Bali in one long, satisfying loop. I like this all inclusive day because entry fees are handled and you get to hit two of the island’s most photogenic spiritual stops, Ulun Danu Bratan and Tanah Lot’s offshore sunset views. My only real heads up is the full day is long, about 10 hours with driving, so it is not the pick for a low effort day.
What makes it work well for your time is the private setup, pickup offered, and a driver guide who keeps the day moving. In the feedback I read, a driver named Nano stood out for being calm behind the wheel and strong on local context, which helps when you are moving from lakes to falls to rice terraces.
The schedule also gives you enough time to actually look, not just pose. You will spend about 1 hour at Ulun Danu Bratan, about 2 hours at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, about 2 hours at Jatiluwih rice terraces, then about 1 hour at Tanah Lot.
Key Highlights You Should Know
- Lake Bratan temple setting at Ulun Danu Bratan, with Dewi Danu, the goddess of waters
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls time to walk to the cascades and cool off near the pools
- Jatiluwih rice terraces in a UNESCO World Heritage area, with big open views over upland farms
- Tanah Lot’s offshore temple that changes with the tide, timed for classic sunset scenery
- All entry fees included plus bottled water, so you are not hunting ticket lines all day
Why This North Bali Loop Works From Ubud
If you only have one day to see central Bali turning into the island’s north, this route is a smart way to do it without juggling tickets, routes, and ride shares. You start from Ubud, then the day flows through water, then rice, then coast. That order matters, because each stop feels like a reset.
The other practical win is that it is private for your group. You can ask quick questions as you go, and your driver guide can keep the timing realistic based on conditions and your pace. The price is listed per person at $80, and because it includes all entry and admission, you are paying for a full day experience instead of a collection of separate expenses.
One detail I like: the tour includes bottled water. On a day that is mostly outside, that small comfort matters more than you think.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Dewi Danu and Lake Views
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple sits on the shores of Lake Bratan in the central Bali mountains. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of waters, it is the kind of place where the setting does half the work for your photos. Even before you look closely at the temple buildings, the lake and mountain backdrop set a quiet, reverent mood.
You get about 1 hour here, and that is enough time to:
- pause for wide lake views,
- explore the main temple grounds at a walking pace,
- and take in the layered scenery from different angles.
What to keep in mind: temple areas can be cooler than lowland Ubud, and weather can shift quickly in the highlands. If you feel like you tend to get cold during temple visits, bring a light layer. Also, plan on some uneven walking paths around viewpoints, so wear shoes you can trust.
This stop is a great opener. It also helps you mentally switch gears. After a ride from Ubud, you are suddenly in a lake-and-mountains world, and the day feels like a journey rather than a checklist.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: A Cool Break in the North
After the temple, the tour heads to the northern region for Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. This is where the day turns from spiritual stillness to sound and movement. The attraction is known for its twin cascades flowing into a crystal clear pool area, surrounded by lush greenery and the kind of cool air you notice the moment you get close.
You get about 2 hours at Banyumala, which is the right amount for a waterfall stop. In that window, you can:
- take your time reaching the main viewing and walking areas,
- linger by the pool view points,
- and enjoy the break from the car.
Practical tip: bring footwear for wet surfaces. Even when you are not planning to get your feet wet, spray and damp steps can happen near waterfalls. If you are the type who hates slippery rocks, take it slow on any uneven sections.
This stop is also a nice contrast to Ulun Danu Bratan. If you want a balanced day where you are not only looking at buildings and views, Banyumala gives you that physical sensory change: sound of water, mist in the air, and a short nature reset.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO): Walking Among Upland Farms
Next comes Jatiluwih rice terraces, part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. The big draw here is scale. You are looking over expansive terraced paddies, shaped by centuries of farming and still actively worked. The upland setting gives you wide sky views and long sightlines, and the terraces create patterns that keep changing as you move.
You get about 2 hours in Jatiluwih, which is ideal because you can:
- follow a simple walking route at your own pace,
- stop for viewpoint photos as the angles shift,
- and enjoy the working-agriculture feel without feeling rushed.
What makes this stop valuable is not just the scenery. It is the sense of how people live with the land. Terraces are made to manage water, and watching the terrain gives you a better mental picture of how farming and water systems are connected in Bali.
A heads up for comfort: it can be sunny even when the morning feels cool. Bring sun protection. Also, depending on the weather, paths can get slick, so keep that shoe choice from earlier in mind.
This is the moment in the day when you start thinking less like a tourist on a route and more like a visitor observing daily life from a respectful distance.
Tanah Lot Temple: Offshore Setting and Sunset-Time Views
To close the day, you visit Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. The famous feature here is its rocky islet setting, surrounded by the sea at high tide. That changes how the temple looks depending on timing and tide conditions, which is exactly why Tanah Lot is such a classic sunset stop.
You get about 1 hour here. With that time, you can usually:
- see the main temple area from the key angles,
- take photos that show the sea setting,
- and plan for the best light as the sun lowers.
Even if you do not catch the exact perfect sunset moment, Tanah Lot is still memorable because the sea and rock framing create a strong, immediate visual. It is also a good final stop because you can keep it simple. After waterfalls and walking terraces, you do not need a long hike to enjoy the payoff.
One thing to consider: the coastal view is often breezier than you expect. Bring a layer if you run cold. It will help after a long day outdoors.
All-Inclusive Value: What $80 Covers Really Well
At $80 per person, the biggest value is that the price is not just transport. It includes private transportation, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and all entry/admission, plus a private driver guide.
That combo is what makes this feel like a true all inclusive day. If you were booking these pieces separately, you would likely pay more once you add:
- tickets for each site,
- transport for a full loop from Ubud,
- and a driver to handle timing across multiple regions.
Here, you are paying for a single day plan with the paperwork and ticket friction removed.
One more value point: private driver guide time. You can ask what you are looking at and get context while you are there, instead of wandering alone and hoping signage explains everything. In the feedback I read, Nano was highlighted for strong local guidance, which is exactly what you want on a day like this.
If you are traveling as a couple or small group, this pricing structure tends to be especially fair because private transport and admissions are rarely cheap when bought separately.
Transport and Timing: The Tradeoff of a 10-Hour Day
The day runs about 10 hours total. That means you are trading convenience for time. You get pickup offered, and you do not have to plan the route. But it is still a long sit in the car on a jam-packed day.
Here is how to think about the timing:
- 1 hour at Ulun Danu Bratan means you focus on key temple viewpoints.
- 2 hours at Banyumala lets you walk, cool off, and take photos without feeling rushed.
- 2 hours at Jatiluwih gives you time for viewpoints across the terraces.
- 1 hour at Tanah Lot keeps the day’s final stretch manageable.
If you are prone to fatigue or you want lots of downtime, you might find this schedule a bit full. If you prefer one well-built day with major highlights, it is a good match.
Tip: if you tend to get carsick, ask your driver guide to help you pick the most comfortable seat. Also, bring your own small comfort items, like a light snack from your hotel, if you like eating on your own schedule. Bottled water is included, but your personal snack routine is still your call.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
This tour fits best if you want a balanced day of temples, waterfalls, and UNESCO rice terraces without doing logistics. It is also a strong choice for first-time Bali visitors who want the north to feel distinct from the Ubud area.
It can also work well for travelers who like a guide’s presence. Having a private driver guide means you can ask questions on the spot, and you are not left trying to decode unfamiliar sites while managing transport.
You might skip it if:
- you hate long driving days,
- you need lots of free time at each stop,
- or you want a slower, more flexible itinerary that is not built around set time windows.
The good news is that the tour says most travelers can participate, so it is not a niche activity. It is designed for a broad range of visitors who want the highlights.
How to Prepare for Temples and Waterfall Time
You can make this day easier with a few simple prep choices.
Wear
- comfortable shoes with grip for wet or uneven areas
- clothing that feels respectful for temple grounds, just in case you want to cover up
Bring
- sun protection for Jatiluwih and open viewpoints
- a light layer for cooler highland air and breezy coastal time
- a small rain layer if the sky changes quickly, since weather can shift
Use
- the included bottled water as your main hydration, especially before outdoor walking
One smart mindset: treat each stop as a different “scene.” Lake temple calm, waterfall sensory change, rice terrace walking views, then coastal photo angles. When you shift expectations stop by stop, the 10 hours feels less like one long slog and more like a series of mini escapes.
Should You Book This Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour?
I think you should book it if you want an organized north Bali day from Ubud with the heavy lifting handled: private transportation, admission tickets, and a driver guide. The $80 price makes more sense when you compare it to paying for entry separately, and the included water and fees keep the day simple.
Book it with confidence if your dream day includes Ulun Danu Bratan’s lake temple atmosphere, the cooling stop at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, the UNESCO scale of Jatiluwih rice terraces, and Tanah Lot’s offshore setting at the end.
Skip or consider a different style of trip if you want a slow pace, lots of free time, or you are not up for a long day of driving. If that is you, a shorter route might fit better.
If you do book this one, give yourself permission to slow down inside each stop. The real value is not ticking boxes, it is getting time to look at each place long enough for it to sink in.
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