cruise timing. You start at 9:00 am from Benoa, and your day is designed to fit the time window your ship gives you. If you’ve ever watched Bali traffic swallow a day, you’ll appreciate having a driver who can work around the clock.

The mix of temples, art stops, nature, and viewpoints is what makes this feel like a true best-of day rather than a checklist. You can lean toward Ubud culture (rice terraces, Sacred Monkey Forest, markets) or toward classic coastal icons (Uluwatu, Tanah Lot), depending on your mood.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day

• Private, customizable routing so you’re not forced into a pre-set order
• Door-to-door transfers from Port of Benoa timed to your ship schedule
• Ubud core stops with flexible time for Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and art
• Classic Bali temple options like Uluwatu at sunset and Tanah Lot at low tide
• Comfort extras included like bottled water, parking fees, and a temple sarong

A custom Bali day that respects cruise time

This is the kind of tour that makes sense for shore days because it’s not trying to cram everything into a tight group bus timeline. You meet your driver/guide at the port, then you shape the day to match how long you truly have (the overall tour runs about 6 to 10 hours).

That flexibility matters most when you’re choosing between hot spots with different rhythms. For example, temple visits and viewpoint stops can move your day earlier or later, while art and market time tends to fit well into shorter gaps. Your driver/guide builds the order so you’re not bouncing around randomly.

Price and value: what the $45 covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $45 per person, the big value is the private transportation plus a guide-driver who can tailor the route. You’re paying for convenience and time management, not just sightseeing.

Here’s what’s included:

• English-speaking driver/guide
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off (for your shore day, this is port-to-ship)
• Bottled water
• Parking fees
• Sarong for temple entry
• Mobile ticket

Not included:

• All entrance fees
• Lunch
• Donations
• Tickets for any performance

So your math is simple: if you choose more paid temples, viewpoints, and lunch stops, the final cost rises. If you keep it to a lighter mix (using free stops like the Ubud Palace and Ubud Traditional Art Market), you’ll likely spend less.

Door-to-door from Port of Benoa: less stress, more daylight

Your start point is the Port of Benoa (Jalan Dermaga II, Pedungan) with a 9:00 am start. Being picked up at the port is the key advantage. You skip the hassle of figuring out transport on your own, and you start from the same place your ship uses.

Also, you’re not negotiating Bali traffic with strangers. In practice, a good driver/guide can turn traffic chaos into a workable route, and that’s exactly what people praise most about this kind of private day. Several guides linked with this service—like Gede, Jay, Ari, and Kadek—are highlighted for handling timing well and keeping the day smooth even when roads get slow.

How the driver/guide builds your route around you

This is a private tour, so you’re only sharing the car with your group. There are group discounts, but the day itself stays private.

The real decision comes when you choose your mix. You can stick to one logical “route” (so travel times stay reasonable), then let your driver/guide swap in options that match your interests. If you want more culture, you can lean heavier on Ubud. If you want signature coastal views, you can push toward Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.

Stop-by-stop: Uluwatu, Ubud, waterfalls, and temples without the rush

Here’s what you can expect from the main options, and what each stop is best for. Your final order depends on your timing and interests.

Uluwatu Temple: the sunset rock-edge classic (if your schedule allows)

Uluwatu is the Bali temple people picture: dramatic setting on a rocky edge with the Indian Ocean below. You can choose to go for sunset, which is usually the best time for the view (the visit is listed at about 1 hour).

Trade-offs: admission isn’t included, and sunset timing is the one thing that can stretch your day if your ship window is tight. If you’re aiming for sunrise-level energy all day, you might also prefer a daytime visit instead.

Puseh Batuan Temple: Balinese ceremony life, not just a photo stop

Puseh Batuan Temple is a community temple where locals go for ceremonies. It’s a nice counterbalance to the more tourist-heavy “icon” stops because you’ll get a sense of how religious life functions in daily Bali. The suggested time is about 35 minutes.

Trade-offs: since entrance fees are not included, you’ll want to plan for the cash/card reality of paid temple entry.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: a 700-macaque walk in Ubud

In Ubud, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is your wildlife-and-nature break. Expect a walk through a natural habitat of more than 700 long-tailed macaques, usually around 1 hour.

This is great when you want a “get out and walk” moment in the middle of temple and car time. Just remember: this is a sanctuary setting, so it’s not the same vibe as a polished museum. Your guide can help you navigate it at a comfortable pace.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: short trek, big views

Tegalalang is one of the most famous rice-terrace viewpoints near Ubud, and you’re not just standing still. You get about 45 minutes, including time for a short trek among the rice paddies and hill views.

The main trade-off is that viewpoints can take time in real-world conditions: slow walking, photo stops, and stairs paths. If you’re pressed by ship timing, you may want to keep the trek shorter and focus on the best view points.

Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace: free culture time that fits fast

These two stops are smart because they’re shorter and easier to control.

• Ubud Traditional Art Market: about 30 minutes, and it’s listed as free. It’s a place to browse traditional arts and works in the Ubud center.
• Ubud Palace: about 15 minutes, also listed as free. It’s in the center of Ubud and ties to the area’s royal heritage.

Why I like these: they’re quick, flexible, and they don’t threaten your whole day if you end up wanting a calmer pace elsewhere.

Tegenungan Waterfall: green surroundings and a closer look (or the viewpoint)

Tegenungan Waterfall is a refreshing break from temples and shopping. It’s described as having a beautiful green surrounding, and you have about 35 minutes. You can either take a short walk closer to the falls or stay with the view from higher ground.

Trade-offs: entrance fees aren’t included, so you still plan for ticket costs if applicable. Also, waterfalls can change with weather, so keep expectations realistic.

Tirta Empul Temple: holy spring blessings you can witness

Tirta Empul is a holy spring temple tied to Balinese spiritual practice. You’ll see people doing holy blessings before praying at the main temple, which makes this a meaningful stop if you like seeing living tradition rather than just architecture. The time here is about 1 hour.

This is one of the stops where your guide’s explanations matter. Even without adding extra paid experiences, being able to understand what you’re seeing can make the whole visit click.

Mount Batur: buffet lunch with Mount Batur and lake views

If you want a “big payoff” lunch break, this is the option. Mount Batur includes buffet lunch with views over Mount Batur and the lake. The time is listed at about 1 hour.

This stop tends to work well when you want one calm hour where the day slows down. The trade-off is that it can be more time-sensitive depending on where you place it in your route, especially on a cruise day where the ship doesn’t wait.

Taman Ayun Temple: Mengwi royal temple built in 1634

Taman Ayun Temple is tied to the Mengwi Empire. It’s described as a royal temple built in 1634 by King I Gusti Agung Putu, originally a family temple for deified ancestor worship. The suggested time is about 35 minutes.

I like this one because it’s historically specific in a way that feels grounded. It also gives you a different architectural feel than the Ubud-area stops.

Tanah Lot Temple: the ocean temple that depends on low tide

Tanah Lot is one of the most important temples on Bali’s island calendar. It sits on the ocean, and you can only access it when it’s low tide. You’ll have about 1 hour here.

That low-tide condition is the key consideration. If your timing doesn’t line up perfectly, your experience may shift toward viewpoints rather than full access. Your driver/guide can help you judge the timing based on your schedule window.

What’s most praised for this tour experience

The standout strengths are the ones that make your day easier, not just more fun.

• Flexibility that feels real. Drivers are praised for planning the day around what you want, not forcing a one-size itinerary.
• Handling Bali traffic without drama. People repeatedly call out how drivers make traffic workable and keep stress low.
• English explanations. Many guides tied to this service—like Putra, Nengah Kantun, Gede, Jay, Pit, and Desna—are noted for being friendly and able to answer questions.
• Safe, smooth driving. Names like Ari, Kadek, and Gede Sutamba come up with comments about safety and smoothness.

This combo is why the tour often feels like you got a personal guide in a city that can otherwise feel chaotic.

Practical tips to make your day run better

A few common-sense moves will help you enjoy the best stops without feeling rushed.

• Choose your priorities first. If you’re torn between Uluwatu at sunset and a full day of Ubud, decide what you want most. Sunset options are great, but cruise days are short.
• Bring money for entrance fees and lunch. Entrance tickets, donations, and lunch aren’t included, so plan for that total.
• Wear shoes that handle walking. You’ll do short treks at places like rice terraces and you’ll likely walk around temples and forest paths.
• Keep some breathing room. With 6–10 hours total, leaving space for the one stop you care about most will make the whole day feel better.

Who this tour suits best

This private customized shore excursion is a strong fit if you:

• want maximum control over what you see
• prefer a calmer pace than group tours
• are on a cruise and need door-to-door timing
• like mixing Ubud culture with at least one or two major temple/viewpoint stops

It’s also a good choice if you’ve been to Bali before and want to skip the obvious run of stops. A private driver can help you revisit the parts you liked and skip the rest.

Should you book this Customized Best of Bali Tour?

Book it if your top goal is control: you want to pick Ubud highlights like Monkey Forest and Tegalalang, then add signature Bali icons like Uluwatu or Tanah Lot based on your ship timing. The private door-to-door setup from Benoa is the main win, and the customization turns it into a day that actually matches your travel style.

Skip or adjust if you want everything fully included. Since entrance fees and lunch are not included, your total will vary. If that surprises you, you might feel like you’re paying extra on top of the base price.

If your ship schedule is tight and Bali traffic is your worry, this is one of the cleaner ways to handle both. You’ll spend your energy on temples, rice terraces, and views—rather than arguing with transportation plans.

FAQ

Can I customize the stops on this Bali shore excursion?

Yes. This is a 100% customizable private day, and you’ll work with your private driver/guide to choose the sights that fit your interests and your time window.

Where do I get picked up?

Pickup starts at the Port of Benoa (Jalan Dermaga II, Pedungan, Kuta Selatan, Denpasar, Bali).

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 10 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included. Admission ticket costs apply to stops unless specifically listed as free.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, an English-speaking driver/guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, parking fees, and a sarong to enter temples.

Which stops are listed as free?

Ubud Traditional Art Market and Ubud Palace are listed as Free.

Can I go to Uluwatu at sunset?

Yes. Uluwatu Temple is listed as an option for a sunset visit.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.