Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure

REVIEW · UBUD

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure

  • 5.09 reviews
  • From $68
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Rainforest, temple, and a waterfall all in one day.

This Ubud adventure strings together the serene Tamblingan Lakes, a trek through local jungle, a canoe stretch, and the view from Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple, then ends at Banyumala Waterfall. It’s a hands-on mix of nature and culture that works especially well when you want more than just a scenic drive.

I especially love two parts: first, the way the guide brings the place to life with Balinese culture and tradition (I’ve seen guides like Dharma, Eddy, and Komang use the day as a living classroom). Second, I like the built-in rhythm of the day: trek, then canoe, then food and rest, so you don’t feel like you’re rushing between random stops.

One consideration: this is moderate walking, with a down-and-up style route to the trekking area. If you’re dealing with knee issues or you just hate slippery paths after rain, you’ll want to take it easy and wear solid shoes.

Quick hits before you go

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Quick hits before you go

  • Twin Lake View photo stop right at the start, with Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake in one glance
  • Trek-to-canoe flow: after the hike, the canoe team picks you up (with life jacket and medical box provided)
  • Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple pause for a slower moment before the final water stop
  • You choose your waterfall option at the Banyumala/Banyuwana area
  • Food that’s actually part of the plan: coffee, snacks, and an included lunch (with dietary requests handled if you flag them)
  • Small group size capped at 15 travelers, so you’re not just another number in a long line

Why this Ubud combo hike, canoe, and waterfall makes sense

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Why this Ubud combo hike, canoe, and waterfall makes sense
At $68 for about 4 hours 30 minutes, this tour feels like good value because it stacks multiple experiences into one organized route. You’re not paying for a single viewpoint. You’re paying for movement, guidance, and logistics: transportation, gear, and meals are part of the package.

The “why” is simple. Bali’s best moments are often the ones that happen when you’re walking slowly (through jungle and near temples) and when you’re doing something with your hands (like paddling a canoe). This tour leans into both.

You also get a rare kind of pacing. The day isn’t just a checklist of photo stops. It has natural transitions: start with lake views and a briefing, hike through vegetation, switch gears to canoeing with snacks and coffee, then settle your mind at the temple before the waterfall payoff.

You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Ubud

Twin Lake View: your morning reset and quick briefing

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Twin Lake View: your morning reset and quick briefing
You start at Titik Pandang Danau Kembar (the Wanagiri Sukasada area). Right away, you get a view that’s hard to replace: you can see Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake at once. It’s a great place to get oriented and take photos before the pace picks up.

The guide gives a short briefing here too. That matters more than it sounds. When you know what the day’s rhythm is (hike down, canoe after, temple stop, then waterfall), you can relax and stop thinking about timing.

Transport is handled in an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup is offered. That’s useful in Bali, where the road from Ubud to the northern side can eat up your energy. You’re starting the day with less stress.

The rainforest trek: what moderate walking really means

After the briefing, you trek down to the trekking site. This part is where the tour earns its title. You’re not just strolling a flat path. You’re moving through an area with diverse vegetation, guided by someone who can point out what you’re seeing and explain how it fits into the local way of life.

Moderate physical fitness is the key phrase. You don’t need to be a trail runner. But you do need to be comfortable with uneven ground and some downhill work. If you’ve ever done Bali’s softer jungle paths, you’ll recognize the vibe: damp air, thick plant growth, and footing that rewards careful steps.

Practical tip: wear shoes you trust. Bring something that grips well. And if it has been raining, slow down. The best trekking days feel calm, not frantic.

Canoeing on the Tamblingan side: a different way to see Bali

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Canoeing on the Tamblingan side: a different way to see Bali
Once you finish the trek, the canoe team picks you up. This is a smart design choice. Instead of turning the hike into an endurance event, the tour switches you into a different mode of movement.

Canoeing comes with helpful basics included:

  • Life jacket
  • Medical box

And you’ll get Balinese coffee and a snack during this stretch, which keeps the energy up without making it feel like a long, boring waiting period.

I like the canoe segment because it changes the feel of the day. On foot, you’re focused on where to step and what you’re walking past. On water, you start noticing patterns: how the shoreline curves, how the jungle appears from a distance, and how the light hits the lake surface.

Also, because the group is capped at 15 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re being packed and herded onto boats.

Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple: where the pace slows down

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple: where the pace slows down
After the canoe and coffee break, you reach Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple. This is your cultural landing spot. You get time to enjoy the views before continuing to the next activity.

Even if you’re not the kind of person who reads every sign, this temple stop is still valuable. It’s not just scenery. It’s a reminder that Bali’s nature and spirituality aren’t separate things. The setting—lake, temple, and surrounding greenery—makes that connection feel real.

A lot of the guides’ strength shows up here. Some, like Dharma, have a knack for explaining Balinese tradition in a way that feels human, not lecture-y. If you get a guide with strong culture storytelling (and you likely will), this stop becomes more than a photo.

Practical tip: dress respectfully. If you’re in hiking clothes, plan for a simple way to cover yourself for temple time.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud

Banyumala Waterfall (Banyuwana option): choosing your water moment

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Banyumala Waterfall (Banyuwana option): choosing your water moment
Next comes the waterfall. The tour includes a visit to the Banyumala Waterfall area, and you have the option to choose which waterfall you want to visit within Banyuwana/Banyumala.

That choice is useful because waterfall enjoyment is personal. Some people want the simplest view and a quick photo. Others want a bit more adventure at the water’s edge. Having a say lets the day fit your style.

What to keep in mind:

  • It’s nature. Things can be slippery.
  • Weather changes how the water looks and how comfortable it feels.
  • Your timing matters. After trekking and canoeing, you’ll want a waterfall stop that doesn’t drag too long.

If you’re flexible and willing to slow down, you’ll enjoy this more. If you’re the type who hates wet shoes and muddy ankles, do what you can to stay careful around the edges.

Lunch and snack timing: included food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Lunch and snack timing: included food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
By the time you reach lunch, you’ve worked up an appetite. The tour includes lunch, plus Balinese snacks and bottled water. Coffee and/or tea (including traditional Balinese coffee) are also included.

Dietary restrictions are handled. If you need vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other diets, you’ll want to note it in special requirements when booking. That’s the right place to ask, because you’ll know before the day starts whether they can accommodate you.

One more practical point: doing food after active time works. You’re not stuck waiting around for hours, then eating cold food. The day’s structure makes the meal feel earned.

Guides like Dharma, Eddy, and Komang: why their stories matter

Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure - Guides like Dharma, Eddy, and Komang: why their stories matter
A big theme in the experience is the guide. Names you may come across include Dharma, Eddy, and Komang, and the consistent thread is storytelling that connects jungle plants, temple life, and Balinese culture.

What I’d look for in a good day is this: you don’t just see the place. You understand why it’s special. Guides who can explain vegetation and local tradition turn the trek into something memorable, not just sweaty.

And yes, humor helps too. Some guides in this style clearly know how to keep the group relaxed while still moving the day forward smoothly.

Group size, pickup, and the pace you’ll feel

This experience is capped at 15 travelers. That’s a sweet spot. You get small-group energy without feeling like you’re on a private outing.

Pickup offered plus the air-conditioned vehicle also keeps your day from feeling like constant travel. You can focus on the active parts instead of worrying about where you’ll sit, how long you’ll wait, and how you’ll get from one patch of jungle to the next.

The day runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.). That’s long enough to feel like a real adventure, but short enough that it still works if you’re also trying to fit in Ubud dinners or other daytime plans.

Price and value: how $68 stacks up for this route

Let’s talk value honestly. $68 isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageous either for a day that includes:

  • AC transport and pickup (offered)
  • Lunch
  • Coffee/tea and snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Life jacket and medical box
  • All fees and taxes

If you were to piece this together on your own, you’d likely spend a chunk of that just on transport and guide time. And you’d still need to figure out canoe logistics and safety gear.

So the real question is fit. This price is best if you want a combined activity day. If you only want one thing (like just the waterfall), you might find cheaper options. But if you want the full package—trek, canoe, temple, waterfall, and food—this is a solid deal for the time you’re spending.

What to pack and how to set yourself up

The tour covers safety basics and food. You still need to bring your body-friendly stuff.

Bring:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes (non-slip is your friend)
  • Light layers you can get a bit dirty
  • A small dry bag or waterproof pouch if you have one
  • Water-friendly clothes, since you’ll be around the waterfall area

Not listed, so don’t assume extra gear is provided. You’ll get life jackets for canoeing, which is great, but you should still protect your comfort during trekking and possible spray at the falls.

Also, remember the tour says service animals are allowed and the tour is near public transportation. So if you’re staying flexible, you might still be able to make your own timing work around it.

Who should book this adventure (and who might rethink it)

I’d strongly consider this if:

  • You like active days that combine nature + culture
  • You’re comfortable with moderate walking
  • You want more than one highlight in a single morning/afternoon block
  • You appreciate guides who explain what you’re seeing

You might rethink it if:

  • You have trouble with downhill paths and uneven ground
  • You dislike canoeing or being on water in general
  • You need a super relaxed, sit-and-stare itinerary

The good news: because the group is small and the tour has built-in breaks (coffee/snacks, temple viewing, then lunch), the day doesn’t feel like one long sprint.

Should you book this Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure?

If you want a day in Bali that feels like it moves with the island—not just around it—this is a smart pick. The combination of Tamblingan lakes, a guided trek through vegetation, canoe time with safety gear, and the cultural stop at Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple makes the $68 feel earned.

My only “don’t skip this logic” point is fitness. If you know you can handle moderate walking and you’ll take your time on the path, you’ll enjoy this a lot more. If not, you’ll spend the day thinking about your feet instead of the scenery.

If you book, choose the day based on how you want to feel: active enough to be satisfying, structured enough that you won’t be guessing what comes next.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Rainforest Hiking With Canoeing And Waterfall Adventure?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Do you get pickup, and how does transportation work?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle. The experience ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included, and can they handle dietary restrictions?

Yes. Lunch is included, and the operator can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free if you note your needs in the special requirements at booking.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have moderate physical fitness. The day includes trekking to the trekking site.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

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