North Bali Trip with 2 Hidden Waterfalls Private Tour

North Bali keeps its best water displays away from the island’s beach crowds. This private trip takes you to Banyumala Waterfall and Banyu Wana Amertha, where mountain water drops into forest pools and a curtain-like cascade makes an easy photo subject. You also get a look at plantations, farms, and the twin lakes near Wanagiri Hill.

I like the chance to swim in cold mountain water and the freedom of a private car, especially when you want to pause for photographs. I also like the local detail built into the drive. Guide Mr. Made, when assigned, explains everyday life in Bali with unusual care, which adds more than another string of viewpoints.

The main drawback is the long road time from southern Bali. The waterfalls also require walking, stairs, and possibly slippery ground, so this is not a soft, sit-back sightseeing day.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different waterfalls: Banyumala has a broad natural pool and several falling streams, while Banyu Wana Amertha includes a curtain-like cascade.
• Cool water from the mountains: Bring a towel and swimwear if you want to get in, but expect the pools to feel cold.
• A private nine-hour day: Pickup and return are offered from Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Berawa, Legian, Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua areas, with extra charges outside the covered zones.
• Walking is part of the outing: Banyu Wana Amertha involves about a 20-minute walk, plantations, and stairs from the entrance.
• Good local context: An English-speaking driver-guide can explain farms, plantations, and daily life along the road.
• Lunch is separate: You can arrange a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, but food is not included in the price.

Why North Bali is worth the long drive

This outing is really about changing pace. Bali’s southern resorts bring traffic, shops, restaurants, and packed beaches. North Bali gives you mountain roads, farms, forest, and water running straight from the hills.

I like that the day is not limited to a single photo stop. You see two waterfalls, the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, Wanagiri Hill, and a coffee luwak plantation. The sights are connected by the countryside, so you get a better sense of northern Bali than you would from a quick waterfall visit alone.

The tradeoff is distance. The tour lasts about nine hours, and that includes the drive from the southern pickup areas. You should choose it because you want a full day outdoors, not because you expect to reach the waterfalls in a few minutes.

A private group makes the long day easier. You do not have to match another group’s swimming time or wait while strangers finish taking photos. You can ask the driver to explain what you are seeing, pause for a view, or skip a stop if your legs have had enough.

Banyumala Waterfall and its cold natural pool

Banyumala is often called a twin waterfall, but the description can be misleading. It is better understood as a collection of falling streams feeding a deep natural pool, with two main cascades forming the most recognizable view.

The setting is the real attraction. Water comes down from the mountain, and the pool sits among thick jungle scenery. You can take photographs from the edge, listen to the water, or swim if conditions suit you.

The water is cold. That is not a complaint, but you should know it before you change into swimwear. The mountain source keeps the pool refreshing, and a swim here can be the best part of the day if you enjoy cool freshwater.

I would bring a towel, comfortable shoes, and cash. Wear shoes that can handle a wet path rather than smooth sandals. The information provided does not promise a particular walking time for Banyumala, so you should be ready for uneven access and damp ground.

This stop works best when you give it time. A rushed look, a few photographs, and a quick return to the car would miss the point. The sound of water and the forest setting are what make Banyumala feel different from a roadside viewpoint.

Banyu Wana Amertha and the curtain of water

Banyu Wana Amertha is reached by a walk of about 20 minutes from the entrance. The path follows a small road for roughly 3 kilometers north of Lake Buyan, then continues through banana plantations and down a series of stairs.

That approach matters. You are not simply stepping out of the car beside a waterfall. You pass working agricultural land before reaching two nearby waterfalls, which gives the stop a stronger connection to local life.

One cascade looks like a curtain of water. It spreads across the rock in a broad sheet, making a fine background for photographs. You can also swim here, provided you bring the right clothing and feel comfortable with the conditions.

A local bike with a rider is provided for pickup and return at Banyu Wana Amertha on all options. That can help with the access road, but the experience still includes walking and stairs. Confirm with your driver how the transfer works on the day, and do not assume the bike removes every part of the hike.

I like this waterfall for its variety. You get a plantation walk, stairs, two nearby falls, and a different shape of water from Banyumala. The drawback is simple: wet steps can be tiring, and the stop may feel demanding if you have mobility limits or dislike walking in humid conditions.

Plantations, farms, and the everyday side of Bali

The drive between stops is not just empty transfer time. You pass plantations and farms, and the guide can point out parts of local daily life that are easy to miss from a resort.

This is where an attentive driver-guide makes a difference. Mr. Made is specifically noted for being kind, helpful, and willing to explain how local people live day to day. If he is your assigned guide, ask questions rather than treating the car ride as dead time.

You might see ordinary work taking place around the roads and fields. The tour information does not promise a formal farm visit, so think of this as a moving look at rural Bali rather than a hands-on agricultural activity.

The coffee luwak plantation adds another stop with a local product angle. You can try this as an extra part of the day and learn about coffee production in Bali. The details of tastings or purchases are not specified, so carry cash if you think you may want to buy something.

I find these small stops useful because they balance the waterfalls. A day made only of nature photos can feel narrow. Seeing farms, plantations, and coffee production gives you a little more context for the region.

Wanagiri Hill and the Buyan-Tamblingan twin lakes

Wanagiri Hill is used as a viewpoint over Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, often called the twin lakes. The area offers forest scenery and broad views, making it a natural place for photographs.

This stop is more about looking than swimming. You get a different scale from the waterfalls: instead of standing beside falling water, you look over lakes surrounded by wild jungle scenery.

The viewpoint is popular for pictures, so your private vehicle is useful. You can work with the guide to spend enough time for your photos without being tied to a large group schedule. The precise number of photo structures or platforms is not provided, so expect the general viewpoint experience rather than a guaranteed set of props.

I would keep your expectations practical. The value here is the view across both lakes and the surrounding forest, not a long activity. Weather can also affect visibility, and the tour does not promise clear skies. If clouds roll in, the forest setting still gives you something to see, but distant lake views may be less sharp.

Lake Beratan on the return journey

Lake Beratan is passed on the way back to your hotel. It is not described as a full scheduled stop, so treat it as a scenic part of the return route rather than planning a separate visit around it.

This matters when you estimate the day. The tour already includes two waterfall walks, a lake viewpoint, and possible coffee and lunch stops. You should not assume that every named location receives the same amount of time.

If you want lunch, you can arrange a buffet meal at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are also separate. Bring cash, since it is listed among the recommended items and may be useful for food, drinks, or other purchases.

Ask about lunch timing early in the day. A meal after the waterfall walks may be welcome, but stopping too late could leave you hungry during the return drive. The exact restaurant is not specified, so the guide will be the practical person to ask.

What the $41 price gives you

At $41 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want a private vehicle and several northern stops in one day. You are paying for the driver-guide, pickup and return, bottled water, and a private group arrangement. Entry tickets are included only when you select the all-inclusive option.

That last detail is important. Check which booking option you choose before assuming entrance fees are covered. The advertised price can look different in value depending on whether tickets are included.

You also receive local bike pickup and return at Banyu Wana Amertha with all options. Lunch, personal expenses, and anything outside the listed inclusions remain your responsibility.

I see the price as strongest for two or more people sharing a private booking. You gain control over the pace and avoid joining a large sightseeing group. Solo visitors may still value the arrangement, but should compare the total cost with other private day trips.

The price does not buy luxury transport or a carefully timed restaurant program. It buys access, transportation, and a flexible route through northern Bali. That is a good match if waterfalls and rural scenery matter more to you than polished facilities.

The nine-hour schedule and pickup details

Pickup is offered about five minutes before departure, and you should wait in your hotel lobby. Covered areas include Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Berawa, Legian, Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. Pickup outside those areas can bring an additional charge.

The exact starting time depends on availability. Since the outing lasts about nine hours, think about how much energy you want for the waterfall walks and the return trip.

Your private car and driver-guide are central to the experience. The listed route includes a 25-minute car segment connected with Banyu Wana Amertha, but the full day obviously includes longer road travel from the southern resorts and between the northern stops.

I would not book this on the same day as another fixed evening activity unless you leave plenty of room. Traffic, weather, walking time, and lunch can all affect the return. The flexible booking policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later.

What to bring for a wet, active day

Pack more lightly than you might for a standard sightseeing tour, but bring the essentials:

• Comfortable shoes with a secure sole
• A towel
• Swimwear if you plan to enter the pools
• Cash for lunch and personal expenses
• Dry clothing if you expect to swim

A bottle of water is included, which helps, but you should still prepare for a warm day and physical walking. The route includes stairs at Banyu Wana Amertha, and the waterfall areas can be wet.

The tour data does not provide accessibility details, so I would ask before booking if you need step-free access or cannot manage a 20-minute walk. The private format helps with pace, but it cannot remove the natural terrain.

Rain does not necessarily cancel the experience, but it can make paths wetter and views less clear. Mr. Made is praised for working hard to keep the day pleasant during heavy rain, but you should still bring sensible clothing and accept that conditions may change.

Who will enjoy this North Bali tour most

You are a good match for this trip if you want waterfalls, freshwater swimming, forest scenery, and a look at rural Bali in one day. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, and small groups who value a private car.

You should also like a little effort. The waterfalls are not simply roadside photo stops. Banyu Wana Amertha includes a 20-minute approach and stairs, while both falls may involve wet surfaces.

This is less suitable if you want a slow resort day, dislike cold water, or need a detailed accessibility guarantee. It may also frustrate you if your main goal is to spend hours at one waterfall, since the route includes several additional stops.

The English-speaking guide is a useful part of the day, not just a driver. If you enjoy asking about farms, coffee, and local routines, you can get more from the journey than someone who only wants a series of pictures.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want two waterfalls, a private car, and northern Bali scenery without arranging each transfer yourself. The strongest reasons are the cold natural pools at Banyumala, the curtain-like water at Banyu Wana Amertha, and the chance to hear about local life from a guide such as Mr. Made.

Think twice if long road time, stairs, and changing weather would spoil your day. Also check the entry-ticket option and set aside money for lunch. For an active visitor who wants more than Bali’s southern resort strip, $41 per person is a sensible price for a full private outing.

FAQ

How long does the North Bali waterfall tour last?

The tour lasts about 9 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The experience is offered for a private group with a private car and driver-guide.

Which waterfalls are visited?

The tour visits Banyumala Waterfall and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall in northern Bali.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Yes. Swimming is possible at the natural pools, although the mountain water can feel cold. Bring a towel and suitable swimwear.

How long is the walk to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall?

The walk from the entrance takes about 20 minutes. The route passes through banana plantations and includes stairs.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you may arrange a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entry tickets are included only if you select the all-inclusive option.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Berawa, Legian, Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua areas. An additional charge applies outside the covered areas.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, and cash. A bottle of water is included.