Bali Jungle Trekking and Lake Canoeing Tour

Two lakes, one canoe, zero beach crowds. I like the small-group pace and the hiking poles for uneven ground, and I like that the day starts with coffee and a proper briefing. One thing to watch: entrance fees and lunch aren’t included, and parts of the trek can be steep or slippery.

This is a long, outdoorsy day out of Ubud—about 8 to 10 hours—but it doesn’t feel like a forced march. You’ll ride between Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, then finish with a relaxed dip at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, plus optional photo and temple-area stops depending on where you’re picked up. You may also get a guide like Putu, Dharma, Komang, or Iluh—names that come up often—known for clear communication and caring pacing.

Key Points Before You Go

• Twin-lake canoeing between Buyan and Tamblingan, with hands-on paddling time
• Hiking poles/ walking sticks provided for rough trail footing
• Local rhythm, not a shopping loop, with time for jungle, waterfalls, and a market
• Cooler North Bali weather compared with the busier south—good for hiking
• Max 10 travelers, so the guide can adjust the trail pace if needed
• Optional upgrades for professional photos or drone footage

Why North Bali’s Twin Lakes Beat Another Beach Day

If your Bali days so far have been sun, scooters, and crowds, this tour is a mood shift. North Bali is cooler, higher, and greener in a way you feel immediately when you start walking. The big draw is that you’re not only looking at nature—you’re actually in it: on foot in the jungle and on the water with a traditional canoe.

What makes it special is the mix of motion. The day starts with trekking, moves into slow lake time, then wraps with waterfall swimming. That balance is what keeps it from feeling like one long workout with one photo stop at the end.

Price and Logistics: What Your $34 Really Covers

At about $34, this tour is priced as a full-day activity that includes more than a standard transfer-and-see-sights plan. The essentials you pay for up front include guide support, coffee/tea on arrival, snacks (Balinese organic cakes), bottled water, and walking sticks/hiking poles. You also get hotel pickup/drop-off if you choose that option, in an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Important: several add-ons are not included. Entrance fees are extra, including Beratan Lake (IDR 75,000 per person) and Handara Iconic Gate (IDR 50,000 per person) if those stops apply to your pickup area. Also plan for lunch at IDR 150,000 per person if you want it (it’s not included).

Value check: if you’re the type who wants actual activities—trekking, canoeing, and swimming—this price can make sense. If you mainly want landmarks with minimal effort, you’ll feel the cost of the day’s physical parts.

Small-Group Trekking: The Difference Between Crowds and Control

This is a maximum of 10 travelers, which changes the whole feel of the day. On crowded tours, you spend more time waiting than walking. Here, the guide can slow down for the group, explain what you’re seeing, and help adjust routes when terrain gets tough.

You’ll also see the “small group” advantage during the canoe time. It’s easier to manage safety and pacing when people are in manageable numbers, especially on a moving lake ride where the canoe stays balanced and steady.

The Ride From Ubud: Air-Conditioned Comfort to Cooler Trails

You’re based in Ubud, and you’ll travel to North Bali for the lake and jungle area. Expect a drive that can feel long by Bali standards, but you’re in a private air-conditioned vehicle instead of stacking into a small public van.

On days like this, the vehicle matters because the schedule is full. You want less time “sweating in transit” and more time actually outside.

Wanagiri Hill Basecamp: Coffee, Poles, and a Real Trek Briefing

The day kicks off at a basecamp by the Twin Lakes area near Wanagiri Peak, where you meet at Twin lake view paradies (Gobleg, Buleleng). Before you start hiking, you get a quick setup: explanation from your local guide and a welcome coffee/tea with Balinese cake.

This matters more than it sounds. A short briefing helps you know what the terrain will feel like, and having poles from the start makes your footing much steadier on uneven ground. Your shoes matter here—this isn’t a flat promenade day.

The stop at the basecamp is short (around 30 minutes), so you’re not sitting around for long before the walking begins.

Trek Along Buyan Lake: Old Trees and Cooler Air

After the briefing, the trek begins as you explore around Buyan Lake. Buyan is often talked about as one of Bali’s largest lakes, and in this region the scenery is more mountainous and misty than the lowland coast.

On the way down toward the water, you may notice big old trees along the trail—some of the “Bali is more than rice terraces” moments. The guide’s job here is practical: keep the pace reasonable, point out what’s growing in the jungle edge, and manage how the group handles descents and uneven spots.

Expect this segment to feel like the heart of the effort. One reason I like this tour format is that the hike isn’t just for exercise. It’s timed so the lake view arrives as a payoff, not a distraction.

Canoeing on the Lakes: Buyan to Tamblingan in a Traditional Boat

Once trekking brings you to the water, the day shifts gears. You’ll ride a canoe associated with the Buyan–Tamblingan area. This is one of the most praised parts because it’s not rushed and it’s peaceful—more glide than adrenaline.

You’re not just sitting back either. You’ll likely participate in paddling, while local rowers do a lot of the work. That blend keeps it comfortable while still feeling hands-on.

This segment usually hits the best “Bali slow” moment of the day: cool air, open water views, and time for small conversations. It also gives the guide a chance to share culture and local food details—often with coffee and snacks timed to the ride.

The Jungle Walk Between Lakes: Banyan Tree Moments

After you cross and move toward the west edge area between lakes, you enter a forest section that separates Buyan and Tamblingan. Here the route becomes more “jungle trek” than just lakeside walking.

This portion is known for big old banyan trees where you may get a chance to climb or swing nearby. Even if you skip climbing, just seeing how these trees shape the space is worth the step-by-step walk.

One important consideration: this part can be more uneven and can feel harder than the early lake approach. That’s where the poles/walking sticks are genuinely useful. If you need a slower pace, the best tours handle it without making you feel stuck.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Swim, Rest, and Reset

Your trekking day ends at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, with about an hour to relax. The selling point is the swim potential—crystal clear fresh spring water—so you’re not just looking. You can actually cool down.

This stop is also where the day gets fun again after the physical parts. The guide can help you time the dip and keep an eye on safety on wet rock.

Photo-wise, this tends to be a natural stop. But don’t treat it like a quick photo kiosk. A waterfall break is part of the value of this tour, especially if you’ve been in Bali heat for days already.

Optional Photo and Temple Detours: When Handara and Beratan Apply

Not every departure includes every landmark. The plan changes based on pickup location.

If you’re picked up from south or middle Bali, you may also stop at:

• Handara Iconic Gate (a photo spot; entrance fees not included)
• Lake Beratan (entrance fees not included)
• Candikuning / Ulundanu Beratan area is mentioned as possible for those pickup zones

For north-pickup guests, these stops may not be part of the day. So when you book, check what your pickup area qualifies for. These add-ons can be worth it if you care about famous photo locations—but they can also add costs and time.

My practical advice: decide ahead of time whether you’re here for cultural-photo landmarks or for the trek-and-water day. This tour works best when you lean into the outdoors.

Bedugul Market Stop: Herbs, Spices, and Real Local Stops

Between the lake area and the basecamp flow, you may get a short break at Bedugul Market for about 30 minutes. This stop focuses on traditional herbs and spices.

Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s a good pause. Markets like this are where you feel the everyday side of Bali that doesn’t show up in the beach photo sets.

Also, since lunch is not included, this market stop can help you decide whether you want something quick or just save your appetite for later.

What to Pack for a Trek + Canoe Day in North Bali

This is an outdoors day with water. Keep your packing simple, but think safety.

• Good grip shoes: wet trail sections can feel slippery.
• Light rain layer or poncho: the day requires good weather, but weather can still shift.
• Swim-ready small bag: for the waterfall dip.
• Cash for entrance fees and lunch: Beratan and Handara have listed per-person costs.
• A dry change of shirt: you’ll be glad after the waterfall.

Also, wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little damp. The tour gives you a water break and bottled water, but it’s still a jungle-to-water route.

Who This Tour Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is best for people who want a real day outside and don’t mind walking on uneven terrain. You’ll enjoy it if you like:

• canoe time that feels calm and authentic
• jungle walking with guide explanations
• a waterfall swim instead of only photos
• a small-group pace that feels more personal

It might be less satisfying if you want an easy, mostly flat day. One reason the tour gets such consistent praise is that it’s active and well-guided—but the trek can be steep at times.

If you’re traveling with mixed fitness levels, you’ll still likely be okay. Some guides adjust the trail when needed, so the best version of this tour is the one where you tell the guide what you can handle.

Should You Book Bali Jungle Trekking and Lake Canoeing?

Yes—if you’re aiming for a Bali day that feels local and active, not just scenic. The core value is that you get trekking + canoeing + waterfall time in one organized flow, with poles and a small group keeping it manageable. At the $34 price point, it’s also one of the more affordable ways to do a full half-day of meaningful nature time.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Confirm whether your pickup area includes Handara/Beratan/Candikuning stops, since entrance fees are extra.
• Decide if you’re budgeting for lunch (IDR 150k) and likely entrance fees.

If you want a day where the “main event” is walking, paddling, and cooling off in fresh water, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Jungle Trekking and Lake Canoeing tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option. The tour also mentions private air-conditioned vehicle transport.

How many people are in the group?

This tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Are entrance fees included?

Not fully. The tour notes that entrance fees are extra, including Beratan Lake (IDR 75,000 per person) and Bali Handara Gate (IDR 50,000 per person) when those stops apply.

Do you get hiking poles or walking sticks?

Yes. Walking sticks (and hiking poles) are provided to help with uneven terrain.

What about lunch and other extra costs?

Lunch is listed as IDR 150k/person, and entrance fees for certain stops are extra. Other personal expenses are not included.

What happens 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.