Waterfall days in Bali usually mean crowds. This one strings together forest falls, a real hike, and a calm temple finish.

I like that it’s built for a full day with a private guide/driver feel, so you can move at your pace and get help with timing and photos. I also love the payoff: multiple waterfall stops, including the Sekumpul area where the whole point is getting down close and enjoying the water.

The big thing to consider is the terrain. You’ll face steep, slick stairs and a descent that takes effort, then you still have the uphill return.

Key things to know before you go

• Private transport + pickup: you’re not doing this by scooter or guessing bus times
• Two Banyumala stops: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha are both on the route
• A hike that actually matters: plan for steep steps and a hot walk down
• Temple on Lake Bratan: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan gives you a different kind of Bali moment
• Coffee plantation finale: great views, and prices can be eye-opening

Price and what you’re really paying for at $50

At $50 per person, this tour can feel like a steal if you compare it to cobbling together separate tickets, private transport, and guided help. The reason is simple: you’re getting hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, and all fees and taxes included, plus an English-speaking driver.

Two things to keep in mind. First, the day is longer and more active than the headline “7 to 8 hours” suggests—some schedules run closer to a full stretch once travel time and waterfall breaks stack up. Second, lunch isn’t included, so decide up front whether you want to eat at a stop on the route or bring a snack and plan your energy.

Bottom line: you’re paying mostly for the route design and the logistics. The waterfalls and temple are the reason to book, but transport and timing are what make the day actually work.

How the day flows from Ubud toward north Bali

Start time is 8:00 am, and the tour moves you out of central Bali style sightseeing and into the north Bali waterfall zone. The route typically layers viewpoints first, then the physical fun, then the calmer cultural finish.

Expect these “you’ll be glad you came early” moments:

• A photo stop for Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• A viewpoint connected to the Kintamani Volcano area
• Then the day shifts to waterfalls, with hikes and descents that reward you once you’re at the water

This pacing matters. If you arrive late, the best light and the less-crowded feeling disappear fast. And if you’re tired before the stairs, the return climb feels brutal. The early start helps you avoid that.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the forest descent that feels like a mini adventure

Your first waterfall stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. You don’t just walk to a single viewpoint and call it done. You descend on a path through tropical plants and banana trees, and that “in-between” time matters because it shapes the experience.

What’s good here:

• You get a slow reveal of the falls environment as you go down.
• The path itself is interesting enough that it doesn’t feel like dead time.
• Admission is included, so you’re not hunting for tickets mid-day.

What to watch:

• This is still part of a day full of walking. If you’re hoping for a fully relaxed experience, your feet may disagree.
• Bring shoes with grip. Even when it’s not raining, Bali waterfall steps can be slippery.

If you enjoy the feeling of “the journey is part of the view,” Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is a strong opener.

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: steep stairs, stepping stones, and real caution

Next up is Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. You’ll reach it after about a 30-minute hike with a steep descent, and the route includes stairs plus a stream crossing using stepping stones.

This is the stop where you should switch your brain to safety mode:

• Take the stairs slowly. One misstep is all it takes.
• Use the handholds where available.
• Watch your footing on the stepping stones, especially if others are rushing past.

Why it’s worth the effort: the setting is the whole point. Waterfalls here aren’t just “pretty from above.” The walk puts you close enough that the sound and mist become part of the moment.

Also, changeable weather is common in mountain areas. If the ground gets slick, your pace should adjust. Don’t force speed. The return uphill is where people feel it later.

The Sekumpul (Sekumpi) waterfall hike: where the day becomes memorable

The tour’s core payoff is the Sekumpul Waterfall experience, reached by a moderately challenging hike. Along the way, you get valley views, and you’re walking through an environment that feels more rural and lived-in than Bali’s beach zones.

At Sekumpul, the key idea is simple: you go down to where the water is, and you’re allowed time to refresh in the fresh waters once you reach the plunge area.

A couple practical notes based on what people run into:

• The descent can feel manageable at first, but the climb back up is the real test. Plan breaks if you need them.
• Steps can be slick and steep. Treat every section like it might be wet.
• If you want backup options, there’s an extra note worth knowing: people have used a motorcycle lift back to the top for about 20,000 IDR, which can be less than $2. It’s not described as a standard part of the tour, so think of it as a “plan B” if your legs are cooked.

What elevates the experience here is how the day shifts from transport-and-stops to actual effort and payoff. You’re not just seeing Bali—you’re earning the view.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan: the calm, scenic reset

After the waterfall focus, you head to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a temple complex on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul.

This stop works for two reasons:

• It resets your body after stairs and heat.
• It shows a side of Bali that’s less about tourism photo spots and more about place and ritual.

You’ll typically have around 45 minutes here, and because it’s on water and surrounded by mountainous terrain, the atmosphere is usually cooler-feeling than the lower areas.

Practical tip: dress respectfully. Even if you’re not planning to “linger,” you’ll want your clothing to fit temple rules.

The coffee plantation finale: good views, real pricing reality

The last stop is a coffee plantation. This isn’t just a quick photo stop. It’s usually where you see the “Bali coffee” side of the day—tastings, explanations, and the chance to buy souvenirs if you want.

Here’s a budget-minded detail that helps you not get surprised: Luwak (civet) coffee can cost around 1,100,000 IDR per 250g. There are other coffees and teas too, and people often find the tasting portion fun even if they don’t buy.

What I like about ending here:

• Your legs can slow down after the hike.
• The viewpoint usually gives you a broad sense of the area.
• It’s a social stop where you can ask questions without rushing.

What you might not love: coffee shopping can run expensive if you go in with zero idea of what you want.

Guides, pace, and why private matters on this route

Even with private tours, the real difference is how the person driving your day handles timing and safety. Names that come up a lot include guides/drivers like Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Newman, Made, and Yanik. The pattern is consistent: people describe them as patient, fun with photos, and willing to adjust the day to your pace.

Here’s how private help shows up on a hike-heavy itinerary like this:

• You can start the downhill parts when the ground looks safest.
• You’re not waiting around with a mixed group.
• Photo breaks are easier because your driver can pause without negotiating a group schedule.

Two quick reality checks:

• Some guides are more focused on driving than detailed narration. If you want deep stories at every stop, ask directly what they’ll cover on the drive.
• The day can run longer than expected, so build your schedule buffer after the tour.

What to pack so you don’t suffer later

This is a stairs-and-water day. Your backpack should reflect that.

Bring:

• Change of clothes
• A plastic bag (or waterproof container) to keep valuables dry
• Waterproof camera or a waterproof case
• Sport shoes with grip
• Sunscreen
• A little cash for souvenirs (and optional extras if you decide on them)

If you’re prone to blisters, add bandages too. The steps are steep enough that foot comfort can make or break your mood at the turnaround point.

Also consider a light rain layer. One person mentioned rain gear would have helped when it got very wet. A simple poncho is usually easier than dealing with wet clothes later.

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

This tour fits you best if you want:

• Multiple waterfall stops in one day
• A moderate-to-challenging hike with real scenery payoff
• A temple stop that feels like a break, not just another checkbox
• Private transport rather than DIY travel

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want an easy, mostly flat walk
• Have knee or balance issues that make steep steps risky
• Expect lunch to be included automatically

It’s listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, and most people can participate—but the hike and stairs are the deciding factor for many.

Should you book this Banyuwana & Banyumala waterfalls tour?

If you want a north Bali day that mixes forest waterfalls, a real staircase workout, and a scenic temple finish, this is a solid pick. The best reason to book is value: pickup, private transport, and entry fees are included, so you can focus on the parts that matter—walking down, cooling off, and seeing Lake Bratan.

I’d book it if your fitness level can handle steep steps and you pack for wet conditions. I’d skip it if you’re looking for a gentle stroll or you hate the idea of a steep climb back out.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where is the tour located?

It’s based around Ubud, Indonesia.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

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

Is transportation private?

Yes, it includes private transportation.

What’s included in the price?

It includes all fees and taxes, admission tickets listed for stops, and an English speaking driver.

What isn’t included?

Lunch isn’t included.

Does the tour involve hiking or stairs?

Yes. It involves walking on challenging stairs and includes a steep descent and steps during the route.

Is this tour really private?

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

How many people are required per booking?

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded.