Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking

Reviewed · UBUD WATERFALL TOURS

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking

4.5 · 9 reviews From $35 Operated by Wanagiri Bali Adventure · Bookable on Viator
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Seven waterfalls, one long jungle hike. This north Bali trek strings together temples, lakes, and multiple waterfall stops, led by a local guide who helps you pace the day and even fit in swim breaks. If you like quiet scenery and walking more than waiting, this is the kind of day you’ll remember.

I especially like the private format—you’re not rushed with a big group rhythm. And I really like the focus on off-the-beaten-path waterfall country, with time to actually enjoy the views instead of just posing and moving on.

One consideration: this experience requires good weather, so you should be ready for a date change if conditions aren’t right.

Key highlights at a glance

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - Key highlights at a glance

  • Private tour pacing so you can move at your comfort level
  • Up to seven waterfall stops in one long north Bali day
  • Hotel pickup and transfers from Kuta, Ubud, and around
  • Lunch and refreshments provided, plus coffee or tea
  • Walking sticks and bottled water included for easier trekking
  • Swimming/jumping is possible with guide assistance

Why North Bali Waterfalls Feel Like a Secret

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - Why North Bali Waterfalls Feel Like a Secret
Most Bali waterfall tours funnel you into the same handful of places. This one aims farther north, into the mountainous jungle area around Wanagiri Hills, where the scenery feels more relaxed and less staged.

The big appeal is the combination: trekking plus real nature time. You’re not just ticking off viewpoints—you’re walking through forested hills, pausing for lake scenes, rice terrace stops, and then stacking waterfall after waterfall.

And yes, the day includes the kind of moments you plan around. The route is designed so you can stop for swimming, and your guide provides local help if you want to jump into the water from safer points.

Pickup, transfers, and the rhythm of an 8-hour trek

You’re not on your own to arrange transport. Transfers are included from hotels in Kuta, Ubud, and nearby areas, and pickup is offered. That matters in Bali, because the drive times can be long and unpredictable, especially when you’re moving between different parts of the island in one day.

The tour is private, meaning it’s just for your group. That’s a practical advantage: if someone is slower on steep parts, you don’t get left behind to chase a schedule. If you want longer at a waterfall pool, you can usually manage it without feeling like you’re breaking the flow.

This is also an active day. Even with a private pace, you’ll be trekking through hilly terrain, with waterfall stops that can mean uneven ground. I’d treat it like a hike day, not a casual stroll.

Entrance fees to budget: Bratan Temple and Handara Gate

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - Entrance fees to budget: Bratan Temple and Handara Gate
The tour price is listed at $35, which is the main reason I like it for value. But there’s one key budget detail: some major stops have ticket costs that are not included.

Specifically, you’ll likely encounter:

  • Ulun Danu Beratan (ticket IDR 75k/person)
  • Bali Handara Gate of Heavens (ticket IDR 40k/person)

If you’re counting costs, add those two entrance fees to your plan. The good news is the tour includes lunch, coffee or tea, bottled water, walking sticks, and transportation, so a big chunk of your day is already covered once you’re on the tour vehicle.

Also note: a foot massage isn’t included (listed at IDR 300k/person). If you want it, budget for it. If not, you can skip that and keep your time focused on the trek.

The Wanagiri Hills circuit: lakes, terraces, and multiple waterfalls

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - The Wanagiri Hills circuit: lakes, terraces, and multiple waterfalls
The day is built around north Bali scenery, with a route that passes through Wanagiri village area, lake viewpoints, rice terraces, and a series of waterfalls. The exact order can vary by timing and conditions, but the stop list gives you a solid map of what you’ll be seeing.

Here’s how the highlights generally land, and what to watch for at each type of stop:

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (if your route includes it)

This is one of the famous names on the itinerary list, but it can feel more dramatic when you reach it from the trekking day context. Set expectations that it’s an attraction stop rather than part of the hike itself.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, I suggest you keep your time here efficient. Take a look, get the best angles you want, then move on—because your best payoff is usually later, once you’re back out walking among the waterfalls.

Bali Handara Gate of Heavens (another ticketed stop)

The Handara Gate is on the itinerary list with an IDR 40k/person ticket. It’s a photo stop, but that doesn’t mean it’s pointless. It can work well as a contrast point: you’re coming from forest trails and water soundscapes, and then you get this structured view.

If you want photos, go in with a plan. The lighting can change quickly in the hills, so prioritize the shot you actually came for and don’t get stuck trying to make perfect photos while time slips away from your later waterfalls.

Wanagiri Hills at Wanagiri village

This is where the day’s trekking feel really starts to take over. Wanagiri Hills are the “mountain-and-jungle” part of north Bali, and it helps explain why this trek can feel more adventurous than the easy, roadside waterfall walks.

The terrain can include slippery spots near water, so walking sticks are a smart inclusion. I like having them because they make the steep bits easier on knees and ankles.

Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake viewpoints

Lakes matter on a waterfall trek because they give you a reset. These stops break up continuous movement and let you catch your breath with open views.

I also think lake pauses are useful mentally. After walking through thicker forest sections, a viewpoint over Buyan and Tamblingan can help you appreciate the bigger geography instead of just focusing on the next waterfall.

Pucak Manik Waterfall

Pucak Manik is one of the named waterfall stops. Waterfalls like this tend to vary in how powerful they feel depending on recent rainfall, but the main value here is the setting—your guide will help you pick where to stand and how to approach safely.

If your goal is photos, give yourself a little patience. The best angles often require shifting position just a few steps.

Ambengan Rice Terrace

This is not a waterfall moment, but it’s a real north Bali detail that adds texture to your day. Rice terrace scenery can be flat-out gorgeous, and it also helps you understand why people farm these slopes.

One practical note: terrace paths can be uneven. Comfortable trekking shoes help a lot, even if you’re only walking a short segment here.

Cemara Waterfall and Canging Waterfall

Both are on the waterfall list, and they represent the “keep moving, keep discovering” style of this day. With multiple waterfall stops in one trek, you’ll start to notice how each one has its own vibe—some feel more open, some more shaded, and some are more suited to water time.

If you want to swim, treat each waterfall like a decision point. Don’t rush into the first pool; check footing first, then decide if it’s the right place for you.

Bidadari/Angels Waterfall

This one is often a highlight name because it sounds so good on the itinerary, but the real reason it matters is that waterfall stops toward the middle or later part of the hike tend to feel more rewarding. By then, you’ve already worked for the views, so the payoff hits harder.

I recommend keeping a little energy in reserve. The later waterfalls can tempt you to go too fast through earlier stops, and that’s when people start getting tired.

Campuhan Waterfall and Celos Waterfall

These two add to the sense that you’re not just seeing one famous cascade. You’re experiencing a chain of waterfall settings across the Wanagiri area, which is what makes the hike feel like more than a single sightseeing drive.

If you’re not a hardcore hiker, you can still enjoy these stops by focusing on slower moments: stand, watch, take a couple photos, then move when you’re ready.

Spa Waterfall

Spa Waterfall is the last named waterfall on the list. The name hints at relaxation, and in a trekking-day context, that can feel true. By the end of the hike, you’ll probably appreciate any stop where you can take your time and just enjoy the sound and mist.

It’s also a good moment to slow down and check how your body feels. If you’re tired, you can still take in the view without trying to push extra swim time.

Swimming, jumping, and how to stay safe on waterfall time

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - Swimming, jumping, and how to stay safe on waterfall time
This tour is built for water moments. You can try to swim and even jump into the water with your guide/local expert assisting you. That’s a big reason I like this kind of trek: it’s not only scenic; it’s participatory.

That said, you should set your own comfort level early. When water is involved, the “right” choice is always the one that keeps you steady. Watch for slippery rocks, check how the pool looks from the side, and if you’re unsure, stick to wading or guided entry.

Also plan to be practical with clothing. If you want to swim, bring swimwear and expect you’ll likely get wet. Wear quick-dry basics under a layer you’re okay with soaking.

Walking sticks can help keep you stable when switching from trekking paths to waterfall edges. They’re already included, so use them.

What’s included for $35, and what you’ll pay extra

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - What’s included for $35, and what you’ll pay extra
Let’s break down the value in plain terms.

Included:

  • Bottled water
  • Walking sticks
  • Private transportation
  • Lunch
  • Coffee and/or tea
  • All fees and taxes

Not included:

  • Ulun Danu Beratan Temple ticket (IDR 75k/person)
  • Bali Handara Gate ticket (IDR 40k/person)
  • Foot massage (IDR 300k/person)

What that means for you: most of the day’s costs are handled. Your money goes into the trek, the guide time, transport, and food. The two entrance tickets can add a noticeable layer, but they’re clearly defined, which makes budgeting easier than a tour that hides extra costs until you arrive.

The lunch itself is a plus I would not ignore. A local food lunch by the lakes is exactly the kind of payoff that makes an active day feel fair—you don’t want to finish a hike and then scramble for food later.

The “off the beaten path” factor that actually matters

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - The “off the beaten path” factor that actually matters
There’s off-the-beaten-path tourism, and there’s off-the-beaten-path trekking. This tour leans toward trekking.

The route is described as mountainous jungle country in northern Bali, with less mainstream attention. That’s what you feel: quieter trails, more natural pacing, and less of the quick-in-quick-out vibe.

A really good sign is that it’s designed as a trek with waterfall stops, rather than a car loop that briefly parks near a cascade. If you enjoy hiking for the sake of hiking—movement, views, and stopping when something catches your eye—this will click.

One small caution: because it’s a day of multiple spots, you’ll want to manage your expectations. The best experience usually comes from being okay with trade-offs: you can’t linger forever at everything, so choose your priorities. If your priority is swimming, plan for that. If your priority is photos, keep your photo time tight so you don’t run out of energy for the later waterfall pools.

Weather, timing, and real-world expectations

Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking - Weather, timing, and real-world expectations
Weather matters here. This tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s important because waterfall trekking is the kind of activity where rain can change the ground underfoot. Paths can get slick, and waterfall power can become unpredictable.

My practical advice: book this kind of trek on a day you can adjust. If your Bali schedule is tight, pick a slot with flexibility nearby so you’re not stuck deciding between trekking and some other once-only plan.

Also, because pickup and transfers are included, I’d treat timing like a living thing. Even when everything goes smoothly, Bali road conditions can shift. You’ll enjoy the day more if you build in a little buffer mindset.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong choice for:

  • People who want a guided hike with multiple waterfall stops in one day
  • Travelers who like swimming or at least want the option
  • Anyone staying around Ubud, Kuta, or nearby who wants pickup handled
  • Those who want a private format without the stress of a fast group schedule

It might not be the best fit if:

  • You want a mostly seated sightseeing day with minimal walking
  • You dislike changing plans due to weather
  • You’re very budget-sensitive and don’t want to add ticket costs for Bratan Temple and Handara Gate

If you’re somewhere in the middle—moderate fitness, flexible day, okay with a full schedule—this is likely a great match.

Should you book this Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking tour?

If your idea of a great Bali day is hiking through north Bali’s hills, stacking waterfall views, and ending with a proper lunch, I think you should strongly consider booking. The structure is built for variety: hills, lakes, terrace views, and a run of named waterfalls, plus the option to swim.

I’d make the decision based on two things. First, can you handle an active 8-hour day? Second, are you comfortable budgeting the extra entrance tickets for Ulun Danu Beratan and Bali Handara Gate if your route includes them?

If that sounds like your kind of trip, this tour looks like a good value way to get beyond the most common waterfall circuits.

FAQ

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How long is the Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It’s based in Ubud, Indonesia, and hotel transfers are included from Kuta, Ubud, and around.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, walking sticks, private transportation, lunch, coffee and/or tea, and all fees and taxes.

Are entrance tickets included for temples and gates?

No. Ulun Danu Beratan Lake ticket (IDR 75k/person) and Bali Handara Gate of Heavens ticket (IDR 40k/person) are not included.

Can I swim or jump into the water?

Yes. You can try to swim and jump into the water with assistance from your guide/local expert.

Are hotel pickups guaranteed?

Pickup is offered, and transfers from hotels in the listed areas are included.

What waterfalls and stops are listed on the itinerary?

The listed highlights include Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Bali Handara Gate of Heavens, Wanagiri Hills, Buyan Lake, Tamblingan Lake, Pucak Manik Waterfall, Ambengan Rice Terrace, Cemara Waterfall, Canging Waterfall, Bidadari/Angels Waterfall, Campuhan Waterfall, Celos Waterfall, and Spa Waterfall.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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