Waterfalls plus temples in one long, private day. This all-in-one trip lines up Banyumala Twin Waterfalls with another steep waterfall descent, then closes at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan. I love the fact it’s truly private, and I love the lush, slippery footwork that makes the falls feel like an earned reward, but you do need to respect the steep stairs and slick steps.

I also like how the day mixes big scenic hits with real local places. If you get a guide like Dodik or Asta, you’ll likely get smoother pacing and fun photo help, not just a car ride. Still, treat the timing as flexible: the tour says 7 to 8 hours, but real routes can run closer to 12.

Key things I’d actually plan for

• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls comes with a tropical, flower-and-banana path down into the forest
• Steep descent + slick steps at the next waterfall stop means proper shoes matter
• Lake Bratan temple visit at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan adds cultural weight and good photos
• Coffee plantation time gives you a chance to taste and shop, but it’s optional with extra spending
• Private transport from Ubud is the value play for saving time and avoiding group logistics

From Ubud to North Bali: the 7-to-12 hour reality

This tour starts early, around 8:00 am, with pickup and drop-off from your place in the Ubud area. Then you’re on the road for the long north-Bali rhythm: drives take time, especially when you’re moving between viewpoints, waterfalls, and a temple stop in the mountains.

The advertised duration is 7 to 8 hours, but plan like it could stretch. One group ran from 7:00 am to about 7:00 pm, mostly because the driving between stops adds up. That doesn’t mean it’s poorly organized. It just means this is a full-day outing, not a quick half-day snack.

On a private day like this, the advantage is simple: you’re not waiting on a bigger group. You can slow down for photos, take a rest when your legs say no, and jump out for short scenic moments without making everyone else deal with it. If you hate rigid schedules, this setup usually feels worth it.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: tropical paths and banana shade

Your first true waterfall stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Expect an easy-to-enjoy start that gets more intense the farther down you go. The path is described as beautiful and plant-filled, with tropical flowers, lots of green undergrowth, and plenty of banana trees along the descent.

This is the kind of waterfall experience that starts before you even reach the water. The trail itself is part of the show. You’ll get those “we’re in the jungle” vibes fast, and the lighting in the forest tends to be good for photos—so long as you watch your step.

Practical reality check: the walk here is downhill. That can feel fine going down, then feel different on the way back up. Bring shoes with real grip. If you’re the type who prefers minimal stair stress, you might still enjoy the experience, but you’ll want to move carefully and take your time.

Time-wise, you should budget about an hour here. Admission for this stop is included, so you’re not spending your day juggling tickets.

Banyu Wana Amertha and the Sekumpul-style descent: stairs, stream crossings, and a swim mindset

The next waterfall stop is Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. This is where you shift from pretty trail walking into “pay attention” mode. The route includes a 30-minute hike with a steep descent, plus a stream crossing using stepping stones. Reviews also repeatedly point out that the stairs can be slick and steep.

This is the part of the day where your footwear choice matters more than your photo camera. You’re dealing with humidity, water on surfaces, and steps that don’t forgive rushing. Take it slow. The better you pace, the more you enjoy the reward at the bottom.

What makes the effort worth it is the waterfall payoff: once you’re down near the main area, you get that classic Bali waterfall feeling—lush, cool air, and actual time to relax at the water. People talk about swimming in the plunge pool area, so if that’s your goal, plan on changing into swim-ready clothes and protecting your electronics.

One useful tip: if you’re exhausted on the return and still want a way to get back without suffering, there are options in the area to shortcut the climb. A commonly cited one is paying for a motorcycle lift around 20,000 rupees (less than about $2) from the lower/parking area back up. That kind of flexibility can turn a painful day into a manageable one.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan: the cultural reset

After the waterfall stretch, the tour shifts from wet steps to a mountain temple scene at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. This temple complex sits on the shores of Lake Bratan, near the Bedugul highlands.

I like adding a temple stop after a nature trek because it resets your brain. The waterfalls tire your legs; the temple helps you feel the place. It’s also a strong photo stop. If the light is right, lake views give the day more balance than just jungle greens.

You’ll likely get around 45 minutes here. Admission is included, so your time is mostly about wandering, taking in the setting, and respecting the space. If you prefer calm cultural stops over long museum-style visits, this timing often feels comfortable.

A small heads-up: temperatures can feel cooler in the mountains, especially if you’re still damp from the hike. Keep a light layer in mind if you run cold.

Coffee plantation and volcano/rice-terrace photo time

Between Ubud and the north-Bali waterfall zone, the route often includes classic Bali photo moments. The day can feature viewpoints connected to Kintamani Volcano and the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You also tend to get a scenic mountain-caldera breakfast break on the wider route, depending on how your day flows.

Then comes the coffee plantation stop, usually treated as your final activity. It’s not just a sales room. You’ll get a chance to see coffee processing and learn why Bali is famous for specialty beans and local methods.

Money note: if you want to buy civet coffee (often called Luwak), prices can be high. One price point mentioned is about 1,100,000 IDR for 250g for the most expensive versions. That’s useful because it helps you decide early whether you want a treat or just a taste.

Also, don’t let the plantation stop swallow your day. You can enjoy it and still stay in control of your schedule. If you’re hungry, you’ll already want to plan for lunch being on you (lunch is not included), so this stop can be a good place to align snacks and timing.

Cost, comfort, and how to pack to avoid a miserable hike

At $50 per person, this tour sits in the “good value if you use the private transport” category. What you’re really paying for is:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private transportation
• English-speaking driver
• All fees and taxes
• Included admission at the waterfall and temple stops

Lunch isn’t included, and that’s important. If you wait too long to eat, you’ll feel it on the steps. Plan to eat before the waterfall descent or bring a simple snack so you’re not negotiating hunger in a slippery environment.

Because the day includes challenging stairs, pack like you’re training for a very scenic gym workout:

• Sport shoes with grip
• Change of clothes, or at least dry underwear and a shirt
• A plastic bag or dry pouch for valuables
• Sunscreen, since you’ll be outside for a long stretch
• If you want photos in the wet areas, bring a waterproof camera or waterproof case

One more comfort strategy: bring patience. Even when the hike is described as doable, it still adds up. Your reward is better if you treat it as a slow descent and steady climb, not a race.

Should you book this Banyumala–Banyu Wana waterfall day?

Book it if you want a private, structured day that hits three things in one: waterfalls, mountain temple culture, and a scenic Bali photo route. It’s also a great choice if you’d rather hire a local driver and focus on enjoying the day than trying to piece together north-Bali timing yourself.

Skip or rethink if:

• you strongly dislike stair climbing
• you’re not comfortable with slick, steep steps and a stream crossing
• you need guaranteed long meal breaks with lunch included (because lunch isn’t part of the deal)

If you do decide to go, I’d treat it as a full-day outing and pack accordingly. The falls are the point, and when you show up ready—shoes, dry clothes, and a calm pace—the day feels like you earned your reward.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the Banyuwana & Banyumala waterfalls tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included, along with private transportation.

What tickets are included?

Admission tickets are included for the waterfall and temple stops on the itinerary.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What level of walking is involved?

This tour involves walking on challenging stairs and a steep descent at one of the waterfall stops.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.