Ubud’s historical tours cut right to the heart of authentic Bali, offering the kind of cultural experiences that make this destination special. The best tours skip the tourist traps and take you straight to significant sites like the stunning Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (a UNESCO treasure) and the spiritual Batuan Temple. I particularly love the morning tours to Tirta Empul, where you can observe – and even participate in – traditional purification rituals before the big crowds arrive.
Half-day tours work well for most travelers, providing enough time to explore key sites without getting overwhelmed. The intimate village walks and temple visits are real standouts, especially when led by local guides who know the ceremonies and customs inside out.
Let’s explore the top-rated historical tours that showcase the real Ubud.
Key Points
- The Bali Historical Cultural Tour provides an immersive experience exploring Batuan Traditional Houses, Batuan Temple, and Gunung Kawi Temple.
- The Half-Day Ubud Heritage Food Tour offers a unique blend of culinary heritage and cultural exploration in Ubud.
- The Private Jatiluwih Rice Terraces tour allows visitors to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site with air-conditioned transport.
- The Cultural Immersion Tours, such as the Ubud Culture and Heritage Tour, provide a comprehensive introduction to Ubud’s heritage.
- The Private half-day heritage tour includes highlights like the Ubud market, rice terrace, and Elephant Cave temple.
Private Half Day Heritage and Cultural Ubud Tour – All Inclusive
The private half-day heritage and cultural Ubud tour provides an immersive experience in the heart of Bali’s vibrant history and traditions.
Priced from $38 per person, the tour includes bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, and entrance tickets.
Pickup is available from several locations, and the tour lasts half a day.
Travelers praise the tour’s customization and pacing, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Highlights include the Ubud market, a rice terrace, and the Elephant Cave temple.
With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation from previous guests, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore Ubud’s rich cultural heritage.
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Ubud Culture and Heritage Tour
Ubud Culture and Heritage Tour provides an immersive journey through Bali’s rich history and vibrant traditions. Priced from $75.51 per group, the 8-hour tour takes visitors to iconic sites like Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Tirta Empul Temple.
Along the way, an English-speaking driver shares insights into the island’s culture and social life. The tour includes pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and all entrance fees, except for lunch.
Travelers can expect a comfortable, flexible experience with the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Ubud’s storied heritage.
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Full-day Private Cultural Tour of Ubud in Bali
This full-day private cultural tour of Ubud in Bali provides an immersive exploration of the region’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions.
With 16 reviews and a 94% traveler recommendation, the tour offers a comprehensive experience at an average price of $57.70 per person.
Highlights include hotel/port pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver, and visits to craft workshops, a coffee plantation, and temples.
Passengers can expect moderate physical activity and should dress in smart casual attire.
While food and drinks aren’t included, bottled water is provided.
With a minimum age of 6 and not wheelchair-accessible, this private tour is tailored to your group’s interests, ensuring a personalized cultural journey in Ubud.
Read our full review: Full-day Private Cultural Tour of Ubud in Bali Review
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Bali: Historical Cultural Tour and Water Temple Purification
Enjoy Bali’s captivating history and culture with this comprehensive 10-hour tour.
Explore the Batuan Traditional Houses, Batuan Temple, Elephant Cave, and Gunung Kawi Temple, while experiencing the sacred purification ritual at Tirta Empul.
This tour offers a blend of architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual renewal, with the option to visit additional sites for an extra fee.
Priced at $56.30 per group (up to 6 participants), the tour includes free cancellation, an English-speaking driver, and all necessary entrance fees and amenities.
Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of Balinese heritage or a rejuvenating spiritual experience, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Read our full review: Bali: Historical Cultural Tour and Water Temple Purification Review
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Full-Day Ubud Cultural Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Ubud’s captivating cultural heritage can embark on this full-day tour.
Rated 5.0 out of 29 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this private tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, lunch, and entrance fees.
The tour starts at 9:00 AM with pickup from any hotel in the Ubud area. Priced from $65.00 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
Most travelers can participate, and infant seats are available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
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Royal Karangasem Heritage Tour
The Royal Karangasem Heritage Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the region’s storied past. This full-day excursion, operated by Tour East Indonesia, takes visitors to Puri Agung Karangasem, the Karangasem Palace, where they can explore the kingdom’s history and architecture.
Next, they’ll visit the Ujung Water Palace and the Tirta Gangga Water Garden, marveling at the stunning structures and photo-worthy settings.
The tour also includes a stop in Sebetan Village, known for its salak (snake fruit) cultivation. While lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, the overall experience is highly recommended, with guides praised for their professionalism and knowledge.
The tour provides excellent value, starting at $67.95 per person.
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Private Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Heritage Site and Culture Tour
This private tour takes visitors on an enriching journey through the captivating Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ubud, Indonesia.
Recommended by 100% of travelers and rated 5.0 out of 13 reviews, the tour provides an air-conditioned, private transportation experience. Guests can expect pickup from their location in Ubud or surrounding areas, with a start time of 9:00 AM.
The tour includes all entrance fees, fuel surcharge, and parking fees. While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is stroller-friendly and suitable for most travelers.
Operated by Dewa Alit – Private Tours, the tour is priced from $36.00 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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UNESCO World Heritage Tour
Ubud’s UNESCO World Heritage Tour offers an enriching journey through the captivating Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a renowned UNESCO-protected site.
This 100% recommended tour takes travelers on a private excursion, complete with an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and lunch. The tour’s accessibility caters to most participants, though it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those in wheelchairs.
Priced at $61.56 per group of up to 4 people, the tour provides a flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Travelers can expect a punctual pickup from their hotel, allowing them to fully immerse in the cultural and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Bali Heritage
Adventurous travelers seeking a unique Bali experience will find the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Bali Heritage a captivating option.
This 5-star rated private tour from Ubud takes visitors on a journey through East Bali’s heritage sites, including the Water Palace, Virgin Beach, and the Pura Goa Lawah bat cave.
Along the way, guests can enjoy a light breakfast during the sunrise at Mount Batur.
The tour also includes a coffee and tea tasting at Umah Bali Kuno.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, knowledgeable guides, and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Bali’s cultural treasures.
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Half-Day Ubud Heritage Food Tour
Exploring the rich culinary heritage of Ubud, the Half-Day Ubud Heritage Food Tour offers an immersive experience for foodies.
Led by a local foodie guide, the small-group tour takes participants through Ubud’s vibrant market and countryside, where they’ll discover traditional Balinese dishes and observe farming practices.
Guests can expect 7-8 types of food tastings, shared transportation, and the option for vegan and vegetarian alternatives.
The 5-hour tour, starting at 8:00 am, provides a satisfying and authentic culinary journey, with plenty of cultural insights from the knowledgeable guide.
Travelers praise the tour for its immersive experience and the opportunity to savor the flavors of Bali.
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Sum Up
Ubud offers a wealth of historical and cultural experiences for visitors. From private tours of heritage sites to immersive food and temple experiences, there are numerous options to explore Bali’s rich history and traditions. Whether you’re interested in architecture, cuisine, or spiritual practices, Ubud’s tours provide an engaging and informative way to explore the region’s captivating past.