Choosing your day
| Option | What you see | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ubud and culture | Rice terraces, monkey forest, art market, barong dance depending on the excursion | About 1 to 1 h 30 by road each way from Benoa (estimate): a tight day |
| South: Uluwatu and Jimbaran | Uluwatu temple, beach, fish lunch | Shorter on the road, more time on site |
| Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua | Water sports, beach | The closest to the port, ideal if the tender takes time |
Private excursion or ship excursion
The cruise line's excursions cost more but the ship waits if they run late. Private excursions are cheaper: on GetYourGuide, an 8-hour private tour with Ubud and a barong dance is seen at around 55 dollars per person with pickup and return to Benoa port; an Ubud and Uluwatu tour with lunch and entrance fees is seen at around 36 dollars; on Klook, a private excursion departing from Benoa port is seen at around 33.70 dollars. The differences come from what is included (lunch, entrance fees, guide). One operator specifies that a trip outside the agreed area is charged 35 dollars extra per car; give the ship's name and arrival time when booking.
Rules for not missing the ship
- Come back with a margin: plan to be back at the port well before the final boarding time, especially if the ship is at anchor.
- Money: take rupiah in cash; see money, tipping and ATMs in Bali.
- Visa: cruise passengers mention a visa paid through the cruise line, from 10 to 50 dollars depending on the line; ask yours.
- Clothing: shoulders and knees covered for temples (a sarong is often lent).
- Monkeys: do not show food; see rabies, monkeys and dogs in Bali.
To go further
For Ubud, see Ubud in one day and Uluwatu temple; for beaches and water sports, Nusa Dua and water sports at Tanjung Benoa; for transport before or after the stop, airport transfer in Bali.
FAQ
Where does a cruise ship dock in Bali? Mostly at Benoa (some ships at Padang Bai); according to forums, tendering is common.
Can you see Ubud during an 8-hour stop? Yes, but with 1 h to 1 h 30 of road each way (estimate): little time on site.
Private or ship excursion? Private is cheaper and more flexible, the ship's is safer if you run late.
Do I need a visa? It depends on your cruise line and nationality: ask it before departure.
