North Bali turns the dial from Ubud crowds to quieter roads and big scenery. This private 10-hour tour sends you north to see Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, the Instagram-famous Handara Gate, Wanagiri Hidden Hills with its famous swing, plus a lakeside temple and a giant ancient tree.

I like that the route mixes jaw-dropping nature with cultural stops, so the day doesn’t feel like one long photo sprint. The best part for me is that everything important is handled for you: hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and entrance tickets included.

One thing to factor in: the pacing and logistics aren’t for everyone. Some people find the day less conveniently managed, and Handara Gate can feel a bit overrated if you’ve seen lots of Bali photo spots already.

Key things to know before you go

• All entrance tickets included so you avoid surprise add-ons at each stop
• Banyumala’s trek means comfy shoes matter more than your outfit
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills is out-of-the-way and worth the long drive north
• Handara Gate is very popular (bring patience and go with realistic expectations)
• A hot-springs soak helps you recover after the waterfall day
• Private format means your driver can keep your group moving together

North Bali: the quieter side of the island

If you’re staying around Ubud, a north-country day feels like crossing into another Bali. You trade the center’s constant traffic for roads that wind toward places locals actually use—waterfalls in green valleys, small villages like Wanagiri, and viewpoints that aren’t right next to the main tourist strip.

This tour is built around that change of pace. You’ll bounce between viewpoints, temples, and natural scenery, and you’ll spend enough time in the north to feel the difference instead of just doing quick photo stops.

And because it’s private, you’re not forced into the rigid rhythm of a big bus group. You’ll still hit a lot of “popular spots,” but you have a better chance of keeping your own flow when you’re ready to move on.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $80 per person for a roughly 10-hour private day, you’re paying for transport plus access. The big value is that round-trip transfers (from select hotels) and all entrance tickets are included, along with service and government tax.

Meals aren’t included, so you’ll want a little cash or a plan for lunch and snacks. But you won’t be stuck at each gate deciding whether to skip something.

Also note: the tour uses a mobile ticket, which tends to make day-of check-in smoother. If you hate last-minute logistics, this is the kind of package that reduces friction.

Your 8:00 am start and the reality of a long day

The tour starts at 8:00 am, and the total time is about 10 hours. That’s a full day, and you’ll feel it most during the drive north from Ubud toward areas like Munduk.

This matters because some of the stops are short, and some are not. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls includes a trek to reach the falls, while viewpoints like Handara Gate or Wanagiri Hidden Hills are more about positioning and photos. If you’re sensitive to long travel days, it’s worth planning for a slower evening afterward.

What I recommend: bring water, wear breathable layers, and keep your camera battery charged—this route stacks several photo-worthy moments.

Stop 1: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the Air Terjun Tirta Kuning trek

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is locally referred to as Air Terjun Tirta Kuning, also known as Yellow Water Falls. The setting is in the green valleys of Wanagiri village in Buleleng, North Bali—so even before you reach the falls, the approach feels like you’ve left the main roads behind.

The key detail is that Banyumala requires quite a trek. The tour time at the stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, but that includes walking time, not just standing at the base of the falls. Good footwear makes this stop far more enjoyable, especially if the ground is slick after any rain.

Why it’s worth it: twin waterfalls plus a valley setting gives you more than a quick waterfall glance. It’s one of those places where the environment matters as much as the water.

Possible drawback: because of the trek, this isn’t the easiest stop for anyone who doesn’t like uneven paths or a bit of effort. If you’re expecting a casual stroll, scale your expectations.

Stop 2: Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the Bali Swing moment

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is the kind of spot that shows up on Instagram for a reason: cliff-edge views, misty distance (depending on the day), and the famous swing area.

You’ll head to Munduk, an out-of-the-way village about two hours north of Ubud. That travel time is part of the trade-off—you’re giving up convenience to gain a more secluded atmosphere and wider-looking scenery than you’d get near the most crowded areas.

The stop duration is about 1 hour. That’s long enough to find your angle, grab a photo, and still move on before it gets overly hectic. It’s also a good buffer if you want a calmer moment away from people waiting their turn.

Practical note: with places like this, crowds can build quickly. If you’re picky about photo timing, you’ll do better when you’re ready to move at the group’s pace rather than waiting forever for the perfect empty frame.

Stop 3: Handara Iconic Gate and the Instagram crowd tax

Handara Gate is a Balinese gate tied to the idea of the path to serenity, and it’s become one of Bali’s most recognizable photo landmarks. The tour typically gives you about 1 hour here, which can feel like both enough and not enough, depending on how long you spend waiting or exploring the area.

I get why people come: the gate has a strong visual identity, and it works well for photos at different times of day. If you enjoy architecture, stonework, and the “Bali gate” look, you’ll probably appreciate it beyond the hype.

But here’s the consideration: some people find Handara Gate overrated, and the biggest reason is usually the crowd and the photo pressure. If you’ve already seen a lot of Bali gate shots, you may feel the hype doesn’t fully match the experience.

My advice: treat it as a quick win, not the main event. Spend enough time to enjoy the atmosphere, take a couple photos, and then keep your energy for the places that feel more open and natural.

Stop 4: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple by Lake Beratan

Ulun Danu Beratan is tied to a sacred story of place—literally described as the source temple of Lake Beratan. The temple sits in a scenic setting that mirrors what you’ll find at Bali’s famous sea temples, but here the focus is the lake: calm water, reflections, and a very different mood from coastal spots.

The tour allocates about 1 hour at the temple. That’s usually enough time to walk around, take photos with the lake in the background, and read the area with a bit of context. It’s also a good break point during a long day, because you can slow down after the faster-paced scenic stops.

One more practical point: water-adjacent places can feel cooler and more humid, and weather can change quickly. If you’re the type who hates getting caught in sudden rain, pack a light layer and keep an umbrella handy.

Stop 5: Kayu Putih’s Bayan Ancient Tree (the fairy-tale giant)

Kayu Putih is the name tied to a giant tree area, and it’s often described with a “fairy tale” feel. The tree—known as Bayan Ancient Tree in the tour description—is believed to be one of Bali’s oldest and biggest trees.

You’ll only have about 30 minutes here, so treat it like a stop for photos and a quick soak-in of the atmosphere, not a long wander. Short time is common with this type of attraction, where the main draw is the single standout feature plus surrounding views.

Why I like this kind of stop on a North Bali day: it breaks up the day’s bigger-ticket scenery with something quiet and odd-in-a-good-way. A giant, ancient tree gives you a different kind of Bali memory than waterfalls and temples alone.

Also, because it’s a single focal point, it’s easier to enjoy even if you’re tired from the road.

Banjar Hot Springs: your recovery stop after nature

The tour also includes time at Banjar Hot Springs, described as therapeutic waters you can relax in after a full day of sightseeing. Even though hot springs are a common Bali idea, this stop fits the route well: you’ve got trekking and viewpoints first, and then you get a place to reset your body.

I’d see this as part of your value math. You’re not just paying for scenery—you’re paying for recovery time, which can make the whole day feel less exhausting.

One helpful mindset: arrive ready to slow down. If you keep moving like it’s another sightseeing stop, you’ll miss what makes hot springs special—quiet and decompression.

The private driver: how the day can feel smooth or not

You’re with an English-speaking driver, and it’s a private tour, which matters more than it sounds. A private format helps with group pacing, getting around, and keeping the day from turning into a meet-up-and-wait loop.

That said, a common snag with busy photo stops is outside control. Some attractions have their own management rules, crowd patterns, and photo-time constraints, and no driver can fully rewrite that reality. One review note flagged that the day wasn’t very conveniently managed, even though the guide was generally good.

So here’s how to protect your experience: be flexible, plan to move when your driver suggests, and don’t treat every stop like you’ll have a private window. If you’re calm about it, you’ll get more out of the scenery.

Who should book this tour (and who might not)

This tour is a strong fit if you want a packed North Bali day without doing the planning yourself. It works well for couples, small groups, and travelers who like a mix of nature + culture and don’t mind a long day.

It’s especially good if you care about seeing places that aren’t stuck right in the main Ubud tourist flow. Banyumala’s trek and Wanagiri’s out-of-the-way location are the kind of differences that make a day worth taking.

You might want to skip or choose a gentler alternative if:

• You strongly dislike trekking or uneven paths (Banyumala requires a quite trek)
• You hate crowds and photo-line situations (Handara Gate is popular)
• You’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day with minimal travel

Should you book North Bali Tour: Banyumala & Wanagiri Hidden Hills?

If you want one day that covers major North Bali highlights—waterfalls, lakeside temple views, a giant ancient tree, and hot springs—this is a solid deal for $80 because entrance tickets and transfers are included. The route is built for variety, and the private setup helps you keep the day from feeling like a cattle-call.

Book it if you’re okay with a long ride, comfortable shoes for Banyumala, and a bit of crowd energy at the big photo stops. Skip or reconsider if you’re hoping for a totally stress-free, low-effort day.

My final take: this tour is best when you go in expecting a full itinerary and focus on the moments that feel more remote and natural once you’re north of Ubud.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the North Bali tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $80.00 per person.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from select area hotels.

Does this private tour include entrance tickets?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included.

Where does the tour go during the day?

You’ll visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Wanagiri Hidden Hills, Handara Iconic Gate, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Bayan Ancient Tree, and Banjar Hot Springs, plus a Buddhist monastery stop.

What kind of support do you get during the tour?

You get a private tour service with an English-speaking driver.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.