Three waterfalls. One well-run northern loop.

This private Bali Northern Trip links Ulun Danu Bratan Temple on Lake Beratan, the Sekumpul area with its famous multi-drop falls, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in the north—so you get a lot of variety without the hassle of hopping between drivers or figuring out routes. Expect classic highland temple views, then a wet, adventurous hike, then a quieter waterfall finish.

I particularly like that so much is handled for you: hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transport, bottled water, admission tickets, lunch, and snacks. At $36 per person, that package-style setup matters because you’re paying for time and simplicity, not just scenery.

One thing to consider: a past booking flagged an issue with the driver not speaking English well and not being fully clear on the offer details. If you care a lot about explanations and translations, plan to keep questions simple and lean on your own guidebook apps when needed.

Key points to know before you go

• Ulun Danu Bratan by Lake Beratan: a lakeside water temple set in the Bedugul highlands.
• Sekumpul trek: a challenging-feeling walk to a waterfall with seven cascading falls and chances for refreshing water play.
• Natural water features: Sekumpul is noted for a unique water-slide style moment.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: a calmer, less crowded-feeling stop in northern Bali.
• Wet-day readiness is essential: extra clothes, towel, and insect repellent are specifically recommended.
• Time is tight: about 5 hours of the day is pickup, drop-off, and driving, so stop time goes fast.

The northern Bali route: why this day feels worth it

Bali’s north is a different world from Ubud’s rice-terrace rhythm. This tour gives you that contrast in one shot: temple + highland lake views, then real waterfall trekking, then a more peaceful twin-waterfall finale.

What makes this route work is the flow. You start with culture and views at Ulun Danu Bratan, then move into physical effort at Sekumpul, and end with Banyumala when your legs are tired but your camera battery is still hopeful. It’s a smart order because the most intense part (the Sekumpul trek) happens mid-day while conditions are usually as workable as they’ll get.

And because it’s private transportation for your group, you don’t feel trapped by other people’s pace. That’s huge on waterfall days, where timing can be as important as the destination.

Getting there from Ubud: how the 10 hours really breaks down

This is listed as an about 10-hour experience, and it’s good you understand the trade-off upfront. Roughly half the day is pickup, drop-off, and travel time between destinations. In other words, you’re not going to spend 10 relaxed hours at the falls.

Here’s how that affects your planning:

• You’ll want to treat the stops as “hit the highlights” time, not “linger all day.”
• You should keep your day-humidity expectations realistic. You’ll be in and near water, so plan clothing and footwear around that.
• You’ll want to eat with timing in mind. Lunch is included, but your schedule is moving—so don’t plan a second snack quest on your own.

Also, it’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That often makes the day smoother, especially when you’re coordinating a wet, multi-stop plan.

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple on Lake Beratan

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is the calm start you want after leaving Ubud. This is a lakeside water temple in the Bedugul highlands, and it’s dedicated to the lake goddess Dan… (the offering highlights Dan as the deity tied to the temple). Even if you’re not a deep-dive temple person, you’ll still feel what this place is built for: the water, the setting, and the ritual purpose.

What you’ll likely enjoy most here:

• The Lake Beratan views—highland air, water reflecting the sky, and that classic temple-on-the-edge feeling.
• The chance to slow down before the hike. The Sekumpul part can feel like a full-on activity day, so this first stop is a good buffer.
• Having time to take in temple details without rushing immediately into slippery terrain.

A small consideration: temple time can be culturally sensitive. Dress and behavior matter at these sites. Wear something you’re comfortable adjusting if you end up near humidity or light rain on the route.

Stop 2: Sekumpul Waterfall trek and the seven-cascade experience

Sekumpul is the main event. The highlight notes it as Bali’s most beautiful and also its more challenging waterfall, and the description adds a big visual detail: it’s made up of seven cascading falls. That matters because you’re not just seeing one waterfall—you’re looking at a whole system of drops and viewpoints.

You’ll also see why it’s popular with people who like active travel. The tour includes a trek, and the waterfall area is described as offering refreshing swim time. Even if you don’t plan to swim, assume you’ll feel damp. The “natural water slide” detail is a clue that this is not a dry lookout situation.

What to expect during the Sekumpul stop

• A multi-fall scene where angles shift as you move around the area.
• Time that’s realistic for photos and walking, not just standing still.
• Wet surfaces. Even when it’s not raining, waterfall zones can be slippery.

Practical advice that will make a difference:

• Wear shoes with grip and expect at least some splash.
• Bring a towel and an extra layer. The tour explicitly recommends extra clothes and a towel, and you’ll understand why once you’re near the falls.
• Use insect repellent. The itinerary note calls for it, and waterfall areas can be buggy when it’s warm.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s less keen on trekking, this is the part to manage carefully. The overall tour says most travelers can participate, but Sekumpul is the section with the most “movement required” energy.

Stop 3: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls for a quieter finish

After Sekumpul, Banyumala feels like the breather. This stop is described as a tranquil place tucked away in northern Bali, and it’s specifically noted for the twin waterfalls.

What I like about ending here:

• You get a different waterfall vibe than Sekumpul’s intense, multi-drop spectacle.
• The tour doesn’t just run you through one famous spot and call it done—you get a second waterfall experience with a quieter tone.
• The stop is shorter, which helps you avoid the fatigue spiral that can happen when the day goes long.

This is the kind of location where you can enjoy the sound of water without feeling like you’re fighting for every photo angle. It’s a nice ending point when you want something calming after trekking.

What you’re really paying for: value at $36 per person

Let’s talk money in a practical way. At $36 per person, the “value” isn’t just the waterfalls. It’s the packaging:

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional, friendly driver
• Bottled water
• Entrance tickets included for the attractions
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Snacks

If you tried to DIY this from Ubud, you’d likely spend time (and stress) coordinating transport, then you’d still need to pay entrance fees and locate a proper lunch spot. This tour trades a fixed price for a smoother day.

Also, it’s booked an average of 39 days in advance, which hints that it’s popular enough to plan ahead. If your travel dates are tight or you want a specific pickup time window, earlier booking can make life easier.

One note on trade-offs: because travel time eats about half the day, you’re buying convenience more than you’re buying extra time at the falls. If your top goal is maximum “hang time” at one waterfall, this style may feel rushed. If your goal is a well-rounded northern hits list, it’s a strong fit.

The included lunch, snacks, and water make the schedule easier

You might not notice how much you’ll appreciate this until you’re on the move. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant plus snacks and bottled water.

That helps for two reasons:

• You don’t have to hunt for food in the middle of a busy wet-day schedule.
• You can focus on timing—getting from temple to trek to waterfall without letting hunger turn into low-energy decision-making.

Just keep in mind that the day includes active hiking at Sekumpul and potentially damp conditions. Eating comfortably is easier if you plan for travel time and don’t expect a long sit-down meal.

Wet-day packing tips that the tour is basically begging you to follow

The tour’s advice is straightforward: bring extra clothes and a towel, and bring insect repellent. Take that seriously, because those are the exact items that separate an enjoyable day from an uncomfortable one.

Here’s a simple packing approach:

• Extra clothes: at least one fully dry change, if possible.
• Towel: small but absorbent works; you’ll feel better after Sekumpul.
• Insect repellent: use it before you get close to water areas.
• Comfortable footwear: you’ll be walking around, and some surfaces can be slick.

A “small” but useful idea: keep your phone and keys in a protected pocket or bag. Water days in Bali aren’t just about getting wet—you’re also about not ruining your day’s photos.

Private tour feel: comfort, timing, and control

Because it’s private, you’re not sharing the vehicle or the day with a big mixed group. That tends to reduce waiting, and it helps when conditions change.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking. That’s not glamorous, but it does make the start of your day smoother. Less paperwork time means more time for the actual stops.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes clean logistics—good. This is built for you.

One consideration from real-world experience: there can be language hiccups. A past booking reported an English communication problem with the driver guide, and that made the day more complicated than it should have been. If you rely on detailed explanations, consider downloading a translation app and keeping your questions short and direct.

Who this trip suits best (and who may want to adjust)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• Major northern Bali scenery in one organized day
• A mix of culture (Ulun Danu Bratan) and outdoor effort (Sekumpul)
• A calmer waterfall option at the end (Banyumala)
• Included tickets, lunch, snacks, and door-to-door pickup

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re not comfortable with trekking to waterfall viewing areas. Sekumpul is the most active segment.
• You need reliable English narration throughout the day. The tour description suggests an English-speaking guide, but at least one booking experienced the opposite.

Should you book this Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?

I’d book it if you want a structured northern Bali day that hits multiple waterfall styles and saves you from transportation juggling. The package value is solid: private air-conditioned transport, entrance tickets, lunch, snacks, and water all included for $36 makes it easier to spend your energy on the waterfalls instead of logistics.

I’d think twice if your ideal waterfall day is mostly sitting still and slow wandering, because the tour’s pace includes travel time and trekking. Also, if you need lots of English explanation, plan to bring your own support tools.

If you’re ready for a wet, active northern route with a smooth pickup-to-drop-off plan, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

What does this tour include?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, bottled water, entrance tickets to all attractions, lunch at a local restaurant, and snacks.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 10 hours, with roughly 5 hours used for pickup, drop-off, and travel between destinations.

Where is the tour starting from?

The tour is based in Ubud, Indonesia, with pickup offered.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance tickets to all attractions are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

What should I bring for the waterfalls?

Bring extra clothes and a towel, and also bring insect repellent.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.