North Bali feels like Bali’s quieter sibling, and this day tour is built for that. You’ll hit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the Wanagiri Hidden Hills swing away from the usual crowd flow, plus the famous Handara Gate. I especially like that this tour is structured like a full day of “wow stops” with round-trip hotel pickup and entrance tickets included, so you spend less time managing logistics and more time moving. One watch-out: the timing and crowd pressure can make some photo stops feel a bit rushed, and Handara Gate may not match the hype for everyone.

What I’d recommend most is treating this as a road-trip sampler of North Bali. You’ll get temple scenery at Ulun Danu Bratan, a quick stop under the huge Bayan Ancient Tree, and then unwind at Banjar Hot Springs later in the day. The tour runs about 10 hours starting at 8:00 am, so it’s a full commitment day—plan your energy accordingly.

If you want a private day that mixes big scenery with a few calmer breaks, this can be a good fit. It’s also a solid value at $80 per person, since it bundles the entrance fees and service taxes that often add up quickly when you go on your own.

North Bali in a Nutshell: What You’ll Actually Do

• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: a proper trek to reach Air Terjun Tirta Kuning, in North Bali’s green valleys
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills Bali swing: that Instagram-famous ride, set in Munduk’s mountain area
• Handara Iconic Gate: the well-known gate photo stop, best done with patience and good timing
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: lake-temple views that change as you walk the perimeter
• Banjar Hot Springs: soak after sightseeing, when your legs are done asking questions
• Private setup from Ubud: you’re not sharing the day with strangers in a packed group bus

First Thing to Know: It’s a Long Day With Photo Stops

This is a 10-hour private tour that starts at 8:00 am, which is great if you like beating crowds. It also means your day is mostly “go, stop, walk, photo, repeat,” with breaks built around the main sights. If you’re the type who wants slow wandering and extra time for every viewpoint, you may find you’re moving faster than you like.

The tour’s best advantage is how much it bundles: pickup/drop-off from select hotel areas, an English-speaking driver, entrance tickets, and government/service tax. That matters in Bali because unmanaged days can turn into a parade of small extra costs and detours. Here, you’re paying up front, and the itinerary is doing the steering.

One more practical note: this day is weather-dependent. Heavy rain can change water access and overall comfort, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if conditions are bad.

Price and Value: $80 Can Make Sense Here

At $80 per person, this isn’t a budget bargain, but it can be good value because entrance tickets are included. When you add up just a couple of paid attractions plus transportation time, the price can feel more reasonable—especially for a private day.

You’re also getting a full route across North Bali, not just one neighborhood. That’s important because travel time between sights in Bali adds up fast, and you don’t want to lose half a day figuring out rides between stops.

Meals are not included, though. That’s the main “hidden” factor in your budget, since you’ll still want water and probably a snack to keep the trek stops from feeling miserable.

Stop by Stop: What Each Place Offers (and What to Expect)

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: The Trek Is Part of the Point

You’ll start with Banyumala Twin Waterfalls—called Air Terjun Tirta Kuning (often described as Yellow Water Falls). This is one of those Bali stops where the reward is the effort: you need a decent trek to reach it, and you’re walking into the quieter North Bali valleys around Wanagiri village in Buleleng.

The upside is that it feels less like a quick roadside attraction and more like a real nature outing. The falls are the centerpiece, and when you arrive, you’ll understand why people build their day around this one.

The consideration: since it requires trekking, your footwear and energy matter. If it’s wet, paths can be slippery, so you’ll want shoes with good grip and a calm pace. This isn’t the place to dress only for photos.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the Bali Swing: Fun, But Manage Expectations

Next up is Wanagiri Hidden Hills, in Munduk, about two hours north of Ubud. This is where the Bali swing became a full-on trend, and it’s easy to see why: you’re lifted above the views, and the whole setup is designed for that “I’m flying” moment.

The best part of this stop is the scenery around you. Even if you don’t want the swing, the area is built for wandering and photo framing, and it helps break up the day after the waterfall.

The drawback is that these popular photo zones can get crowded at certain times, and timing affects how relaxed your visit feels. If you care about photos, plan to be patient and let the group flow guide you rather than rushing to the front.

Handara Iconic Gate: The Famous Shot, With a Reality Check

Then it’s over to the Handara Iconic Gate, also known as the gate leading to serenity. This is one of Bali’s most recognizable photo spots, and people come specifically for that framed gate moment.

Here’s my practical take: Handara can look stunning, but it also carries hype. If you’ve seen it a hundred times already, it might not feel like the most magical stop of your trip—it can feel more like a must-do checkpoint.

I recommend viewing it as a photography intermission between the more nature-heavy parts of the day. Go when you can, get the shot, and then move on without overthinking it. If you linger, you’ll feel the crowd pressure more.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: A Lake Temple That Earns Its Time

At Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (also referred to as Ulun Danu Beratan), you’re visiting a temple dedicated to Lake Beratan—literally described as a source temple. The lake’s reflective surface and the temple setting are the draw, and the walk around the water gives you changing viewpoints as you move.

This stop feels more grounded than the Instagram-only sights. You’re surrounded by Balinese religious architecture and a location that naturally frames the scene for photos.

The consideration: temple visits have their own rhythm. Bring a respectful mindset and plan for some waiting or slower walking around the water edge. If you’re already tired from trekking and long drives, this is still doable, but keep your pace gentle.

Bayan Ancient Tree: The Quick Fairy-Tale Stop

After the lake temple, you’ll stop at Bayan Ancient Tree—the giant Kayu Putih tree. It’s described as one of Bali’s oldest and biggest trees, and the vibe is more storybook than dramatic-photo.

This is a shorter stop, and that’s a good thing. After temples and viewpoints, it gives you a calmer moment to breathe, stretch, and let your legs recover before the final unwind.

The consideration: since it’s not the kind of place where you lose yourself for hours, you’ll want to treat it as a short reset rather than expecting it to replace a longer nature walk.

Banjar Hot Springs: The Best End-of-Day Reset

The overview includes a stop at Banjar Hot Springs, where you can relax in the therapeutic waters after sightseeing. This is the kind of ending that actually helps, because your day includes trekking and lots of walking at several stops.

I like ending with a body-friendly moment rather than trying to cram in one more photo area. Hot springs are a smart match for North Bali, since your day is outdoors and weather can be changeable.

The consideration: you’re still dealing with a full day’s schedule, so don’t plan a late dinner that assumes you’ll be fully recharged instantly. Give yourself time to cool down and dry off before you head back out.

How the Private Format Changes Your Day

This is a private tour, meaning it’s just your group with an English-speaking driver. That matters because you can adjust your pace at stops like Banyumala and Wanagiri depending on comfort and energy.

Private also tends to make transitions smoother. Instead of juggling multiple pick-up points or waiting for other groups, you’re generally moving as one unit, which reduces stress in a country where roads can be busy.

One more benefit: entrance tickets are included, so you’re not hunting for ticket booths across multiple attractions. That’s a small detail, but it changes the feel of the day.

Timing Tips That Make This Tour Feel Better

Since the day starts at 8:00 am, you’ll want to be ready for an early departure. Wear clothes you can move in comfortably, and bring a light layer if it’s cool up north—mountain areas can feel different than Ubud in the same day.

For the waterfall trek, pack for comfort: shoes with grip, water, and a small towel or wipes. Even if the trail looks straightforward, the combination of humidity and rain risk is enough to justify better footwear.

For photo stops like Handara Gate and the swing area, have a quick plan. Get your main shots, then give yourself permission to enjoy the view without perfecting every angle.

And since meals are not included, you’ll be smart to plan a snack strategy. A simple energy boost can keep you from getting cranky at the times when you’re walking more than you expected.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is ideal if you want a full North Bali day from Ubud that mixes nature, temples, and a couple of famous photo stops. It works especially well for:

• Couples or friends who want a private driver and a structured route
• People who like major sights but still want a bit of off-the-beaten-path feel
• Visitors who want the easier option of bundled entrances instead of managing each stop alone

It may be less ideal if you want a super slow, unstructured day. The itinerary has clear stops and time blocks, so you’ll feel the pace.

Should You Book North Bali Tour: Banyumala Waterfalls & Wanagiri Hidden Hills?

I’d book this if you want a single day that delivers multiple high-impact sights without the hassle of figuring out transport and tickets. $80 per person feels fair because entrance tickets and taxes are included, and the private format reduces friction.

I would hesitate only if you’re expecting everything to feel perfectly organized and unhurried. Handara Gate especially may feel like a photo checkpoint more than a life-changing moment, and the waterfall requires trekking, so your comfort level with walking matters.

If you want North Bali with a clear plan, a hot-springs finish, and fewer moving parts, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the North Bali tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes—hotel pick up and drop off are included from select area hotels.

Is this tour private?

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

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Are meals included in the price?

No. Meals are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.