Day 4 of my private Bali tour with a family from France was another memorable day on the island. After spending the previous days exploring Bali from their villa in Ubud, it was time for the family to leave Ubud and continue their journey toward the cooler mountain area of Munduk.
I was their private driver and accompanied the family of four throughout the journey. On this day, our route was planned from Indayani Villa in Ubud to Adila Homestay in Munduk, with three beautiful stops along the way: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Banyumala Waterfall.
We started the journey at 8:00 AM from Ubud and arrived at our accommodation in Munduk at around 5:30 PM.
This was not simply a transfer from Ubud to Munduk. We turned the journey into a full-day private tour so the family could enjoy some of Bali’s most beautiful landscapes along the way.
Leaving Ubud at 8:00 AM
At around 8:00 AM, I picked up the family at Indayani Villa in Ubud.
Because this was a private tour, we did not have to follow a fixed group-tour schedule. We could travel at our own pace and spend time at each destination depending on the family’s interests.
The route from Ubud toward central and north Bali gradually changes from the busy atmosphere of Ubud into quieter countryside, rice fields and mountain landscapes.
For me as a Bali driver, this is one of the advantages of taking a private journey from Ubud to Munduk. The transfer itself can become part of the holiday experience when the itinerary is arranged properly.
First Stop: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Our first major stop was Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
Jatiluwih is famous for its enormous green rice terraces and beautiful rural scenery. Compared with some of the more crowded tourist areas around Ubud, the atmosphere here feels much more open and peaceful.
The family from France enjoyed walking around and taking photographs of the rice terraces.
As a driver who has spent many years driving tourists around Bali, I always recommend allowing enough time at Jatiluwih rather than simply stopping for a few minutes for photographs. The landscape is one of the main reasons to visit this part of Bali.
The terraces also provide a good introduction to the changing scenery as you travel from Ubud toward Munduk.
Second Stop: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
After enjoying Jatiluwih, we continued toward Ulun Danu Beratan, one of the most recognizable temples in Bali.
The temple is located beside Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands. The cooler mountain atmosphere makes this area very different from Ubud and southern Bali.
When we arrived, the family had time to explore the temple complex and enjoy the views around the lake.
For visitors traveling from Ubud to Munduk, Ulun Danu Beratan is a natural stop because it fits well into the route toward northern Bali.
The combination of the lake, mountains, gardens and traditional Balinese architecture makes this destination especially interesting for first-time visitors to Bali.
Third Stop: Banyumala Waterfall
Our final attraction before checking in at Munduk was Banyumala Waterfall.
After visiting the rice terraces and temple, the family continued into the mountainous area around North Bali. Banyumala offered a completely different experience.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier tourist areas.
The family enjoyed the natural scenery and took photographs before we continued the journey to Munduk.
From my experience driving guests around Bali, Banyumala is a destination that works particularly well for travelers who want to see a more natural side of the island.
However, visitors should remember that reaching waterfalls can involve walking and uneven paths. Comfortable footwear is therefore recommended.
Arriving in Munduk at 5:30 PM
After finishing our visit to Banyumala Waterfall, we continued toward Munduk.
We finally arrived at Adila Homestay Munduk at around 5:30 PM.
The family checked in and had time to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
The journey had taken almost the entire day, but instead of spending the day simply traveling from one hotel to another, we combined the transfer with three interesting Bali destinations.
For travelers who enjoy nature, mountain scenery and a slower pace, I find the Ubud to Munduk route particularly enjoyable.
My Experience as a Bali Private Driver
This was another day that reminded me why planning the route is important when traveling around Bali.
I have been working as a Bali driver for many years, and one thing I have learned is that every family has different interests. Some guests want to visit as many attractions as possible, while others prefer to spend more time enjoying each location.
With a private driver, the itinerary can be arranged around the guests rather than forcing them to follow a large group schedule.
For this French family, Day 4 was designed as a combination of scenic rice terraces, a famous lakeside temple, a natural waterfall and a relaxing stay in Munduk.
The route also made sense geographically because the attractions were incorporated into the journey from Ubud toward North Bali.
Ubud to Munduk Itinerary
Our Day 4 itinerary was:
8:00 AM – Depart from Ubud
Pick-up from Indayani Villa in Ubud.
Morning – Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Explore the rice terraces and enjoy the countryside scenery.
Midday – Ulun Danu Beratan
Visit the famous temple and Lake Beratan area.
Afternoon – Banyumala Waterfall
Enjoy the natural surroundings and waterfall before continuing to Munduk.
5:30 PM – Check-in in Munduk
Arrival and check-in at Adila Homestay Munduk.
This itinerary worked well for the family because it combined sightseeing with the necessary transfer from Ubud to Munduk.
Why Combine Ubud to Munduk With Sightseeing?
Travelers staying in Ubud and continuing to Munduk do not necessarily need to spend the entire day only on transportation.
A private Ubud to Munduk tour can be arranged with sightseeing stops along the route. Jatiluwih, Ulun Danu Beratan and Banyumala Waterfall are three destinations that can create a memorable day of travel.
The exact itinerary can also be adjusted depending on the traveler’s interests, fitness level and available time.
For families, couples and small groups, having a private Bali driver can make the journey more comfortable because the itinerary can be organized according to their needs.
A Real Bali Travel Experience
This article is based on my actual experience driving a family of four from France during their Bali holiday.
I am Komang, a local Bali private driver and the person behind Bali Tour Drivers. I share these travel stories from my own experience on the road so future travelers can understand what a real day of traveling around Bali can look like.
Day 4 was not only about reaching Munduk. It was about enjoying the journey and experiencing several different sides of Bali in one day — from the famous rice terraces of Jatiluwih, to the peaceful Lake Beratan area, and finally the tropical surroundings of Banyumala Waterfall.
For travelers planning to travel from Ubud to Munduk, this type of private itinerary can be a practical way to combine transportation and sightseeing in one day.
Plan Your Private Ubud to Munduk Tour
If you are planning a trip from Ubud to Munduk and would like to visit places such as Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan and Banyumala Waterfall, I can arrange a private car and driver for your journey.
The itinerary can be customized according to your hotel, preferred attractions and travel pace.
You can also combine this route with other destinations in Central or North Bali depending on your travel plans.
For a private Bali tour with a local driver, visit Bali Tour Drivers and contact me to discuss your itinerary.