Our review of this Bali day tour offers a detailed look at a popular way to explore the island’s lush northern landscapes and iconic temples. Designed for those who want more than just a beach holiday, this tour combines stunning natural sights with culturally significant temples, all while providing the convenience of door-to-door service.
What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the guided hike through Sekumpul Waterfalls promises some of Bali’s most impressive natural scenery, perfect for photography and a good dose of adventure. Second, visiting Ulun Danu Beratan, one of Bali’s most photographed temples, offers a peaceful, spiritual pause amid mountain scenery.
However, there’s a caveat: the drive to North Bali’s remote spots can be long and winding — not for the faint of stomach or those prone to car sickness. But if you’re prepared for a full day and eager to see Bali’s natural and spiritual highlights without the stress of self-driving, this tour is worth considering. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy moderate trekking, cultural sights, and value guided experiences.
Key Points
- Stunning natural scenery: Hike to seven waterfalls at Sekumpul, one of Bali’s most breathtaking natural attractions.
- Cultural highlights: Visit Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun Temple, both iconic and photogenic, with rich spiritual significance.
- Convenience: Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Ubud and key south Bali locations remove the hassle of self-driving.
- Flexible options: Choose between small-group or private tours, with or without entrance fees, depending on your preference.
- Guided experience: Professional guides and drivers enhance safety, comfort, and local insight.
- Cost-effective: At $22.50 per person, the tour offers good value considering transportation, guide, and entry fees (if selected).
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Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
- The Morning Pick-Up and Drive
- Sekumpul Waterfalls — A Hiker’s Dream
- Ulun Danu Beratan — A Postcard-Perfect Temple
- Taman Ayun Temple — UNESCO Heritage Site
- What’s Included and What You Might Pay Extra For
- What Travelers Say
- Transportation, Timing, and Group Size
- Pricing and Value
- Who This Tour Suits Best
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Kuta
- More Tours in Kuta
- More Tour Reviews in Kuta
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Kuta we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta.
The Morning Pick-Up and Drive
Most travelers start early, with pickup at 6:30 am. This timing helps avoid the midday heat and crowds at the more popular sites. The air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver ensure a comfortable journey, especially given the often winding roads of North Bali.
The drive itself is approximately 2-3 hours from areas like Ubud or the south Bali coast, depending on your pickup point. As we heard from some reviews, the journey can be long — but the scenery along the way often makes up for it. Think lush greenery, terraced rice paddies, and glimpses of rural life.
Sekumpul Waterfalls — A Hiker’s Dream
Your first stop is the Sekumpul Waterfalls, widely regarded as Bali’s most spectacular cascade. The hike here is about an hour, leading you through dense jungle paths and across small streams. The reward? Stunning views of up to seven waterfalls, each more photogenic than the last.
One traveler noted, “Poetra our driver was incredible on this day tour, he was so kind and funny. He ensured we were comfortable and okay with the local guide once we arrived at the waterfall.” Having a guide for the trek adds safety and insight, especially if you want to navigate tricky spots and learn about the flora and fauna.
The waterfalls are powerful and often surrounded by mist, making for dramatic photos. Some reviewers suggest paying for a guide support — it makes the trek safer and more enjoyable, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker. The fee for a trekking guide is generally around IDR 150K per person for medium treks or IDR 250K for longer routes.
Ulun Danu Beratan — A Postcard-Perfect Temple
Next, you’ll visit Ulun Danu Beratan, a temple famously suspended over the lake’s surface. Its multiple shrines and pagoda-style structures make it one of Bali’s most iconic sights, often appearing on postcards. The cool mountain air and tranquil water reflections make for perfect photo opportunities.
Travelers have appreciated this stop, with one saying, “The pictures don’t do it justice — standing there feels almost surreal.” The temple’s location on Lake Beratan offers a peaceful respite after the morning’s adventure, and your guide can explain its significance as a water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.
Taman Ayun Temple — UNESCO Heritage Site
The last stop is Taman Ayun, another UNESCO recognized site. This royal water temple is surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, providing a serene environment that contrasts nicely with the more dynamic waterfalls and lakeside temples.
Visitors find Taman Ayun’s landscape and architecture charming and historically significant, with some describing it as a “beautiful paradise.” The hour-long visit allows for a relaxed exploration of its courtyards and intricate designs.
What’s Included and What You Might Pay Extra For
Most packages include pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, bottled water, and insurance. Entrance fees are optional, but if you select the upgraded option, they’re included, making planning simpler.
Additional costs include the Sekumpul trekking guide fee (around IDR 150K-250K per person) and personal expenses like lunch, which isn’t included. Some reviews mention the value of having a guide support during the waterfall trek, especially for safety and local insights.
What Travelers Say
Reviews paint a balanced picture. Many visitors praise the expert guides and drivers — calling them friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. One reviewer appreciated the driver’s flexibility, with stops along the way for photos, saying, “The driver stopped along the way as we drove to our destination whenever I wanted to take pictures.”
Others highlight the stunning views: “Beautiful paradise on earth,” one reviewer wrote after visiting Sekumpul. The temples are equally admired for their beauty and spiritual aura.
However, not all experiences are perfect. There’s a mention of a “poor experience” involving long hours without comfort breaks, and some found certain stops less appealing if expectations weren’t aligned. This underscores the importance of choosing the right options — especially guided or private tours if you prefer a more personalized experience.
Transportation, Timing, and Group Size
The tour’s maximum group size of 9 ensures a more intimate experience, with less crowding and more personalized attention. The start time of 6:30 am allows travelers to beat the midday heat and crowds, especially at popular sites.
The transportation, in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, is a big plus for many. It means you can relax and enjoy the scenic drive rather than worry about navigating Bali’s sometimes tricky roads.
Pricing and Value
At $22.50 per person, this tour offers solid value for the comprehensive experience. When you consider the transportation, guide, and entrance fees (if included), it’s a cost-effective way to see some of Bali’s best natural and cultural sites in one day.
Opting for the private tour or including entrance fees increases the price but also enhances flexibility and convenience. Keep in mind that the trekking guide fee isn’t included in the base price, so budget for that if you’re planning on the trek.
Who This Tour Suits Best
This experience is ideal for travelers who are moderately active and enjoy hiking, balancing natural beauty with cultural landmarks. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free day with door-to-door comfort and are okay with a long day of travel.
If you value authentic experiences, informative guides, and stunning scenery, you’ll find this tour very rewarding. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more leisurely pace without a strenuous trek, you may want to consider alternative options.
The Sum Up
This Bali tour offers a well-rounded day of exploration—blending adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The guides and drivers are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the long drive more enjoyable. The stops at Sekumpul Waterfalls, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun provide a nice mix of rugged scenery and spiritual calm.
The value is particularly good when you factor in transportation, entry fees, and the expert guidance. It’s a solid choice for those who want to see Bali’s north without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.
In summary, if you’re after a full day of sightseeing with expert local insights, a chance to hike in lush surroundings, and a taste of Bali’s spiritual sites, this tour hits the mark. Just be ready for a full day — and perhaps a little adventure in the car!
North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour
“Poetra our driver was incredible on this day tour, he was so kind and funny. He ensured we were comfortable and okay with the local guide once we a…”
FAQ
Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Extra charges may apply for pickups from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben, and Candidasa.
How long does the whole tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 10 hours, starting early at 6:30 am to maximize your day.
Are entrance fees included?
You can choose an option with or without entrance fees. If you opt for the upgraded version, they are included, simplifying your planning.
What is the trek like at Sekumpul Waterfalls?
It’s a moderate trek, about an hour, through jungle paths with some tricky spots where a guide can be very helpful.
Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those looking for a very leisurely day or with mobility issues may find some parts challenging, especially the waterfall trek.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes, you can choose between small-group or private options, and with or without entrance fees, depending on your preferences.
What’s the main benefit of booking this tour?
The combination of professional guides, door-to-door service, and the opportunity to see Bali’s natural and spiritual highlights makes it a convenient, value-packed choice.
Embark on this tour if you’re eager to uncover Bali’s less-visited, yet stunning treasures with ease and expert guidance. It offers a genuine taste of the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness — a memorable day for adventurous travelers and culture seekers alike.
