Duration: 10 Hours and 30 minutes (approximately)
Highlights: Ubud and Tanah Lot area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

If you’re looking to explore Bali’s cultural heritage and witness one of its most iconic sunset views, the Ubud and Tanah Lot Tour is an absolute must. This Bali tour takes you through the heart of Ubud, famous for its art, palaces, and temples, and wraps up with a breathtaking sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea. Trust me, by the end of the day, you’ll feel like you’ve uncovered some of Bali’s best-kept secrets.

Art Villages of Batu Bulan, Celuk, and Mas
We kicked off the tour around 8:00 AM with a visit to the Art Villages of Batu Bulan, Celuk, and Mas. Each of these villages specializes in a different type of traditional craft, giving you a deep dive into Bali’s artistic culture.

Batu Bulan is known for stone carving, and when I visited, I couldn’t believe the level of detail in the statues. Every piece seemed to tell a story, from intricate Hindu deities to larger-than-life guardian figures that you might find outside temples.

Next, we visited Celuk, the village famous for gold and silver jewelry. Watching the silversmiths at work was mesmerizing. They meticulously shape and craft each piece by hand, and if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is the place to buy one. I picked up a pair of silver earrings—delicate, handmade, and unlike anything I’d ever seen.

Lastly, Mas is the hub for wood carving. The workshops here are filled with sculptures, from small figures to massive, ornate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The smell of freshly carved wood fills the air, and the artists are always happy to explain their process. Even if you’re not in the market for a sculpture, it’s worth visiting just to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship.

Ubud Monkey Forest: A Playful Encounter
After exploring the art villages, we headed to the Ubud Monkey Forest, a must-see for any animal lover. The forest is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed monkeys, and walking through the lush green forest felt like stepping into another world. It’s not just the monkeys that are fascinating—there are ancient temples hidden among the trees, adding a mystical vibe to the whole experience.

I’d recommend being careful with your belongings, though. The monkeys are adorable but very curious! One cheeky little guy managed to snatch my water bottle when I wasn’t looking. But it’s all part of the fun—you never know what’s going to happen next with these playful creatures around.

Lunch in Ubud
By the time we finished exploring the Monkey Forest, we were ready for lunch. Ubud has no shortage of amazing restaurants, whether you’re craving traditional Balinese food or something more modern. We chose a cozy spot overlooking the rice fields, where I tried Nasi Campur, a local dish made up of rice, veggies, and small portions of meat, tofu, and sambal. The view of the green fields while enjoying a meal was one of those "wow" moments. It’s not just about the food—Ubud really knows how to offer an experience.

Mengwi Temple: A Tranquil Oasis
Our next stop was the Mengwi Temple, also known as Pura Taman Ayun. This temple is slightly off the typical tourist trail, which makes it feel like a hidden gem. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and a moat, and the multi-tiered shrines (called Meru) are some of the most impressive in Bali.

What struck me the most here was the sense of peace. The temple complex is large, but it wasn’t crowded when we visited, so I took some time to just walk around, soaking in the serenity. You can tell that this temple is still very much a place of worship for the locals, which gives it an authentic feel.

Tanah Lot Temple: A Sunset to Remember
Finally, we made our way to Tanah Lot Temple, the grand finale of the tour. Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most famous temples, and for good reason—it’s set on a rock formation that juts out into the sea. As we arrived, the tide was just starting to come in, making the temple appear as though it’s floating on the water.

The highlight, of course, is the sunset. I’ve seen many sunsets, but the one at Tanah Lot is something special. The colors of the sky—deep oranges, pinks, and purples—reflect off the water, with the silhouette of the temple in the foreground. It’s one of those moments where you just stop and appreciate the beauty of nature. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I felt a sense of calm and fulfillment, the perfect way to end the day.

Reflections on the Day
By the time we returned to the hotel, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. The Ubud and Tanah Lot Tour is a beautiful blend of Bali’s cultural, artistic, and natural wonders. From the playful monkeys to the spiritual temples and the jaw-dropping sunset at Tanah Lot, every stop on this tour offers something unique.

If you’re planning to visit Bali and want a tour that gives you a mix of art, history, and stunning landscapes, this is the one. Just remember to bring a camera, some extra cash for those Ubud Market finds, and comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of walking, but it’s all worth it!