North Bali Trip with 2 Hidden Waterfalls Private Tour

Two waterfalls, one cool mountain swim. This North Bali private tour mixes Banyumala pools with Amertha Buana scenery, plus a driver who gives real-life context as you go. I especially like how the day isn’t just photo stops; it’s built for walking, cooling off, and seeing farms and plantations up close.

The one thing to consider is the physical side: there’s a hike and stairs involved, and water runs cold from the mountains. Pack like you plan to get wet, and wear comfortable shoes because surfaces can turn slippery, especially if rain shows up.

Quick take: what makes this North Bali day worth your time

• Banyumala’s natural pools: “twin waterfall” vibes, but you’re really heading for a deep swim-ready spot
• Amertha Buana’s 20-minute descent through banana plantations, then stairs down to two waterfalls
• The curtain-water view: one Amertha fall works perfectly as a selfie backdrop
• Wanagiri Hill photo point above twin lakes (Buyan and Tamblingan), with jungle scenery around you
• A driver who talks locals: one standout example is Mr. Made, praised for kind help and clear explanations even in pouring rain

Why North Bali waterfalls feel more real than the usual day trips

North Bali doesn’t move at the same pace as the south. Instead of crowds and constant traffic noise, you get a slower rhythm: rural roads, working farms, and jungle trails that actually feel like they belong to the landscape you’re standing in.

This tour is interesting because it keeps the focus on two waterfall areas that are close enough to do in a single day, but different enough to feel like separate “worlds.” You’re not just ticking boxes. You’re getting that rare combo of motion (walk, stairs) and payoff (natural pools, waterfall backdrops).

And the private setup matters here. A shared group can rush you through the wet parts. With a private car and an English guide/driver, you can pause for photos, take your time moving between viewpoints, and spend longer at the spots where you actually want to swim.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $41

At about $41 per person for a 9-hour private day, the value comes from three things you’re not likely to get cheaply if you DIY it:

• Two major waterfall stops in North Bali
• Private transport with pickup and drop-off within multiple areas
• Extra on-site transport support (a local bike with rider at the Amertha Buana area, plus water and tickets depending on your option)

Lunch is not included, and that’s worth factoring in. But you do get a clear choice: either skip lunch and snack later, or add a buffet lunch at a local restaurant if you want to sit down and reset.

If you’re the type who hates bargaining over taxis all day, this is the kind of price that can feel fair because it hands the driving and timing to someone else. In practice, the cost only feels high if you expect a super-low-effort “sit in the car” outing. For a day built around walking and swimming, it’s in the right ballpark.

Private pickup that actually covers a lot of Bali

You get pickup from multiple areas, which is a big deal on Bali when you’re traveling from different bases. Pickup options include:

Sanur, Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, and Jalan Nusa Dua areas.

In the places it covers, pickup is arranged with a simple timing note: the pickup time is about 5 minutes before departure, and you wait in the lobby area. Outside those zones, there can be an additional charge, so it’s smart to double-check your exact address.

This tour is also a private group, which means it’s just you and your party. No squeezing into a van with strangers. No feeling like you have to match someone else’s pace.

Stop 1: Banyumala waterfall and its deep natural pools

Banyumala is often described as a twin waterfall. The key thing to know is that it’s more like classic waterfall drops into a deep natural pool than two separate falls you watch from different sides.

What I like about Banyumala for your day plan:

• You get that authentic waterfall look with real water movement, not just a quick viewing platform.
• The pool is the point, and it’s described as great for a swim.

One practical caution: the water is colder because it’s coming from the mountains. If you’re expecting the warm, easy tropical swim, you’ll be surprised. But if you like that “wake up your legs” cold-water feeling, Banyumala can be a highlight.

Also, even if rain hits, the waterfall stays photogenic. Water makes everything glossier, and the jungle vibe is still there. Just keep an eye on where you step, especially on wet edges.

Stop 2: Amertha Buana (Banyu Wana) waterfall hike, stairs, and the curtain fall

Amertha Buana is the more active stop in the day. From the entrance, you’re looking at about a 20-minute hike before you reach the falls area. The trail is described as going through banana plantations, then down a series of stairs.

That matters for your comfort and photos. You’ll want shoes that grip and don’t mind getting wet. The stairs mean you’ll get small pauses and viewpoints along the way, and that makes it feel like a journey instead of a quick roadside stop.

Here’s the other detail that shapes the experience: the waterfalls are within close proximity once you reach the area, so you don’t have to travel far to see multiple views. One waterfall resembles a curtain of water, which is exactly the kind of backdrop that works for a selfie (and for a serious phone camera moment too).

The local bike with rider (why it helps)

This tour includes pickup and return by local bike with rider at the Amertha Buana area. That’s a smart inclusion because it can cut down on extra walking friction, especially after you’ve already been through the hike/stair portion.

What to bring for Amertha

Since you’ll likely get wet and you’ll be moving downhill and back:

• Bring a towel (drying off makes the whole rest of the day more pleasant)
• Wear a comfortable, grippy shoe
• Consider a small cash stash for anything you decide to add on the way

Wanagiri Hill: twin lakes (Buyan and Tamblingan) and “picture time” energy

After the waterfalls, the day shifts into viewpoint mode. You’ll visit Wanagiri Hill, described as a best spot for getting pictures and for wild jungle scenery surrounding you.

Wanagiri also ties directly to the twin lakes area: Buyan and Tamblingan. Even if you don’t know Bali’s lake system yet, you’ll understand it fast once you reach the higher viewpoint. The lakes create a wide open frame around the greenery and make the whole region feel bigger than a single waterfall valley.

This is a great reset after walking and swimming. You trade wet clothes and cold water for higher air, broader views, and the chance to shoot photos where you can zoom out.

If the weather is cloudy or rainy, you might think the view is ruined. It’s not always. Mist can soften contrast and still make the lakes and jungle feel dramatic. Just expect different light for photography.

Coffee luwak plantation: the stop for the curious

The route includes a coffee luwak plantation where you can try coffee luwak as part of the experience.

This is one of those “choose your interest” moments. If you enjoy food culture and you like seeing how products are made, you’ll likely find it fun. If coffee isn’t your thing, you can treat it as a short cultural break before heading toward lunch or the return drive.

Since the tour data doesn’t specify exactly what’s included beyond the plantation stop, I suggest keeping an extra bit of cash handy. That way you’re not stuck deciding under time pressure.

Lunch and the ride back via Lake Beratan

Lunch is not included, but you may get a buffet lunch at a local restaurant if you want one. I like that you’re not forced into a restaurant timing. You can eat when you’re ready after waterfalls, especially if you ended up spending extra minutes in the pool.

On the way back, you’ll pass by Lake Beratan. It’s the kind of scenic “in-between” moment that makes the return feel less like a slog. After a full day, those quick roadside views matter more than you’d think.

The driver/guide is part of the value (Mr. Made is a real standout)

The biggest theme from the experience feedback is the driver/guide quality. One example named is Mr. Made, praised for being kind and helpful and for giving fascinating explanations about day-to-day life of local people.

That storytelling is more than nice talk. It turns the trip from sightseeing into understanding. Instead of just driving past farms, you get a sense of what people do and why the area looks the way it does. When rain hit and conditions weren’t perfect, Mr. Made still tried hard to make the experience pleasant. That tells you the day is designed to keep moving, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

If you care about learning, this is where the tour pays off. If you only care about photos, you’ll still get the scenic stops—but the driver layer can make it feel like you traveled with a local, not just a transport service.

Swim-smart and rain-proof tips for your comfort

Waterfalls are fun, but they come with real-life details. Based on how these spots are described, here’s how I’d prepare so you don’t end up miserable halfway through:

• Wear grippy, comfortable shoes you can walk in on wet ground.
• Bring a towel. You’ll want to dry off after the pool time.
• Expect colder water at Banyumala since it’s mountain-fed.
• Pack for possible rain. If it pours, you’ll still enjoy waterfalls, but walking surfaces can get slick.
• For photos, plan for quick stops at the best backdrops—especially the curtain-water style at Amertha Buana.

The trick is to treat the day like a mini adventure day. If you dress like a museum visit, you’ll be uncomfortable. If you dress like you plan to play in water (a little), the whole route makes more sense.

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

This North Bali waterfall day tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a private day with pickup and drop-off
• Like waterfalls with actual pools where swimming is part of the plan
• Don’t mind a hike and stairs at Amertha Buana
• Enjoy a driver who shares local daily-life context

It may not be ideal if you:

• Have limited mobility or you struggle with stair-heavy terrain
• Want a totally low-walking day
• Dislike cold-water swimming and prefer warm, shallow beaches instead

Cancellation and booking flexibility, in plain terms

If you like flexibility, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can lock in a spot without paying right away.

Should you book the North Bali trip with Banyumala and Amertha Buana?

I’d book this tour if you want a day that balances jungle waterfall time with genuine local context. Two waterfall visits in one long day is efficient, and the inclusion of transport support at Amertha Buana helps you stay comfortable enough to actually enjoy the hike and pool time.

I would hesitate only if cold water and stair walking are dealbreakers for you. Otherwise, the route makes sense: waterfall swimming first, a viewpoint payoff at Wanagiri Hill, a culture/food stop at coffee luwak, then scenic return via Lake Beratan.

If you’re staying in the south or central parts of Bali and you want something more off-beat than the standard itinerary, this is exactly the kind of north-Bali day that delivers.

FAQ

What waterfalls are visited on this North Bali tour?

You visit two waterfall areas in North Bali: Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha (Amertha Buana). You also stop at Wanagiri Hill for views of the twin lakes Buyan and Tamblingan, and include a coffee luwak plantation stop.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 9 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

Where does pickup work?

Pickup is available from several Bali areas including Sanur, Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, and Jalan Nusa Dua. Pickup time is about 5 minutes before departure, and you wait at the lobby area. Areas outside the covered zones may require an additional charge.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. A buffet lunch at a local restaurant may be available if you want it.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, and cash.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a private car and driver/guide, a bottle of water, and entry tickets if you select the all-inclusive option. The tour also includes pickup & return local bike with a rider at the Banyumana Amerta waterfall area.