Ubud: Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ubud’s first and only hot air balloon experience gives you a striking view from a very controlled perch: the balloon rises 50 metres above the rice fields, then remains tethered near Tanah Gajah resort. I like the combination of quiet aerial views and a proper meal, especially the breakfast served after the early flight. I also like that this is a private-feeling ride for two, rather than a large basket packed with strangers.

The main drawback is simple: seven to ten minutes is short for the price of $182 per group of up to two. You are not drifting across Bali for an hour. This is an anchored ascent, so the value depends on how much you care about the setting, the meal, the photographs, and the novelty of saying you rose above Ubud in a balloon.

Key points to know before booking

• The balloon rises 50 metres but stays tethered, so this is an aerial viewpoint rather than a cross-country balloon flight.
• Tanah Gajah resort is part of the experience, with rice-field views, polished service, and meal settings that add much of the occasion.
• Morning is the safest choice for visibility, cooler air, and views toward Ubud’s forests and Mount Agung.
• You receive breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner, depending on the time you choose.
• The ride lasts only 7 to 10 minutes, so treat the meal and resort setting as part of the value.
• Only two adults can ride together, with a combined weight limit of 150 kilograms.

Rising above Tanah Gajah’s rice fields

The experience takes place at Tanah Gajah, a luxury resort in the Tanah Gajah area of Ubud. If you are arranging your own transport, use Tanah Gajah as the map search term, since that is the practical location clue provided for finding the resort.

The balloon itself is large, measuring 23 metres, but the passenger area is intimate. You step into a wicker basket designed for a maximum of two adults. The basket is not a gondola for a large crowd, and that makes this best suited to couples or two people who want a private moment above the fields.

The balloon rises vertically to about 50 metres. It remains attached to the ground by a tether, so you will not travel over a wide stretch of Bali. Think of it as a slow lift into the sky, followed by a short pause for views and photographs.

That distinction matters. If you picture a traditional balloon flight crossing valleys and drifting for miles, this will feel modest. If you want an unusual view of Ubud without committing to a long airborne trip, the tethered design offers a gentler introduction.

What the morning, afternoon, and evening options include

You can choose among three time-based versions of the experience. Each one pairs the flight with food, but the mood changes quite a bit.

The sunrise breakfast option is the strongest choice for most people. You can select from an à la carte breakfast menu before or after the balloon ride. Early morning also tends to provide cooler conditions, and one booking account specifically recommended the morning slot for the jungle surroundings and the breakfast.

The timing is not always exact. A 6:30 AM arrival may involve some waiting while the balloon is prepared, with the ride beginning closer to 7:00 AM. Fresh juice and coffee may be available while you wait, but you should not schedule a tight morning departure immediately afterward.

The sunset afternoon tea option includes premium tea and coffee with savoury treats from East and West. This is a good fit if you prefer a slower afternoon outing and do not want to wake before dawn. Your views will depend strongly on the light and cloud cover, though, and the balloon operator may adjust or cancel the ride if wind or rain makes conditions unsafe.

The evening dinner option includes a three-course Indonesian or Balinese set menu. The price covers the food only. Beverages are extra, apart from house-pour water, so budget for drinks if you want wine, cocktails, soft drinks, or anything beyond water.

The meal is not a minor add-on. The resort grounds and the rice-field outlook account for much of the atmosphere. A short balloon ascent followed by a well-served breakfast can feel like a full occasion. The same ride without the meal would be harder to justify at this price.

The view toward Mount Agung

On a clear day, the elevated viewpoint opens across Ubud’s tropical forest and rice fields. Mount Agung may appear on the eastern horizon, giving the ride a strong sense of place rather than a generic view from above.

Do not treat the mountain view as guaranteed. Cloud, haze, rain, and the hour of the flight all affect what you can see. Before daylight or after sunset, the scenery may be less clear, and one of the practical conditions allows you to reschedule if the ride is too dark to enjoy properly.

Morning generally gives you the best chance of seeing the surrounding forest and distant mountain. Sunrise light can also make the rice fields and resort grounds more attractive for photographs. Still, weather in Bali can change quickly, so even an early booking is not a promise of a clear horizon.

The balloon’s height gives you a different view from the usual Ubud experiences. From ground level, you see rice terraces, palms, and resort gardens in pieces. From 50 metres up, those elements form one broad view. The height is not extreme, but it is enough to make the setting feel new.

A short flight with a polished setting

The staff and crew are a major part of the experience. The strongest feedback centres on friendly service, efficient handling, and reassurance for people who feel nervous about going up. If you are uneasy with heights, the tethered arrangement may help because you can see the resort below and know the balloon is not drifting away.

The setting is also more formal than a basic amusement ride. Tanah Gajah is a five-star resort, and the breakfast area overlooks the fields and rice terraces. You are paying for access to a refined resort setting as well as the balloon itself.

That setting makes this a better choice for a birthday, anniversary, proposal, honeymoon morning, or special date than for a quick sightseeing stop. You can take your time with the meal and enjoy the grounds after the ascent.

The small group limit is another advantage. The overall activity allows up to 10 participants, but the balloon ride itself is limited to two adults and 150 kilograms combined. You should check the weight limit honestly when booking, since it applies to the pair sharing the basket.

Children must be between 3 and 70 years old to participate, and the insurance applies only within that age range. The activity is not suitable for anyone outside those limits.

Photography rules deserve attention

Photography is clearly part of the appeal. A photographer may be present to take pictures from the ground and during the ascent, and one complimentary photograph may be offered, with additional images available for purchase.

You should ask about the current photography policy before boarding. A recent booking account reported that personal mobile phone photography was not allowed during the ride and that five digital images cost $60. That charge may feel steep, especially after paying $182 for the experience, so confirm what is included and whether you can use your own phone.

The restriction may be connected to safety or the operator’s photography service, but you deserve to know before you arrive. If photographs matter to you, treat the included image as a bonus rather than assuming you will receive a full digital set.

The basket is small, so avoid bringing loose items that could be awkward to handle while you are in the air. The supplied information also prohibits drones around the resort perimeter. Leave your drone at the hotel.

How much value do you get for $182?

At $182 per group of up to two, the price works out differently depending on how you use the experience. For a couple, it is $91 per person before any extra drinks or paid photographs. That is not cheap for a 7 to 10-minute flight.

The price becomes easier to defend when you count the whole package:

• A private two-person basket
• A 23-metre balloon and a 50-metre ascent
• Breakfast, afternoon tea, or a three-course Balinese or Indonesian dinner
• Access to the Tanah Gajah resort setting
• Insurance within the stated age range
• A hot air balloon certificate

I would not book this for the flight time alone. The balloon is the centrepiece, but the occasion is the combination of the ascent, food, views, and resort service.

Morning offers the clearest value because breakfast is substantial and the cooler conditions are pleasant. Evening may appeal if you want a date-night setting, but remember that drinks cost extra. Afternoon tea sits between the two, with a lighter meal and a more relaxed schedule.

If you are comparing this with a longer free-flight balloon journey elsewhere, this is unlikely to win on minutes in the air. If you are comparing it with a private romantic activity in Ubud, the meal and setting make the price more understandable.

Weather can change the plan

Wind and rain can cancel the flight for safety. This is not a minor warning. Several scheduled attempts have been postponed because of wind or rain, and rescheduling may be needed.

The useful part is that a weather cancellation does not simply turn your morning into a wasted trip. You may reschedule, subject to availability. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which gives you some protection if your plans change.

Build flexibility into your Bali schedule. Do not book this on the morning of a flight, ferry, wedding, or important tour. A late start, weather check, or rescheduled ride could affect the rest of your day.

The operator may also delay the start while preparing the balloon. The activity is advertised with availability-based starting times, but you should allow extra time around your booking. A 6:30 AM arrival may not mean you are airborne at 6:30.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this experience to couples who want something unusual and photogenic, especially if they value food and setting as much as the ride itself. It also suits people who like gentle adventure rather than intense activities. You rise above the fields, but you do not need to commit to a long flight away from the resort.

It works well for:

• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• First-time balloon passengers who prefer a tethered ride
• Visitors who enjoy resort breakfasts and scenic dining
• Photographers who want an elevated view of Ubud
• Families with children aged 3 to 70, within the stated insurance limits

I would hesitate if you want a long airborne adventure, a strict start time, or a low-cost activity. You may also be disappointed if your main goal is to fly over a wide area of Bali. The balloon goes up, pauses, and comes down near the same place.

The experience is less suitable for a tightly packed Ubud day. The ride itself is short, but arrival, setup, possible waiting, photographs, and the meal take longer. The full outing deserves a relaxed morning or afternoon.

Practical details for a smoother visit

Hotel transfer is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Tanah Gajah. Meeting instructions can vary by the option you book, so read the confirmation carefully rather than assuming every time slot uses identical directions.

The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity is offered as a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants. The balloon itself remains limited to two adults, which is the number that matters most when you are planning.

The experience is valid for one day, with start times based on availability. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Bali schedule is still changing. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is allowed for a full refund.

Wear something comfortable and suitable for sitting in a compact wicker basket. The supplied information does not give a formal clothing list, so keep your choices practical and avoid carrying unnecessary items into the basket.

My verdict: book it for the occasion, not the flight length

I would book the Tanah Gajah balloon if I wanted a memorable two-person experience with breakfast, polished surroundings, and a chance to see Ubud from above. The morning option offers the best balance of cooler air, useful daylight, distant views, and a generous meal.

I would skip it if I expected a long free-flight adventure. Seven to ten minutes is brief, and $182 is a serious price for a tethered ascent. Before paying, confirm the photography rules, the meeting point, the meal choice, and the weather policy.

For the right person, this is not really a balloon tour in the classic sense. It is a carefully staged resort experience with a short flight at its centre. If that sounds appealing, it can make a special Bali morning. If you only want maximum time in the air, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the hot air balloon experience take place?

It takes place at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, in the Tanah Gajah area of Ubud, Bali. Tanah Gajah is the useful map-search name for locating the resort.

How high does the balloon rise?

The balloon rises approximately 50 metres above the rice fields. It remains tethered to the ground and does not travel across Ubud.

How long is the balloon ride?

The flight lasts approximately 7 to 10 minutes.

How many people can ride in the balloon?

The ride is designed for a maximum of two adults, with a combined total weight limit of 150 kilograms. The wider activity is limited to 10 participants.

What food is included?

The morning option includes breakfast from an à la carte menu. The afternoon option includes premium tea and coffee with savoury treats. The evening option includes a three-course Indonesian or Balinese set dinner.

Are drinks included with the evening dinner?

No. The evening price covers the food only. Beverages cost extra, except for house-pour water.

What happens if the weather cancels the ride?

Wind and rain can cause cancellation for safety reasons. If the ride is canceled because of weather, you may reschedule.

Can children participate?

Participants must be between 3 and 70 years old. Insurance coverage applies only to people within that age range.

Is hotel transport included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included, and the meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.