A waterfall day with steps, shade, and lake temple views. This private north Bali route connects Banyumala/Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls with the Bedugul area, so you get more than one big moment, plus a guide like Dodik or Asta who knows where to stand for good photos. I love that it feels personal even though it’s a full-day plan.

Second, I like how the day mixes green jungle hiking with easy “wow” stops: banyan-and-banana jungle trails one moment, then the cool mountain air around Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan. You also get the kind of help that matters on steep trails, from patient guidance to picture timing.

One heads-up: the route includes challenging stairs and steep, slippery sections, so you’ll want solid shoes and a slow pace. If you’re expecting a quick, smooth outing, this is more active than that.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls as the core nature stops, with admission included
• Private, English-speaking driver/guide support for navigating trails and taking photos
• A moderate, step-heavy hike plus a stream crossing using stepping stones
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan by Lake Bratan for a mountain temple moment after the trekking
• Coffee plantation time at the end, with time to buy snacks or try local coffee

North Bali Waterfalls With Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha

This is a private full-day trekking outing built around waterfalls in north Bali, starting from the Ubud area. The route focuses on two waterfall stops in the Banyumala zone (plus an additional north Bali hiking element described in the plan as the Sekumpul/Sekumpal area), then moves toward Bedugul for a temple stop by the lake.

What makes it feel like a real adventure is the way it’s paced: you’re not just driving from one lookout to another. You descend into the forest, walk under jungle shade, then come back up. That “down, pause for photos, then up” rhythm is a huge part of why people remember the day.

It’s also designed to be comfortable for your brain, not just your legs. You get a clear set of stops, admission tickets included at the waterfall and temple entries, and a private ride between them so you’re not juggling taxis while you’re tired.

Pickup, price, and how the day really runs from 8:00am

The tour starts at 8:00am and is listed as about 7 to 8 hours. In real life, expect it to feel like a long day because the walking and transfers stack up. Some outings stretch closer to 12 hours depending on traffic, weather, and how often you stop for pictures and breaks.

At $50 per person (bookable about 5 days ahead on average), you’re paying for more than transport. Admission tickets are included for the stops, and you get private transportation plus an English-speaking driver/guide. If you’re comparing it to doing waterfalls on your own, the value is that you’re outsourcing the logistics of timing, getting to the right trailheads, and moving between sites while staying safe on steep paths.

Two practical notes:

• The tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking, so solo travelers may need to join someone else or check for availability.
• Mobile tickets are included, which usually makes the day smoother once you arrive at each entry point.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: banana trees and a pretty descent

The first stop is the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. This is the part of the day where the trail “sets the mood.” You walk down through a forest path lined with tropical plants, banana trees, and lots of greenery. Even when you’re thinking about your footing, you’re still surrounded by details that make photos easier to take without stopping constantly.

This stop is listed at about 1 hour, and admission is included. That means you typically get enough time to:

• descend at a steady pace,
• take pictures,
• and enjoy the waterfall area without feeling rushed.

The vibe here is more “jungle hike” than “one big waterfall photo and done.” If you like walking for the sake of walking—rather than only collecting viewpoints—you’ll probably enjoy this stop the most.

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: steep descent, stepping stones, and caution

Next comes Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. This segment is where the tour becomes more physical. The plan describes a 30-minute hike with a steep descent, plus a stream crossing using stepping stones.

That’s the kind of detail that matters because it changes how you should prepare:

• If your shoes grip poorly, your climb back feels harder.
• If you have a bag you can’t close tight, you’ll worry about it in wet areas.

The itinerary notes that some stairs are challenging, so take that seriously. The good news is that the waterfall time is worth it, and you’ll typically get enough time to cool off and enjoy the water once you reach the main spots.

Also plan on your legs feeling it the next day. Even if you consider yourself moderately active, this style of descent and climb targets quads fast.

Sekumpul/Sekumpal hiking: the trail that decides whether the day feels easy

The overall description of the tour is built around the Sekumpul Waterfall area (spelled a few ways in the plan), and the hike description matches what most people mean by this kind of Bali waterfall trek: steep, step-based walking with slick footing.

A few important realities to manage expectations:

• You’re doing a descent plus an ascent. Coming back up is often harder than going down.
• The trail can get slippery, especially if it’s been humid or wet.
• You may need short breaks. That’s normal.

One helpful tip from the tour experience style here: some versions of this day include a support option for returning to the top by scooter (reported as 20,000 rupees). It’s not something you should count on as your plan A, but it’s reassuring to know there can be a way out if you feel beat up.

If you want the waterfall experience rather than just seeing it from the top, you’ll want to go at a pace you can sustain. Think steady steps, not sprinting downhill for a faster photo. Your body will thank you.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: a mountain temple stop with lake views

After the hiking, the tour shifts to culture and views. The temple stop is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul.

You get about 45 minutes here, and admission is included. This is a great counterbalance to the steep walking because it’s more about:

• slow looking,
• photography,
• and the calmer rhythm of a temple complex by water.

Lake temples in Bali have a specific mood: the air feels cooler up in the mountains, and the view helps your brain reset after the stairs. Even if you’re not a temple expert, this stop gives you that sense of place that’s hard to replicate with just waterfalls.

Coffee plantation time: fun, tasty, and where your budget can slip

The day ends with a coffee plantation stop. This is a common Bali tourism add-on, but it can still be enjoyable if you treat it as an experience, not a pressure sale.

Here’s what matters for planning: the tour information points out that some premium coffee can get expensive. One detail shared for budgeting is that the most expensive Luwak coffee can cost around 1,100,000 IDR per 250g. That doesn’t mean you have to buy it, but it does mean you should decide ahead of time whether you want souvenirs.

What I like about this stop on a waterfall day is the timing. After hiking and changing into dry-ish clothes, you can sit, taste something warm, and decide whether you want to buy gifts for people back home.

If you’re not into coffee, you can still treat it as a break: a place to cool down, use the restroom, and recover.

What to pack for slick steps and splashy moments

The tour strongly recommends bringing a few items, and I agree with all of them:

• Change of clothes
• A plastic bag (or similar) to keep valuables dry
• A waterproof camera if you want photos without stress
• Sport shoes with grip (this is the big one)
• Sunscreen
• Money for souvenirs

Two extra practical tips from how these hikes tend to work:

• Keep your phone and wallet in a sealed pocket or bag. Even if you’re careful, water shows up on steps and in mist zones.
• Wear shoes you can climb in. Flip-flops feel like a bad idea once you’re on slippery trails.

Guide quality: why the names you hear matter

This kind of tour rises or falls on the people who manage you through uneven footing and long travel days. In this experience, the guide vibe seems to be a major selling point.

I’ve seen names come up like Asta (fun personality and lots of picture help), Dodik (friendly and smoothly timed day), Ravy and Kadek (helpful, patient, and great at safety), and Newman (adjusting the plan to avoid traffic and changing conditions). People also mention a local waterfall guide at the Sekumpul area who supports the hike and makes swimming time feel better.

Even if your guide isn’t a chatterbox, you want someone who:

• checks your comfort on the stairs,
• helps you position for photos without blocking others,
• and keeps the schedule moving so you don’t end up rushing at the waterfall.

That’s what usually turns “a nice day” into a memorable one.

Who should book this private Banyumala day?

This fits best if you:

• want a private day plan (not a crowded group);
• enjoy walking in nature and can handle stairs;
• want both waterfalls and a temple stop in one route;
• like having an English-speaking host who can explain what you’re seeing.

It may not fit as well if you:

• dislike steep descents and slippery stairs,
• need a very low-activity day,
• or don’t want to spend most of the time on your feet.

The plan lists suitability for ages 12 to 65, which gives you a range, but your comfort with stairs is still the real factor.

Should you book this tour from Ubud?

If you want a full-day Bali mix that feels active and real—waterfalls you reach by foot, a proper temple stop, and a coffee break—this is a strong option. The private transportation and admission included approach helps it feel like value, especially when you factor in how hard it can be to coordinate waterfall access on your own.

I’d book it if you’re ready for the physical side. Wear grippy shoes, bring dry clothes, and plan for a long day on your legs. If you’re hoping for easy walking and lots of time sitting, look for something flatter.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00am.

How long is the Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls tour?

It’s listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is in north Bali, with the overall location described as Ubud, Indonesia.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included.

Is this a private tour or a shared group?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are private transportation, an English-speaking driver, all fees and taxes, and admission tickets for the listed stops. Mobile ticket is also included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Does the tour involve stairs or hiking?

Yes. The day involves walking on challenging stairs and includes a steep descent.

What should I bring?

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.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.