Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls Tour Private – All-Inclusive

Waterfalls reward the effort. This private Bali day trip combines two beautiful north Bali cascades with mountain views, rice terraces, Lake Bratan, and a Hindu temple, giving you far more than a single swim stop. I especially like the private vehicle and flexible guide, and I like that the route reaches quieter parts of Bali beyond Ubud’s usual sights. The main caution is the steep, slippery walking, plus a schedule that can run much longer than the advertised seven to eight hours.

The price is listed at $50 per person, with a minimum of two people. That is fair value for private transport, an English-speaking driver, admission fees, hotel or port pickup, and a full day in north Bali. Just confirm the exact route before departure, since the description refers to Sekumpul Waterfall while the detailed stops focus on Banyumala and Banyu Wana.

Key points to know before booking

• Two waterfall walks involve steep steps: Banyumala is reached by a pretty forest path, while Banyu Wana includes a steep descent, difficult stairs, and a stream crossing.
• Private guides make the day flexible: Drivers such as Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Made, Newman, Gede, and Arta have been praised for patience, photo help, local explanations, and route changes.
• The best part is the waterfall time: You can swim beneath the falls, cool off in fresh water, and see several cascades in a lush setting.
• Expect a long day from southern Bali: Some departures lasted 10 to 12 hours because of long drives between Jimbaran, Kuta, Ubud, the mountains, and the waterfalls.
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan adds culture: The lakeside Hindu temple gives the day a welcome change of pace after the hike.
• Pack for wet conditions: Bring dry clothes, a waterproof bag, sports shoes, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera. Lunch is not included.

What this private north Bali tour is really like

This is not a quick Ubud outing. It is a full day on the road, with mountain stops, waterfall hikes, temple time, and often a coffee plantation visit. The private format matters because you are not tied to a large group moving at one fixed pace. If you need extra time on the stairs, want more photos, or prefer to shorten a stop, your driver may be able to adjust the day.

The published duration is about seven to eight hours, with an 8:00 am start. In practice, the trip can take much longer. One itinerary from Jimbaran ran from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with drives of roughly two hours to a coffee plantation, another hour and a half to the Mount Batur viewpoint, and another hour and a half to Sekumpul. Road conditions and your pickup point make a major difference.

That long driving time is the price of seeing Bali’s northern interior in one day. You are not simply being driven to a waterfall and back. You are crossing a wide slice of the island, with opportunities to see rice fields, volcanic country, mountain villages, and temple grounds.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the forest path

The first waterfall stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. The approach is part of the attraction. You walk downhill through tropical plants, flowers, and banana trees, with thick greenery around the path. This short forest walk feels more natural than a polished roadside attraction.

The waterfall itself is a strong reason to book the tour. Banyumala is known for twin streams dropping into a pool, and the setting gives you the chance to cool off in fresh mountain water. Several accounts describe the waterfall as the favorite part of the day, especially the swim beneath the falls.

Allow about an hour here, including the walk and time at the water. Bring a change of clothes even if you do not plan to swim. Spray, rain, and wet rocks can leave you soaked, and a plastic bag for your phone and wallet is a simple but useful precaution.

The forest path is beautiful, but do not treat it as a flat stroll. You are descending first, then climbing back up. Sports shoes with a firm grip are a better choice than sandals or smooth-soled trainers.

Banyu Wana Amertha and the slippery stairway

The next stop is Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, reached after about a 30-minute hike. This section deserves the clearest warning of the day: the descent is steep, some stairs are difficult, and you cross a stream using stepping stones.

You may find the walk manageable if you are comfortable with uneven ground and take your time. It is not a good match for anyone expecting an easy sightseeing stop from a vehicle. The return climb is the harder part, especially after swimming and walking in humid mountain weather.

The reward is a group of striking cascades in a green forest setting. Some accounts describe seeing as many as seven waterfalls in the wider area. You will want time for photographs, but watch your footing rather than trying to capture every angle. Wet stairs are not the place for a hurried selfie.

A private guide can help here. Kadek Tosa was praised for moving at a patient pace, while other guides helped with photographs and waited when the climb became tiring. One guide, known by the nickname Spiderman, received especially warm praise for helping make the waterfall visit fun. These personal touches matter when the path gets demanding.

If rain arrives, conditions change quickly. One account described a thunderstorm during the climb back. Another wished the company supplied raincoats or umbrellas. Bring your own light rain protection, since it is not listed among the inclusions.

The Sekumpul question: confirm your waterfall route

There is an important planning wrinkle. The overall description centers on Sekumpul Waterfall, while the detailed stop list names Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha. Several day plans also included a Sekumpul viewpoint or a walk down toward Sekumpul.

These are different waterfall areas, even though they belong to the same broad north Bali outing. Some people walked to the lower Sekumpul falls and swam. Others stopped at a viewpoint halfway down because heavy rain made the steep descent unwise. A motorcycle ride back up was available in one account for about 20,000 Indonesian rupiah, less than $2 at that time.

I would confirm three things before you leave:

• Which waterfalls are included on your date
• Whether you will reach the swimming area or only a viewpoint
• Whether a local waterfall guide or return motorcycle ride costs extra

This is not a reason to dismiss the tour. It is simply a matter of making sure the name of the experience matches the day you expect. The waterfall area is clearly the centerpiece, but the exact combination can vary.

Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and the rice terraces

The wider route often includes views of Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. These stops turn a waterfall trip into a broader look at Bali’s interior.

The volcano and lake views are especially worthwhile when the weather is clear. One breakfast stop overlooking the caldera was described as the best meal view of the day. Breakfast is not listed as included, so plan to pay for food yourself. The mountain air and wide view make this a useful pause during a long drive.

Tegalalang offers a classic Bali photo stop, with layered rice fields and terraces cut into the hillsides. You may already have seen photographs of the area, but the view gives useful context to how farming fits into Bali’s countryside. One account described a community-owned rice field, which can provide a more local-feeling stop than a simple roadside picture.

Do not expect every listed sight to receive equal time. The waterfalls require the most physical effort, while volcano viewpoints and rice terraces are generally shorter photo breaks. If one of these matters most to you, tell your private driver at the start.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan by Lake Bratan

After the waterfall section, the route can continue to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, about 45 minutes from the Sekumpul area. The temple complex sits beside Lake Bratan in the Bedugul highlands, and its mountain setting gives the visit a calm change of mood.

The temple is one of the day’s strongest cultural stops. Instead of seeing Bali only through scenery and swimming holes, you get a chance to visit an active Hindu religious site with distinctive shrines and gardens. The lake setting also gives you some of the tour’s most recognizable photographs.

Allow about 45 minutes. That is enough for a walk through the grounds and photographs, but not a long religious or historical study. The driver may explain some local customs, though the experience is not presented as a formal temple lecture.

Dress and behave respectfully at the temple. The supplied details do not specify a strict dress code, so bring or wear clothing suitable for a Hindu temple visit. Your guide can advise you if special rules apply that day.

Coffee plantation stop and shopping pressure

A coffee plantation is mentioned near the end of the route. It can be an interesting break, particularly if you want to learn about local coffee and teas. Luwak coffee is often the product that attracts the most attention, but it can be very expensive. One account gave a price of about 1,100,000 Indonesian rupiah for 250 grams.

That price is a useful warning. You can enjoy a tasting or browse without assuming you need to buy anything. Bring spending money for souvenirs only if you want them, and ask prices before committing to packaged coffee or tea.

The plantation also adds another commercial stop to a day already filled with major sights. If you prefer more time at the waterfall or temple, ask whether the schedule can be adjusted. The private setup gives you a better chance of changing the balance than a large coach tour would.

Guides, drivers, and the value of going private

The strongest praise goes to the drivers and guides. Names that received warm comments include Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Newman, Made, Gede, Arta, Yanik, and Putu. Their reported strengths were prompt hotel pickup, friendly conversation, useful local information, patient pacing, help with photographs, and the ability to avoid traffic or change the plan.

That last point is important in Bali. The island’s roads can make a simple route take much longer than expected. A driver who knows the roads and can adjust the order of stops may save time, even if the day remains long.

The service level may not be identical every time. One person found the driver friendly but felt he acted mainly as a driver rather than a guide, with little explanation of the places along the way. If cultural information matters to you, ask at booking for an English-speaking guide who will explain the sites, not just provide transport.

At $50 per person, the value is strongest for two or more people sharing the private experience. You receive transport, pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and fees and taxes. Compare that with arranging separate taxis, admission, and transport to remote waterfalls. The price does not include lunch, drinks, coffee purchases, or optional shopping.

Fitness, safety, and what to pack

The experience is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, with a minimum of two people per booking. Most people can take part, but that broad age range should not be confused with an easy activity rating.

The main demands are repeated stairs, steep downhill paths, slippery surfaces, stream stones, and the uphill return. If you have knee, balance, or mobility concerns, ask the provider for a clear description of the current route. The information specifically warns about challenging stairs.

Pack:

• Sports shoes with good grip
• A spare set of clothes
• A plastic bag or waterproof pouch for valuables
• A waterproof camera or protected phone
• Sunscreen
• Money for food, souvenirs, or coffee
• Rain protection

You should also keep the day’s weather in mind. Mountain rain can arrive suddenly, and a wet climb is harder than a dry one. Take breaks, use handrails where available, and do not feel pressured to reach every lower pool.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want scenery, swimming, and a private vehicle in one long day. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups that want a flexible pace. It also works well for solo visitors who can meet the two-person booking minimum by joining with a companion.

The tour is a particularly good fit if you have already seen Ubud Market and the Monkey Forest and want to reach less central parts of Bali. The waterfall roads are time-consuming, so having a driver makes practical sense.

I would hesitate if you want a relaxed day with little walking. I would also think twice if you dislike long road transfers, commercial coffee stops, or changing plans. The route is rewarding, but it asks for stamina and patience.

Is the Banyumala and Banyu Wana tour worth booking?

Book it if your priority is seeing north Bali waterfalls without arranging complicated transport yourself. The private format, helpful drivers, swimming time, mountain views, and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan make $50 per person a solid deal for a pair or small group.

Before paying, confirm the exact waterfall route and expected duration. Ask if the plan includes Banyumala, Banyu Wana, Sekumpul, a viewpoint, or some combination. If you are ready for steep steps and a potentially 10 to 12-hour day, this offers one of the most memorable ways to see Bali beyond the central tourist circuit.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Last-minute cancellations or changes are not accepted for a refund.

FAQ

Where does this waterfall tour take place?

The experience is based in Ubud, Bali, and pickup is offered from hotels or ports. The route travels into northern and central Bali, with waterfall, mountain, rice terrace, temple, and coffee plantation stops.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am. Some accounts describe earlier departures, so confirm your pickup time when booking.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is approximately seven to eight hours. Depending on your pickup point, traffic, weather, and the number of stops, the day can last 10 to 12 hours.

Which waterfalls are included?

The detailed route names Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. The wider description also refers to Sekumpul Waterfall, so you should confirm the exact combination before departure.

Is swimming allowed at the waterfalls?

The experience includes the chance to swim in the fresh water at the waterfall area. Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price. You should bring money for food and drinks.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates, and private transportation is included.

What fitness level is required?

The tour involves challenging stairs, steep descents, a stream crossing on stepping stones, and a demanding uphill return. It is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, but you should be comfortable with strenuous walking and slippery ground.