Bali: North Bali Waterfalls and Twin Lakes Tour with Lunch

That first waterfall feeling never gets old. This North Bali day links big-name views with the calmer, greener side of the island, with time for walking, photos, and a canoe ride on Lake Tamblingan. I especially like the Sekumpul Waterfall start (high, dramatic, and worth the trek) plus the mix of nature and real food time with a traditional lunch that keeps the day grounded. One consideration: you’ll be doing hikes and uneven paths, so plan your shoes and energy level, and skip it if you’re dealing with altitude sickness.

The pacing is also practical. You’re not just driving past scenery—you stop, walk, and actually spend time at the Twin Lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. Still, expect some flexibility: northern Bali weather can shift quickly, and the schedule may adjust depending on conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Sekumpul Waterfall first: start with one of Bali’s best-known big falls before the day gets crowded
• Banyumala includes a walk: expect hiking on the way to a dramatic “hidden” style waterfall view
• Lunch is local and traditional: you’ll eat as a guest, not just as a stop-and-go meal
• Twin Lakes photo time: Buyan and Tamblingan both get time for clear views and pictures
• Canoe on Lake Tamblingan: a wooden boat ride with a local guide plus a short safety briefing
• Coffee and tea on the way back: learn the production process and taste a range of coffees and teas

North Bali in one day: what this tour does really well

This tour is built for people who want northern Bali’s highlights without turning the day into a transportation puzzle. You get a professional driver, private air-conditioned car transfer, and entrance tickets taken care of—so you can focus on the real reason you came: waterfalls, lake views, and that distinctive northern atmosphere.

The best part is how the day flows like a loop. You start in the Sekumpul area, move toward Banyumala, then shift to the Twin Lakes region, and finish with canoe time before wrapping up with a coffee and tea plantation visit. It’s a lot, but it’s organized.

And yes, the waterfalls are the headline. Sekumpul is widely considered one of Bali’s top waterfalls, and this stop includes time for photos and a guided visit, plus scenic walking paths on the way. Then Banyumala adds variety: it’s another waterfall day, but with a different feel—more “hidden view” and more time on the ground.

Getting picked up and settling in (8 to 10 hours)

This is an all-day outing, typically 8–10 hours, with starting times you’ll confirm based on availability. Pickup is designed to be easy: the driver comes to your hotel lobby about 15 minutes before.

There are many pickup and drop-off options around Bali—Denpasar, Ubud, Kuta, Singaraja, Tabanan, and other areas. Practically, that means fewer detours for you, though it can still vary based on where your hotel sits on the map.

You’ll ride in a private, air-conditioned car. That matters on a long day because you’ll be up and out early, then back in for drives between stops. It’s one of those “small” comforts that makes the whole thing feel less exhausting.

Stop 1: Sekumpul Waterfall and the walk that earns the view

Sekumpul Waterfall is your first big moment. It’s in the village of Sekumpul Singaraja, about 70 km from Denpasar, with roughly a 2-hour drive. The point of starting here is simple: you’ll want energy for the walk and a good chance at clear views before the day gets too busy.

This stop is more than a roadside glance. You get:

• a guided visit and sightseeing time
• a walk (plus scenic views on the way)

Sekumpul is described as one of the highest and best waterfalls in Bali. Whether you’re a die-hard waterfall fan or just someone who wants one unforgettable natural photo, this is the kind of stop where the effort makes sense.

Practical tip: wear shoes with grip. Even if you’re not doing a hardcore hike, the paths around waterfalls can be slick. The tour also gives you a basic packing list—hiking shoes and sunscreen—and I’d treat that as the minimum.

Stop 2: Banyumala Waterfall, plus the “hidden view” factor

After Sekumpul, you continue to the Banyumala area (through Wanagiri village). Banyumala is positioned as a spectacular view of a waterfall that feels more tucked away than the bigger, easier-access sights.

This stop typically includes:

• a photo stop and visit
• sightseeing and walking/hiking time
• time that can include swimming, depending on conditions
• a self-guided portion, so you can move at your own pace

If you like variety, this is where it happens. Sekumpul is a classic dramatic waterfall experience. Banyumala gives you that different angle—more trail-walk and “I found it” satisfaction.

One consideration: Banyumala is still outdoors, so weather matters. Rain can make paths slick and can affect how comfortable swimming is. If the forecast looks shaky, keep your shoes dry-friendly and keep your expectations flexible.

Stop 3–4: Traditional lunch at a local spot (and time to reset)

Lunch is built into the day right after the Banyumala waterfall time. The tour includes a traditional authentic lunch, and the timing gives you a real reset before heading toward the lakes.

In a similar day context, a coffee-and-tea tasting can also show up around here if conditions change—especially if rain makes the later lake and waterfall timing less comfortable. So don’t be surprised if lunch time comes with more of a “local experience” vibe than just food.

What I like about this approach: it keeps you fed in a way that feels connected to the day, not like an airport sandwich break. And if you care about vegetarian options, one driver’s day plan included vegetarian adjustments for lunch, so it’s worth mentioning your needs ahead of time.

Stops 5–6: Twin Lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan for photos and calm views

Next up: the Twin Lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. This is the part of the day where the pacing slows down from waterfall walking to viewpoint time. You’ll get photo opportunities with the lakes in the background, and you can take as many pictures as you like.

Buyan and Tamblingan are not just “pretty water.” They change the mood of northern Bali. Instead of rushing between steep viewpoints and falls, you get a more open horizon, and the air often feels different once you’re up near the lakes.

This section is also a great moment to do something simple: sit, look, and let your brain catch up. After two waterfall stops, it’s refreshing to have time that isn’t purely about movement.

Lake Tamblingan canoe ride: the best active moment of the day

The star activity after the lake viewpoints is the wooden boat ride on Lake Tamblingan. The tour describes it as:

• a traditional canoe (boat) activity
• accompanied by a local guide to cross the lake
• including a safety briefing
• plus walk/scenic time as part of getting ready for and moving around the area

This is the kind of experience that makes the whole day feel more than “driving from stop to stop.” On a lake, you’re not fighting the waterfall crowds—you’re floating, looking across open water, and seeing the shorelines from a different angle.

If you want a useful mindset: treat this like an outdoor activity, not a sightseeing cruise. Bring attention to the basic stuff—balance, comfort, and staying aware of where the guide is positioning things.

De Koffie–Wanagiri and the coffee/tea plantation learning stop

On the way back, you’ll visit a coffee plantation area (the tour refers to De Koffie – Wanagiri). The idea here is twofold:

1) you learn the coffee and tea production process firsthand

2) you get to taste different coffees and teas

This is especially handy because it gives the day a “cultural” layer without needing a museum ticket. You’ll get a clearer sense of how processing turns beans/leaves into what you recognize in a cup.

Practical value: if you end up liking a flavor during tasting, you’ll know what you’re tasting. If you don’t, at least you can understand why it tastes the way it does.

Lunch and water: included details that actually help on a long day

The tour includes:

• traditional authentic lunch
• mineral water
• all entrance tickets

That matters more than it might sound. On an 8–10 hour schedule, surprise costs or extra purchases can add up fast, and they also break the rhythm of the day. Having water and tickets included keeps you from constantly checking where to pay and where to wait.

The tour also lists what to bring: hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. I’d keep that list as your checklist and not overthink it.

Price and value: is $77 a fair deal?

At $77 per person, this tour sits in a mid-range sweet spot for what you’re getting: multiple waterfall stops, lake viewpoints, a canoe ride, a traditional lunch, entrance tickets, and a private car with an English live tour guide.

The value isn’t just the total number of activities. It’s the fact that:

• you’re covering multiple regions in one day
• transport is handled
• tickets are included
• there’s a guided component at the key stops (plus a local guide for the canoe)

If you were to build this day yourself, you’d likely spend more time coordinating drives and paying scattered entrance fees. Here, you’re buying convenience with structure.

The main “cost” you should account for is physical effort. There’s walking/hiking time at both waterfalls, so your value will depend on whether you’re comfortable with outdoor steps and uneven ground.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a full day of northern Bali nature without complex planning
• like walking to viewpoints and don’t mind getting a little muddy (metaphorically or literally)
• want one active feature that isn’t just a hike (the canoe ride)

It’s not suitable for people with altitude sickness, based on the tour’s information. Northern Bali’s elevations around lake areas can be a factor for sensitive travelers, so be cautious.

If you’re traveling with limited mobility, you’ll want to think carefully. The tour includes walking and hiking time, so you might find some parts challenging even if you take it slow.

Small practical tips that make the day smoother

• Wear traction: hiking shoes help on waterfall paths, and they’re listed for a reason.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat: this isn’t a shade-only day.
• Bring a camera, but also keep your hands free: you’ll take plenty of photos, especially at the Twin Lakes viewpoints.
• Don’t ignore comfortable clothes: you’ll switch between car comfort and outdoor walking.
• If you’re vegetarian, ask: lunch can be made vegetarian in some cases, but you should communicate needs in advance.

Also, keep your attitude flexible. A driver named Yogi is noted for being friendly and adjusting the day if needed. That matters because Bali weather and trail conditions can change.

Should you book this North Bali waterfalls and Twin Lakes tour?

If you want one well-organized day that covers Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall, the Buyan and Tamblingan lakes, and a canoe ride, this is a solid choice. The best value is the combination: guided waterfall time, lake scenery for photos, and an included active moment on the water—plus a traditional lunch that keeps you fueled.

Book it if you’re comfortable walking and hiking and you’re not dealing with altitude-related health issues. Pass or choose something gentler if you want minimal walking or you know your body doesn’t handle uneven outdoor paths well.

In short: this tour is a strong pick for travelers who like nature days that feel real, not rushed, and who appreciate a guide and driver handling the logistics so you can just enjoy the views.

FAQ

How long is the Bali North Bali Waterfalls and Twin Lakes Tour?

The tour duration is 8 to 10 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the exact time.

What does the tour include?

It includes a professional tours driver, private air-conditioned car transfer, traditional authentic lunch, traditional canoe boat activity, all entrance tickets, and mineral water.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is included and the driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby about 15 minutes before. Drop-off is also included at multiple locations.

Which waterfalls and lakes are visited?

The tour visits Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall, and the Twin Lakes area of Buyan and Tamblingan, including Lake Tamblingan for the canoe ride.

Do I need to speak another language besides English?

No. The live tour guide is listed as English.

What happens during the canoe ride on Lake Tamblingan?

You’ll take a traditional wooden boat (canoe) ride at Lake Tamblingan, accompanied by a local guide. There is also a safety briefing.

What should I bring for the day?

The tour suggests bringing a hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is there anything I’m not allowed to bring?

Yes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who should avoid this tour?

The tour information says it is not suitable for people with altitude sickness.