Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls

Tour review · TOUR REVIEWS

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls

5.0 · 6 reviews From $55 Operated by Putu Bali Driver · Bookable on Viator
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Two waterfalls, one wild hike, and clean cold water. This private Ubud day trip pairs Banyumala Twin Waterfalls with Leke Leke, guided by an English-speaking local, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the trail. I also like the straightforward planning, because round-trip hotel pickup and prepaid entrance fees keep the day feeling easy.

The main thing to consider is the physical part. You’ll do a steep descent to Leke Leke, tackle some challenging stairs, and cross a stream on stepping stones (or wade through), so wear shoes with grip and expect to get a bit wet.

Key things to know before you go

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Key things to know before you go

  • Prepaid entrance fees mean fewer surprises once the car is parked.
  • Private, door-to-door transport from your Ubud hotel keeps the day efficient.
  • Banyumala’s forest path is part of the experience, with banana trees and tropical plants.
  • Leke Leke adds a steep, careful trek plus a stream crossing, so go slow.
  • A proper day of variety includes waterfalls, crafts villages, a plantation, and Ulun Danu Bratan temple.

Why these north Bali waterfalls feel worth the detour

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Why these north Bali waterfalls feel worth the detour
North Bali has a different pace than the more famous beach areas. Instead of just viewpoints and short walks, this day is built around walking into nature and earning those water views. You’ll get that satisfying combo of shade, jungle textures, and the sound of water growing louder as you descend.

The real win is how the day mixes two waterfall styles. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls feels like a cool, leafy descent with beautiful tropical scenery on the way down. Then Leke Leke brings a more dramatic hillside vibe, with valley views toward terraced rice fields, plus clove and cocoa plants nearby.

And because this is a private tour, you are not stuck with a slow group ahead of you or rushed stops. You can usually breathe through the hike, stop for photos, and time your waterfall moments without a crowd squeeze.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.

Price and what you get for $55

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Price and what you get for $55
At $55 per person, the value here comes from what is included, not just the headline number. You get round-trip transportation in a private vehicle from your hotel, plus an English-speaking driver, and all fees and taxes are covered. That matters in Bali, where entrance tickets can add up fast and each new stop can bring a little “pay later” stress.

This tour also includes a mobile ticket, so you are not scrambling for paperwork. You should plan on food being on you, since meals are not included unless specifically stated, and that keeps your actual cost flexible based on what you choose to eat.

One practical note: there is a minimum of 2 people per booking. If you are a solo traveler, you may want to check whether you can pair up with another traveler or choose a different option.

Getting moving from Ubud at 9:00 am

Your day starts at 9:00 am. The tour runs about 8 hours on average, which gives you enough time to hike, take photos, and still sit down somewhere for food and a break. Many days like this can drift toward 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and how long you linger at the falls, so think of it as a full daylight outing.

The private car is not just comfort. It’s also time management. You’re covering multiple stops in one loop, and hotel pickup and drop-off means you skip the puzzle of finding rides for each segment.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and why the approach matters

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and why the approach matters
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is not just about the final view. The hike down is part of the magic, and that’s where you’ll feel the forest change as you move away from the road. Expect a path that’s visually interesting as you descend, with tropical flowers and plants along the trail, plus lots of banana trees.

You’ll be heading into the forest, and you can feel the air cool down as the canopy thickens. When you reach the falls, the water is described as very clean and cold, which is exactly what you want after a sweaty walk. If you like to swim when conditions feel safe, this is the kind of spot where people often take a dip, but you’ll want to watch your footing and follow whatever local guidance is on site.

A drawback to keep in mind: the hike includes stairs and requires walking on a trail in uneven terrain. The good news is that the scenery keeps you focused, so you’re not just trudging toward a single point on a map.

Leke Leke Waterfall, the steep descent, and the stream crossing

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Leke Leke Waterfall, the steep descent, and the stream crossing
Leke Leke is the more demanding part of the day. You’ll reach it after about a 30-minute hike, and that hike includes a steep descent. Some of the stairs can be a challenge, so go slow and treat each step like it matters.

One detail that really affects your comfort level is the stream crossing. You may cross using stepping stones, or you may end up wading through water. Either way, plan for wet shoes and wet pants if you’re not prepared. This is also why a plastic bag for valuables and a change of clothes is so worth it.

The payoff is strong. During the trek, you get a fantastic view across the valley to terraced rice fields, with clove and cocoa plants in the mix. That combo is why the walk feels more than just a route to the falls. It’s a moving viewpoint, and the landscape helps you understand Bali beyond the postcard scenes.

At the waterfall, take your time. Waterfalls are slippery places, and you want a calm moment to find a safe viewing spot, get photos, and decide whether you want to cool off in the water.

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Crafts villages and the calm rhythm of making things by hand

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Crafts villages and the calm rhythm of making things by hand
Between the waterfall hikes and the temple stop, you’ll visit crafts villages. This is not just a drive-by stop. You’ll see traditional work tied to specific crafts, including batik, engraving, and woodcarving.

Why I like this part of the day: it grounds the trip in daily Balinese creativity. Waterfalls are about nature, and crafts are about people. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll likely notice how many steps it takes to make something that looks effortless.

Also, a crafts stop is a good reset from hiking. It gives you shade and a slower tempo, and it pairs well with the fact that the tour includes a local English-speaking guide. If you ask questions, you’ll usually get straight answers about materials, styles, and what goes into the work.

If you like souvenirs, you’ll want some small cash on hand for purchasing. The tour info specifically recommends carrying money for souvenirs, and that’s usually because these stops are where you’ll naturally want to support makers directly.

Luwak coffee plantation, what to expect from the tasting

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Luwak coffee plantation, what to expect from the tasting
After the crafts time, the day shifts to a coffee plantation experience focused on luwak coffee. You’ll learn why it’s famous: the beans come from a process involving civets, and the result is a distinctive product people pay extra to try.

I like plantation visits when they stay practical, and this one is positioned as part of a full day rather than a long lecture. You should treat it like a tasting and a story about how a local product gets made, not like a museum tour.

Also, it can be a satisfying way to end the active parts of the morning and early afternoon. One of the feedback themes from this route is that the coffee stop helps the day feel complete, with a calm conclusion after the hikes.

Ulun Danu Bratan temple, scenery that changes by the minute

Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls - Ulun Danu Bratan temple, scenery that changes by the minute
Ulun Danu Bratan temple is your third major stop, and it adds a completely different feel from the waterfall trails. It’s a temple setting with big visual impact, and the context makes it feel meaningful even for people who are not temple experts.

This stop also helps you rebalance your body. After stairs and steep slopes, standing and walking at a temple site is usually easier on the legs, especially if you move at your own pace.

One thing to watch is timing. Temple areas can feel crowded at certain times, and the temple views can change depending on weather and light. If you want the cleanest photos, be ready to shift a few steps and adjust your angle rather than waiting for the perfect moment from one spot.

Guides make or break a hike day, and this one has personality

The tour is private and guided, so you can count on more than just directions. The experience is led by an English-speaking local driver, and people have specifically praised the friendliness and patience of guides on this route.

Names that show up in feedback include Dodikr, Asta, Dede, and Putu. The common thread is a guide who helps you feel comfortable, including photo support. In particular, one recurring praise is that guides are patient with Instagram-style photo moments, which is useful because waterfall days naturally invite picture stops.

You should also expect the guide to help you read the trail better. On a hike with stairs and a stream crossing, that kind of practical support matters, even when you are an experienced walker.

What to pack for a wet, stair-heavy day

Bring a kit that assumes you might get wet. The tour recommendation list is exactly what I’d follow: change of clothes, a plastic bag or other way to keep valuables dry, a waterproof camera, sport shoes, and sunscreen. This is not just “nice to have” gear. It’s how you stay comfortable during a day with steep descent and stream crossing.

I’d also add one comfort strategy that fits the plan: keep your valuables in one zip area and don’t dig around mid-hike. The quieter you stay with your stuff, the more you can focus on footing and pacing.

Sport shoes are key because you’ll be walking on uneven terrain and stairs. Even if the rain never shows up, the ground can still be slick near the falls and where water runs across the path.

Pacing, fitness, and safety without killing the fun

This tour fits people with moderate physical fitness and is recommended for ages 12 to 70. The walking includes challenging stairs and a steep descent, so it’s not an “easy stroll” day.

The best approach is simple: slow down early, before fatigue stacks up. If you try to power through the stairs, you’ll feel it later during the stream crossing. Instead, treat each section as its own mini goal, Banyumala, then Leke Leke, then temple.

When you’re near water, watch your step first and everything else second. Falls look dramatic in photos, but they can be uneven and slippery in real life. If you do plan to swim, keep it short, find a stable area, and respect any local cues about where it’s safe.

Who this private tour is best for

This is a great fit if you want a nature day that still feels organized. You like walking, you want waterfalls that are not just a quick view from a roadside spot, and you appreciate when entrance fees and transport are handled.

It also works well if you care about a smooth schedule. With hotel pickup and drop-off, you avoid wasting your Bali time on transfers and figuring out local rides between stops.

You might want to skip or choose an easier alternative if you have trouble with stairs, if wet footing is a worry for you, or if you prefer minimal walking. This is a hiking-focused day, not a sit-in-the-car sightseeing loop.

Should you book Bali Secret Waterfalls, Banyumala and Leke Leke?

If you’re the type who likes earning the view, I think you’ll love this. The combination of Banyumala’s forest descent, Leke Leke’s steep hike and valley views, and the added Ulun Danu Bratan temple makes it a full, satisfying day.

Book it if you also value clear value for money, because private transport and prepaid fees remove a lot of the hassle. And if you want a guide who helps with the vibe, the feedback around friendly, patient guides and photo help is a strong sign this day won’t feel stiff or rushed.

Don’t book it if you want an easy, low-movement day. The stairs and stream crossing are real, and comfort depends on choosing the right shoes and pace.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the Bali Secret Waterfalls day trip?

It runs for about 8 hours (approximately).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes. All entrance fees and taxes are prepaid.

What stops are included on this tour?

You’ll visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Leke Leke Waterfall, and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t like stairs?

No, it involves walking on challenging stairs and includes a steep descent on the way to Leke Leke.

Do I need to bring food or snacks?

Food is not included unless specified, so plan for your own meals and drinks.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring change of clothes, a plastic bag to keep valuables dry, a waterproof camera if you have one, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs.

Is it private, and who can join?

It’s a private tour for your group only, and there is a minimum of 2 people per booking. The recommended age range is 12 to 70.

FAQ

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

What happens if I cancel less than 24 hours before?

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Is a mobile ticket provided?

Yes, a mobile ticket is included.