Ulun Danu Temple, Handara Gate, Wanagiri And Banyu Mala Waterfall

Bali beyond the beach comes with misty lake views. This private day trip strings together Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and the famous Handara Gate, then keeps moving north for Wanagiri Hills viewpoints and the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. You get hotel pickup in a comfortable private vehicle, plus guide help geared toward getting the good shots.

I love that it’s set up as a true private outing, so you’re not stuck waiting on a big bus line while your best photo moment slips away. I also like the practical comfort perks: a fully AC car, English-speaking driver, and mineral water along the way. One thing to plan for: entrance tickets and meals/drinks are not included, so your total day cost will be a bit higher once you factor those in.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private, up-to-6 format means you can keep your pace without juggling strangers.
• Photo-minded guide help at temple and viewpoint stops, not just sightseeing.
• North Bali timing hits lake views, iconic gates, bamboo-style hills, and waterfalls in one run.
• Fully AC transport with parking and fuel handled, so you can focus on the stops.
• Bring extra cash for entrances and lunch, since those aren’t covered.

Why This North Bali Route Works So Well

If your Bali plan so far has been all beach and nightlife, this day trip gives your trip a completely different rhythm. You trade sand for cool air and lake mist, swap clubs for temple space, and end with the sound of water over twin falls. It’s a full 9–10 hour block, so you get variety without needing extra overnight logistics.

The other reason this works: the stops are spread in a way that feels like a story. You start at a water-temple setting, move into a famous photo landmark (Handara Gate), then climb into viewpoint country at Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and finish where Bali gets loud and wet at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. That flow matters because you’re not just “checking boxes” on a map.

For photography people, the route is also designed around recognizable backdrops. Think temple-on-the-water vibes, a signature gate shape, hills filled with viewing spots, and waterfall scenery where you can soak up the atmosphere.

Hotel Pickup and the Private Car Comfort Advantage

The day starts with pickup (the tour notes transfers from most central Bali areas). Your group stays together in a private fully AC car, and the package covers gasoline, parking fees, an English-speaking driver, and mineral water. That’s the kind of “small” setup that adds up fast when you’re spending nearly the whole day out of your hotel.

A private driver also changes how you experience places like these. You’re not rushed by a herd, and you can usually spend a bit more time at the most important angles. In the feedback for this tour style, drivers named Giri and Budi come up repeatedly for being punctual and experienced, and Komang is mentioned for polite, helpful guidance. You can’t guarantee the exact same person, but it’s a good sign the operator tends to staff drivers who know how to handle the route.

One practical tip: with a 9–10 hour day, you’ll want to treat the ride like part of the experience. Have water ready, keep your phone charged, and wear shoes you can walk in when you stop for viewpoints or waterfall paths.

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and the Lake-Temple Mood

Your first major stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, often described as a temple in the lake setting. The name clues you in: “Ulun” relates to heart, and “Danu” points to lake, with the temple dedicated to the gods of lake or waters (the Danu goddess). Even if you’re not studying theology, you’ll feel the point of the place once you arrive—this is a temple built around water, mist, and calm.

The tour window at this stop is about 1 hour, and entrance tickets are not included. That short timing is good for keeping the day on track, but it also means you’ll want to be efficient. If you care about photos, plan to focus first on the most iconic temple views rather than trying to cover every corner.

What I’d do in your shoes: arrive ready for cool, shaded air, and look for moments where the lake and temple align in the same frame. If there’s a ceremony or local activity during your visit time, it can add meaning to the photos because there’s real life happening, not just stone and signage. Some guide feedback from similar tour experiences praises guides for explaining ceremonies clearly, so if your driver offers context, take it.

Stop 2: Handara Iconic Gate for the Classic Bali Photo

Next is the famous Handara Iconic Gate, located at the Handara Golf Resort Bali area near Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. This is one of the most Instagrammed spots on the island for a reason: the gate design is instantly recognizable and pairs well with the surrounding greenery and hills.

The stop time here is around 30 minutes, and again, admission tickets aren’t included. That means you should treat this as a quick photo target rather than a long hangout. If you’re hoping for multiple angles (wide shot, close shot, background with mountains/lake), you’ll need to move with purpose.

A smart way to use the short time: decide on your priority shots before you step out. For example, pick one straight-on composition and one angled frame that uses the gate as the subject. When you keep your plan simple, you’re less likely to feel rushed.

Also, expect people. Even if the day is private, this is an iconic landmark, so bring patience and focus on getting your version of the shot rather than chasing everyone else’s exact pose.

Stop 3: Wanagiri Hidden Hills Viewpoints and Bamboo-Style Photo Spots

After temple and gate, you shift into “viewpoint Bali” at Wanagiri Hidden Hills. The route note puts it north of Bali about 10 minutes from Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, and it’s become popular for photos at unique bamboo-style structures and multiple viewing areas.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, and entrance tickets are not included. This is a stop where footwear matters. Viewpoints often mean uneven paths or small stair sections, and you’ll want stable shoes so you can move confidently between angles.

What you’re really buying with this stop is perspective. After lake and a gate, the hills let you see Bali in layers—sky, slopes, and distance. If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored by temples, hills usually win them over because it’s less about rules and more about scenery.

One practical approach: spend your first 10 minutes finding the best vantage point, then take your photos and only afterward explore. That way you don’t burn your best light chasing side paths that don’t add much to your final images.

Stop 4: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the Wet-Feet Ending

You finish at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (also written Banyumala/Bayu Mala in the tour notes), in the Buleleng regency, northern Bali. This area is described as a paradise of waterfalls, with many waterfall destinations in the region. Here you get about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is valuable because waterfall time isn’t just “look and leave.” Sound, mist, and getting close to the falls change the whole experience.

Entrance tickets are not included, and it’s reasonable to expect you’ll want to plan for damp conditions. The tour feedback includes enjoyment like soaking and swimming in a pool area at this stop, so if that’s your goal, pay attention to what the area allows on the day you go. Even if swimming isn’t on your personal agenda, you’ll likely want to cool off at least a little, because waterfall mist can be surprisingly refreshing after hours in the car.

How to make this stop feel worth it: bring shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet, and keep your phone secured or protected. Also, arrive with the understanding that waterfall paths can be slippery. Take your time, choose safer footing, and let your photos come from a stable stance.

If you’re a photo person, waterfalls can be tricky because light levels change quickly. Use your eyes first—find the viewpoint where both falls or the strongest water lines are visible—then shoot.

Value and Price: Is $59.50 Per Group a Good Deal?

The price is listed as $59.50 per group (up to 6), with hotel pickup and private AC transport included. That’s the headline value: you’re not paying per person for the vehicle, so the cost per person drops fast if you’re a small group.

What’s included is also useful in a practical way: English-speaking driver, gasoline, parking fees, mineral water, and a private fully AC car. Those are the categories that often create hidden costs on DIY days—especially fuel, parking stress, and navigating timing across northern Bali.

The main “cost catch” is what’s not included: entrance tickets, meals/lunch, and drinks. Since this is a 9–10 hour day, you should budget for at least one meal and water/soft drinks beyond what’s provided. Also remember each stop lists admission tickets as not included, so you’ll likely pay multiple entrance fees over the course of the day.

If you compare this to piecing together separate rides or joining a group tour with a fixed pace, the private setup is the advantage. You can spend more time where you personally care most—whether that’s temple views, Handara Gate angles, bamboo-style hill photography, or waterfall time—without feeling like you’re racing a schedule.

Best Fit: Who Will Enjoy This Day the Most

This tour fits best if you want a balanced Bali day: culture plus nature plus photo stops, all in one route. It’s also a good match for couples and small groups who prefer privacy and hate the feeling of waiting around.

If you’re traveling with someone who wants Instagram-famous landmarks but also wants “real Bali,” this hits both needs. Ulun Danu Bratan offers cultural grounding, Handara Gate gives you the recognizable shot, Wanagiri Hills adds scenery and quirky photo spots, and Banyumala waterfalls deliver the sensory payoff of mist and rushing water.

Comfort-wise, the fully AC car is a big plus. And based on guide feedback that highlights punctuality and clear explanations during local moments, this can be a great choice if you like learning what you’re seeing—not just snapping pictures and moving on.

Practical Tips So Your Day Runs Smooth

A full-day circuit means small choices matter.

• Wear clothes and shoes you can handle in cool, wet conditions at the temple and waterfall areas.
• Plan to carry a small bag for wet items and keep your phone secured at Banyumala.
• Decide your “must-have” photos before you stop, especially at Handara Gate and the hills, since those time windows are shorter.
• Budget for entrances and lunch in advance, so you’re not scrambling mid-day.
• If your driver suggests a route tweak for photos or timing, take it. Drivers on this route are often praised for local experience and keeping things moving.

One more thing: the tour uses a mobile ticket. It’s usually convenient, but make sure you have the ticket accessible offline in case your signal disappears in the hills.

Should You Book This North Bali Tour?

If you want one efficient day that delivers temple views, a famous gate photo, hills with viewpoint structure, and an ending at twin waterfalls, I think this is a strong booking choice. The private up-to-6 setup plus AC transport and an English-speaking driver make it feel manageable, not chaotic.

Book it if you’re the kind of person who enjoys seeing a range of Bali in a single day and you’re okay paying entrance fees and handling your own lunch. Skip it if your idea of a perfect day is slow, low-effort, and centered on just one type of place (like only beaches or only temples). For everyone else, this is one of the more practical ways to get beyond the obvious without planning an entire itinerary yourself.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Is pickup included from Bali hotels?

Pickup or transfers are included from most central Bali areas.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people are in a group?

The price is per group up to 6.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. Entrance tickets are not included for the stops.

What’s included in the price?

You get a private fully AC car, gasoline, parking fees, an English-speaking driver, and mineral water.

Is there free cancellation?

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

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.