Best of North Bali Tour, Hot Spring, Waterfall, Lake Temples

North Bali rewards an early start. This private day out links quiet mountain sights with warm sulphur pools, waterfalls, lake views, and Bali’s famous floating temple. I like the freedom of traveling only with your own party, and I like that a professional English-speaking driver handles the long mountain roads. The trade-off is clear: six main stops in 9 to 10 hours makes for a full day, with plenty of time in the car.

I also like the practical pricing. At $80 per person, the cost covers hotel pickup and return, transport, petrol, parking, entrance tickets, tax, and services. Lunch can be added as an Indonesian set menu, though you should confirm the lunch option when booking. The main point to consider is distance: this is not a slow, one-area outing. It is an ambitious circuit through northern Bali.

Key points to know before booking

• Private from start to finish: Only you and your party share the air-conditioned vehicle.
• Six major stops: The route includes a Buddhist monastery, Banjar Hot Spring, twin lakes, Banyumala Waterfall, Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
• A full mountain day: The visit lasts about 9 to 10 hours, including the road time between stops.
• Strong value for small groups: Entrance fees, parking, petrol, and hotel transfers are included in the quoted price.
• Best for varied scenery: You move from temple gardens and hot water to forested valleys, lake overlooks, and highland air.
• Early timing can help: One guest said the stops were calm, with large buses arriving just after the group left.

Why this North Bali route works

Many Bali tours pile up around the south coast. This one takes you north, where the pace changes and the roads climb into cooler mountain country. You get religious sites, water, forest, and photo stops in one long loop.

The private format matters here. You are not tied to a bus full of strangers, and the schedule can be adjusted around your requests. The driver also acts as your English-speaking guide, which gives the day a more personal feel than a basic transfer service.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Six one-hour visits sound generous, but the tour also covers winding roads and several separate parts of North Bali. You will see a lot, but this is not the right choice if you want to sit for half a day at one waterfall or temple.

Pickup and drop-off are provided at your hotel or villa. The air-conditioned vehicle will be welcome during the warmer parts of the day, and the mountain roads make having a dedicated driver far easier than arranging separate transport.

Brahma Vihara Arama, Bali’s large Buddhist monastery

The first scheduled stop is Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, described as the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali. It was built by Yayasan Giri Rakketo Maha Tera, with the foundation’s name linked to its founder, Bhiku Giri Rakketo Maha Thera.

Plan on about an hour here. The monastery offers a different religious setting from the Hindu temples that dominate most Bali sightseeing. That contrast gives the morning some depth, especially if you are interested in how several faith traditions share the island.

The gardens are an important part of the visit. Bali’s religious sites are often shaped as much by flowers, greenery, and careful outdoor design as by the buildings themselves. Give yourself time to look beyond the main structure.

Wear smart casual clothing throughout the day. A respectful outfit works well at both the Buddhist monastery and the Hindu temples later on. Sunscreen is also worth packing, even though the highlands can feel cooler.

Banjar Hot Spring and its sulphuric water

Banjar Hot Spring is the day’s most physical stop. The pools use warm sulphuric water of volcanic origin, with a temperature described as agreeable and comfortable for soaking. One hour gives you enough time to enjoy the water without turning the visit into an all-day spa session.

The springs are promoted as helpful for people with rheumatic complaints. Treat that as a traditional or local claim, not a medical promise. If you have a health condition, use your own judgment before bathing.

Bring what you need for a wet stop. The tour instructions specifically suggest sunscreen and a camera, but a small change of clothes and a bag for damp items would also be sensible. Those latter items are practical suggestions rather than stated inclusions, so do not expect them to be supplied.

This is one of the stops where the private schedule can help. You may be able to spend less time here if soaking is not your thing, or linger a little longer if the pools are the main reason you chose the tour. Any change depends on the day’s timing and your driver.

Tamblingan and Buyan, Bali’s twin lakes

The tour next reaches Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, two neighboring lakes in the northern highlands. The area is described as having remained almost untouched, and both lakes serve as important water sources for nearby communities.

You are scheduled for about an hour in this area. The appeal is the quiet mountain setting rather than a long list of activities. Expect views across the water, cooler air, and a sharp change from the hot spring below.

The twin lakes also help explain why northern Bali feels different from the southern resort zone. Here, the scenery is about highland roads, forest, and open water. I like this stop because it gives the day breathing room after the monastery and hot spring.

Weather can change quickly in the mountains. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund. Even on a clear day, bring sun protection. The camera suggestion makes sense here, since the lake views are among the day’s most scenic moments.

Banyumala Twin Waterfall, a short but rewarding stop

Banyumala Waterfall sits at the bottom of a valley. Water drops over three sides, with the largest central fall joined by smaller falls on the right and left. A pool lies below the waterfall.

The setting gives this stop a more natural feel than the photo-focused Wanagiri visit later. You get roughly an hour, which allows time to see the falls and take pictures, though the actual walking effort is not spelled out in the tour details. Ask your driver about the conditions before setting off, particularly after wet weather.

I would keep your footwear practical. The supplied information does not promise a specific trail surface or level of access, so do not treat this as a fully effortless roadside viewpoint. Most travelers can participate in the tour, but individual comfort with uneven ground and a valley setting still matters.

The waterfall is also part of the passing scenery mentioned during the day. Since the route goes through several mountain areas, you may see other well-known waterfalls, gates, and temples from the vehicle, but only the listed stops are scheduled visits.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the photo-stop question

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is a purpose-built selfie park, one of the first of its kind in Bali. Its main draw is a collection of scenic photo points designed around the mountain and lake views.

You have about an hour here. This is the least traditional stop on the route, and that is either its charm or its weakness. If you enjoy taking creative pictures, the setting gives you a playful change of pace. If you prefer temples, villages, and natural sites without staged platforms, you may find the stop less compelling.

The tour description calls it a strong-value photo location for people who want a full collection of memorable images. That tells you exactly what to expect: this is not a quiet nature reserve or a cultural site. It is a designed attraction.

The private vehicle helps here because you are not forced to match a large group’s photo schedule. You can use your hour as intended, shorten the visit if you are finished, or spend more time enjoying the views. The final timing remains important, since Ulun Danu Beratan is still ahead.

Ulun Danu Beratan, the grand finale

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is set in the highlands of Bedugul Regency, on Lake Beratan at about 1,500 meters above sea level. Mountain air and the lake setting give this final stop a fitting sense of occasion.

The temple is one of Bali’s best-known sights, but the setting is what makes it memorable. Water surrounds parts of the temple complex, while the high elevation brings cooler weather than you find around Seminyak. After a long day on the road, the fresh air should feel welcome.

Allow about an hour. That gives you time to appreciate the buildings, gardens, lake, and mountain backdrop without rushing through the grounds. Modest, smart casual clothing is the safe choice at this Hindu temple, just as it is at the Buddhist monastery.

The tour notes that you may pass a famous temple elsewhere on the route as well. Since no additional name or stop time is given, think of those as roadside sights rather than promised visits. Ulun Danu Beratan is the temple that receives the planned visit.

Lunch, timing, and the value of $80

Lunch is not automatically part of every booking. You can request a local restaurant stop, and an Indonesian set menu is included if you choose the lunch option. Confirm this when you reserve so there is no confusion about what your price covers.

At $80 per person, the value is strongest for a small private party. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver and guide, all entrance tickets, petrol, parking, tax, services, and hotel or villa pickup and drop-off. Those costs can add up quickly if you arrange separate transport and admissions.

Group discounts are offered, but no discount amount is provided. Ask for the current rate if you are booking for several people. Since the tour is private, a larger party may also improve the per-person value, provided the vehicle size suits your group.

Personal expenses are not included. That means you should budget separately for anything outside the listed inclusions, such as optional purchases or other personal needs. Lunch is the one clear extra choice mentioned in the details.

The schedule is flexible based on your request, which is a real benefit. Still, flexibility does not erase distance. I would choose your priorities before departure: perhaps more time at the waterfall and temple, or a shorter visit at the selfie park and hot spring.

What the praise tells you about the day

The strongest feedback centers on calm timing, scenery, and the driver. Yuda was described as fun, relaxed, and informed, with good timing at each stop. On one outing, large buses arrived just after the group departed, leaving the stops pleasantly quiet.

That detail is useful. North Bali’s popular sights can feel very different depending on arrival time, and a private tour gives you some control over the pace. It cannot guarantee empty sites, but an early start and a flexible driver can improve your chances.

The mountain drive itself also earns praise. Winding roads and broad views are part of the experience, not just a way to get from one admission gate to the next. If you enjoy watching Bali change from resort districts to highland countryside, you will likely appreciate the road time.

The positive feedback is not a promise that every day will run perfectly. Traffic, weather, and crowds can shift the schedule. But the private setup gives you more room to respond than a fixed coach tour.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend this tour if you want a broad taste of North Bali in one day and prefer private transport. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want to share a vehicle and adjust the timing together.

It also works well if your interests are mixed. You can see Buddhist and Hindu religious sites, soak in warm water, visit a waterfall, look across two lakes, and stop at a photo park without arranging six separate trips.

I would be more cautious if you dislike long drives, winding mountain roads, or busy schedules. The itinerary is ambitious, and one hour at each main stop may feel short if you want a slow, detailed visit. The selfie park may also appeal less if you prefer purely natural or cultural sights.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund. Most people can participate, but the tour does not provide detailed accessibility information for the waterfall or hot spring.

Final call: a strong choice for variety

Book this North Bali tour if you want maximum variety, private transport, and a driver who can help shape the day. The combination of included entrance fees, mountain scenery, and hotel transfers makes $80 per person a fair price, especially for a small group.

Skip it if your ideal Bali day means staying in one place and taking things slowly. For everyone else, this is a useful way to reach northern sights that are difficult to combine on your own. Start early, dress respectfully, pack sunscreen and a camera, and treat the long drive as part of the adventure rather than wasted time.

FAQ

How long does the Best of North Bali Tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, including visits to six main attractions and the driving time between them.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only you and your party participate, and no other participants share the vehicle.

What is included in the $80 price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver and guide, entrance tickets, petrol, parking fees, tax, services, and hotel or villa pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The meal is an Indonesian set menu, and the driver can take you to a local restaurant if requested.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and a camera. Smart casual clothing is recommended, especially because the route includes Buddhist and Hindu religious sites.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and poor weather may result in a new date or full refund.