Two lakes, one quiet jungle day. This full-day North Bali outing mixes jungle trekking with a slow canoe ride on Buyan and Tamblingan, plus a waterfall swim and a temple stop. I love that it stays small and personal, and that you get walking help like hiking poles plus water and snacks. One caution: the trail can be steep and slippery in spots, and some photo stops come with extra entrance fees or only fit certain pick-up areas.

The value here is not just the activities. It’s the way the day slows down: local coffee and cake at the start, nature-first timing around the lakes, and a cool-off at Banyumala. If you want Bali without constant crowds or tour-shop stops, this is built for you.

Key things that make this tour work

• Small group, max 10 people for less crowding and more time with your guide.
• Hiking poles and walking sticks help on uneven, sometimes slick terrain.
• Traditional canoe across two lakes with a calm pace and time to take in the forests.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls ends the day with a swim in clear spring water.
• Optional upgrades for professional photos or drone footage if you want them.
• Pickup-area dependent add-ons like Handara Gate, Lake Beratan, and Bedugul Market.

Price and what $34 really covers

At about $34 for an 8–10 hour day, the big win is that you’re not paying only for one activity. You’re paying for a full flow: a guided hike, canoe time, a waterfall break, plus transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s clearly included:

• coffee/tea and Balinese cake to start
• snacks and bottled water during the trek
• hiking poles and guides
• hotel pickup/drop-off if you select it

What’s not included (and you should plan for):

• lunch (listed as IDR 150k per person)
• entrance fees for some sights, including Beratan Lake (IDR 75,000 per person) and Handara Gate (IDR 50,000 per person)
• optional places that show up only when you’re picked up from south or central Bali

So the real question is: will you pay extra for a couple photo stops you want? If yes, the base price still feels strong. If you’d rather skip those add-ons entirely, you can still get a lot from the trek, canoe, temple, and waterfall.

Getting to North Bali from Ubud: timing and comfort matters

This is built as a full-day escape from Ubud’s beachy rhythm, heading toward the cooler, greener north around the twin lakes area. You ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle, and the day is arranged around viewpoints, forest walking, and lake time.

Two practical notes I’d keep in mind:

1. Expect road time. You’re leaving Ubud, then spending time near the lakes and waterfalls before returning.
2. The day is weather-dependent. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a refund.

Also, the tour caps at 10 people, so you’re less likely to feel like you’re herded from one stop to the next. That said, it’s still a group day, just a smaller one.

Your day starts at Wanagiri Peak basecamp (coffee first, then hiking)

The first stop is Wanagiri Peak at the basecamp area near Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. Before walking, you get a short briefing and warm start: local coffee or tea plus Balinese cake.

This matters more than it sounds. You’re going from warm Ubud zones into cooler higher terrain, and you’ll walk on uneven ground. Having the briefing early helps you set expectations for the pace, handholds, and where the trail gets tricky.

Then you transition into the trek with your guide and hiking gear. In at least one case, guides are known for adjusting the route so the group can handle it. That’s a good sign if you’re worried about steep sections.

Buyan Lake trekking and the canoe ride: calm, scenic, and not crowded

From the basecamp, you’ll trek down to Buyan Lake and explore with your guide. Buyan is known for wide views, and the route includes big old trees along the way before you reach the water.

Then comes the heart of the day: the canoe segment. You’ll ride on the traditional canoe after meeting your lake-side guide and getting set up. The tone shifts here from “walking” to “moving slowly.” It’s the kind of time where you can actually watch the shoreline and forest edge rather than just point and shoot photos.

A few details you should know:

• you’re likely to share rowing duties or at least see local rowing at work
• you may get small snacks and coffee during the canoe time, depending on your guide

The lake time is also one of the reasons this tour feels like a break from the typical Bali script. It’s quieter than many day trips, and it’s focused on nature rather than a string of storefront stops.

Tamblingan Lake jungle walk: banyan trees and forest separation

After canoeing toward the west edge of Buyan, you enter the forest that separates Buyan and Tamblingan. This is where the day becomes more “jungle trek” again.

On this stretch, you’ll walk through the forest and encounter major trees, including a large banyan tree that people can climb and even swing from (your guide will decide what’s safe and appropriate for your group). This stop is usually a highlight for families and anyone who likes tactile, hands-on moments in nature.

The two lakes feel different even though they’re close. Buyan tends to give you open lake views and a more classic water panorama. Tamblingan’s side feels more enclosed and forest-forward as you move through the separator area.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the swim stop you’ll remember

The trek day ends at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. This is the decompression phase: you get a chance to relax and swim in crystal clear fresh spring water.

Two things to plan for:

• you’ll want decent footwear earlier, because slipping gets real on steep and slick parts (at least some groups report this clearly)
• once you’re at the waterfall, bring a dry layer or a towel-ready plan so you’re not stuck cold after swimming

If you enjoy places where you can actually hang out, this works well. The day isn’t just photos at a gate and back into a vehicle. It’s time in water.

How the temple and culture layer fits in

The tour includes a visit to Ulan Danu Tamblingan Temple, where you learn about local culture and spirituality. This is the part of the day that grounds the nature setting in real community meaning.

Don’t treat this as a quick photo stop. The temple visit is where a good guide earns their keep: how they explain what you’re seeing, and how they help you read the setting beyond a checklist. If you care about that sort of context, this is a strong addition.

Optional photo and market stops for south/central Bali pickups

Not everyone gets the exact same extra stops. Some sights only work if you’re picked up from south or central Bali. If you’re staying in Ubud or north areas, you might skip these.

If your pickup route includes those areas, you might stop at:

• Handara Iconic Gate (photo stop; entrance fee IDR 50,000 per person)
• Lake Beratan (view stop; entrance fee applies as noted)
• Bedugul Market, a traditional herbs and spices market (no fee listed for that stop)
• Candikuning and Ulundanu Beratan are referenced as part of what can happen from those pickup areas

Here’s how to think about it: these add-ons can be fun if you want a fuller North Bali day. If you’d rather keep the day mostly focused on trek, canoe, and waterfall, confirm which stops are included for your pickup area before you pay any entrance fees.

Who leads this matters: real local guiding style

Names that show up around this tour include guides like Putu, Darma, Dharma, Komang, Oka, Dedy, Anung, Agun, Iluh, and drivers like Budu and Edi. That matters because a tour with nature activities can still feel bland if the guide is just repeating dates.

In the best cases, you get guides who:

• explain plants and what’s around you, not just where you’re going
• keep the day balanced so it doesn’t feel rushed
• look after safety on tricky terrain
• add small cultural food touches, like coffee or snacks during lake time

One family-friendly advantage: when someone in the group couldn’t complete the trek, the plan was adjusted so some people continued while others took an alternative route. That flexibility is a big deal if you’re traveling as a mixed-experience group.

Difficulty level and what to pack for a safe day

This is not a flat walk. Even though the overall route is described as not rugged for most people, you should take the slope seriously. One account notes the terrain can be steep and slippery.

Here’s what that means for you:

• wear shoes with grip
• bring a light rain layer, because weather in the high lake area can shift fast
• plan for a warm start at the basecamp and cooler conditions near the lakes and waterfalls
• if you plan to swim at Banyumala, pack swimwear and a change of clothes

Good news: you’re not doing it without help. You’ll have hiking poles and walking sticks, which can make a steep descent feel far safer.

Lunch and entrance fees: budget like you mean it

A common surprise with day trips is how lunch and entry costs add up. Here’s what you already know from the tour data:

• Lunch is not included: budget IDR 150,000 per person.
• Entrance fees are extra, including:
• Beratan Lake: IDR 75,000 per person
• Handara Gate: IDR 50,000 per person

If those two add-ons are part of your route, you’ll need cash (or card where accepted). For the waterfall and temple, admission fees are listed as included in the broader part of the day, but the document clearly flags the extra ones above.

The one drawback to keep an eye on

Most feedback is strongly positive, but there’s at least one clearly negative case tied to timing: the guide arrived about 30 minutes late and the guest felt the care and inclusions didn’t match the expectation.

I can’t predict whether that happens on your day, but I do think it’s smart to:

• confirm your pickup time the day before
• keep your phone available for contact
• arrive a little early for meeting points so delays don’t cascade

A small-group tour can still be smooth even with minor hold-ups, but you’re right to care about punctuality when you’re losing daylight in a long day trip.

Should you book this Bali jungle trek and twin-lake canoe tour?

Book it if:

• you want North Bali scenery without the constant tourist churn
• you like a day that mixes walking, water, and a swim
• you care about getting local guidance, especially around nature and temple meaning
• you’re okay paying a bit extra for entrance fees and lunch

Skip it (or at least double-check the details) if:

• you hate steep or slippery trails and don’t have sturdy shoes
• you only want fully included, fee-free sights (Handara Gate and Beratan Lake can add cost depending on pickup)
• you need a totally rigid schedule with no flexibility on route length

If you’re traveling from Ubud and you want one standout day that feels cooler, quieter, and more “real” than beach-based sightseeing, this is one of the most practical choices at its price point.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Jungle Trekking and Lake Canoeing tour?

The tour runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The start point is Twin lake view paradies Q432+943, Gobleg, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included if you select that option.

What walking support and refreshments are included?

You get coffee and/or tea at the start, snacks during the day, bottled water, and hiking poles/walking sticks for the trek.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance fees are not fully included. The price notes admission fees extra, including Beratan Lake (IDR 75,000 per person) and Bali Handara Gate (IDR 50,000 per person).

Do you visit Handara Gate and Lake Beratan on every pickup?

No. Visiting Handara Gate, Ulundanu Beratan, and Candikuning is only possible for pick up from south and middle Bali. Lake Beratan and Handara Gate are noted as not included for other pick-up areas.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as IDR 150,000 per person.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation refund rule?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me your hotel area (Ubud, south Bali, or somewhere else) and your fitness comfort level with steep, slippery steps, I can help you decide whether the optional stops are worth the extra entrances.

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