Bali Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: Private Driver from Benoa Port
Short answer: most cruise ships call at Benoa, close to Sanur, Nusa Dua and the airport. A private car with driver waiting at the port is usually the best-value way to explore: about IDR 650k–950k for up to 10–12 hours for the whole car, compared with per-person prices for ship excursions. Pick sights within 1–1.5 hours of the port and keep at least an hour’s buffer before all-aboard.
Want a quick quote? Chat with us on WhatsApp (+62 818-0800-1102) — English-speaking team, delivery to your hotel or villa, pay on arrival.
A day in Bali is short, and traffic is the biggest risk to your plans. The trick is choosing the right itinerary for the time you have and having a driver who knows how long things really take.
How the port pickup works
- Send us your ship name, date and the times you’re allowed ashore.
- Your driver waits outside the terminal exit with your name on a sign. If your ship anchors offshore and uses tenders, the driver tracks the tender times.
- You agree the plan together, with a firm “back at the port by” time.
- The driver brings you back to the port gate, usually 60–90 minutes before all-aboard.
What you can see: 6, 8 or 10 hours
6 hours ashore
Stay south. Uluwatu Temple on the cliffs (monkeys, ocean views), a stop at a beach like Melasti or Padang Padang, and lunch in Jimbaran. Or the relaxed option: Sanur’s beachfront, a Balinese massage and a seafood lunch.
8 hours ashore
A taste of Ubud: Tegenungan waterfall or a Batuan temple, then Ubud — Monkey Forest, the palace and market — and the Tegallalang rice terraces if traffic allows. Leave the port immediately; traffic back south in the afternoon can be heavy.
10+ hours ashore
The full Ubud loop: Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, a coffee plantation, Ubud centre and lunch with a view. Or, for sunset-lovers on a late departure, a southern day ending at Uluwatu’s Kecak dance — only if your all-aboard time allows. See day trips with a private driver.
Private driver vs ship excursion
| Private driver | Ship excursion | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Per car (up to 6–7 people) | Per person |
| Flexibility | You choose stops and pace | Fixed schedule, big group |
| Back on time | Your responsibility (driver plans buffer) | Ship waits for its own tours |
| Best for | Families, couples, small groups | Those who want zero risk |
The one honest advantage of ship tours is that the ship will wait for a late ship tour. With a private driver, build in a generous buffer — a good driver will insist on it.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Carry some rupiah for entrance fees, sarongs and snacks; cards aren’t accepted everywhere.
- Dress for temples: shoulders and knees covered, or rent a sarong at the entrance.
- Bring your cruise card and a copy of your passport for the port gate.
- Save the driver’s WhatsApp and the port location offline.
- Don’t rent a scooter for a single port day — you need a licence and IDP, and traffic plus unfamiliar roads make it risky when you have a ship to catch.
Book a driver for your Bali port day
We track your ship, meet you at the terminal and plan a route that gets you back with time to spare. One price for the whole car, quoted in writing.
Send us on WhatsApp: ship name, date, time ashore and all-aboard time, number of passengers and what you’d like to see.
We reply in English within minutes (08:00–22:00 Bali time), confirm the price in writing, and deliver to your hotel or villa. No booking fee, no deposit up front — you pay when the vehicle arrives and you’ve checked it.
WhatsApp us now +62 818-0800-1102
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where do cruise ships dock in Bali?
Most call at Benoa Harbour near Sanur and Nusa Dua. Some large ships anchor offshore and bring passengers ashore by tender.
Can I visit Ubud on a Bali cruise stop?
Yes, if you have about 8 hours or more ashore. Ubud is roughly 1–1.5 hours from Benoa, and afternoon traffic back can be slow.
How much is a private driver from Benoa port?
Around IDR 650,000–950,000 for the car for up to 10–12 hours including fuel, depending on the vehicle. Entrance fees are extra.
Is it safe to tour Bali independently from a cruise ship?
Yes, with a reputable driver and a generous time buffer — aim to be back at the port 60–90 minutes before all-aboard.