Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls Tour Private – All-Inclusive

Northern Bali’s waterfalls are the main event here: two forest paths lead down through banana trees, tropical plants, flowers, streams, and steep stairways to cool mountain water. You also get Ulun Danu Bratan, a famous lakeside Hindu temple, plus the chance to stop at rice terraces, Mount Batur viewpoints, and a coffee plantation depending on the day’s route.

I like the privacy and the helpful drivers. You can travel at your own pace, ask for photo stops, and sometimes adjust the plan with guides such as Ravy, Made, Kadek, Arta, or Dodik. I also like the price: at $50 per person, private transport, pickup, an English-speaking driver, taxes, and waterfall admissions make this good value for two or more people.

The catch is the walking. Steep, slick stairs and a stream crossing make this a poor choice if you have trouble with balance or climbing. The long northern Bali road journey can also turn a listed 7 to 8 hour trip into a much longer day, especially from southern resorts.

Key points to know before you book

• Two waterfall stops: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha, each allowing about an hour.
• A real hike: Expect steep downhill and uphill steps, slippery surfaces, and a stream crossing on stepping stones.
• Swimming is possible: Bring dry clothes, a plastic bag for valuables, and a waterproof camera.
• Private and flexible: Only your group participates, and drivers such as Ravy and Kadek have adjusted timing and stops for guests.
• More than waterfalls: The route can include Mount Batur views, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a coffee plantation, and Ulun Danu Bratan.
• Best for active visitors: The tour suits ages 12 to 65 according to the operator, with a minimum of two people per booking.

Why northern Bali is worth the long road ride

This tour reaches a quieter, greener part of Bali than the usual Ubud circuit. The route takes you toward the island’s north-central mountains, where waterfalls run through thick forest and the air can feel cooler than in the lowlands.

You should think of this as a full day in the car with a substantial walk in the middle, not as a quick waterfall outing. From Ubud, the drive may be manageable, but from Jimbaran, Kuta, or other southern areas, the trip can become tiring. One reported schedule ran from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with long stretches between the coffee plantation, Mount Batur viewpoints, and the waterfalls.

That sounds like a drawback, but it is also the reason a private vehicle helps. You are not dealing with several strangers, a fixed bus schedule, or the hassle of arranging transport across rural roads. A good driver can also help with traffic and timing. Newman, Made, Kadek Tosa, and Arta were each praised for being prompt, patient, friendly, and helpful with photos or route changes.

The operator lists an 8 a.m. start, so confirm your pickup time and location when booking. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or port are included, as is private transportation.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the gentler first look

The first listed stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. The walk down is part of the attraction. You pass tropical flowers, banana trees, and thick forest as the path drops toward the water.

The name comes from the paired streams that fall over the rock face. The setting feels more natural than a polished attraction, though the stairs and path still require care. Plan on about an hour here, including the walk and time near the water.

The descent is easier than the return climb, and that matters. You may feel fresh at the start, but wet shoes and warm weather can make the uphill walk harder than expected. Take your time, use the railings where available, and do not treat the staircase as a casual stroll.

If you want to swim, wear clothing that dries quickly and bring a change of clothes. A plastic bag is useful for wet items and phones. You should also bring sports shoes rather than sandals with smooth soles.

Banyu Wana Amertha: beautiful water, harder footing

The route continues to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall after about a 30-minute hike. This section includes a steep descent and a stream crossing on stepping stones.

That crossing is one of the practical details worth taking seriously. Rain can make rocks and steps slick, and the operator specifically warns that some stairs are challenging. The walk is not technical climbing, but it does demand steady footing and enough stamina to climb back out.

You get roughly an hour at this stop. The waterfall and forest make the effort worthwhile for many people, especially if you enjoy swimming in natural pools rather than simply stopping for a photograph. Still, you should not feel pressured to reach every viewpoint or go all the way to the water if weather turns bad.

A thunderstorm can make the return much less pleasant. One sensible option is to stop at a viewpoint rather than continue to the river if heavy rain arrives. In some accounts, local motorbike rides were available for the uphill return for about 20,000 Indonesian rupiah, under $2 at the time described, but treat that as a possible local option rather than a guaranteed inclusion in every booking.

The Sekumpul question and what the route actually covers

The tour description refers several times to Sekumpul Waterfall, while the detailed stop list names Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha. The title also uses Banyuwana and Banyumala. This is confusing, and you should clarify the exact waterfall route before paying.

The supplied experience details also describe a Sekumpul hike, with a moderate walk, valley views, clove and cocoa trees, and fresh water at the falls. Several schedules described a viewing point and, for some groups, a longer descent to the waterfall pools. That suggests the exact day may include a Sekumpul area visit or a related waterfall combination, but the published stop list does not present it as a separate timed stop.

Ask the operator two direct questions: Which waterfalls are included on my date, and how far will we walk to the water? That small check can prevent disappointment, especially if you are choosing the tour because Sekumpul is your main goal.

Ulun Danu Bratan beside the mountain lake

After the waterfall portion, the route includes Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, about 45 minutes from the Sekumpul area according to the tour details. The temple complex sits beside Lake Bratan near Bedugul, surrounded by mountain scenery.

This stop gives the day a cultural change of pace. Instead of more forest paths and wet shoes, you get a chance to see a major Hindu temple complex and its distinctive lakeside setting. Allow about 45 minutes, enough for photographs and a walk through the grounds.

Temple visits call for respectful clothing and behavior. The provided information does not specify a dress requirement, so ask your driver if you are unsure. The visit is included in the route, but the operator’s description is inconsistent about the precise stops and timing, so keep the day flexible.

The temple is particularly useful if you want more than a nature outing. It adds a clear cultural element without requiring a separate full-day temple tour.

Mount Batur, Tegalalang, breakfast, and coffee

The route description highlights Kintamani Volcano and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, while several schedules also included Mount Batur and Lake Batur viewpoints, breakfast, and a coffee plantation. These stops may vary, so confirm which are part of your booking.

The Mount Batur viewpoints are a strong addition. You may stop at a restaurant or viewpoint overlooking the volcano and caldera, with breakfast available at your own expense. One breakfast stop was remembered as a highlight because of its broad mountain view.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace offers the classic Bali photo stop: layered paddies cut into the hillsides. It is a beautiful setting, but it is also a familiar one. If you have already visited the terraces on another Ubud outing, this part of the day may feel repetitive. The same applies to Mount Batur viewpoints and coffee plantations, which appear in many Bali touring routes.

The coffee plantation is not simply a free tasting stop in practical terms. Luwak coffee can cost about 1,100,000 Indonesian rupiah for 250 grams, based on the pricing described for the tour. Other coffees and teas are available, but bring spending money only if you are comfortable with the prices. You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the stop.

The itinerary gives the waterfall portion the clearest timing, with one hour at each named waterfall and 45 minutes at the temple. The additional sights can stretch the day, especially when traffic is heavy. Your private driver can help decide what to shorten if you prefer more time at the falls.

What the private format is really worth

At $50 per person, the value depends on your group size and starting point. A minimum of two people is required, so two guests pay $100 total. In return, you get hotel or port pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, an English-speaking driver, entrance fees, and taxes.

For a couple or small group, that is a sensible way to reach remote waterfalls without negotiating several separate rides. The privacy also gives you room to stop for photos, rest on the stairs, or skip an extra sight. Ravy was specifically praised for customizing the day, and Kadek was praised for patiently helping with photographs and keeping the group comfortable.

There is one important distinction: an English-speaking driver is not always the same as a full cultural guide. One guest found the driver friendly but said he offered little explanation of the places along the way. Other drivers, including Made, Gede, Newman, and Kadek Tosa, were described as informative and able to answer questions.

If detailed interpretation is important to you, ask at booking whether the person driving will also guide you at each site. At the waterfalls, a local guide may lead the walking portion. A guide known as Spiderman received special praise for helping with the waterfall route and photographs.

Lunch is not included. Plan to buy it along the way, and carry some cash for food, drinks, souvenirs, and any optional purchase at the coffee plantation. A DVD is listed as available for purchase but is not part of the price.

Fitness, weather, and what to pack

This tour is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, and most people can participate. That does not mean it is easy. The walk includes steep stairs, slippery sections, a stream crossing, and a climb back to the road.

You should be comfortable walking downhill for around 30 minutes and climbing back up afterward. Some people found the descent manageable but needed breaks on the return. Heat, rain, and wet footwear can change the difficulty quickly.

Pack:

• Sports shoes with good grip
• A change of clothes
• A plastic bag for wet clothing and valuables
• A waterproof camera or waterproof phone case
• Sunscreen
• Money for lunch and souvenirs
• Rain protection if you have it

Raincoats and umbrellas are not supplied according to one practical suggestion, so bring your own if possible. Mountain weather can shift fast, and getting wet may be fun for a few minutes but less amusing on the long ride home.

Swimming is optional. You can enjoy the waterfalls from viewpoints if the steps, rain, or water conditions make swimming unwise. Never sacrifice balance for a better photograph.

Who should book this Bali waterfall tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a full day outside Ubud, prefer private transport, and are happy to trade some road time for dramatic waterfalls. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a flexible schedule.

It is especially useful if you want several kinds of Bali in one day: forest waterfalls, mountain views, rice terraces, coffee, and a Hindu temple. The private format is also a good fit for solo travelers only if they can join another person in the booking, since two people are required.

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, need a relaxed sightseeing day, or have trouble with steep stairs and slippery ground. I would also avoid booking without clarification if your heart is set specifically on Sekumpul, since the tour wording names several waterfall areas.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the waterfalls matter more to you than a leisurely schedule. The scenery, swimming, private car, and helpful drivers can make this one of the most rewarding full-day outings from Ubud, especially at $50 per person with two or more people.

Before booking, confirm the exact pickup time, the precise waterfalls included, whether lunch and coffee visits are planned, and whether your driver will provide explanations or mainly transport. If you arrive prepared for wet weather and a hard climb back up, this is a strong choice for seeing Bali’s mountain side in one packed day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour offers hotel or port pickup and drop-off. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Some schedules can run longer because of traffic, long drives, and additional stops.

Is this a private tour?

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

What waterfalls are included?

The detailed stops name Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. The broader description also refers to Sekumpul Waterfall, so confirm the exact route with Putu Bali Driver before booking.

Is swimming allowed at the waterfalls?

The experience description and trip details indicate that you can swim in the fresh waterfall water. Bring a change of clothes and a way to keep valuables dry.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price.

Who can participate?

The tour is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, and most people can participate. It involves challenging stairs, steep sections, and a stream crossing, and at least two people are required per booking.