REVIEW · TOUR REVIEWS
Bali Ghost Tour: The Biggest Abandoned Hotel in Bali
Book on Viator →Operated by Hire Bali Driver · Bookable on Viator
Ghost stories, plus real photo stops. This private day in Bedugul pairs spooky local lore with classic Bali scenery like a floating lake temple and waterfall breaks. I like that it includes round-trip transfers and lunch, so you spend the day seeing, not budgeting. I also like the focus on fun stops for pictures, from the abandoned hotel to swings and lookout points. One thing to consider: the day is long and includes some walking, so comfy shoes help.
Since it runs from 8:00am and lasts about 10 hours, you’ll feel the rhythm of a full sightseeing day rather than a quick snack tour. With a private setup, you’re not squeezed into a crowd, and the guide can shape the pace. That said, if you hate early mornings or moving between different areas, this won’t feel gentle.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Morning pickup and the 10-hour rhythm from Ubud
- Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: the lake temple moment
- The Abandoned Bedugul Hotel: why locals call it the ghost palace
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: swim time and the walking break
- Wanagiri Hidden Hills: swings, bird nests, and Buyan Lake views
- Lunch and transfers: what $61.54 buys you in real terms
- Choosing the right guide: Radi, Dekwi, and Benik as proof
- Who should book this ghost tour from Ubud
- Should you book the Bali Ghost Tour of the abandoned Bedugul Hotel?
- FAQ
- What time does the Bali Ghost Tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour run?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is the abandoned Bedugul Hotel ticket included?
- Which stops include admission fees?
- Do I need to be able to walk a bit?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is there a cancellation option?
Key highlights worth your attention
- Private driver and guide for your group means fewer waits and more flexibility
- Bedugul Hotel, called the ghost palace locally, is the star stop
- Photo-focused moments at Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the abandoned building
- A full loop of sights: temple, hotel, waterfalls, then hidden hills
- Indonesian lunch plus bottled water keeps the day workable
Morning pickup and the 10-hour rhythm from Ubud

This tour starts at 8:00am with pickup offered from your hotel area in Ubud. You ride in an air-conditioned minivan, and you’ll get dropped back after the day’s final stop. The total time is about 10 hours, so plan your day around it, not your calendar around small breaks.
What I like about this format is how it naturally balances different moods. You get a calm start at the temple, then the spooky turn at Bedugul, then you get to move your legs at the waterfalls and finish with big scenic photo energy at Wanagiri Hidden Hills. It’s a full day, but it doesn’t feel repetitive.
One practical tip: treat the morning as your best chance to get steady photos, since light changes as the day goes on. Also, pack something small for the humidity. Even if it’s not raining, Bali feels warm and active.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: the lake temple moment
Your first stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, a temple on the lake of Beratan. The setting is the point here: you get the water and the surrounding hills in the same frame, so it feels postcard-ready without needing a lot of effort.
You’ll have about 1 hour, and admission is included. That’s a smart amount of time for this kind of stop. You can walk around to find a couple of angles, watch the temple views settle into the morning light, and then move on before it turns into a long sit-and-wait.
A small consideration: temples are where you’ll want to be mindful of respectful behavior and dress. Bring or plan to use a cover if you need one, and keep your pace steady. This part of the day works especially well if you want your tour to feel rooted in Bali culture before the spooky stuff.
The Abandoned Bedugul Hotel: why locals call it the ghost palace

Then you hit the main event: the abandoned Bedugul Hotel, known locally as the ghost palace. This building is a big presence in the area, and it’s remembered as the biggest hotel planned for that part of Bali. It was built around the 1990s, and now it stands abandoned—exactly the kind of place that invites stories.
You’ll get about 1 hour here, with admission marked as free. This is also where the tour leans hard into photo time. You’ll likely want to slow down and look, not just snap. The best shots tend to come from finding lines in the structure and stepping back for wider frames. If you’re into eerie vibes, this stop delivers that feel without needing special effects.
Safety and expectations: abandoned buildings can be unpredictable, and the tour includes a moderate fitness requirement overall. I’d treat this stop like it’s outdoors and uneven—watch your footing, don’t rush, and don’t climb anything that looks unstable. If you want something spooky in a storytelling sense rather than a horror-movie chase sequence, you’ll probably enjoy it more.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: swim time and the walking break

Next up are Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, described as one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls. This is where the day shifts from dramatic structures and spiritual calm into movement and nature time.
You’ll have about 1 hour. Admission is included, and there’s the option for swimming. You should also expect a bit of walking to reach viewpoints and enjoy the area. It’s not presented as a grueling hike, but it does mean you’ll want shoes with traction and socks or footwear that can handle wet ground.
Here’s why this stop is valuable: waterfalls make a great counterbalance after the abandoned hotel. The sound and the cooler feel reset your senses. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys “one big wow per hour,” this fits.
Practical note: bring a small dry bag if you have one. Even if you don’t swim, mist and splash can find you fast.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills: swings, bird nests, and Buyan Lake views
Your final sightseeing stop is Wanagiri Hidden Hills, a place built for panoramic moments and playful photo setups. You’ll have about 1 hour, with admission included.
What you can do here includes picture spots like a swing and a bird nest setup, plus other marked viewpoints with background views of Buyan Lake. The lake view matters because it changes the feel of the photos. Instead of just a prop in the frame, you’re getting distance and depth.
This is also one of those places where private touring pays off. When you’re not sharing space with a giant bus group, you can usually take your time. You can wait for a clear shot angle, then try another. And if you just want the view with no props, you can.
One consideration: if you’re not comfortable with swings or you don’t like climbing onto photo spots, you can still enjoy the hills and the lake views. The tour doesn’t force you into every activity; it gives options.
Lunch and transfers: what $61.54 buys you in real terms
The price is $61.54 per person, and the tour is designed for a private group. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned minivan, bottled water, and lunch. Entrance is included for the temple, the waterfalls, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills. Admission for the abandoned Bedugul Hotel is listed as free.
That mix is why this feels like decent value rather than a “pay for a story” experience. You’re paying for a day with:
- transport that would otherwise eat your time (and probably your energy),
- entry for multiple paid stops,
- and food so you’re not scrambling between places.
The only item called out as not included is alcoholic drinks, so plan on paying for those separately if you want them.
Also note: this tour requires a minimum of two people per booking. If you’re traveling solo, you may need to arrange with someone or look for a different option.
Choosing the right guide: Radi, Dekwi, and Benik as proof

Private tours rise or fall on the guide, and the experience here seems to follow that rule. In the feedback, names like Radi, Dekwi, and Benik pop up for a reason: they helped make the day feel smooth, funny, and personal.
Radi is specifically praised for good English, friendliness, and knowledge, plus helping with the hotel visit and photos. Dekwi is called out as a key part of why the day felt enjoyable, and Benik is described as very funny and great for photos.
Even if your guide isn’t one of these exact people, the pattern matters: the tour is run with a real guide, not just a driver dropping you off at each stop. That’s important on a day like this, because you want context—why the ghost palace is remembered, what to look for at each viewpoint, and how to pace the day so it doesn’t feel rushed.
Who should book this ghost tour from Ubud
This tour is a great match if you want a day that mixes:
- spooky storytelling energy at the abandoned Bedugul Hotel,
- scenic culture at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple,
- waterfall nature time at Banyumala,
- and photo-friendly viewpoints at Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
I think you’ll enjoy it most if you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you like structured stops without the stress of getting from one place to another. It’s also a solid pick if you’re the type who actually uses Instagram time for more than one quick shot. The tour gives you multiple chances to plan your angles.
On the other hand, you might skip it if you:
- hate early starts (it begins at 8:00am),
- want a short half-day instead of about 10 hours,
- or dislike uneven ground, since the abandoned hotel area and the waterfall area involve some walking.
Should you book the Bali Ghost Tour of the abandoned Bedugul Hotel?

Book it if you want a full-day Bali experience that hits four different vibes: temple calm, ghost palace curiosity, waterfall fresh air, and Wanagiri photo fun. The best value is in the package: transport, lunch, bottled water, and multiple included admissions wrapped into one price.
Consider skipping or comparing if you’re looking for a light, low-movement outing. This is a touring day. It asks you to be comfortable walking a bit and spending hours on the move.
If you do book, do yourself a favor: wear shoes you trust on wet spots and uneven ground, and bring patience for a full schedule. The reward is a day that feels varied—and a ghost palace stop that you’ll remember long after the photos end up in your camera roll.
FAQ
What time does the Bali Ghost Tour start?
The tour starts at 8:00am.
How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 10 hours.
Where does the tour run?
The tour is based in Ubud and includes stops around the Bedugul area and beyond, including Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Bedugul’s abandoned hotel, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What’s included in the price?
Included are transport by air-conditioned minivan, lunch, bottled water, all taxes, fees, and handling charges, and admission tickets at the listed paid stops.
Is the abandoned Bedugul Hotel ticket included?
Yes. Admission for the abandoned Bedugul Hotel stop is listed as free.
Which stops include admission fees?
Admission is included for Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Do I need to be able to walk a bit?
You should have a moderate physical fitness level. There is some walking, including at the waterfall stop.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s listed as a private tour, so only your group participates.
Is there a cancellation option?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.























