Cold water beats a hot Bali day. This private full-day trek mixes Banyumala Twin Waterfalls jungle steps with a lakeside temple at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, plus the kind of panoramic photo stops that make the long drive feel worth it. I especially love the waterfall time, because you get down close and then get to cool off in the fresh water, and I like how the tour wraps everything into one pickup-to-drop-off day with admission tickets covered. One real drawback to plan for up front: this is a hike with slick, steep stairs and descents, so good shoes and a slow pace matter.

What makes the day work best is your guide. Names like Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Newman, Made, Gede, and Arta come up again and again, mostly for upbeat energy, solid photo help, and keeping you moving at a safe tempo when the steps get tiring. Still, don’t assume every booking will feel equally guided with deep cultural storytelling, so if you care about explanations, ask early and use your time well.

At $50 per person, the value is strongest because pickup, private transport, English support, and the main entry fees are included. Lunch is not included, though, and the day can run long if you add extra photos, so you’ll want to budget for snacks and water and treat the full day like a serious outing, not a quick stroll.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Two waterfall areas, not just one stop, with time to enjoy the plunge-pool vibe
• Jungle descent with banana trees and tropical plants during the Banyumala approach
• Challenging stairs and steep steps, plus a stream crossing at the next waterfall area
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan for a calm, scenic break after hiking
• Coffee plantation stop included, handy for browsing and budgeting for souvenirs
• Private pickup and transport from Ubud, so you spend less time figuring out routes

Why This North Bali Waterfall Day Works From Ubud

This is the kind of Bali day you’ll remember because it is built around motion. You drive out of Ubud, then you spend real time with the waterfalls, not just a quick view from above. The air changes fast as you head toward Bedugul and the higher, cooler north Bali countryside.

I like that the tour is not only about photos. The waterfall sections are what drive the experience, and they are physical in a good way, with enough challenge to feel like an adventure but not so extreme that it turns into a fitness test. And when your legs finally protest, the day shifts to a calmer tone at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, which sits by Lake Bratan with mountain views around it.

Getting There: Early Start and Private Transport That Helps

You start at 8:00 am, and that matters. Early timing is your best friend here because waterfall spots are more comfortable when the morning crowds are still waking up. It also gives you daylight for the temple stop and the photo points.

The tour includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, plus private transportation. That means you are not juggling taxis, not sharing rides with strangers, and not losing time negotiating parking. It is also why this works well for couples and small groups who want control of their pace.

One practical note: the drive between highlights can take time in north Bali. The day is listed at about 7 to 8 hours, but it can stretch longer depending on traffic and how long you linger for photos and cooling off. Plan your schedule with that in mind.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Tropical Steps and a Jungle Feel

The first waterfall stop is at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and the approach is part of the treat. You descend through forest paths lined with tropical plants, tropical flowers, and lots of banana trees. It feels like a walk through a living garden, not a concrete stairway to nowhere.

This stop is about atmosphere as much as it is about water. The path down is scenic, and it sets you up for the main challenge of the day, because it gets your legs warm without throwing you into a sudden gut-check. Admission is included here, so you can focus on enjoying the walk instead of worrying about ticket lines.

What to watch for: depending on recent rain and humidity, the surfaces can be slick. Even if the steps look manageable at first, take your time, especially if you are carrying a waterproof camera in one hand and trying to keep your footing with the other.

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: Steep Descent and Stepping Stones

After Banyumala, the tour continues to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall (often grouped in the Banyuwana/Banyumala waterfall theme). This is where the day turns more physical.

You’ll hike for about 30 minutes with a steep descent. Some stairs can be challenging, so wear shoes with grip, and don’t be embarrassed about moving slow. You also cross a stream on stepping stones, which is exactly the kind of moment where your pace and your balance matter more than your speed.

The payoff is worth it. This is the kind of stop where you come out feeling like you actually did something, then you get to reset with cool fresh water. If you are traveling with anyone who is nervous about stairs, this is where a private guide truly helps, because you can stagger your pace and regroup without pressure.

The Stairs Reality Check: How to Pace This Trek

This tour is described as having a moderate hike, but the key phrase for your planning is challenging stairs. That means you should expect the return climb to be more tiring than the first walk down. Your calves will remind you about it.

Here’s how to make it easier without cheating the experience:

• Wear sport shoes with good traction, not sandals.
• Bring a plastic bag (or a waterproof pouch) for anything you cannot get wet.
• Keep your hands free when possible, because grabbing a railing with one hand while juggling a phone is how slips happen.
• Take short stops for breathing, even if you feel fine at first. It keeps the rest of the day enjoyable.

You might also hear about backup options at lower viewpoints for getting back up by scooter. Since what is offered can vary by day and by spot, treat it as a “nice to know” rather than a guarantee. Ask on site if it is available when you reach the viewpoint.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: The Cooldown Moment You Earn

After waterfall sweat and step fatigue, you shift to culture and scenery at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. The temple complex is on the shores of Lake Bratan, in the mountains near Bedugul, and it provides a totally different mood than the jungle trails.

This is a great stop because it is your reset button. You get a chance to stand back, look around, and get your energy back before you head toward the next activity and return travel. It also helps that temples in this area tend to be visually striking from multiple angles, so your guide can point you to spots that work for photos without you climbing where you should not.

Time on site is about 45 minutes, which is enough for a calm walk and photos but not so long that you feel stuck when your legs are tired.

Photo Stops That Make the Drive Worth It

This day is built around more than waterfalls. You also get classic Bali highland photo points:

• Kintamani Volcano views, including a look at the smoking summit area
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace photos, the famous layered green fields people come for

These stops matter because they break the monotony of driving and they give context for why the north Bali countryside is so different from the coast. If you enjoy photography, this is the portion where you can slow down, take a breath, and set up your next “activity shot” plan.

If you care less about photos, treat them as quick scenic breaks. You’ll still benefit from the change of scenery because it keeps the day from feeling like a single long grind.

Coffee Plantation Stop: Budget Tip Before You Fall in Love

The day includes a coffee plantation stop as a final activity. This is your chance to smell, taste, and buy (if you want) without needing extra planning.

A useful budgeting detail: Luwak coffee is often the big-ticket item. One pricing reference you should keep in mind is about 1,100,000 IDR per 250g. That can surprise people who assumed they were buying a small souvenir bag.

Even if you do not plan to buy expensive coffee, treat this stop as your “souvenir decision checkpoint.” If you want something, decide while you are there. If you do not, use the time to ask questions about the roasting and tasting process and then move on.

What You Actually Get For Your $50

Let’s talk value, because this is where the tour earns or loses you.

For $50 per person, you get:

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Private transportation
• English speaking driver support
• All fees and taxes
• Admission included at the waterfall and temple stops listed on the schedule

The tour is also private, meaning it is only your group. That can be a big deal if your group includes someone who moves slower, because the schedule can flex around your pace.

What is not included is important:

• Lunch is not included, so you’ll want cash or a plan for snacks and water.
• There’s no mention of provided wet-weather gear, so if you run hot or you sweat a lot, plan to stay comfortable in humid mountain conditions.

Also, this tour is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65 and says most travelers can participate. In real terms, that usually means you can do it if you can handle stairs with care and you’re okay taking a slower pace.

The Best Fit: Who Should Book This Tour?

You’ll love this if you want:

• Real waterfall access, with time down the steps and chances to cool off
• A day that mixes nature and culture, with Pura Ulun Danu Bratan as a tonal shift
• A private, pickup-based plan so you do not waste hours arranging transport across north Bali
• Guides who can help with photos and keep you moving safely on steep stair sections

You might think twice if:

• You have knee issues or you hate steep, slick steps.
• Your idea of a vacation is minimal walking and minimal decision-making.

If you sit in the middle, the private format usually makes it workable, because you can pause when you need to and still enjoy the day.

Should You Book This Banyuwana and Banyumala Waterfalls Tour?

If you have at least one full day to spare in Ubud and you want to trade beaches and markets for fresh water and jungle trails, I think this is a smart booking. The private pickup, included admission fees, and the mix of waterfalls plus Lake Bratan temple give you a well-rounded north Bali day without requiring you to piece together multiple tours.

Just go in prepared. This is a stair-and-step hike, and rain and slick surfaces are part of the environment. Bring sport shoes, a waterproof plan for your phone or camera, and a change of clothes in your day bag. If you do that, you’ll walk away with the best kind of souvenir, sore legs and a day that felt genuinely out in nature.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the Banyuwana and Banyumala waterfall tour?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours (approx.).

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity and only your group participates.

What is the price and what is included at the main sites?

The price is $50.00 per person. Admission tickets at the listed stops are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Does the tour involve hiking or stairs?

Yes. The itinerary includes a moderate hike and it also involves walking on challenging stairs and a steep descent.

What should I bring for the hike?

You’re recommended to bring: change of clothes, a plastic bag (or other way to keep valuables dry), a waterproof camera, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs.

How many people are required to book?

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

What is the cancellation rule?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.