Bali: Ubud Day Trip With Barong Dance

Planning a day trip to Ubud? This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Bali’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, all for a very reasonable price. It’s designed for travelers wanting a balance of scenic views, traditional performances, and authentic local experiences without spending too much time or money. From watching the iconic Barong and Keris Dance to wandering through lush rice terraces, this trip promises a full day of discovery.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines cultural storytelling with eye-popping scenery. The guide’s knowledge helps bring each stop alive, giving context to the sights and traditions you’ll encounter. Plus, the cost—just $31 per person—means you’re getting a lot of value for a full-day adventure.

One potential consideration? The tour is approximately ten hours long, so it’s a full day. Travelers with limited mobility or those who prefer a more relaxed pace should weigh this against their comfort level. Also, since some parts involve walking or getting down to waterfalls, it’s worth being prepared with comfortable shoes.

This trip suits culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a convenient, budget-friendly way to see some of Ubud’s highlights in one go. It’s especially good for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting an authentic, guided experience.

Key Points

• Affordable and value-packed at $31, including transport and water
• Culturally engaging with traditional Balinese dance and temples
• Scenic highlights like rice terraces and waterfalls are visually stunning
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local insights
• Full-day itinerary but well-paced for those who like a busy schedule
• Private group tours ensure personalized attention and comfort

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Taste of Ubud’s Culture and Nature

This tour is especially attractive because it manages to condense a lot of Bali’s essence into a single day. While it’s a packed itinerary, each stop is carefully chosen to showcase the region’s cultural depth and natural splendor.

The day begins with a traditional Barong and Keris Dance, performed in a setting that emphasizes storytelling through dance and costume. This dance dramatizes the battle between good and evil—a classic Bali theme—and is performed for an audience that’s eager to see authentic Balinese art. The performance is described as “beyond fantastic” by a recent reviewer, and it’s easy to see why—these dances are a lively, colorful display that vividly convey local beliefs.

Just a short drive from the dance, you’ll visit a Coffee Plantation. This is a highlight for many, as you get to see the traditional process—and taste the results—of Balinese coffee. Walking along the plantation, sampling coffee and tea for free, makes the experience both intimate and delicious. It’s a chance to connect with local craftsmanship and appreciate Bali’s rich coffee culture.

Next up is the Tegenungan Waterfall, one of Bali’s most celebrated natural sights. The lush greenery surrounding the waterfall makes it feel like stepping into a rainforest. You might choose to go down to the water for a closer look or stay at the top for stunning panoramic photos. The area’s vibrant environment makes it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary is your next stop, an essential experience for those interested in Bali’s wildlife. With around 700 long-tailed macaques living in the wild, this reserve offers an authentic peek into local animal life. The three temples inside make it not just a zoo but also a place of spiritual harmony—an aspect that adds depth to the visit. A reviewer noted how the monkeys live “in harmony,” and it’s a fun but respectful encounter with Bali’s lively primates.

Finally, the tour culminates at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a postcard-perfect landscape. The intricate, tiered fields are not just breathtaking but also a window into traditional farming practices. Observing local farmers at work provides a living connection to Bali’s agricultural roots.

A Day Well Spent — What To Expect

The entire day is designed with transportation convenience in mind. Pickup options are available from nine locations, including popular hubs like Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud itself. The transport is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, making the long day more comfortable and personalized. The driver is an English-speaking guide, helping explain the significance of each site and ensuring smooth transitions.

The itinerary starts around 9 am, with pickups from various locations, and finishes late in the evening—around 7 pm or later. This means you’ll need to be prepared for a full day of activity, but the pace is paced to allow enough time at each stop. You’ll be encouraged to take your time and soak it all in, especially with the guide’s friendly, informative style.

Inclusions are straightforward: hotel transfers, water, and parking fees—no hidden costs. Excluded are entrance fees and food, so budget extra if you want to visit the temples or taste local snacks during the day.

The tour is suitable for most travelers who are physically able, but note the limitations for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users, as it involves walking and some uneven terrain.

Highlights of the Tour

Traditional Barong and Keris Dance

This lively performance is the highlight for many. It vividly portrays the eternal battle between good and evil, bringing traditional Balinese storytelling to life. The vibrant costumes, dramatic dance moves, and rhythmic music make it a captivating start. As one reviewer exclaimed, “everything was beyond fantastic,” and the dance set the tone for the entire day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Coffee Plantation Visit

Walking through the plantation, seeing how local Balinese make coffee, and sampling various teas and coffees is a genuine treat. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to taste for free and walk among the coffee plants. It’s a taste of Bali’s everyday life and craftsmanship.

Tegenungan Waterfall

This natural wonder offers both scenic views and a chance for a splash if you’re feeling adventurous. The lush surroundings and the sound of cascading water make it a perfect spot for photos or a quiet moment of reflection.

Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Expect lively antics from the monkeys, who are quite accustomed to visitors. The temples inside make it a spiritual site as well, adding a tranquil element despite the playful chaos of the primates.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

No Bali trip feels complete without a visit here. The terraced fields are a marvel of ingenuity and natural beauty, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to observe local farming activity.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price of $31, this tour offers exceptional value. It covers a broad spectrum of what makes Ubud special—culture, wildlife, natural scenery, and local crafts—all in one day. The inclusion of hotel transfers, water, and a private vehicle simplifies logistics and maximizes your sightseeing time.

For those who want a comprehensive, guided introduction to Ubud without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour is a smart choice. The reviews speak highly of the knowledgeable guides and the variety of highlights included. Travelers have noted how the guide’s friendliness and local insights enrich the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing bus trip.

However, it’s a long day, and some may prefer a more leisurely pace or specific focus areas. The tour doesn’t include entrance fees, so it’s worth budgeting a little extra for temples or other optional activities.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting a full day of Bali highlights. It suits first-time visitors who want a curated experience that touches on cultural, natural, and spiritual aspects of Ubud. It’s also great for small groups or couples looking for a personalized, private experience.

If you’re seeking authentic local encounters combined with stunning scenery, this tour provides a reliable, engaging way to get a well-rounded taste of Bali’s central highlands. Just remember, it’s a full day, so pack comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a sense of curiosity.

The Sum Up

This Bali Ubud day trip offers a balanced mix of culture, nature, and local life at an attractive price. You’ll visit iconic sites like rice terraces and waterfalls, watch a lively traditional dance, and learn about Bali’s coffee culture—all within a well-organized, private group setting. It’s a fantastic way to see many of Ubud’s highlights without the hassle of arranging multiple tours or transportation.

Perfect for history and nature lovers alike, this tour enriches your Bali experience with storytelling and authentic sights. Its value lies in how it simplifies a full day of exploration while providing knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.

If you’re after a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable introduction to Bali’s cultural heart, this trip is a smart choice. It’s especially suitable if you want to balance sightseeing with a deeper understanding of local traditions—making your Bali visit truly memorable.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting around 9 am and returning in the evening. It’s a full day but designed to be well-paced with enough time at each stop.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from multiple locations like Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, and others, in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s not included in the price?
You will need to pay for admission tickets and any additional personal expenses. Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing extra cash if you want to try local snacks or meals.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers but not recommended for those with back, heart, or mobility issues due to walking and uneven terrain.

Can I join the tour if I’m staying outside the pickup zones?
Pickup is available from designated locations. If your hotel is not listed, you might need to arrange transport independently.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your passport or ID, some cash, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

This detailed look at Bali’s Ubud Day Trip highlights how it offers an engaging, value-packed experience. Whether you’re looking to see iconic sites or want a well-rounded cultural introduction, it’s a solid choice for a memorable Bali day.

You can check availability for your dates here: