Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall

REVIEW · UBUD

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall

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  • From $36.00
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Operated by Bali Exploring Tours · Bookable on Viator

Bali north water power hits different. This private day trip strings together three waterfall stops plus a famous lakeside temple, all with air-conditioned comfort doing the heavy lifting. You’ll start up high at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, then shift into waterfall mode with Sekumpul Waterfall and finish at the quieter Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

What I really like is how the plan mixes big sights with real variety: temple views over Lake Bratan in Bedugul, then a trek-and-cool-off style waterfall visit, then a more serene finish. Two other things that stand out for me are the included lunch and the fact that entrance tickets are handled for you.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: the tour description promises an English-speaking driver guide, but there’s at least one reported experience where communication was difficult. If English support matters a lot to you, it’s worth confirming language expectations when you book.

Key highlights to know before you go

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Ubud pickup and private air-conditioned transport so the day runs smoothly instead of in taxi chaos
  • Ulun Danu Bratan Temple with iconic lakeside scenery at Bedugul
  • Sekumpul Waterfall’s seven cascades plus a hands-on feel from the natural water slide area
  • Time built in for the trek (about 3 hours at Sekumpul) so you’re not rushed
  • Banyumala Twin Waterfalls as a calmer, less crowded-feeling ending

A private 10-hour route that’s built around Bali’s North

This is a private tour out of Ubud that clocks in at about 10 hours total. Plan on a longish day, but the schedule is transparent: roughly 5 hours is set aside for pickup, drop-off, and driving between stops. That matters because northern Bali roads take time, and a half-day plan won’t feel relaxing here.

At $36 per person, the value comes less from a cheap entry ticket and more from what you get bundled: private transport, bottled water, entrance tickets, and a local lunch. Also, it’s a mobile ticket setup, so you’re not stuck chasing paper confirmations.

One more detail that makes a difference: this is built for comfort. You’re in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, which is a big deal when you’re moving between highlands and waterfall sites in Bali’s heat.

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Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: lake views and a calm first hour

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: lake views and a calm first hour
Your first stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple at Lake Beratan (often written as Ulun Danu Bratan). This is the classic “temple on the water” scene in Bedugul—cooler air, dramatic lake views, and that quiet feeling you want before the splashing starts.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, and entrance is included. That hour is usually enough to:

  • get your bearings with the main temple viewpoint,
  • take photos without feeling you’re sprinting,
  • enjoy the shoreline and the lakeside atmosphere.

Why this stop works well in the overall tour is simple: it resets your pace. After driving, it’s a structured start with a clear sightseeing focus. If you like cultural stops that also give you good scenery, this one hits both.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, go into this as a “see it, enjoy it, move on” stop. The timing is tight, but that’s also why it doesn’t drag.

Sekumpul Waterfall trek: seven falls, slippery footing, and real payoff

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Sekumpul Waterfall trek: seven falls, slippery footing, and real payoff
Then comes the main event: Sekumpul Waterfall. This waterfall is often described as Bali’s most beautiful and also one of the more challenging waterfall experiences. In plain terms, you should expect a trek and uneven, wet conditions along the way.

You’ll spend about 3 hours here. That time is important. Many waterfall trips in Bali feel rushed because they don’t leave room for walking, viewpoints, and getting close enough to enjoy the sound and mist. With Sekumpul, the schedule gives you breathing room.

What makes Sekumpul special is the way it pours: the falls are described as seven cascading falls, which creates a wide, dramatic view rather than one single drop. The tour highlights also call out a natural water slide feel. That doesn’t mean a theme-park slide—more that the shape and flow can send water rushing along a channel so you’ll likely get splashed when you’re near the action.

You may also have the chance for refreshing swims depending on conditions and where you’re able to access safely. Either way, treat this as a “bring backup clothes” moment. The tour explicitly asks you to pack extra clothes and a towel, and I agree—that’s not optional comfort, it’s your sanity plan.

Practical tip: wear footwear you trust on damp ground. If you’re thinking sandals, don’t. Wet stone + steep paths is a bad combo.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: a quieter north Bali finish

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: a quieter north Bali finish
Your final waterfall stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, tucked away in northern Bali. The vibe here is described as more serene and relatively untouched compared with the bigger, more famous waterfall circuits.

You’ll have about 1 hour at Banyumala, and entrance is included again. That shorter finish time works because you’ll likely be tired from Sekumpul. It’s a good “calm down and enjoy” ending where you can still get the payoff of waterfall views without the all-day grind.

What I like about ending here is contrast. Sekumpul is high-energy—walking, slipping, and chasing the best view angle. Banyumala is more about settling in and taking in the twin flow. If you want a day that ends on a softer note instead of feeling like you still need one more extreme stop, this helps.

Also, since it’s in the northern region, it continues the theme of the day: less about Bali’s center, more about the north’s cooler, greener feel.

Price and included perks: what you’re really paying for

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Price and included perks: what you’re really paying for
The headline price is $36.00 per person. On the surface, that’s affordable for a private day. The better way to judge it is by what you’re not paying for separately.

Included items:

  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance tickets for all attractions
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Snacks
  • Professional, friendly driver

This is one of those “you pay for convenience” tours. Driving in Bali can be stressful, and figuring out parking, tickets, and timing across three stops is a chore. Here, it’s wrapped up for you.

One more value detail: the tour is private, meaning you’re not competing for space with a big bus crowd. That’s especially helpful at Sekumpul, where access points can get crowded fast in peak hours.

As with any private tour, your best value usually depends on how many people you’re going with. Since it’s priced per person, your total increases with group size—but the experience stays the same. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, that’s often when private feels most worth it.

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What to bring for waterfall time (and what the day will ask of you)

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - What to bring for waterfall time (and what the day will ask of you)
The tour gives you clear packing guidance, and I’d follow it closely.

Bring:

  • Extra clothes (you’ll thank yourself later)
  • A towel
  • Insect repellent

And then add your own common-sense backups:

  • A dry bag or plastic bag for your phone and wallet
  • A change of socks if you like feeling human at the end of the day
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (you’ll still be outside even in the highlands)

Because you’ll be wet in two different waterfall areas, drying time is limited. The included snacks and lunch help keep energy up, but they won’t keep you dry.

Pickup, driving time, and pacing: how to make a 10-hour day feel worth it

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Pickup, driving time, and pacing: how to make a 10-hour day feel worth it
The day is scheduled with about 5 hours spent on pickup, drop-off, and traveling. That’s not a small amount, so treat it like part of the plan, not a delay.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

  • Your mornings and transitions are about logistics and viewpoint timing.
  • Midday is where you earn the water time, especially at Sekumpul.
  • Your last stop is a reset, so you’re not finishing exhausted and miserable.

If you’re the type who likes a strict, packed itinerary, this one works. If you prefer a slow travel rhythm, this may feel like a lot. But it’s still balanced compared to waterfall days that hit five stops—this one keeps it to three.

Also, since it’s private, you might have a bit more flexibility in how you handle photos and quick breaks. Don’t expect miracles, but private does tend to feel less like you’re part of a timed conveyor belt.

Who should book this Bali Northern Trip?

Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall - Who should book this Bali Northern Trip?
This tour is a strong fit if you want:

  • Two major waterfalls plus one calmer finish, without trying to do everything
  • a mix of culture (Ulun Danu Bratan Temple) and nature
  • private comfort with hotel pickup
  • included lunch and tickets so you can focus on the day

It’s especially good for couples, friends, and families who want a structured plan but don’t want to ride around in a big group.

It might not be your best match if:

  • you need very strong English-speaking guidance during the whole trek (there has been at least one communication issue reported)
  • you hate any kind of walking on wet, uneven paths

If you fall somewhere in between, you can still make it work by going in prepared and keeping your expectations realistic about what a waterfall trek involves.

Should you book Bali’s Northern Trip at North Waterfall?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for one “best of Bali north” waterfall day from Ubud without the planning headache. The mix of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul’s big multi-drop drama, and Banyumala’s calmer twin falls makes the itinerary feel intentional. Add in the included transport, tickets, and lunch, and the $36 price starts to look like good practical value.

I’d hold off or confirm language support first if English guidance is a must for you. Also, take the packing advice seriously—water time is the whole point.

If you want a day that feels like Bali north rather than a quick airport-style checklist, this private trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Northern Trip?

The tour duration is approximately 10 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts with hotel pickup and ends with hotel drop-off in the Ubud area.

What waterfalls and attractions are included?

You’ll visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

Is the tour private?

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

What is included in the $36.00 per person price?

Included are private air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, entrance tickets, lunch at a local restaurant, and snacks.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring extra clothes and a towel, and also insect repellent.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, entrance tickets for all attractions are included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.

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