Bali excursions are the best solution for those who are brief on time and want to visit the island’s essential destinations or for those who don’t want to lease (or are afraid of leasing) a motorbike in Bali.
This article will provide knowledge about the day excursions in Bali that permit experiencing the prime places to go in Bali in only 4 days. Additionally, I’ll recommend the sequence to take these highly rated Bali tours to maximize the benefits of the pickup service included in most of these trips and the ideal areas to lodge in Bali to conserve time between excursions.
In addition to those 4 primary excursions in Bali, I will recommend other tours that can be later added to visit some of the most crucial attractions in Bali, as highlighted in this resource.
Most of them are Individual Bali tours, but I’ll also recommend some small group Bali tours powered by top tour operators & local travel companies.
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Best Bali Tours for those who are short on time
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Ubud and Central Bali Tour
Locations visited: Ubud + Tegalalang + Tirta Empul + Goa Gajah
Language: English-speaking tour guide
Cost: $84.50 per group of up to 5 people ( Check availability)
Itinerary: On the way to Ubud, you will stop in Batubulan to observe a traditional Barong performance and in Batuan to visit a traditional Balinese residence.
Once in Ubud, you’ll visit the famous Ubud Palace, where the royal family still resides, the Ubud Traditional Art Market, the best place to purchase local art, and Pura Taman Saraswati. Additionally, you’ll visit the Monkey Forest where you can meet the amusing monkeys that live there.
After lunch, you’ll visit the exceptionally renowned Tegalalang rice fields, where you can capture a photo of one of Bali`s most iconic postcards, the terraced rice paddies, and tour the Tirta Empul temple, an extremely sacred site. The Balinese go to this temple to purify themselves with the consecrated water that emanates from 12 pipes situated by a stone pool.
Finally, you will tour the Goa Gajah temple, renowned for its entryway that mimics the jaws of an evil creature.
Tips: Undertake this excursion as soon as you arrive in Bali. It incorporates pickup, so if you’re in the southern area where the Denpasar airport is located, you will be transferred to the island’s center, saving the price of the transfer to Ubud.
If you’re taking part in a Bali 7-day itinerary, I advise you to inquire at the end of the tour if they can drop you off in Ubud instead of returning to Denpasar, which will allow you an additional day to enjoy other activities available in Ubud before hiring the next tour.
In the event that you lack sufficient time to spend a full day off, I also suggest staying at one of Ubud`s excellent hotels following the previous tour, as you`ll be closer to the places you`ll visit on the subsequent Bali day trip.
EASTERN BALI EXCURSION
For the second day of Bali excursions, there are two options available. The first involves a Bali small group tour visiting three important temples across the island, while the second alternative is a private Bali Tour taking in one of those temples as well as a waterfall and a traditional village.
Personally, I find the initial Bali excursion offering the more compelling activities given the prospect of exploring the two temples excluded from the second itinerary yet integral to comprehending Bali`s culture. Moreover, one can still visit the island`s premier waterfall amidst the third day`s sightseeing as I advise for that particular tour.
Bali Tour 1st option
Key locations visited: Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Besakih Temple
Cost: $73.19 per individual ( Check availability)
Itinerary: Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to begin your excursion to the eastern region of Bali. The initial stop on this Balinese tour is the Lempuyang temple. Good physical fitness is necessary, as the trip involves climbing steps and hiking at this place of worship. Its most renowned feature is the “Gate of Heaven,” from where spectacular views of Mount Agung can be seen.
The next visit will be to the Tirta Gangga palace, which stands out for its gardens full of fountains, pools and stone statues. The landmark of this garden is a pond where you can walk on small platforms as if you were walking atop the water.
After enjoying a midday meal, the group will proceed to the chief place of worship, Pura Besakih, the most expansive and sacred temple complex on the island. It represents an essential destination worth exploring in Bali. Comprising twenty-two individual temples, this part of the tour highlights one of Bali`s most noteworthy religious sites.
Bali Tour 2nd option
Locations visited: Gianyar marketplace + Penglipuran village + Besakih + Tukad Cepung
Pricing: $84.50 per group of up to 5 people ( Inquire about availability)
Itinerary: You will be picked up from your hotel to first visit the Gianyar market, where you can sample local cuisine. After that, you’ll go to the traditional village ofPenglipuran, where vehicles are banned in order to maintain ancestral traditions. There, you’ll tour a bamboo forest, one of Bali`s most important resources used for houses and buildings.
To conclude the morning you will visit some of the 22 temples of Besakih and have lunch at the village of Redang.
In the afternoon, you can refresh yourself at a hidden waterfall inside a cave in Tukad Cepung.
Tips: Regardless of the Bali tour option chosen, in order to make the most of your time, I recommend guests stay in Ubud that night, so ask your Bali private driver to take you back to this city.
Bali Tours with Local Private Tour Guides to the main highlights
Locations toured: NungNung Waterfalls + Ulun Danu Beratan + Jatiluwih Rice Fields + Tanah Lot
Language: Capable English Speaking Guide in Bali
Cost: $90.20 per gathering of approximately 5 individuals ( check availability)
Itinerary: Once picked up at the hotel by the driver, the initial stop will be Nungnung waterfall, one of the most spectacular spots on the island, with a 230-foot plunge. Moreover, it’s suitable for bathing because there’s a deep pool at the base of the waterfall.
Later, you’ll visit one of the icons you can’t miss on your trip to Bali, the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, floating on Lake Batran. This is, without doubt, one of the most photographed images of the island.
Next, you will visit the Jatiluwih rice fields, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and where you can appreciate the beauty of the terraced rice paddies. If you are partaking in this Bali activity during the ideal time to travel to Bali, these fields will be a very vivid green color.
Finally, you’ll head south to see one of the most spectacular temples in Bali,Tanah Lot. Located on an islet a few feet from the sea, it is only accessible at low tide in the evening. From here, you can see an incredible sunset that I encourage you to enjoy with an ear of corn roasted with a spicy sauce. You can find this delicacy at the many food stalls surrounding the temple.
Recommendation: At the conclusion of this Bali tour, I advise staying at one of the amazing Bali hotels located in Canggu or Seminyak to reduce travel time the following day.
Furthermore, the activity that I recommend for the fourth day is a half-day tour of Bali in the morning, leaving the time free to visit Canggu beach which is a popular location for surfers with a very fascinating atmosphere or to visit Seminyak beach where you can unwind in one of its popular Beach Clubs.
South of Bali Excursions
Locations visited: Padang Padang Beach + Luhur Uluwatu Temple+ Kecak dance performance + Jimbaran Beach
Cost: $62 per group of up to 5 people ( check availability)
Itinerary: The first stop on this tour is the Pedang Pedang beach, which was popularised by the movie “Eat Pray Love”.
Later on in your trip, you will tour the Luhur Uluwatu temple, situated on a cliff approximately 230 feet above sea level; it is one of the more intriguing temples in Bali. From there, you can delight in a spectacular sunset, as the temple faces east of the Bukit Badung peninsula, providing views of the sun descending over the ocean horizon.
At dusk, you will take in a Kecak performance, Bali’s most renowned conventional dance where men appear to enter a trance as they sing harmoniously by the fire, accompanying the rhythmic movement of the Balinese performers.
Finally, you will visit the Jimbaran cliffs and have dinner at one of the best locations to enjoy seafood and fresh fish in Bali.
Tips: Additional Bali Tours that can be done the following day generally commence from Seminyak and Kuta, so I would advise lodging in this area.
The Best Day Trips To Go on From Bali
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Nusa Islands from Bali Excursions
These three islands consisting of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, belong to Bali and are in very close proximity to the main island. The NUSA islands are notable for their incredible underwater landscapes, mangroves, and idyllic beaches, rendering this one of the most worthwhile day trips from Bali.
Self Guided Nusa Penida tour from Bali
If wanting to engage in self-guided exploration from Bali, you can take a Boat to Nusa Lembongan, which is connected to Ceningan by bridge, and from there, take a local vessel to Nusa Penida or take transportation to Nusa Penida straightaway.
Nusa Penida & Lembongan Tour FROM BALI
However, if you want to go with a guide and reap the advantages of a small group Bali tour, I recommend this Nusa tour from Bali.
During the tour, you will snorkel in three unique territories of the island, with the possibility of seeing manta sheets, turtles, and numerous shaded fishes. After lunch, you will embark on a kayak circumnavigation around the mangroves.
Tours from Bali to the Gili Islands
Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, referred to as the Gili Islands, constitute three tiny landmasses situated off the coast of Lombok. Even though these islands do not belong to Bali, the short distance from the Gili Islands to Bali renders the outing one of the most popular expeditions from Bali.
Self-guided Gili islands tour from Bali
Take transportation to either Gili Trawangan or Gili Air by using a ferry service and self-guide your exploration.
In terms of deciding which Gili Island to visit, it`s worth noting that Gili Trawangan is the biggest and most popular for its nightlife and lively atmosphere, while Gili Air is smaller and quieter. The latter is where couples often spend their honeymoons, since you can find some of the best villas in Bali here; however, the prices of lodging are higher than in the other Gili Islands.
All the islands offer great spots for snorkeling.
3-day Gili Island Tour from Bali
If you favor taking a small group Bali tour to the Gili Islands, this is the ideal excursion.
As a family-operated business, this location has a down-home feel but doesn’t skimp on the thrilling entertainment commonly found in Las Vegas. This attraction is covered by the Go Las Vegas All-Inclusive Pass and it’s only 15 minutes from the resorts, making it a top leisure activity for families away from the Las Vegas Strip.
The following day, you’ll travel by boat to snorkel at three different spots on Gili Air and swim with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken to a resort on Gili Air and you’ll have the remainder of the day free to explore the island independently.
On the final day, you can wake up early to appreciate the spectacular sunrise from Gili Air and take one last swim before bidding farewell to the Gili Islands.
Excursion from Bali to Lombok
There are many activities to do in Lombok, like the popular two-day trek to view the Rinjani volcano crater from Senaru, which can be booked here: . However, these tours are not organized by operators based in Bali, so travelers must take a ferry from Bali to Lombok to participate
Bali tours for the most adventurous travelers
If you’re a risk-taker seeking excitement and want to make the most of your trip to Bali, these are the top Bali activities you should participate in. If you do, be sure to purchase good travel protection to Bali before departing.
Sunrise tour at Batur Volcano
We provide a comprehensive guide on how to visit the Statue of Liberty, therefore I recommend reviewing that to gain additional insight into the available tours and what they involve. If you prefer a self-guided option, you can reserve your ticket online here.
Rafting on the Ayung River
The Ayung River is perfectly suited for rafting all year round, with a class IV rating during monsoon season and a class II rating during the rest of the year. The tour, which takes approximately two hours, allows one to see Bali`s natural scenery, wildlife, and exotic plants.
Diving in Tulamben Bay
On this Bali tour, you can marvel at the seabed of Bali while scuba diving. One of the most incredible places to dive on the island is Tulamben Bay, where you can see blue manta rays, along with octopuses, scorpionfish, tigerfish and moray eels.
The ruins of the USAT Liberty, a sunken ship, can also be seen nearby.
If you lack previous involvement with diving, you should commence with this excursion, which is valid as a credit for the PADI diver course in the open sea. If you currently hold certification as a diver, then this is your excursion.
Whether you plan to participate in extreme sports or not, I recommend you purchase travel insurance for Indonesia. I had to use it when some monkeys bit me in the Monkey Forest of Ubud. Here you can find a 5% discount to obtain the most reasonably priced travel insurance.
Other guided tours in Bali
These other guided excursions in Bali can offer interesting insights should you have extra time there and want to learn more about the cultural character of the island.
Denpasar guided tour
During this guided tour around the capital of Bali, your
Your guide will bring you to the Bali Museum, where you’ll gain more knowledge about the island`s history and can find a collection of impressive prehistoric artworks.
The next stop will be the Badung market, which operates continuously day and night, where you will find all types of local cuisine.
Finally, you’ll visit the artistic center of Bajra Sandhi, where you’ll find wood carvings and Balinese works of artworks.
Guided visit to the traditional village of Penglipuran
Should you opt for the primary selection for the tour on the second day, you will be missing out on guided trips to the prominent Penglipuan traditional village and the scenic Tukad Cepung waterfall; you may take this tour later that also includes sightseeing at the breathtaking Bali Swing, a swing suspended by a 98-foot rope in the dense Balinese rainforest.
Other activities in Bali
Finally, these are other Balinese activities that you may find interesting:
- Biking trip to Tegalalang rice fields from Ubud
- Balinese cooking class
- Bali Waterfalls Tour
- Floating morning meal in Ubud and air balloon ride
I hope these Bali tours help save you time and money. Please return here to share how your experience went.
Bali Tours Video
Before departing, I’ll provide some necessities for your journey to Bali:
Essentials to save on your trip to Bali
Examine the finest credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
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Obtain a 5% reduction on your travel protection for Bali.
Examine the prime excursions in Bali to make the most effective use of your time HERE and HERE.
INExpensive FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).
