Experience Private Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall

Waterfalls in Bali have a way of hijacking your schedule. This private northern trip from Ubud strings together three very different waterfall moments, plus a classic temple stop at Ulun Danu Bratan. You get a full day of scenic change in one ride, and your driver handles the logistics in an air-conditioned vehicle.

I especially like two things about this tour. First, the day is built around real highlights, including the Sekumpul Waterfall area with its famous seven cascades and the chance to experience a natural water slide feel. Second, value is strong because entrance tickets, lunch, bottled water, and snacks are included, so you are not constantly pulling out your wallet.

One thing to consider: you should plan for possible English communication hiccups. At least one past guest reported the driver was not speaking English well, so if language matters for you, it is smart to confirm expectations before you go.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Sekumpul Waterfall time is longer than it sounds, with about 3 hours for the trek and waterfall viewing
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple gets a full hour, giving you time for lake views and the temple vibe
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is a quieter finish, not just a quick roadside photo stop
• Tickets, lunch, and snacks are included, which makes the $36 price feel more “all-in” than typical tours
• It is a long day mostly spent on the road, about 5 hours are for pickup, drop-off, and travel
• Bring a towel and extra clothes, because you will likely get splashed, especially at Sekumpul

Why Bali’s North Feels Different From Ubud Day Trips

Bali’s north has a different rhythm than the south and it is a good break from the usual, temple-only or beach-only loop. From Ubud, you spend the day heading toward the highlands region around Bedugul and then down into waterfall country.

The big advantage of doing this by private transport is simple: fewer stops to decode, fewer routing headaches, and you can keep moving without burning energy. It is also a good fit if you want a smoother day because the vehicle is air-conditioned and you get hotel pickup and drop-off.

That said, it is still a drive-heavy day. This is not a “pop in, see one waterfall, pop out” plan. You are committing to the region, so plan your energy like you would for a hike day, not a casual afternoon.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Lake Views and a Water Temple Stop

Your first stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, also known as Ulundanu Temple, placed on the shores of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul highlands. You get about an hour here, and entrance is included.

Why I think this stop matters: it is not just a pretty background. It is a water temple dedicated to the goddess of the lake, so it gives context for why this area feels “water-centered.” Even if you are not into temple details, the setting does the work for you. The lake view changes with the light, and the highland air tends to feel cooler than Ubud.

What to watch for:

• Dress respectfully at the temple, and expect you might get cool air after being warm in the car.
• With only an hour, you will want to move at a steady pace so you can enjoy the main viewpoint and still leave time to shop for small snacks or drinks if you want.

Sekumpul Waterfall Trek: Seven Falls and a Natural Water Slide Feel

The heart of this tour is Sekumpul Waterfall, often described as Bali’s most beautiful and challenging waterfall. You get about 3 hours for this stop, and admission is included.

What makes Sekumpul different is that it is not one waterfall. It is a set of seven cascading falls, so your best views shift as you move along the area. This is also where you are most likely to get wet, because the tour highlights a unique natural water slide feel and even mentions refreshing swim time.

This is the part of the day that rewards preparation.

• Wear shoes that handle slippery ground.
• Plan on getting splashed even if you do not intend to swim.
• If you are not steady on your feet, go slow. The “challenging” part is real.

A realistic expectation: Sekumpul is not a sit-and-stare attraction for the whole time. You spend part of the 3 hours walking and positioning yourself for the best angles. If you treat it like a hike segment, you will enjoy it more and feel less rushed.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: A Calmer Finish in Northern Bali

After the bigger, more active waterfall stop, you end with Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. You get about an hour here, also with admission included.

Banyumala is described as relatively untouched and tranquil, and that matches the vibe you want after Sekumpul. Instead of trying to do everything at maximum intensity, this is a more relaxed wrap-up. You can slow your pace, take in the twin fall views, and get photos without feeling like you are fighting for a spot.

Practical tip: treat Banyumala as your “reset.” Use the hour to:

• Let your legs cool down after the Sekumpul trek
• Change into dry-ish clothes if you brought a spare set
• Take insect repellent seriously here, since waterfalls and vegetation can mean more bugs

This ending stop is part of why I like the tour design. It gives you a strong peak and then a calmer landing.

The 10-Hour Schedule: How Much Waterfall Time You Actually Get

The total duration is about 10 hours, and the tour notes that roughly 5 hours are used for hotel pickup, drop-off, and driving between destinations. That means your actual active time is spread across the three stops rather than concentrated.

Here is how the day typically breaks down:

• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: about 1 hour
• Sekumpul Waterfall: about 3 hours
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: about 1 hour

So yes, you are in the vehicle a lot. But that is also how you reach these northern sites from Ubud without adding your own routing stress. If you go in expecting a compact, low-travel adventure, you might feel the time on the road more than you like.

My advice: plan your day like you are doing one big outing, not three separate mini trips. Bring water, snacks, and something light to keep your energy steady, especially for the Sekumpul portion.

Price and What You Get for $36: Tickets, Lunch, and Transport

At $36 per person, this is priced like a value-focused full-day tour, not a premium private extravaganza. What makes the cost feel reasonable is that many big expenses are already covered.

Included items you get for your money:

• Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional driver
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bottled water and snacks
• Entrance tickets for all attractions
• Lunch at a local restaurant

When you travel in Bali, these add up fast if you try to piece it together yourself. This tour gives you a cleaner comparison, because tickets, lunch, and transport are bundled.

One more note: the offer also mentions group discounts and mobile tickets. Even if you book as a couple or friends, it is worth asking how discounts apply, especially if you are traveling with others and want to reduce the per-person cost.

Comfort Tips: What to Bring for Sekumpul (and the Temple)

The tour is pretty clear about what will help you enjoy it. Bring extra clothes and a towel. Even if you keep your plans “dry,” Sekumpul’s water energy makes splashes hard to avoid.

Also pack:

• Insect repellent: waterfalls mean more bugs around vegetation
• Water-friendly shoes with grip (so you do not spend your time white-knuckling every step)
• A small dry bag or zip bag for your phone or camera if you plan to shoot while near the falls

Clothing strategy that works:

• Wear clothes you can get damp without stress
• Expect the mix of cool highlands (temple area) and wetter waterfall zones
• Bring a change for the car ride home, because the end of the day matters more than you think

Language note, again: if you care about explanations while you walk, it is smart to confirm the driver’s English level ahead of time.

Who This Private Northern Trip Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want a one-day northern Bali sampler that mixes culture and water adventures. I think it is especially good for:

• Couples or small groups who want private transport but do not want to pay top-shelf prices
• Travelers who like active stops, not just scenic viewpoints
• People who want Sekumpul without organizing tickets, routes, and timing themselves
• Anyone staying in Ubud who wants to reach Bedugul and northern waterfalls in one smooth day

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate being in the car for hours between stops
• You have mobility limits that would make the Sekumpul area feel too “challenging”
• English explanations are a must-have for you, and you cannot tolerate low-clarity communication

The good news is that the itinerary is structured so the waterfalls do most of the talking. Even with minimal explanations, you still get the core experience.

Should You Book Bali Northern Trip at North Waterfall?

Book this tour if you want an efficient way to see Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in one private day. The included tickets, lunch, snacks, and bottled water make the $36 price feel practical, and the pacing gives you a real Sekumpul trek instead of a quick stop.

Skip it or reconsider if you are sensitive to English communication issues, or if a “challenging” waterfall trek does not match your comfort level. For a calmer experience, this is still a great day, but you should be honest with yourself about walking on wet, uneven ground.

If you do book, I’d go with two priorities: pack a towel and extra clothes for Sekumpul, and confirm language expectations if clear communication matters to your experience.

FAQ

What stops are included on the Bali northern trip?

The tour includes Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, entrance tickets to all attractions are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included, along with bottled water and snacks.

What should I bring?

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

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, so only your group participates.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.