REVIEW · WATERFALL TOURS
Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Exploring Tours · Bookable on Viator
Bali’s north waterfalls feel like a whole different island. This private day mixes culture at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple with real waterfall trekking, then ends on a calmer note at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. I like that the route is built around big scenery moments, not just quick pull-offs. I also like that you’re not figuring out transport on your own.
My favorite part is the balance: you get one relaxed temple stop, then a longer, active Sekumpul Waterfall visit with time on-site, and finally a short finish. The main drawback to consider is language. The tour is described as including a driver guide, but I’ve seen cases where the driver did not speak English well, which can slow things down if you have questions. If language matters, confirm your needs before you go.
Key points to know before you book
- Three landmark stops: Ulun Danu Bratan, Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
- Private air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Trek + water moments at Sekumpul, including time to explore and get close to the falls
- Lunch, snacks, and bottled water included so you’re not hunting food all day
- Entrance tickets are included, which saves time and hassle
- Bring a towel and extra clothes—waterfall time usually means you’ll get wet
In This Review
- How the 10-hour northern route actually plays out
- Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Lake Beratan views and a short culture stop
- Sekumpul Waterfall trek: Bali’s dramatic centerpiece
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: calmer, more off-to-the-side energy
- What you’re really paying for: value beyond the ticket price
- Practical packing for wet waterfall time
- Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)
- Booking timing and cancellation basics (quick and useful)
- Should you book the Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?
- What stops are included on this tour?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What does the price include?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to bring a towel and extra clothes?
- Should I bring insect repellent?
- Is this a private tour?
- FAQ
- Is free cancellation available?
- When do I need to cancel for a full refund?
How the 10-hour northern route actually plays out

This is a 10-hour private tour from Ubud, but the timing is important. About 5 hours are used for hotel pickup, drop-off, and driving between stops. The remaining time is spent at the three main sights, with 1 hour for Ulun Danu Bratan, 3 hours at Sekumpul, and 1 hour for Banyumala—plus lunch and snack breaks within that overall window.
That structure makes sense if you want a full northern hit in one day. It also means you should plan to be in transit more than you’d be on a short walking tour. If your ideal day is minimal driving, this isn’t that style. But if you want Sekumpul without doing messy planning, it’s a solid match.
Because it’s private, you’re not sharing the vehicle with strangers. It’s just your group, so your pace is more realistic. Still, the driver’s schedule and road conditions set the rhythm. The “private” part is mainly about transport comfort and flexibility, not unlimited time.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Lake Beratan views and a short culture stop
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (often written as Ulun Danu Bratan) is a water temple on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and the goal is both views and context.
What I like about this stop is that it changes the mood. After driving through Bali’s interior, the temple and the lake give you a clean visual reset. Lake light can shift fast, so you’re lucky if the weather cooperates. Even if it’s cloudy, you still get that highland atmosphere and the feeling of a place that’s tied to water.
You’re also there to learn. The tour description emphasizes the temple’s meaning and history, which is a good way to avoid the “I took photos and left” trap. When a temple stop is short but focused, you usually leave with at least a few solid takeaways.
One practical tip: this is a cultural stop before the wetter part of the day. Wear something comfortable for walking on uneven ground, and keep your towel plan in mind for later. Your first stop is where you’ll want to move smart and save energy.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Sekumpul Waterfall trek: Bali’s dramatic centerpiece

Sekumpul Waterfall is the star of the day. It’s described as the most beautiful and challenging waterfall in Bali, with seven cascading falls. You’ll spend about 3 hours here, which is the kind of time that makes a difference. You’re not just seeing it from one angle and leaving.
What you’ll likely experience is a mix of walking, viewpoint time, and close-up moments with the water. The tour notes mention trekking and even refreshing swims, so expect that the “waterfall part” isn’t just photo time. There’s also a highlight about a unique natural water slide at Sekumpul.
A few reality checks, though:
- Don’t assume every area is safe to climb or slide just because the water looks friendly.
- If you’re carrying things, secure them. Wet spray can hit fast.
- Wear and pack like you’re going to get damp. That towel and extra clothes note isn’t random.
Why this stop is worth the effort: Sekumpul is the kind of waterfall where the experience builds as you move. You see the falls from different angles, and the sound gets louder as you get closer. That’s exactly what a 3-hour window lets you do.
If your knees are sensitive, treat the trek seriously. There’s no detailed difficulty level provided, but “challenging” is a clue. Take it slow. If you need a breather, this is the time to do it.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: calmer, more off-to-the-side energy

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are your final stop. The tour positions Banyumala as relatively untouched and serene compared to many busier waterfall spots. You’ll have about 1 hour here, which is long enough to enjoy the views without turning the day into a marathon.
This is a nice way to end. After Sekumpul’s active, longer segment, Banyumala feels like the palate cleanser. You’re still dealing with a waterfall environment, but the vibe is more relaxed. The tour specifically calls it a twin waterfall experience, so you’re looking for that visual pairing and the way the falls drop in tandem.
Even with only one hour, you can make it count if you’re strategic:
- Start by getting your bearings on arrival.
- Don’t rush your viewing angle. Twin waterfalls often look best when you can compare the two drops.
- If you’re planning to swim, remember that this depends on conditions. The tour includes the time to enjoy the area, but water rules are always local and situational.
This final stop also helps your energy budget. A lot of waterfall days end with people exhausted and annoyed. Banyumala’s shorter timing keeps things smoother.
What you’re really paying for: value beyond the ticket price

At $36.00 per person, the headline price looks friendly—especially because you’re not just buying access to waterfalls. You’re paying for a full package.
Here’s what’s included:
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance tickets for all attractions
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Snacks and bottled water
- A professional and friendly driver
That bundle is the value. If you tried to recreate this day on your own, you’d pay for transport, deal with timing, and usually handle ticket logistics. Even when public transport exists, getting from Ubud to multiple northern stops is where planning turns into stress.
Also, private transport matters more than it sounds in Bali. Road time adds up. Being comfortable—especially when the day starts early and continues with multiple stops—makes a difference in how you enjoy the waterfalls.
One more note: the tour includes group discounts and uses a mobile ticket. That can help if you’re traveling with friends or family and want a straightforward day plan without paper ticket issues.
Practical packing for wet waterfall time

The tour asks you to bring extra clothes and a towel, and it’s good advice. A waterfall day is rarely dry. Even if you don’t intentionally swim, you can still get hit by spray.
I’d treat your packing like this:
- Towel you can actually use when you’re done
- Extra clothes in a bag that can close
- Insect repellent (the tour explicitly recommends it)
- Something you don’t mind getting damp during the day
Also think about what you’ll carry during the trek. You want quick access to your essentials without having everything loose in a way that gets wet or sandy.
If you wear sandals or shoes that aren’t great on uneven ground, the trek section may not feel fun. The tour description emphasizes trekking at Sekumpul, so choose footwear you trust.
Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- A single-day northern itinerary from Ubud
- The combination of temple + two waterfall experiences
- A plan that includes transport and tickets so you can focus on the sights
It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling as a group and prefer privacy. The tour is explicitly private, meaning only your group participates. That’s ideal for families, couples, and friend groups who don’t want to share the day with strangers.
Where it may not fit as well:
- If you hate car time, remember that about half the day is driving and transfers.
- If you need fluent English for detailed explanations, consider confirming language needs in advance. I’ve seen cases where the driver guide didn’t speak English well, and that can turn simple questions into logistics.
- If you’re not comfortable with a challenging trek, be honest with your limits. The Sekumpul segment is the active part.
Booking timing and cancellation basics (quick and useful)

You’ll typically see this booked about 39 days in advance, so it’s smart to plan ahead if your dates are fixed. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you decide late, that window matters.
Should you book the Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?

I’d book it if your priority is Sekumpul Waterfall plus an efficient northern route. The value is in the package: private air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, lunch, snacks, and bottled water—done in a single 10-hour day.
I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to language issues or if you dislike treks. Sekumpul is the centerpiece, and the day is built around spending real time there.
If you go, go prepared for wet weather. Bring extra clothes, a towel, and insect repellent. And if clear English explanations are important to you, message the provider ahead of time and confirm what language support you’ll get that day.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?
The tour lasts about 10 hours total.
What stops are included on this tour?
You visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What does the price include?
Private transportation (air-conditioned vehicle), a professional friendly driver, hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, entrance tickets, lunch at a local restaurant, and snacks.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included.
Do I need to bring a towel and extra clothes?
Yes. The tour asks you to bring extra clothes and a towel.
Should I bring insect repellent?
Yes. The tour recommends bringing insect repellent.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour, and only your group participates.
FAQ
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
When do I need to cancel for a full refund?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.



























