Best of North Bali Tour, Hot Spring, Waterfall, Lake Temples

One day can change how you see Bali. This North Bali tour strings together spiritual stops and nature breaks, so you’re not just driving from beach to beach. You start at Brahma Vihara Arama and finish at Ulun Danu Bratan, with Banjar Hot Springs in the middle to reset your mood.

I especially like the way the route is paced for calmer photos and less stress. Hitting big sights earlier can help, and the itinerary keeps variety moving—from twin lakes to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. One consideration: it’s a 9–10 hour day with plenty of car time, so it’s best if you’re good with winding mountain roads.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private setup in an air-conditioned vehicle so your day doesn’t feel like a cattle call.
• Banjar Hot Springs uses volcanic, sulphuric warm water, and morning is said to be best.
• Two twin lakes in one stretch (Tamblingan and Buyan) with a local-community angle.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls comes in a three-sided valley shape, with the biggest fall in the middle.
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills is built for photo stops, then you head to Ulun Danu Bratan at high altitude.

North Bali in One Day: What This Route Really Delivers

This tour is a classic North Bali mix: temples first, then water, then viewpoints. What makes it feel worth it is the balance. You get quiet, garden-like temple time in the morning, a soak break at Banjar Hot Springs, and then scenery that keeps changing as you climb toward Bedugul.

You’ll also notice the stops aren’t random. They’re grouped around a natural circuit: monasteries and gardens, volcanic warmth, mountain lakes, waterfalls in a valley, and finally a temple sitting above Lake Beratan. That flow matters because North Bali isn’t flat and fast—your day works better when the itinerary matches the terrain.

The biggest win for your schedule is that you don’t have to stitch together multiple half-days. In about 9 to 10 hours, you cover a lot of “signature” North Bali without turning your trip into logistics homework.

Pickup, Private Vehicle, and Timing That Helps the Day Feel Easier

This is a private tour, which means it’s just you and your party in the vehicle. That alone changes the vibe. You can move at a calmer pace, take photos without weaving around other groups, and ask your driver to adjust timing when it makes sense.

Your driver is professional and English-speaking, and they guide in a way that’s practical. Expect a lot of “here’s what you’ll see next” and “this is the best time to arrive” style information. One review highlighted a relaxed, knowledgeable guide named Yuda, and the way the day can be timed so spots are less crowded.

The ride itself is part of the experience. North Bali routes use small, winding mountain roads, and you’ll get repeated views through the drives. If you dislike long roads, you might find the day stretched out—but if you don’t mind the scenery from the car window, it can feel like a moving intro to the region.

One more practical note: the itinerary lists about 1 hour per major stop, but transfers add up. Plan for a full day. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen—you’ll be in open air for parts of the route, especially around viewpoints and waterfalls.

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery: Gardens and Spiritual Calm

Your day begins at Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery. This place is known for its temple grounds and the kind of garden layout Bali does well. Expect a peaceful setting with buildings that feel purposeful and grounded, not rushed or tour-bus frantic.

This stop includes admission, and it’s scheduled for about 1 hour. That’s enough time to walk slowly, take in the details, and still not feel like you’re being hurried through. You also get the nice contrast of Buddhist space after Bali’s more common Hindu temple scenes—both are meaningful, but they feel different.

Dress code here is smart casual. You’re outdoors and walking, so keep it comfortable. If you like photography, this is a good early stop for it—light and atmosphere are often easier earlier in the day than later.

Banjar Hot Springs: Volcanic Warmth, Sulphur Water, and Smart Timing

Then comes Banjar Hot Springs. The water is described as sulphuric and volcanic in origin, with a warm temperature that’s said to be ideal for people dealing with rheumatic conditions. Even if you’re not chasing health benefits, it’s a genuine reset after temple walking and car time.

The stop includes admission tickets and runs about 1 hour. The tour info also notes the best time to visit is in the morning. That matters because it can affect how comfortable it feels and how busy the area is.

What you’ll love here is the change in pace. This isn’t a “look and leave” stop. It’s a soak. You can slow down your whole body for a bit.

What to think about: hot springs can be slippery and humid. So wear flip-flops or water-friendly sandals, keep an eye on your step, and bring anything you need for changing. The tour mentions smart casual dress code, but for the hot spring portion you’ll want practical water-soak gear.

Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake: Two Twin Lakes With a Community Connection

After the soak, the day shifts back to scenery at Tamblingan Lake. This stop is about 1 hour and includes admission. The tour description frames these lakes as life sources for surrounding communities, which adds context beyond just “pretty water.”

Tamblingan and Buyan are often treated as “twin lakes,” and the point of bundling them is that you see the same lake system from slightly different angles. If you like photographs, you’ll find spots where the water and tree lines give you layers, not just a flat view.

The lakes are also a good buffer between hotter, more direct sun areas and the cooler mountain air you’ll hit later near Bedugul. It’s a nice reset point in the middle of the day—quiet, scenic, and not as physically demanding as waterfall trails.

You’ll also likely pass through areas where you can grab quick roadside photos. The tour description notes you may pass famous sights along the way, so keep your camera handy during transfers.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Three-Sided Valley Drama in One View

Next up is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. This is the kind of waterfall that looks like it has a design plan. The description says it sits at the bottom of a valley with three sides, and the biggest and highest fall is in the middle, with smaller falls to the right and left.

That layout is why it feels more interesting than a single straight drop. You get a sense of multiple curtains of water working together. The stop is about 1 hour, includes admission, and is timed so you can enjoy it without a long slog.

The main thing to watch is footing. Waterfalls areas can be wet and slick. Wear shoes you trust, and don’t rush. Also, if it has rained earlier, water flow can be stronger—often great for photos, but tougher on balance.

This is a stop where patience helps. Spend a few minutes finding your preferred angle, then let your eyes adjust. The scene looks different as you move around.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills and Ulun Danu Beratan: Photo Parks to Mountain Temple Views

The tour then heads to Wanagiri Hidden Hills, a popular “selfie park” style viewpoint. This place is built for Instagram-ready angles, but it’s also described as an original Bali location for this type of viewpoint. In plain terms: there are multiple spots to frame the scenery, so you can get a variety of photos without relocating too far.

Expect about 1 hour here with admission included. Bring your camera and sunscreen. This is one of the more open-air moments of the day, and light can be strong.

After that, it’s time for Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (also spelled Ulun Danu Beratan). This one is set in the highlands of Bedugul Regency, sitting atop a plateau on Lake Beratan. The tour notes the area sits around 1,500 meters, so the air can feel cooler and fresher than the coast.

This temple stop includes admission and is scheduled for about 1 hour. What I like about placing it here at the end is that it feels different from the morning monastery. You’re higher, you’re closer to mistier mountain atmosphere, and the lake view gives the temple a calmer, more spacious feel.

You’ll walk around and take in the viewpoint rather than just stare at a building. It’s the best kind of payoff after the busy middle of the day.

Lunch Option and Inclusions: Where Your $80 Is Actually Going

The price is $80 per person, and it includes a lot of the stuff that usually adds up on your own:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver
• All entrance tickets
• Petrol and parking
• Tax and services
• Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off
• Mobile ticket

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. If you do add it, the tour uses an Indonesian set menu lunch at a local restaurant chosen by your driver. That can be a good value move because it removes the decision fatigue of finding food mid-drive.

Is $80 worth it? For most people, yes, because the itinerary has multiple ticketed attractions and a long route. The money pays for time, transport, and access. If you tried to DIY this in one day, you’d spend more on entrance fees anyway and lose the built-in pacing that keeps stops from turning into a half-day chase.

Also, the tour offers group discounts and notes private tour status. If you’re booking as a larger group, it’s worth asking what discount applies at the time you reserve.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This North Bali day is a strong fit if you want variety without planning. It works for couples, small families, and solo travelers who don’t want to rent a scooter or spend their day comparing directions.

It’s also good if you care about both spiritual places and nature. You get Buddhist and Hindu temple experiences across different settings, then you get volcanic hot water, mountain lakes, and waterfalls.

If you hate long car days, consider that a main drawback. The drive time is real, and the tour lasts 9 to 10 hours. You’ll be happiest here if you see the roads as part of the experience—especially since North Bali’s mountain drives can be scenic.

Should You Book This Tour for Your Bali Trip?

Book it if you want one day that hits North Bali’s big emotional beats: temples for calm, hot springs for comfort, lakes and waterfalls for scenery, and Ulun Danu Bratan for that classic mountain temple view.

Skip it or compare options if you’re extremely sensitive to travel time or if you only want one type of activity. This route is a mix by design. It’s not a full-day nature hike, and it’s not a temple-only day.

One smart way to decide: think about what you’re missing right now. If you’re spending your trip mostly around the south, this is a way to balance your itinerary with a very different Bali mood—cooler air, twin lakes, waterfall valleys, and warm sulphur water.

FAQ

How long is the Best of North Bali Tour?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It includes hotel/villa pickup and drop-off in Seminyak, Indonesia.

Is pickup and transport included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, plus an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates in the vehicle.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange your own meal.

What’s the cost per person?

The price is $80.00 per person.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear smart casual clothing. Bring sunscreen and a camera.

What if weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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