When you land in Bali, the traffic, especially around Denpasar, can be intense, with motorbikes zipping everywhere. For a smooth family trip, hiring a private tour guide is the way to go. In this post, we’ll help you find the best private sightseeing tours in Bali. If you are traveling during December we have a full post about what to expect here.

Bali Tour Operators That Operate Private Sightseeing Tours 

There are a ton of tour consultants in Bali, and you have to be careful about online scams. The best option is to find a reputable Bali guide with the help of your hotel concierge or use this post with the list below.

Day Trip With Toke Toke Bali Tours

Amanda did some research and found a business website offering private Bali tours. To find the best private tour service, we went straight to the reviews. Spoiler alert: this was a fantastic tour and really fun for the family.

We found the Toke Toke Bali Tour website and checked the reviews first to get a feel for it. We had a list of things to see and so we messaged the guide, and he responded within the hour.

We explained we wanted a nice mix of local culture experiences and adventure activities for our first day. For our second day, we planned to visit sacred temples and the lesser known monkey forest to the west of Ubud. 

We had the best time with Toke Toke Tours! We loved our first day trip so much that we booked a second day. With Toke, we were able to choose the type of VW Safari (VW Thing) car in certain colors for that perfect photo. There are only so many daylight hours, so having two days allowed us to experience even more.

The hand-picked experiences by Toke were a great option to get off the beaten path and enjoy private cultural experiences. Day one was a blast! We stopped for fried plantains and waved at locals slow roasting a pig. We were truly immersed in island life with the perfect local guide.

Our second day included a trip to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, the beautiful temple on the lake, along with getting fresh strawberries from a local vendor. We also saw the largest banyan tree we’ve ever experienced. We had to cut our second day slightly short because of the rain and how chilly it got afterward.

Bali Full Day Tours With Bali Golden Tour 

We initially reached out to Bali Golden Tour to inquire about their Volkswagen tours because they offer a wide range of Bali tour packages. As the largest travel agency in northern Denpasar, they have a lot to offer.

We nearly booked their Nusa Penida tour, which showcases beautiful beaches like Kelingking Beach. If a boat ride from Nusa Dua Beach isn’t your style, they offer plenty of Bali full day tours that are just as breathtaking.

Kuta Transport

If you’re staying in the Kuta Beach area, Kuta Transport has you covered. They offer a wide range of tours, including trips to the active volcano, Mount Agung. If you have your own interests, they can create a custom tour package just for you on this beautiful small island.

Agus Bali Private Tour

If you’re staying in the Nusa Dua area, Agus operates locally and has a sales counter there. For adventurous activities like white water rafting and elephant riding, check out Agus Bali Tours.

What Type of Private Tours Are You Looking For?

The types of tours offered vary widely based on your personal interests and how you want to spend your day. During our time in Bali, we experienced a range of tour options, and I’ve listed them below:

• Bali Vintage Volkswagen Tour in a Safari/Thing  
• Cycling tours
  • Electric assisted and all manual leg power 
• Bali water sport tours that include water activities 
• ATV and White Water Rafting 

What Is The Cost of a Private Tour?

The cost of a private tour can vary depending on the tour operator. For our Volkswagen tour with Made (Toke Toke Bali Tour), it was $40 USD per person. On the other hand, Agus Bali Private Tours charges $75 USD per person. It’s definitely worth shopping around, as the price differences between operators can be significant.

The cost of a private tour will vary by tour operator. For our tour in the Volkswagen with Made cost $40 USD a person. Agus Bali Private Tour charges $75 dollars a person. It’s definitely worth shopping around, as the additional cost differences between operators can be significant.

What To See on a Private Sightseeing Tour

If you’re staying for a long period like we did, you’ll have the chance to see everything. The best approach is to identify the must-see attractions, book a private tour, and explore all that they have to offer.

Tour operators excel at curating packages or finding tours that perfectly meet your needs, making private tours an excellent option. They offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust your itinerary during the tour for a more personalized experience. For instance, if you want to explore the famous wood carvings around Ubud, you can easily add that to your itinerary.

Rice Fields

When visiting Bali, make sure to walk through one of its famous rice fields. The most renowned is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tegallalang Rice Terraces. For a more tranquil experience, check out the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which are more remote and offer a laid-back atmosphere compared to Tegallalang.

Monkey Forest

Bali has two notable monkey forests. The most popular is the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, which attracts around 300-500 visitors daily, making it one of the most interesting places of Bali. 

If you’re seeking a unique travel experience and quieter experience, consider visiting the Sangeh Monkey Forest. It’s a bit off the beaten path and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling Ubud area, we had a great time here. 

Ancient Sacred Temples & Water Temples

There are tons of temples on the island, some of which, like the Sacred Monkey Forest, were built thousands of years ago. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, there are also some off the beaten path temples that give off major Indiana Jones vibes. The driver guides can help you find these hidden gems if you’re interested.

The most famous water temple is Tirta Empul, renowned for its holy spring water and significance in Bali culture. However, we chose to skip this well known spot for a more real BalI experience at the Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu water temple. It turned out to be a major highlight of our VW tour.

Waterfalls 

Waterfalls are everywhere on the island of Bali, especially if you’re up the hill from Denpasar. In Ubud, we were surrounded by many waterfalls, some famous and some more hidden. Well known waterfalls typically have a small fee for entry, while lesser known ones are often free. A great tour guide can help you discover these hidden gems and make the most of your visit.

Mason Elephant Park

While on our private tour with Toke Toke Bali Tours, we visited the Elephant Park just north of Ubud, one of the only accredited parks of its kind in Asia. Their mission is to rescue endangered Sumatran elephants and raise awareness about deforestation and poaching.

We had a private encounter with one of the gentle giants and its caretaker, and it was hands-down a major highlight of our trip. Feeding, petting, and spending time with such a powerful yet peaceful animal was something we’ll never forget.

Should I Do A Private Sightseeing Tour In Bali With My Family?

From our personal experience, doing a private sightseeing tour in Bali was a blast and truly the best way to experience the island. While we had a few spots in mind, our guide Made went above and beyond, helping us dive into the rich culture. We believe that the best way to explore a new place is by taking a road trip with a knowledgeable guide who can show you the hidden gems and unique aspects of the area.

With Made’s help, we were truly spoon-fed the island’s natural beauty. He not only helped us capture some of the best photos from our two-day trip but also served as a fantastic guide, answering our questions about the intricacies of Hindu religion and other fascinating aspects of Balinese culture. His insights and expertise made our experience even richer and more memorable.