Bali Secret Waterfalls: Banyumala & Leke Leke Waterfalls

Waterfalls plus forest stairs, minus the hassle. This private day from Ubud is built around two different kinds of waterfall time: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, then the steeper, moodier trek to Leke Leke with valley views. You’ll also get an English-speaking local host guiding the whole arc of the day, not just pointing directions.

I really like the value setup: round-trip hotel transport in a private vehicle and prepaid entrance fees, so you’re not stuck budgeting at the last minute. My only real caution is the walking—this is a true hike with challenging stairs, a steep descent, and a stream crossing near Leke Leke where you need to watch your footing.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Two waterfall styles: Banyumala feels like a cool forest walk, while Leke Leke is more of a stepped adventure.
• Stairs and a stream crossing: plan for a slower pace, especially on the descent at Leke Leke.
• Prepaid entries included: you pay once and focus on the sights instead of gate fees.
• Craft village stops built into the route: batik, engraving, and woodcarving are part of the story, not a random add-on.
• Luwak coffee stop: you’ll visit a plantation tied to the civet-coffee legend and then taste.
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple included: a classic Bali landmark that balances the hike with scenery.

What This Day Trip Is Really Like: Waterfalls, Craft Stops, and Bratan Temple

This tour is a classic Bali day in the best sense: not just a waterfall stamp, but a full route through Bali’s backcountry textures. You start with a waterfall hike, then you shift to hands-on cultural stops, and you end with a major temple viewpoint at Ulun Danu Bratan. It’s a smart mix if you want more than one Instagram moment.

The two waterfalls are different enough that the day feels varied. Banyumala leans into the “walk downhill through greenery” vibe. Leke Leke ramps up the physical side, with steeper steps and a stream crossing that forces you to slow down and pay attention. That contrast is part of why the day works.

Pickup From Ubud: Private Transport That Cuts Down the Stress

Your day begins with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, using a private vehicle. That matters more than it sounds. In Bali, travel time can be the invisible cost of a day trip—traffic, meeting points, and the hassle of coordinating with other groups. A private ride means you spend the energy on the hike and the scenery, not on logistics.

You’ll also start at 9:00 am, which is a good move for cooler morning hiking and avoiding the worst crowds. And since the tour includes all fees and taxes, you’re not juggling extra payments while you’re already in “go, go, go” mode.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: A Downhill Forest Walk You’ll Feel in Your Legs

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is where the day warms up. The path you take is described as beautiful on the way down, passing tropical plants and lots of banana trees. That kind of detail is not filler. It sets the tone: you’re not just hiking to a single view. You’re hiking through a living backdrop.

This is also the calmer of the two waterfall sections. It’s still a real walk—there are steps and you’ll be descending—but the focus is on the forest atmosphere. As you get closer, you’ll be moving into a cooler, greener pocket of the area, which makes the waterfall payoff feel immediate.

Practical tip: bring shoes with solid grip. Even when the path is manageable, Bali’s trails can get slick. If you want photos, a waterproof camera approach helps, but even if you don’t get soaked, misty spray is common near waterfall edges.

Leke Leke Waterfall Trek: Steep Steps, a Stream Crossing, and Big Valley Views

Leke Leke is the workout section. You’ll reach it after about a 30-minute hike, and the descent is described as steep. This is where the tour’s “challenging stairs” warning becomes real. Walking on some stairs can be difficult, so plan for careful steps rather than a speed run.

Another thing that makes Leke Leke memorable is how you see the landscape while you’re walking. During the trek you’ll have views across the valley to terraced rice fields, plus clove and cocoa plants. That gives the hike a sense of place. You’re not just going down to water—you’re watching how people farm and live in the hills.

Then comes the stream crossing. You’ll cross on stepping stones or by wading through the water. That’s the moment to be extra mindful. If you’re carrying valuables, protect them well. If you’re wearing shoes that don’t dry quickly, consider what you’ll do afterward. This is not the time to wear brand-new footwear you’d hate to ruin.

Once you get to the waterfall area, the payoff is a spectacular sight with very clean, cold water. Even if you don’t hang out for long, standing close to the falls is the kind of reset that makes the physical part feel worth it.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: A Scenic Pause After the Hike

After the waterfall sections, the day includes a stop at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. This is one of Bali’s famous temple locations, and it works well as a counterbalance to the hiking.

Temple time gives you a different pace. Instead of focusing on footing, you can slow down and take in the viewpoint. Bratan Temple is also a place where the setting does some of the work for you: it tends to feel open, scenic, and easy to photograph without needing to hunt for a perfect angle.

The main drawback to temple stops in general is time pressure, especially on full-day itineraries. The good news here is that your day is structured as a single route with one temple stop, not multiple “quick-hit” temples. That usually makes it easier to actually look around.

Craft Villages and Wood/Engraving/Batik Stops: Cultural Stops That Don’t Feel Random

Between the waterfalls and the temple, you’ll visit crafts villages tied to batik, engraving, and woodcarving. This part of Bali tourism can go two ways: either it helps you understand the craft, or it becomes a sales stop where you feel rushed. In this itinerary, the crafts are positioned as part of the day’s theme—seeing how local creativity fits the region.

If you go in with a little curiosity, you’ll get more out of it. Look closely at materials, tools, and the finishing stage. That’s where you can tell how skilled the work is, not just the final pattern. If you buy souvenirs, keep your spending intentional. The tour includes guidance, but money for souvenirs is not included—so treat purchases like you’re collecting memories, not paying for a package deal.

One practical note: crafts stops often mean indoor/outdoor transitions. Bring a change of clothes as suggested, especially if your footwear got wet on the Leke Leke stream crossing.

Luwak Coffee Plantation: Taste the Legend, Then Keep Walking

The tour also includes a coffee plantation stop centered on luwak coffee, the type famously associated with beans partially digested by civets. You’ll visit the plantation and have coffee/tea tasting as part of the experience.

How this works for your day: it’s a good “recovery stop.” After stairs, descents, and water crossing, a warm drink can feel like a reset button. The plantation visit also adds a different kind of scenery: not just jungle and valley views, but agricultural rows and a more structured setting.

Taste with a question in mind: does the flavor feel worth the story for you? Some people love the novelty. Others just want a smooth cup of Bali coffee. Either way, this stop gives you a clear takeaway you can remember later.

What I’d Pack and Wear for This Hike (So You Don’t Pay for It Later)

This tour gives clear guidance on what to bring, and I agree with the logic behind it. Here’s how I’d think about it before you go:

• Sport shoes with grip are non-negotiable. Your feet will do more work than usual, especially on steep stairs and near the stream.
• Change of clothes helps a lot. If you get damp, having dry clothes at the end makes the long day feel easier.
• Bring a plastic bag or another method to keep valuables dry. A waterproof camera is listed as recommended.
• Sunscreen matters, even if you’re hiking through greenery. The sun can still hit during breaks and viewpoints.
• Bring money for souvenirs, since purchases are not included.

A small mindset shift helps too: treat this as a hike-first day, then enjoy the views. When you plan that way, the waterfalls feel like rewards instead of interruptions.

Price and Value: Is $55 Worth It for Banyumala and Leke Leke?

At $55 per person, this tour can be good value if you want a private day that bundles the big costs together. What you’re paying for isn’t just the two waterfalls. You’re also getting:

• round-trip hotel transport in a private vehicle
• prepaid entrance fees (no surprise gate payments)
• an English-speaking local host
• stops that add variety: craft villages and a coffee plantation
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple included

If you tried to DIY this route, you’d likely spend time sorting transport, paying multiple entrance fees, and dealing with meeting points. Time and stress are real costs. Here, the day is arranged as one flow, which is exactly what you want for a physically active itinerary.

Two small considerations:

• The tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking, so solo travelers may need to wait or pair up depending on how availability works.
• The day is best for travelers with at least moderate physical fitness, because the stairs and descent aren’t just a casual stroll.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• real hiking time, not just “walk 2 minutes to a waterfall”
• a day that mixes nature with local culture and coffee tasting
• the convenience of private hotel pickup and a guided route

It may not be the best match if:

• you hate steep stairs or you know you’ll struggle with uneven steps
• you’re looking for an easy, fully flat day with lots of sitting and minimal walking
• you want a waterfall-only itinerary without crafts and temple time

Should You Book This Secret Waterfalls Tour?

If your ideal Bali day is: hike in the morning, cool waterfalls in the middle, and a temple and coffee stop to round it out, then yes, I’d book it. The combination of Banyumala Twin Waterfalls plus Leke Leke’s steeper trek creates a day with enough variety to feel like you actually escaped the usual routine.

Just be honest with your comfort level. The stream crossing and stairs are the main decision point. If you come prepared with good shoes, dry-bag protection for your stuff, and a steady pace mindset, you’ll likely find the effort pays off in cold water views and that quiet north Bali feel.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Secret Waterfalls tour?

The tour duration is listed as about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes. All fees and taxes are prepaid and included.

Does the tour include a guide?

Yes. There is an English-speaking driver/host guiding you.

How much walking is involved?

It includes hiking on stairs, including a steep descent for the Leke Leke part, plus a stream crossing by stepping stones or wading.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring change of clothes, a plastic bag to keep valuables dry, a waterproof camera if you have one, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs.

What stops are included besides the waterfalls?

You’ll visit craft villages and a coffee plantation, and the itinerary includes Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity with only your group participating, and a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.