Black sand and mountain temples in one day. This North Bali shore excursion from Celukan Bawang Port strings together classic lake views and temple stops with the calmer side of the island, plus cool-off breaks at Lovina Beach and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. I like how the route leans north for a quieter feel than Bali’s busy south.

Two big things I’d chase here: the scenery around Ulun Danu Bratan at Lake Beratan, and the mix of warm springs plus waterfalls so your day has natural rhythm. The one thing to consider is pacing: with a 6 to 10 hour schedule and multiple stops, it’s more “see a lot” than “slow travel.” Also, if you choose a customize itinerary option, entrance fees may not be included.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Lake Beratan temple views at Ulun Danu Bratan, dedicated to Dewi Danu
• Twin Lake Viewpoint for Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan crater-lake panoramas
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls with a refreshing natural pool
• Banjar Hot Springs for mineral-rich warm bathing time
• Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist monastery, known as Little Borobudur
• Lovina Beach black sand shoreline with a calm North Bali vibe

From Celukan Bawang Port: the day’s rhythm and travel time

This is built for cruise passengers on a tight clock. You start with a drive along Bali’s northern coast, and the overall promise is simple: fit in major sights and still return to Celukan Bawang Port with time to spare for your sailing.

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver who speaks English. That matters in North Bali because roads can twist and timing can get tricky; having your driver handle the navigation helps you stay relaxed and focused on the stops.

Expect the day to run long enough that you’ll want to treat it like a full outing, not a quick taste. From the included schedule, you’re looking at several 30-minute to 1-hour segments, plus driving between highlands and coast. If you hate being on the move, this might feel like a lot. If you like variety, it’s a solid match.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple on Lake Beratan: the first big wow

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (often called Ulun Danu Bratan) is one of Bali’s most recognizable temple scenes, partly because it sits on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands. This stop is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, so the whole feel is water-and-temple focused.

You get about 1 hour here, plus the entrance ticket is included (with the normal caveat that customize-itinerary options can change what’s covered). I like this stop because it gives you a landmark you’ll remember even if the rest of the day is a blur of viewpoints and waterfalls. The setting also gives you a natural break after the coastal drive.

What to watch for: this is a religious site, so dress and behavior should match the setting. If you’re hoping for tons of photos without paying attention to the flow of visitors, manage expectations and keep it respectful.

Twin Lake Viewpoint: Buyan and Tamblingan from above

Next comes the kind of view that makes you stop talking for a minute: Twin Lake Viewpoint. From here, you can look over Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, both crater lakes surrounded by dense tropical forest.

You get around 30 minutes, which is enough time to find a good angle and enjoy the perspective without feeling rushed. This is also a nice reset point in the day—less climbing, more looking, and a good chance to take a breather before the next set of outdoor stops.

Because the stop is short, it helps to be ready when you arrive. If you wait until the last minute to decide where to stand, you’ll end up with whatever angle happens to be open.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and its natural pool break

Then the day turns physical—in a good way. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is described as a North Bali hidden treasure near the Twin Lakes area, with water cascading down lush green cliffs into a clear, refreshing natural pool. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and the entrance ticket is included.

This stop is one of the best “reward” moments in the whole day because it’s both scenic and practical. You see the falls, you get that cool misty air, and if conditions allow, you can cool down in the natural pool. That’s a rare mix: photo time plus actual downtime.

The main consideration: waterfalls and slick rocks mean you need decent footwear and careful steps. If you’re wearing flip-flops or slick sandals, you’ll probably end up walking more cautiously than you’d like.

Banjar Hot Springs: mineral warmth after the falls

After the cold (or at least cooler) waterfall stop, you head to Banjar Hot Spring, also known locally as Air Panas Banjar. It’s a natural hot-water bathing spot in the hills near Lovina, with warm, mineral-rich spring water. One detail I like from the description: the water flows from stone-carved dragon features, which gives the bathing area a memorable touch.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, with the entrance ticket included. This is a smart pairing with Banyumala because your body gets a chance to recover while you’re still in the middle of sightseeing. Even if you don’t fully soak, the hot water setting feels like a reset button.

Practical note: if you want to actually use the bathing facilities, pack or wear something you can get wet and change out of later. The tour provides bottled water, but it doesn’t say it supplies towels or swimwear, so bring what you’ll need.

Brahma Vihara Arama: the Little Borobudur feel

Next up is Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, located in the hills near Banjar in North Bali. It’s the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, and the description calls it the Little Borobudur because of its beautiful stupas and detailed carvings.

You get about 1 hour here, and the entrance ticket is included. This stop brings variety to a day that’s otherwise a mix of lakes and nature. It also helps you understand Bali’s spiritual side beyond the typical temple silhouettes most people expect.

Like other sacred places, plan for quiet observation and appropriate attire. If you’re short on patience for slow-looking details, this is the one that can take longer to appreciate—because it’s all about the carvings and the forms of the stupas.

Lovina Beach: calm black-sand North Bali

After the inland stops, you move back toward the coast for Lovina Beach. This is known for its calm black sand shores and a more relaxed atmosphere than Bali’s more crowded southern beaches. Your time here is about 1 hour, and the admission ticket is listed as free.

I like Lovina because it gives you a softer landing after temples and waterfalls. You can sit, watch the shoreline, and let the day cool down a bit—literally if the ocean breeze hits while you’re still damp from earlier stops.

The only consideration is that “beach time” here is limited. It’s not a full beach day with nothing else on the agenda. If your idea of a perfect cruise day is lounging for hours, you may find Lovina’s hour passes quickly.

Munduk Waterfall in the highlands

Your final nature stop on the provided schedule is Munduk Waterfall, located in the highlands of Munduk Village. The area is described as surrounded by coffee and clove plantations, and the waterfall is framed by lush forest scenery. You’ll have about 1 hour, and the entrance ticket is included.

This stop works well as a closing scene because it feels like a proper North Bali nature moment—different from Lovina’s beach setting and different from the waterfall-and-pool experience earlier. If you kept going strong through Banyumala, Munduk gives you another dose of that “mountain air” feeling.

If you’re already tired, manage your energy by sticking to the main viewing areas and saving your big energy for whatever moment you find most scenic.

Optional Wanagiri ATV quad bike: for off-road energy

One segment noted in the experience is Wanagiri ATV quad bike touring, described as off-road riding through Bali’s jungles, rice fields, rivers, and villages. You might encounter muddy trails, rocky paths, hidden waterfalls, and even caves during the route.

Because the details on whether ATV is included versus optional aren’t explicitly stated in the information you provided, treat this as a “confirm in your booking” moment. If you do add it, it’s the best choice for people who want movement and don’t mind getting dirty.

Main consideration: ATV days usually mean heat, dust, and wear-and-tear on clothing/shoes. If you already plan to swim or soak at the hot springs, think about how much you want to deal with afterward.

Price and value: what $25.66 realistically covers

At $25.66 per person, this excursion is positioned as a value-heavy North Bali day, especially because several basics are included. You get bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and a driver speaking English with private driver service.

Most importantly for value, entrance tickets are included for the listed stops—except if you pick a customize-itinerary option that doesn’t include entrance fees. That one detail can swing the real cost of the day, so if you’re thinking about customizing, compare what you’d pay separately for entrances.

You also receive travel insurance per the included list, which is useful for cruise passengers who want extra peace of mind. And the itinerary is built to keep you on schedule so you return to the port with time for your cruise departure, which is the kind of practical value that doesn’t show up in a brochure.

What to bring and how to handle a long day

Since you’ll be moving between coast, highlands, temples, and water stops, the “what you pack” question is more important here than usual. You’ll likely appreciate:

• Good grip shoes (waterfall areas can mean slippery ground)
• A plan for getting wet if you want to use the hot spring or cool off where it’s appropriate
• A light layer for the highlands (mornings and evenings can feel cooler when you’re near Bedugul and Munduk)

Also, keep your day efficient. With multiple 30 to 60 minute stops, you’ll enjoy the experience more if you minimize time spent “getting ready” on-site and instead keep your essentials accessible from the start.

Who this excursion fits best

This tour is a strong fit if you want a classic North Bali hit in one cruise day: lake temples, crater-lake viewpoints, waterfall time, hot springs, and a calm beach stop. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who don’t want to figure out routing on their own.

It may be less ideal if you want a slow, wandering style day. The structure is active, and you’ll spend time in transit between stops. It’s also best for people who don’t mind mixing spiritual sites with nature breaks. That blend is the point.

Should you book this North Bali cruise day trip from Celukan Bawang?

If you want major North Bali scenery without worrying about timing and driving, I’d say it’s worth booking. The combination of Ulun Danu Bratan, Twin Lake Viewpoint, Banyumala, Banjar Hot Springs, and Lovina Beach gives you a lot of variety for the money, and the included vehicle and driver setup removes stress.

Skip it only if you strongly prefer a calmer pace, or if you’re planning a customize-itinerary option and haven’t budgeted for possible entrance fees. If you like seeing the island’s quieter side with a full day schedule, this is a smart cruise add-on.

FAQ

How long is the shore excursion?

The duration is listed as approximately 6 to 10 hours.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What is the price per person?

The price is $25.66 per person.

What attractions are included in the day?

The listed stops include Ulun Danu Bratan, Twin Lake View, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Banjar Hot Springs, Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, Lovina Beach, and Munduk Waterfall. An ATV quad bike segment in the Wanagiri area is also shown as part of the experience.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are included for the package for booking options A to E. For the customize itinerary booking option, entrance fees are not included.

Is Lovina Beach admission free?

Lovina Beach is listed as having free admission for this stop.

What’s included with the tour besides the sights?

Included items are bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, entrance tickets (per option), travel insurance, and a driver who speaks English. The tour also includes a private driver.

What’s not included?

Personal expenses are not included. For the customize itinerary option, entrance fees are not included.

Is the transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Will I have time to return to the cruise?

Yes. The tour is designed to maximize your day and return to the port in plenty of time for your cruise departure.