Bali's best sights are spread across the island, with long drives, steep roads and heat in between. That makes tours and drivers a good fit here, as long as you pick the right ones. This guide covers the main tours for a first visit, roughly what they cost, and which are worth booking ahead.
The short answer
For most first-timers, a good five-day mix is an Ubud day with a private driver, a Nusa Penida day trip, a Mount Batur sunrise trek and an Uluwatu sunset with the Kecak dance. Book Nusa Penida and the sunrise trek in advance, especially in busy months, and leave the rest flexible.
Want to see what's available for your dates? Compare Bali tours, day trips and temple visits in one place.
Browse Bali toursThe main tours at a glance
| Tour | Rough price | Time | Book ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubud day with a private driver | About IDR 600,000 to 850,000 (US$40 to 55) per car | 10 to 12 hours | A few days ahead is fine |
| Mount Batur sunrise trek | About US$30 to 90 per person | Starts around 2 am, back by mid-morning | Yes, in busy months |
| Nusa Penida day trip | About US$50 to 100 per person, usually all inclusive | Full day; boat around 7 to 7:30 am | Yes, especially July to August |
| Uluwatu sunset and Kecak dance | About US$25 to 50 | Half day | A day or two ahead |
| Besakih and Lempuyang temples | About US$40 to 70 per person | Full day | Yes; queues can be long |
These figures come from public travel guides and vary by season, group size and inclusions, so check what's included before you compare prices.
Ubud: temples, rice terraces and the monkey forest
Ubud is Bali's cultural centre, and a day with a driver is the easiest way to see it. Typical stops include the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Tirta Empul water temple and the Tegalalang rice terraces. A driver who acts as your guide usually costs less than separate guided tours, and works well for two to four people. Agree the hours and route before you set off.
Mount Batur sunrise trek
You hike for roughly two hours in the dark to watch the sunrise from an active volcano, then eat breakfast at the top. Packages usually include hotel transport, a guide and sometimes a coffee plantation stop. Pick a reputable operator with clear safety practices rather than the cheapest street offer.
Booking Nusa Penida or a sunrise trek? Check availability and recent reviews for Bali experiences before you fly.
Compare Bali toursNusa Penida day trip
Famous for its dramatic cliffs and beaches, such as Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay. Expect an early start, a fast boat from Sanur, bumpy roads and a long day. An all-inclusive tour handles the boat, driver, entrance fees and lunch. Book ahead in busy months, and check the sea conditions.
Uluwatu sunset and Kecak dance
A clifftop temple at sunset followed by the Kecak fire dance is an easy half day. Tours often include temple entry, the dance and dinner at Jimbaran. Watch your belongings, as the temple monkeys are known for grabbing sunglasses and phones. Getting there from the airport is covered in our guide to Bali Airport to Canggu or Uluwatu.
How to avoid poor operators
- Be wary of the cheapest street offers. Safety matters most on treks and boat trips.
- Check the reviews, contact details and cancellation policy.
- Confirm what's included: temple entry fees, guide fees and lunch are often extra.
- Bring a sarong for temple visits, and cover your shoulders and knees.
Need a driver for a full day? Search private drivers and airport transfers in Bali before you fly.
Search Bali transfers and driversWhich should you pick?
- One day only: Ubud with a private driver.
- Active and early starter: Mount Batur sunrise.
- Want dramatic scenery: Nusa Penida.
- Easy evening: Uluwatu sunset with Kecak.
- Getting around between them: read our guide to scooter vs car vs driver in Bali.
Plan your timing with the best time to visit Bali, and keep your phone working with a Bali eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tours in Bali for first-timers?
The most popular are a day around Ubud (rice terraces, temples, monkey forest), a Mount Batur sunrise trek, a Nusa Penida island day trip, and an Uluwatu temple sunset with the Kecak fire dance. Temple-focused days such as Besakih and Lempuyang are also popular.
How much do Bali tours cost?
Public guides suggest roughly US$30 to 90 for a Mount Batur trek, US$50 to 100 per person for an all-inclusive Nusa Penida trip, US$25 to 50 for an Uluwatu sunset with Kecak, and about US$40 to 55 for a full-day private driver around Ubud. Prices vary by season and what is included.
Should I book Bali tours in advance?
For Nusa Penida and sunrise treks, yes, especially in the busy season (roughly July to August), when boats and slots fill up. Ubud days with a driver and most temple visits are easy to arrange a few days ahead.
Is Nusa Penida worth a day trip?
Yes if you like dramatic coastal viewpoints. Expect an early start (a fast boat leaves around 7 to 7:30 am from Sanur), rough roads and long days. The sea can be rough, so check the conditions and your tolerance for boats.
Do I need a guide for Mount Batur?
Most visitors book a guided trek that includes hotel transport, a guide, breakfast at the top and sometimes a coffee plantation stop. It starts in the dark, around 2 hours of hiking, so a reputable operator with safety practices matters.
What should I wear at Bali temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Many temples require a sarong and sash, which are often provided or rented at the entrance. Be respectful during ceremonies and follow any signs posted at the temple.
How many days do I need in Bali for the main sights?
Five days covers the highlights if you pick a few: one for Ubud, one for Nusa Penida, one for Batur or the temples, and one for Uluwatu. A week lets you slow down and add beaches.
Related reading
The short version
A first Bali trip works well with an Ubud day and a private driver, a Mount Batur sunrise trek, a Nusa Penida day trip and an Uluwatu sunset. Book Nusa Penida and the trek ahead in busy months, choose reputable operators, and check what each price includes.