Ulun Danu Temple, Handara Gate, Wanagiri And Banyu Mala Waterfall

Four stops, one full-day north Bali story. This route strings together Ulun Danu Bratan Temple by the water, the famous Handara Gate, bamboo-led views at Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and cooling breaks at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

I like how the tour is built for photos, not just sightseeing. The guide helps with photo moments, and the transport is handled in an easy way with a private, fully AC car plus an English speaking driver and mineral water.

The main tradeoff is that the stops are timed tightly and the entrance tickets are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for each site plus lunch and drinks.

Key points before you go

• Private door-to-door comfort in a fully AC car, with gasoline, parking fees, and an English speaking driver covered
• Temple, gate, hills, waterfalls in one day, starting at 8:30 am
• Photo help on the ground so you can actually get the shot at each location
• Handara Gate is right next to Ulun Danu Bratan, keeping travel time efficient
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills focuses on viewpoints and bamboo photo spots
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls gives you time to cool off, not just look from afar

Why this North Bali day beats another beach day in Seminyak

North Bali has a different pace than the beaches and clubs around Seminyak. This tour feels like a “change the scenery” button, because you go from temple lake views to an iconic gate photo stop, then into hill viewpoints, and finally into waterfall country.

What makes it practical is the flow. You start with Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, then hit Handara Gate close by, which helps keep the whole day from turning into a long ride between distant places. After that, you pivot to nature at Wanagiri Hidden Hills and finish at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, where the air usually feels cooler.

The day is also built around a guide who can help you get good angles. In feedback I read, guides like Giri, Budi, and Komang were praised for being punctual, professional, and good at explaining what you’re seeing, including clear explanations during local celebrations when they pop up.

Your ride, your pace: how the private setup really helps

This is a private tour for groups up to 6, priced at $59.50 per group. That private detail matters more in Bali than you might expect. With your own driver and car, you don’t have to sync up with strangers, and you can spend a little longer at the exact photo spot you want.

You also get the kind of basics that remove stress:

• a private fully AC car
• gasoline and parking fees
• an English speaking driver
• mineral water
• pickup from most central Bali areas
• a mobile ticket

So the value is not just “transport included.” It’s also fewer small headaches: you’re not trying to navigate traffic on your own, and you’re not managing logistics between four different stops.

One more thing I appreciate: reviews mention drivers-cum-guides who were respectful, polite, and tuned into timing. Names that came up repeatedly include Giri, Budi, Komang, Pramana, and Diano, plus coordination from Nyoman in some cases. That’s a good sign if you care about a smooth day rather than just checking boxes.

Price and value: what $59.50 per group covers

Let’s talk value in plain terms. $59.50 per group for up to 6 is inexpensive compared with what you often pay for a full-day driver in Bali, especially with AC and parking covered.

But you should plan your budget correctly:

• Included: AC private car, gasoline, parking, English speaking driver, mineral water
• Not included: entrance tickets, meals (lunch) and drinks, and personal expenses

That last part matters because this itinerary hits four pay-to-enter style stops. Admission is listed as not included for each stop, so you’ll need to carry a little cash or card readiness. Also, lunch is not included, so you’ll want to plan for either a set lunch stop during the day (if arranged) or a flexible plan to buy food along the route.

If you’re traveling solo, this still can be great value, since you’re paying per group, not per person. If you’re a larger group up to 6, you’re dividing the car cost, and suddenly this feels like a very smart way to tour north Bali without spending your whole day in transit.

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, a temple tied to lake life

Your day starts with Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, sometimes described as a temple in the lake. The idea is right there in the name: Ulun means heart, and Danu means lake. The temple is dedicated to the gods of lake and waters, linked to the Danu Goddess theme.

This stop is special for a few reasons. First, it gives the cultural side of Bali, not just the scenery. Second, the location by the water makes the atmosphere feel different from inland temples you might have seen. Third, a good guide can help you understand what you’re looking at, and in the feedback I saw, guides were specifically praised for clear explanations during local celebrations.

What to consider: it can be a bit chilly or damp depending on weather, since lake areas often feel cooler. Also, because entry is not included in the tour price, you’ll want to treat this like a paid cultural site where you should arrive ready to pay the admission fee.

Photo note: this is one of the places where it pays to be patient and let the light and reflections do their thing. If your guide is good at timing, you’ll get more useful shots than just a quick walk-by.

Stop 2: Handara Gate at Handara Golf Resort, icon-level photos

Next comes Handara Iconic Gate, located at Handara Golf Resort Bali next to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. This is one of Bali’s most photographed gates, and the key reason it works on this itinerary is simple: you’re not sending yourself across the island to chase it.

This stop is short on the clock, about 30 minutes. That’s enough time if you know what you want:

• a few classic symmetrical shots
• a set with the surrounding greenery and gate framing
• time to adjust angles so you’re not stuck with only one viewpoint

What’s worth knowing is that admission tickets are not included here either. The gate is famous, so there’s often a dedicated paid entry process depending on conditions. Your driver can point the way, but you should still plan to pay for entry.

The other consideration is crowds. Iconic places attract people. If you want a cleaner photo, focus on small angle changes instead of waiting around forever. A good guide can also help you choose the better time window within your set stop length.

Stop 3: Wanagiri Hidden Hills, bamboo photo spots in the north

After Handara, you head to Wanagiri Hidden Hills, described as north Bali and about 10 minutes from Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. That short travel time is a big deal because it protects the rest of your day. You’re not burning hours on the road before you even get to the viewpoint portion.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is known for photo-friendly structures, including bamboo elements. The itinerary description points to unique bamboo structures, and that’s exactly why this stop works for many people: it’s visually distinctive without requiring you to be an expert photographer.

You get about 1 hour here. That is usually enough time to:

• pick one or two bamboo viewpoint angles
• take photos at different heights or perspectives
• walk between the main photo spots without rushing yourself too much

What to consider: this is a viewpoint area, so you may deal with wind, uneven ground, or stairs depending on the exact spots you choose. The tour doesn’t list “hard hiking,” but in practice you should wear shoes that can handle some natural terrain.

Also, admission tickets are not included, so again, budget extra for entry.

Stop 4: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, cooling off with a real payoff

Your final stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, located in Buleleng regency in northern Bali. The description frames Buleleng as a waterfall-focused area, even saying it can feel like a paradise of waterfalls, with a huge proportion of destinations being waterfall sites.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is long enough to do more than look. One piece of feedback I saw was that the scenery at the waterfalls was amazing and there was time to soak and swim in a pool. That detail matters because it changes Banyumala from a “stand and shoot” stop into a more relaxing one.

Still, keep expectations realistic. Swimming depends on conditions like water flow and safety guidance on-site. Your driver can advise you on what’s reasonable in the moment, but the point is that the time length suggests you’re meant to enjoy the water, not just pass through.

Admission tickets are not included here either. Bring a plan for where you’ll store essentials if you’re getting close to the water, and think ahead about whether you want to keep your phone protected.

The 9 to 10 hour schedule, how it plays out day-of

This tour runs 9 to 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am. That early start is typical for Bali north-day trips because you’re crossing different zones and you want enough daylight for photos and for the waterfall stop.

Here’s how the timing usually feels based on the stop durations:

• 1 hour at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• 30 minutes at Handara Gate
• 1 hour at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
• 1 hour 30 minutes at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Those blocks are not super long, which is exactly why a private driver helps. You don’t want to waste time arguing about where to go or losing minutes searching. In the feedback I read, punctuality and professionalism were recurring themes, with drivers such as Giri and Budi praised for being on time and experienced with local routing.

What to consider: the day is packed. If you love slow travel, you may feel the schedule moving. If you prefer variety and you want temple plus views plus waterfalls in one go, the structure is a good match.

My practical tip: treat this like a photo-first day. You’ll be happier if you aim for “my best shots at each stop,” not “I will see everything perfectly.” A guide who understands timing can also help you avoid spending too long waiting for the perfect moment.

What to pack and how to avoid the common Bali day-trip annoyances

You won’t need hiking gear for this route based on the info provided, but you should still dress and plan like you’re doing a full day outdoors.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes for uneven paths and viewpoints
• a light layer in case the lake area feels cooler
• swim-ready basics if you want to cool off at Banyumala, with attention to on-site guidance
• a small bag or pouch for water stop items
• cash or card for entrance tickets and lunch

Photo setup advice: keep your phone or camera protected when you get near waterfalls. Also, give yourself a moment at each location to reset your shot list. This is one of those itineraries where you can end up with 80 similar photos if you don’t consciously change angles.

One more thing: water is included, which helps. But lunch and drinks are not, so you should plan a food break that works for you. If you’re the type who forgets to eat until you feel awful, set a mental reminder.

Who this tour is best for (and who should choose another option)

This tour is a great fit if you want a full-day north Bali sampler:

• culture at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• icon-level gate photos at Handara Gate
• bamboo viewpoint photos at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
• nature and cooling at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

It’s also smart if you like having an English speaking driver who can explain things as you go. Feedback included praise for ceremony explanations during local celebrations, and that kind of context can make the temple stop feel more meaningful rather than just scenic.

If you hate early starts, you might find the 8:30 am start tough. If you also dislike crowds at famous photo spots, plan to be strategic with your camera timing.

Should you book this Ulun Danu, Handara, Wanagiri, and Banyumala day trip?

I think you should book it if you want a tidy, private way to see the best-known northern highlights without juggling transport. The value is strong for the price because the AC car, driver, gasoline, parking, and mineral water are included, and your day covers four very different settings.

You might skip or adjust the booking if you don’t want to pay separate entrance fees, or if you prefer a slower pace with longer hangs at fewer places. Since tickets and meals are not included, factor those costs into your total day budget.

Also, it looks popular, with an average booking window of about 91 days in advance. If you’re traveling in a busy period, reserving early can help you lock in the private schedule you want.

If you want north Bali in one day with a guide who knows how to keep things moving and explain what you’re seeing, this route is an easy yes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Is pickup included from my area near Seminyak?

Yes. Pickup and transfers are included from most central Bali areas, and pickup is offered.

Is the tour private?

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

What is the group size and price?

The price is $59.50 per group for a group size of up to 6.

Are entrance tickets included for Ulun Danu, Handara, Wanagiri, and Banyumala?

No. Admission tickets are not included.

What is included in the tour besides the driver?

The tour includes a private fully AC car, gasoline, parking fees, an English speaking driver, and mineral water. You’ll need to budget for meals and personal expenses separately.