The scenic route from Bali Airport (DPS) to Ubud turns a 60–105-minute transfer into a relaxed half-day of temples, rice terraces and coffee. Your private driver simply adds stops — Batuan Temple, a coffee plantation, Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegallalang — for a fixed +$10 (about Rp 160,000) per stop, with your luggage locked safely on board the whole way.
Ubud sits about 37 km inland from Denpasar Airport, and the drive there passes some of Bali’s best-known craft villages, temples and terraces. Instead of racing straight to your villa, you can let the journey become the first sightseeing of your trip. Here’s how the scenic route works, which stops are worth it, what the detours add in time and money, and when you’re better off booking a full day rather than an airport transfer with a couple of photo stops.
Direct Transfer vs the Scenic Route
A standard airport-to-Ubud transfer is a straight, private, door-to-door drive. The scenic version is the same private car and driver — you simply pre-agree the stops so the driver plans the timing and waits for you at each one. Choose based on how you feel when you land.
| Option | Time | What you get | Fare (standard car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct transfer | 60–105 min | Fastest arrival, driver straight to your Ubud accommodation | $150 (about Rp 2,445,000) |
| Transfer + 2–3 photo stops | 3–4 hours | Quick temple, waterfall and coffee stops on the way in | $150 + $10 (about Rp 160,000) per stop |
| Full-day scenic charter | 6–8 hours | Proper unhurried itinerary, longer at each site, lunch stop | Day rate — see private driver rates |
If you’ve just stepped off a red-eye, the honest advice is to take the direct Bali airport to Ubud transfer, check in, and save the sightseeing for a fresh morning. If you land rested and in daylight, the scenic route is a lovely way to arrive.
The Best Stops Between the Airport and Ubud
These sit on or just off the main road north, in the order you’ll reach them. Your driver can mix and match — most people pick two or three so they still reach Ubud by mid-afternoon.
| Stop | Time added | Why stop |
|---|---|---|
| Batubulan & Celuk | +20–30 min | Stone-carving and silver/gold workshops — watch artisans, browse without pressure |
| Batuan Temple (Pura Puseh) | +30 min | Classic 11th-century Balinese temple right on the route; sarong provided at the gate |
| Coffee plantation | +30–45 min | Free tasting flight of Balinese coffees and teas, including kopi luwak; buy only if you like it |
| Tegenungan Waterfall | +45–60 min | Short detour east; a steep-ish walk down to a wide jungle waterfall and swimming pool |
| Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) | +30–45 min | Ancient cave shrine and bathing pools just east of Ubud — a gentle, shaded site |
| Tegallalang Rice Terrace | +45–60 min | The iconic emerald terraces north of Ubud, with cafés, viewpoints and optional jungle swings |
Note that Tegallalang actually lies north of Ubud town, so it usually works best as a stop you loop back from after checking in, or as part of a full day rather than a quick pass on the way from the airport.
A Sample Half-Day Scenic Arrival
A comfortable itinerary for travellers landing before midday looks like this:
- DPS arrivals — your driver meets you at the nameboard, loads your bags, and they stay locked in the car all day.
- Batuan Temple — 20–30 minutes to stretch your legs and see genuine Balinese temple architecture.
- Coffee plantation — a shaded tasting of local coffees overlooking the gardens; a relaxed reset after the flight.
- Tegenungan Waterfall — a short walk down for photos, or a swim if you packed a swimsuit in your carry-on.
- Ubud accommodation — arrive by early-to-mid afternoon, unpacked and already glad you took the long way.
Prefer temples and terraces over waterfalls? Swap in Goa Gajah and Tegallalang. Your driver keeps the timing sensible so nothing feels rushed.
What the Scenic Stops Cost
On an airport transfer, each added stop is a fixed +$10 (about Rp 160,000), and it covers the driver’s waiting time — not entrance fees. Budget a little cash for those: temple donations and site tickets typically run Rp 30,000–75,000 per person, and popular spots like Tegallalang charge a small terrace donation. If you want more than a few quick stops — longer at each site, a lunch break, a specific list of temples — you’re really planning a day tour, and it’s better value to hire a private driver for the full day than to stack extra-stop fees onto a one-way transfer. The full price ladder for every vehicle and route is on the fixed-rate price list.
Practical Tips for the Scenic Route
- Confirm stops when you book — send your wish-list on WhatsApp so the driver plans timing and route before you land.
- Carry a sarong or wear knee-length clothing for temples; most gates lend a sarong, but covered shoulders and knees are expected.
- Keep some cash handy — entrance donations, coffee purchases and terrace fees are cash, usually small notes.
- Your luggage is safe — it stays locked in the vehicle while you explore; take valuables with you.
- Mind the light — aim to finish stops by mid-afternoon so you reach Ubud before the evening rush thickens the roads.
FAQ
Can my Bali airport transfer stop for sightseeing on the way to Ubud?
Yes. A private transfer can add scenic stops such as Batuan Temple, a coffee plantation, Tegenungan Waterfall or Tegallalang for a fixed +$10 (about Rp 160,000) per stop. Confirm the stops on WhatsApp when you book so the driver plans the timing.
How long does the scenic route from the airport to Ubud take?
A direct transfer is 60–105 minutes depending on traffic. With two or three photo stops it becomes a relaxed 3–4 hours; a proper unhurried temple-and-terrace day runs 6–8 hours and is best booked as a full-day charter.
Are entrance fees included in the extra-stop price?
No. The +$10 per stop covers the driver’s waiting time only. Temple donations and site tickets are paid in cash on the day, typically Rp 30,000–75,000 per person, so carry small notes.
Should I sightsee straight after a long flight?
If you land rested and in daylight, the scenic route is a great first taste of Bali. After a red-eye, most travellers prefer a direct transfer, a check-in and a nap, then a fresh day of sightseeing with a private driver.
Ready to arrive the scenic way? Send your flight number and the stops you’d like to WhatsApp +62 811 2859 0000 or email [email protected], and we’ll plan the route. Bali Airport Transfer is operated by Bali Premium Trip — private DPS transfers since 2015.