2 Day Bali Private Tour With Driver: How to Make the Most Out of a Short Trip

When people ask me about the best way to see Bali if they’ve only got a little time, I always say a 2 day Bali private tour with driver is the smartest move. You won’t waste hours figuring out local transport, you’ll actually get to the places you want to see, and you’ll have a local expert by your side to make the journey smoother. I’ve done both – driving myself with a scooter and hiring a driver – and trust me, the private driver option was way less stressful. Especially if you’re new to Bali, or you’re traveling with family, it makes a world of difference.

Why Choosing a Private Driver in Bali Makes Sense

I used to think renting a scooter for cheap and zipping around would be the ultimate Bali experience. And yes, it’s fun for short hops, but when you’re trying to cover Uluwatu, Ubud, and maybe even Mount Batur in just two days, you’ll realize how big Bali really is. The traffic can be insane. What looks like 30 minutes on Google Maps can actually turn into 2 hours depending on the time of day.

That’s where having a driver comes in. A local driver knows the shortcuts, knows when to avoid certain routes, and honestly, they’ve got patience we tourists just don’t. Most private drivers also double as informal storytellers. On one of my trips, my driver Wayan told me about the meaning behind the offerings you see everywhere on the ground, and why every small road seems to have its own temple. Those little conversations added layers to the trip I would’ve completely missed on my own.

Another reason a private driver is great: safety. Bali’s roads can be unpredictable. You’ll see dogs crossing the road, trucks overloaded with bamboo, and tourists who clearly don’t know how to ride scooters. Having someone who actually understands the road conditions made me feel way more comfortable.

And if you’re worried about cost, don’t be. Most private drivers charge per day, not per distance, so you can pack a lot into your two days without getting surprised by crazy fares. For couples or small groups, splitting the cost makes it super affordable.

What a 2 Day Bali Private Tour With Driver Actually Looks Like

Let’s break down what you can realistically fit into two days. I’ve done a version of this itinerary myself, and I’ll give you the honest take – what was worth it, what felt rushed, and what I’d skip if I had the chance to do it over again.

Day 1 – South Bali Highlights

On the first day, I usually suggest sticking to the south because it’s closer to the airport and avoids wasting too much time traveling. Here’s how it often goes:

Morning in Uluwatu – Start with Uluwatu Temple. I remember standing at the edge of the cliff there, watching waves crash below, and it really was one of those jaw-drop moments. The driver parked nearby and actually warned me about the monkeys before we went in. If you’ve never been, those monkeys are sneaky. I saw one snatch sunglasses right off a tourist’s head.
Lunch with a View – A lot of drivers know local warungs that aren’t crowded with tourists. One time, my driver took me to this small place in Jimbaran where I had fresh grilled fish for under $5, sitting on plastic chairs with a million-dollar view of the ocean. Not fancy, but perfect.
Beach Hopping – With a driver, you can easily fit in Padang Padang Beach or Dreamland Beach. Without a driver, honestly, just finding parking would eat up a ton of time.
Sunset at Jimbaran or Uluwatu Kecak Dance – You can either head back to Jimbaran for seafood by the beach at sunset or stay at Uluwatu Temple for the famous Kecak fire dance. Both are good, but if you’re tired from the flight the day before, I’d say Jimbaran dinner is the more relaxing option.

Day 2 – Ubud & Central Bali

The second day, I always recommend going inland to Ubud and the surrounding areas. It’s a different vibe completely – greener, calmer, and more spiritual.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces – You’ve seen the photos. But seeing it in person is something else. Early morning is best before the tourist buses arrive. My driver actually suggested we stop at a small coffee plantation nearby where I learned how they make Luwak coffee (the one made from civet cats). I didn’t buy any, but the tasting was free and surprisingly fun.
Sacred Monkey Forest – Again, monkeys everywhere. This time though, they’re a bit less aggressive compared to Uluwatu. My driver actually walked with me here, explaining which paths are less crowded. I liked having that extra company because some parts of the forest are quiet, almost eerie.
Lunch in Ubud Center – There are endless cafes in Ubud, but drivers usually know which ones aren’t overpriced. I remember sitting at a café overlooking the jungle, sipping fresh coconut water, and thinking “yeah, this is why people fall in love with Bali.”
Waterfalls or Temples – Depending on how much energy you’ve got left, you can stop at Tegenungan Waterfall or Tirta Empul Temple (famous for the water purification ritual). Personally, I found the temple experience more meaningful. Watching locals perform their prayers gave me a real sense of Balinese culture.

By the end of day two, you’ll probably be exhausted but satisfied. That’s the beauty of having a private driver – you can rest in the car between stops instead of trying to navigate directions or fight traffic yourself.

What You Should Know Before Booking a Driver in Bali

A lot of people ask me how to actually book a driver and what to watch out for. I’ve learned a few things after doing it multiple times.

First, confirm the price upfront. Most drivers charge between 600k–800k IDR per day (around $40–55 USD). That usually includes gas, parking fees, and up to 10 hours of driving. Anything extra, like entrance tickets or your meals, you cover yourself.

Second, don’t underestimate how important communication is. Many drivers speak good English, but not all. If you want someone who doubles as a bit of a tour guide, make sure their English is clear enough for you to understand. The last time I booked, I found my driver on WhatsApp through a recommendation and he responded right away, which made me feel more comfortable.

Third, flexibility is key. Even with a two-day plan, traffic or weather can change everything. My driver once suggested skipping one temple because it was overcrowded that day and instead took me to a smaller, lesser-known one where there were only a handful of locals. That ended up being my favorite stop.

And finally, tipping. It’s not mandatory in Bali, but I usually give a little something extra at the end if I feel the driver really went above and beyond. Even $5–10 can mean a lot to them, and honestly, they deserve it after navigating Bali’s roads for you.

Things You’ll Love About a 2 Day Bali Private Tour With Driver

I could go on about this forever, but the main things that stood out to me were:

No Stress Over Navigation – You don’t have to touch Google Maps once.
Local Knowledge – You’ll hear stories, history, and cultural tidbits you’d never read online.
Comfort – Air conditioning in that humid heat is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Time Efficiency – You’ll actually get to see more, not waste time figuring out logistics.
Customizable Itinerary – You’re not locked into a rigid tour schedule.

For me, it felt like the difference between skimming the surface and actually experiencing Bali. I got to relax and enjoy instead of stressing about wrong turns or running late.

How a Short Trip Still Feels Worth It

I know a lot of people worry that two days isn’t enough. And it’s true, Bali has way more than you can cover in just a weekend. But if you plan it well with a private driver, you can get a really solid taste of both the coastal and inland sides of the island. It’s like a sampler platter. You won’t see everything, but you’ll see enough to understand why people keep coming back.

One of my favorite memories from a two-day trip was simply sitting in the car chatting with the driver about his family. He told me how his kids love practicing English with tourists, and that he saves every tip to pay for their school fees. That little story stuck with me more than any photo I took of the rice terraces.

So yeah, if you’ve only got a couple of days, don’t overthink it. Get yourself a driver, set a rough plan, and just go with the flow.

Choosing the Right Driver for Your 2 Day Bali Private Tour With Driver

Not all drivers are the same, and that’s something I learned the hard way. On one trip, I booked someone from a random Facebook group without asking too many questions. He was nice enough, but he wasn’t super familiar with the areas I wanted to visit, and his car didn’t have working AC. After a few hours in Bali’s heat, I was drained. On my next trip, I did more research and asked the right questions before booking, and the difference was night and day.

When you’re choosing a driver, think about these things:

Car Type & Comfort – A lot of drivers use Toyota Avanza or similar cars, which are roomy enough for four passengers. If you’re traveling with luggage or want extra space, ask for a bigger vehicle. Trust me, after walking around temples and beaches all day, you’ll appreciate sinking into a comfy seat with working AC.
Knowledge of Routes – Some drivers specialize in Ubud area, some in the south, and a few know the whole island inside out. If your plan covers both Ubud and Uluwatu, make sure your driver is confident with both routes. Otherwise, you might spend too much time in traffic.
Personality Fit – This might sound small, but you’re basically spending 20 hours in a car together over two days. You’ll want someone you enjoy chatting with. On my last trip, my driver had a great sense of humor. We ended up joking around the whole time, which made even the traffic jams feel less annoying.

I usually ask for photos of the car, confirm the inclusions (gas, parking, waiting time), and check if the driver has reviews or past clients who recommend them.

Meals and Snacks During the Tour

Food is a big part of travel, and Bali doesn’t disappoint. The cool part of hiring a private driver is that they often know spots you wouldn’t find in Google reviews.

One time, on the way to Ubud, my driver pulled over at this tiny roadside stall. I was hesitant at first because it didn’t look like much – a few plastic chairs, a smoky grill, and locals eating with their hands. But it ended up being one of the best meals I had on the island. Grilled satay skewers, rice wrapped in banana leaves, and fresh sambal that nearly blew my head off. The whole meal cost less than $2.

Of course, if you’re not comfortable with street food, you can ask your driver to take you to cleaner cafes or restaurants. Bali has plenty of vegan and health-conscious spots, especially in Ubud. Places like Clear Café or Alchemy are well known, but honestly, the less famous ones usually feel more authentic.

Always carry a bottle of water and maybe some small snacks (like peanuts or fruit) in your bag. Some drives between stops can stretch an hour or more, and you’ll be glad to have something to nibble on.

Packing Smart for a 2 Day Private Tour

Because two days go by so quickly, you’ll want to pack light but wisely. Here are a few things I never skip anymore:

Comfortable shoes – flip flops work for the beach, but you’ll need sturdier sandals or sneakers for temples and waterfalls.
Sarong or scarf – many temples require you to cover your legs. Some provide sarongs at the entrance, but it’s nicer to have your own.
Small change in rupiah – parking fees, toilets, or quick snacks often require coins or small bills.
Power bank – between photos, videos, and using maps offline, your phone battery drains fast.
Light rain jacket – Bali weather can switch in minutes, especially near Ubud.

I’ve learned the hard way about forgetting these. Once I had to rent a sarong at Tirta Empul, and while it wasn’t expensive, it just felt like one of those unnecessary hassles.

How Much Can You Really See in Two Days?

The honest truth is: you can see a lot, but you can’t see everything. Bali is bigger than it looks, and traffic is unpredictable. A 2 day Bali private tour with driver is perfect for highlights – the kind of trip where you get to check off iconic spots while also soaking in the atmosphere.

Think of it like this: Day 1 gives you the dramatic coastline, beaches, and sunset vibes. Day 2 gives you rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, and jungle views. By the end, you’ve experienced two totally different sides of Bali.

I’ve had friends try to cram in Nusa Penida, Mount Batur sunrise hike, and northern waterfalls all in two days. Honestly, that’s just exhausting. You spend more time in the car (or boat) than at the actual sights. I’d rather do fewer stops and enjoy them fully, with time to relax in between.

If you want, you can always tell your driver your “must-see” list and let them decide the best order. That’s another advantage – they know which stops are better early in the day and which ones shine at sunset.

A Little Extra That Makes the Tour Special

One of my favorite things about booking a private driver is the unplanned moments. Like the time my driver suddenly stopped on the side of the road because a local ceremony was passing by. Dozens of women in traditional outfits were carrying offerings on their heads, walking slowly to a temple. We stood there quietly for ten minutes just watching. It wasn’t part of the “itinerary,” but it was the most memorable part of that day.

Another time, I asked the driver if he knew anywhere to buy authentic Balinese crafts, not the tourist-market kind. He ended up taking me to his cousin’s workshop where they carve wooden statues. I met the family, watched them work, and bought a small piece directly from the maker. No tourist trap, no inflated prices. That’s the kind of experience you don’t get when you’re just following Google Maps.

So yes, you’ll see the big sights. But with a good driver, you’ll also get these little authentic touches that make the trip feel personal.