Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls Tour Private – All-Inclusive

North Bali saves its best scenery for people willing to walk. This private tour links Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha with mountain views, a lakeside temple, and a private driver who can adjust the day to your pace. I especially like the chance to swim beneath a waterfall and the freedom of having only your own group in the vehicle. The main catch is the long day and the steep, slippery steps.

I also like the personal service. Drivers such as Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Made, Gede, and Newman have been praised for being prompt, patient, friendly, and helpful with photos. Just know that the route details can vary: some descriptions mention Sekumpul Waterfall, Kintamani, Tegalalang, breakfast, and a coffee plantation, while the listed stops focus on Banyumala, Banyu Wana Amertha, and Ulun Danu Bratan.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Two beautiful waterfall walks: Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha bring different forest paths, plunge pools, streams, and photo spots.
• The stairs are the real challenge: The descent is manageable for many people, but the return climb can be tiring, slick, and steep.
• A private driver makes a difference: You get hotel or port pickup, private transport, and a flexible day with just your group.
• Ulun Danu Bratan adds culture: The mountain temple on Lake Bratan gives the day more range than a waterfall-only outing.
• Expect a full day, not a quick outing: The advertised duration is about seven to eight hours, but some routes have lasted from early morning until evening.
• Bring dry gear and proper shoes: Pack a change of clothes, a plastic bag for valuables, sunscreen, and sport shoes.

Why North Bali Is Worth Your Time

Ubud gives you rice fields, galleries, temples, and easy day trips. North Bali offers a different mood: cooler mountain air, thick forest, clove and cocoa trees, highland lakes, and waterfalls reached by foot rather than by a short roadside stop.

That contrast is the reason I see value in this tour. You are not simply driven to one viewpoint, photographed, and returned to town. The day combines a physical outing with scenic stops and a major temple. You see more of Bali’s interior, and a private driver helps connect places that are awkward to visit by taxi.

The tour costs about $50 per person, with group discounts available. For a private vehicle, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, private transport, entrance fees, and taxes, that is a fair price for two people or more. Lunch is not included, so you need to budget for your own meal. Coffee and souvenir purchases are also extra.

The value improves when you make use of the private format. Ask your driver to slow down for photographs, skip a stop that does not interest you, or give you more time at the waterfall. Several drivers have adjusted the day around personal interests and walking ability. That flexibility is much harder to get on a large group bus.

There is one point to settle before paying. The experience is based in Ubud, but the description also calls it a tour from Kuta, and reviews refer to pickups from places such as Jimbaran. Confirm your pickup area, expected start time, and exact route. Bali traffic can turn a seven-hour plan into a much longer day.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls Begins With a Forest Walk

The first stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, reached by a path through tropical plants, flowers, and banana trees. The walk down gives you a proper sense of entering the forest, rather than simply arriving at a waterfall platform beside a road.

Banyumala is especially appealing if you want a swim or a close look at falling water surrounded by greenery. The pool offers a refreshing break after the walk, and the setting makes good use of natural light and shade for photographs. A waterproof camera is a smart item to pack.

Do not treat the path as a flat stroll. The tour information describes challenging stairs, and the route includes a descent into the forest. You will have to climb back out later, so save some energy and do not rush the opening section.

The private driver may not be the person who leads every footstep. In some arrangements, a local waterfall guide helps with the trail and the water area. That can be useful because local guides know the route and can help you move safely over wet sections. If you want explanations about plants, village life, or local customs, ask early in the day so you know what sort of guiding is included.

Banyu Wana Amertha Adds a Steeper Second Walk

The route continues to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. Reaching it involves about a 30-minute hike with a steep descent, stairs, and a stream crossing on stepping stones.

This is where footwear matters. Sport shoes with a firm sole will give you much better footing than sandals or smooth casual shoes. Wet weather can make the steps slick, and one account specifically recommends caution on the steep return. A walking stick is not listed as provided, so do not count on one being available.

The reward is a more active waterfall stop, with forest scenery and the chance to get close to the water. If you have already walked to Banyumala, this second route may feel harder because your legs are warm but not necessarily fresh. Take breaks on the way up. There is no prize for reaching the car first.

Some descriptions and comments refer to seeing several waterfalls in the Sekumpul area, including a possible descent to viewpoints and swimming areas. Other information names Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha as the main waterfall stops. Since the names and route details do not match perfectly, confirm whether Sekumpul is included in your booking or is being used as a general reference for the north Bali waterfall area.

That question matters. Sekumpul can involve a long walk, and the route may include a viewpoint before the final descent. Some people choose to stop at the viewpoint, while others continue to the water. In wet weather, turning around can be the sensible choice. A motorcycle ride back up has been available in the Sekumpul area for about 20,000 Indonesian rupiah, or less than $2, according to one account, but you should confirm whether that option applies to your exact route and whether the fee is included.

Long Drives Are Part of the North Bali Tradeoff

The mountain waterfalls are not close to southern Bali. Depending on your pickup point and traffic, the day can include long stretches in the car. One itinerary took place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with drives of roughly two hours to a coffee plantation, another hour and a half to a Mount Batur viewpoint, and another hour and a half toward Sekumpul.

That is not a complaint about the scenery. It is a warning about the clock. If you are staying near Ubud, the day may fit closer to the advertised seven or eight hours, but the actual duration depends on the route, road conditions, and added stops. From Kuta, Jimbaran, or other southern areas, expect a longer day.

The private vehicle makes the driving more bearable. You can ask for a pause, discuss a change of plan, and avoid being tied to a bus full of strangers. Drivers have also been praised for finding alternatives around traffic and helping with photographs.

Still, a private tour does not shorten the roads. If you dislike long drives, book a hotel closer to northern Bali for part of your trip, or choose a shorter outing from Ubud. If you have only one free day and want to see waterfalls, volcano views, rice terraces, and a temple, the long ride may be a fair exchange.

Mount Batur and the Rice Terraces Add Variety

The wider route often includes a view of Mount Batur, Kintamani Volcano, and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. These stops give you broad views before the close, wet, forested setting of the waterfalls.

A breakfast stop overlooking the volcano caldera has received some of the warmest praise. The food itself is not included in the tour price, but the setting can be memorable. One meal facing the mountain view was described as a highlight, which makes this a good place to ask your driver about timing and meal choices.

Tegalalang is a classic Bali photo stop. You get layered rice fields and a clear sense of how farming shapes the countryside. It may feel familiar if you have already visited the terraces, and some stops on the route can repeat sights found on other Bali excursions. Tell your driver if you have already seen them and would rather spend more time at the waterfalls.

Weather controls these views. A clear morning can reveal Mount Batur and the caldera in dramatic detail. Cloud, rain, or haze can reduce the panorama. That is part of mountain travel, not a failure of the tour, but it is wise to keep expectations flexible.

Ulun Danu Bratan Brings the Day to the Lake

After the waterfall portion, the tour visits Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple complex on the shore of Lake Bratan near Bedugul. The temple’s setting on the highland lake gives the day a calm change of pace after the muddy steps and cold water.

You should allow about 45 minutes for this stop under the listed plan. That is enough for photographs and a look around, but not a long architectural study. The visit works best as part of the larger route: forest, water, mountain, rice fields, and temple all in one day.

Dress and behave respectfully at the temple. The information provided does not spell out a dress code, but this is a functioning Hindu religious site, not only a photo backdrop. Ask your driver if you are unsure about where to walk or which areas are open.

Some route versions also include a coffee plantation. Be careful with your spending there. Luwak coffee can cost about 1,100,000 Indonesian rupiah for 250 grams, while other coffees and teas are also available. You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the stop, so decide your budget before you arrive.

The Guides Can Make or Break the Day

The strongest part of the experience is often the human service. Drivers named Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek Tosa, Made, Gede, Newman, Arta, Ma-De, Yanik, and Putu have been praised for punctual pickups, patience on the stairs, island knowledge, friendly conversation, and help with photographs.

Asta, in particular, was praised for a fun personality and for taking romantic photos. Kadek Tosa was described as patient with people who needed to climb slowly. Ravy was credited with helping customize the day, while Newman was able to adjust the route around traffic. These details matter more than a polished vehicle when you are tired, wet, and facing another long staircase.

The service level is not guaranteed to be identical every day. One person found the driver acted mainly as transport and offered little explanation. If cultural interpretation matters to you, ask at booking whether your driver is a guide as well as a driver, and whether a separate local waterfall guide is included.

That small conversation can prevent disappointment. The tour includes an English-speaking driver, but that does not automatically mean a formal guide at every attraction.

Who Should Book This Waterfall Tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a private north Bali day and like mixing scenery with some exercise. Couples, families with older children, and small groups can make good use of the vehicle and flexible schedule.

The stated age range is 12 to 65. That is a useful guide, not a promise that every person in that range will find the stairs easy. You need reasonable comfort with steep steps, uneven paths, and a stream crossing. Most people can take part, but the return climb may be demanding.

This is not the best choice if you want a slow spa day, a short transfer, or a perfectly fixed schedule. It is also a poor fit if you strongly dislike wet clothes, slippery paths, or sitting in a car for long periods.

Pack a change of clothes, a plastic bag for your phone and wallet, sunscreen, sport shoes, and money for food or souvenirs. A waterproof camera is useful. Rain gear is worth carrying because umbrellas or raincoats may not be supplied, and mountain rain can arrive quickly.

The tour requires at least two people per booking. Since it is private, only your group participates, which gives you more control than a shared excursion.

Is the Banyumala and Banyu Wana Tour Worth It?

Book it if you want waterfalls that require effort, mountain scenery, a temple, and a private driver in one day. At about $50 per person, the package offers good value for two or more people, especially with transport, pickup, entrance fees, and taxes included.

Skip it if you need a short, easy outing or if the idea of a steep climb back from the water makes you uneasy. Before booking, confirm the pickup location, total expected duration, and whether your route includes Sekumpul, Kintamani, Tegalalang, and the coffee plantation. With those details settled, this is a strong choice for seeing Bali beyond the easy Ubud stops.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is about seven to eight hours. Some route versions have lasted from early morning until evening, especially when starting in southern Bali or adding several scenic stops.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m. Some arrangements described in the tour information and direct accounts began earlier, so confirm your exact pickup time when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included. Because the description refers to Ubud, Kuta, and southern Bali pickup areas, confirm that your accommodation is covered.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, and private transportation is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring money for food. Breakfast may be available as an added stop, but it is not listed as part of the included price.

How difficult are the waterfall walks?

The walks include challenging stairs. Banyu Wana Amertha requires about a 30-minute hike with a steep descent, stairs, and a stream crossing on stepping stones. The return climb can be tiring and slippery.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a plastic bag to protect valuables, a waterproof camera if you have one, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for food or souvenirs.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.