Ubud Scenic Escape

Admittedly, I wasn't expecting Tegallalang Rice Terrace to feel so untouched, especially since I'd seen it years ago and it's gotten so popular. Having exclusive entry made it extra peaceful, and I actually managed to slow down and soak it all in. The Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple stop was a gem—I mean, serene would be an understatement. Quick shout-out for not having a single shopping stop crammed in. Really enjoyed lunch off the well-beaten path, where locals duck in on their break; didn't realize lava rock chicken could be so addictive!

Having traveled in Vietnam and Thailand before, our tour in Bali brought a pace and freshness I hadn't experienced yet. Starting with a gentle walk overlooking Tegallalang’s curves, a unique sense of calm really settled in; the exclusive access felt genuine, away from busy crowds. Sebatu Temple, ensconced in green, had that rare quiet–lush courtyards what I imagined real Bali to be like. Quick side-note: pleasantly surprised not a single shopping stop slipped into the schedule. Lunch at a simple local spot was such a delightful contrast with the steady hum of the jungle nearby, before that tuck-away waterfall tucked us into our own pocket of nature. Down-to-earth, beautiful day.

Couldn’t believe just how peaceful the temple felt — barely any crowds around, so the whole place had a quiet soul to it. The driver, Made, seemed to know exactly when and where to pause for a quick gawp at the best vistas in Tegallalang. Was expecting more hubbub, but glad we had proper downtime at that hidden jungle waterfall. Plus, happy to report zero stops to packed tourist shops; just lunch at a locals' spot and scenic carbs everywhere.

We booked Bali Sun Tours' private car hire service for a full-day trip across the island, and it was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we made during our entire stay in Bali. From the very first point of contact through to the end of our day, the level of professionalism was outstanding. Everything was seamlessly organised, communication was clear and prompt, and there was never a moment of uncertainty about logistics, which, when you're navigating a new destination, makes an enormous difference. Having a private car and driver at our full disposal throughout the day gave us a sense of freedom and comfort that no group tour or ride-hailing app could replicate. We moved at our own pace, stopped where we wanted, and never had to worry about transport between destinations. But what truly elevated the experience was our driver, Yasa. He was exceptionally courteous, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a wonderful day. His driving was calm and safe (something we genuinely appreciated on Bali's busy roads), and he went out of his way on multiple occasions to enhance our experience beyond what was expected of him. For the quality of service received, the value for money is excellent. We would not hesitate to book again and wholeheartedly recommend Bali Sun Tours (and Yasa in particular) to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly enjoyable private touring experience in Bali.

Having explored Thailand’s paddies before, Bali’s Tegallalang Rice Terrace hit different; quiet enough that you lose sight of any crowds, just our small crew soaking up pretty surreal green views. Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple easily turned into my favorite for being real and somehow untouched. Local lunch was awesome – exactly the sort of simple, good spot you wouldn’t find unless a local (ours was Wayan) gave you the tip. Love how it all felt slow; nobody pushed us into souvenir stops or strict timetables, just roomy breaks at a jungle waterfall and time with friends.