Hi travelers, I am looking for a recommendation for a full day guide from the Benoa port. Yes I am looking at the other tour companies, but I would like a personal recommendation. We are interested in the Ubud area - temples, etc. Not to be missed experiences and places to avoid. Also any other suggestions for evening experiences are appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1945 posts
I know a female private driver who can also be a guide. Her English is excellent. Let me know if you want her contact info.
I hired her twice and became a friend.
Posted by
Singapore
1430 posts
It would be more common to hire a driver rather than a guide (who will still tell you the basics of where you're going), and there are plenty of them. Traffic in southern Bali can be very heavy, so if you only have a day you are limited in what you can do. From Benoa to the Ubud area is roughly 90 mins drive in itself.
There are a couple of drivers we've used who are good - if you message me I can give you details. You can just WhatsApp them to book. Alternatively there will be plenty of drivers around fhe cruise port. Should be about IDR700K, and it's customary to give them some money for lunch. If I'm taking them somewhere where they won't get commissions from vendors I would also give them a tip.
In terms of what to see, it really depends on your interests: temples, culture, crafts? Adventure? Instagrammable photo spots? Food? - if you don't have a clear idea, you'll end up being taken places the driver or guide gets commission (which may be fine, but just be aware).
Personally I like to get out of the very touristy south - there are some beautiful spots with rice fields and waterfalls in rhe north, but that's more like a 3 hr drive one way. I would avoid the Instagram influencer spots like swings and Pura Luhur Lempuyang unless you want to spend hours waiting to take the same photo as everyone else.
Posted by
OP
144 posts
Thank you for this valuable information. It is very helpful
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
566 posts
Hire a driver--they will take you to where you want to go and what to see. Totally custom and local.
Let me know if you need a reliable driver with a nice size toyota SUV that can get you around.
Hint: Our driver was very accomodating with our 6 am start time. No traffic and we got to the rice terrace just after sunrise. The only other people there were a pro photographer and a family he was photographing. No other people and could take in this beautiful and popular spot without issues. If you start at 9-10, you will be stuck in traffic and crowds the entire day.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1945 posts
Perhaps start with a guide book with lots of photos to begin with. As mentioned, many places are very crowded and tourists have to take turns for photos at vista points. There are some places that I did not bother to visit, such as the Ubud Palace.
Also mentioned above is Bali traffic. It is horrendous! Budget enough time to go from one place to another.
If time allows, visit nearby islands. They aren't crowd-free, but the vibe is different.