Three icons, one north Bali day. This tour strings together three of Bali’s most photogenic stops—Handara’s gate, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple—while you’re taken up from Jimbaran in a private, air-conditioned car. I really like how the day is built around your time in the north highlands, where the weather feels cooler and the scenery is a big reset from south Bali.

What I like most is the local guide for the Sekumpul trek and the fact that entry tickets and lunch are included, so the day stays simple. The one drawback to weigh is that Sekumpul involves walking over natural ground, so you’ll want moderate fitness and good footwear.

Key Things That Matter Most

• Handara Iconic Gate: a short, timed stop that’s ideal for photos without eating your whole day
• Sekumpul Waterfall trek with a local guide: extra safety and more confident walking on uneven paths
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple by Lake Bratan: a major Shaivite water temple setting with lake views
• Lunch + water included: warung-style lunch plus mineral water and coconut water
• Hotel pickup from Jimbaran/south Bali area: fewer decisions, fewer rides, less stress

A Full-Day North Bali Reset From Jimbaran

This is the kind of day trip I recommend when you want a lot of variety without turning your Bali trip into a logistics puzzle. You start around 8:00 am, then head north toward the cooler, greener Bedugul highlands. The contrast is the point: south Bali can feel busy and hot; the north slows you down, and you start noticing the air change as you climb.

Because it’s billed as private (only your group), you’re not stuck with the awkward stop-and-wait rhythm that happens on some bus tours. You still get the structure—three major stops, timed for sightseeing—but you keep more control over pacing once you’re at each place.

The other value angle: you’re not just buying viewpoints. You’re buying the buffer that usually costs you time—transport, entry fees, and a guide specifically for the hike portion.

Handara Iconic Gate Photos: Fast Stop, Big Payoff

Handara Iconic Gate is one of those places where the photos are half the reason. This spot has become a famous landmark, and it’s known as the path to serenity—plus it’s a top Instagram-style attraction. The stop is about 30 minutes, and that timing matters.

Why it works:

• You get the famous photo angle without losing half a day to waiting.
• A short stop also keeps you from getting worn out before the trek to Sekumpul, which is the heavier part of the day.
• You can spend more energy on timing your shots around light and crowds, instead of rushing through everything.

A consideration:

• If you’re the type who likes to linger for 60–90 minutes at every viewpoint, you may wish you had more time here. This is built as a photo stop that feeds into the rest of the day.

If you want the best results, wear comfortable shoes (you’ll walk around the gate area), and keep your phone/camera ready early so you’re not digging for gear once the moment is passing.

Sekumpul Waterfall Trek: What the Local Guide Changes

Sekumpul Waterfall is the main event. This is where you trade paved roads for a jungle-feeling hike, with lush green surroundings and a real waterfall payoff. The time at the waterfall area is about 3 hours, and you go with a local guide who helps you explore the area and keeps the trek safer and smoother.

Here’s what the guide adds in practical terms:

• You spend less time second-guessing where to go and more time actually walking with purpose.
• Your guide can help with safe footing and pacing, which matters when the ground gets slick or uneven.
• You’re more likely to get better photo moments because you aren’t just following a random route.

The tour also makes it easier to do the hike comfortably. Admission tickets are included, and you’ll have a plan to keep the day moving so you’re not stuck waiting for transportation back in the middle of the trek.

A real-life tip: bring insect repellent. The north Bali highlands can be cooler, but you’re still in nature, and bugs are part of the experience.

If you want to swim, the day’s guidance is to bring a towel and extra clothes. Not required, but it’s smart if you’re hoping to cool off at the falls.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Lake Views With Built-In Calm

After the hike, you get a quieter, more cultural stop: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (also called Pura Bratan). This is described as a major Shaivite water temple. It sits on the shore of Lake Bratan, up in the mountains near Bedugul, and it dates to 1633.

You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, which is just enough time to:

• understand the place without rushing through it
• take in the lake setting (this is the kind of location where the view and the temple belong together)
• stroll through the temple complex at a relaxed pace before you head back toward the south

Why I like this pairing after Sekumpul:

• Waterfall trekking tires your legs; the temple gives your body a chance to reset while you still get scenery and photos.
• It changes the vibe from “walk, slip, look down” to “slow down, look across.”

One practical consideration: temples usually involve walking on uneven surfaces, so your comfortable shoes from earlier are still your best friend.

Lunch, Drinks, and the True Meaning of All-Inclusive

This is where the all-inclusive part actually earns its name. Lunch is included at a local restaurant (warung) in the waterfall area, plus bottled water and coconut water. If you’ve ever done Bali trips where you pay for transport, then pay again for entry, then pay again for food… this inclusion is a relief.

What’s good about the meal setup:

• You don’t waste time searching for lunch once you’re already out in the countryside.
• Coconut water is a very practical recovery drink after walking.
• The lunch timing fits the day’s flow, so you’re not hungry during the key sightseeing moments.

What to keep in mind:

• Warung-style meals can vary. If you’re picky about spice or specific dishes, you might want to manage expectations: this is local and straightforward, not a fancy restaurant experience.

The tour also includes entry tickets for all three key stops, and that’s a big part of why the day can feel like a good value for the time you’re spending out of town.

Getting There in Comfort: Private Pickup Beats Taxi Chaos

You’re picked up from many south Bali hotels (this is meant to reduce taxi stress) and transported in a private car with petrol and parking handled. That matters because the route from Jimbaran up to the Bedugul area is not short, and travel time adds up fast.

A few logistics reasons this style of day trip feels easier:

• You don’t have to coordinate rides between three very different places.
• You’re not negotiating prices mid-day when your energy is already lower.
• A car that’s ready for you after the hike removes the most annoying part of independent travel: waiting around.

Start time is 8:00 am, and the day runs roughly 8 to 10 hours. That’s a solid chunk, but it’s also realistic for doing one temple stop and one proper waterfall trek without pretending you’ll do it all in three hours.

Also note: you’ll be given a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking. That’s useful because it cuts down on paperwork on the road.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink)

This works best for you if you want:

• A full day with minimal planning
• a guided Sekumpul trek rather than self-navigating
• a mix of nature + a major temple + one big photo landmark
• a comfortable way to travel up from Jimbaran

It may be less ideal if:

• you dislike hikes or you don’t want to deal with uneven ground and insects
• you hate structured timing and prefer long, wandering stops

The tour is recommended for travelers with moderate physical fitness, and the minimum age is 10 years old. So families can consider it, but only if kids are comfortable walking and staying engaged through the full day.

Book It or Skip It: My Practical Take

I’d book this tour if you’re trying to hit the big Bali “wow” moments in one day without playing driver, ticket clerk, and trail navigator all at once. You’re paying for the full package: hotel pickup, a local guide at Sekumpul, entry fees, and food + drinks. In other words, the cost isn’t only for transportation—it’s for removing the friction that usually turns a scenic day into a headache.

Price-wise, $68.67 per person is easier to justify here than on half-formed tours because so much is included (tickets, lunch, water, coconut water, and the Sekumpul guide). The value is strongest when you actually want all three stops and don’t want to assemble them yourself.

The main reason to hesitate is weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you’re booking during a weather-uncertain week, keep an eye on forecasts and plan flexible days.

If your priority is photos plus a real waterfall trek plus a meaningful temple setting—and you want the day to run smoothly—this is a smart choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long does the experience take?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Where is the tour located?

It’s based in the Jimbaran, Indonesia area, with travel into north Bali.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered, and it’s designed to drop off and pick up at many south Bali hotels.

What are the main stops on the day?

You’ll visit Handara Iconic Gate, go on the Sekumpul Waterfall hike, and see Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served at a local warung in the waterfall area.

What drinks are included?

You’ll receive bottled water and coconut water.

Do I need a moderate fitness level?

Yes. The tour recommends travelers have moderate physical fitness due to the trekking.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and if you want to swim bring a towel and extra clothes.