A rainy-jungle day with payoff. This north Bali trek takes you beyond the usual circuit and strings together waterfalls around the Wanagiri hills with a local guide, plus scenic stops like Bratan temple and lakes views. You’ll also get real time to swim and even jump into the water when conditions allow, with the guide handling the safety angle.

What I love most is the focus on small, scenic moments, not just ticking off landmarks. The day pairs mountain paths with stops like the Wanagiri village area and lakeside breaks, and it finishes with local food by the water. The other big win is the pacing: it’s private, so you can slow down for photos, catch your breath, or take a break before the next fall.

The one drawback to plan around is timing and extra costs: some key sights have ticket fees you pay separately (and the experience depends on good weather). If your schedule is tight, give yourself a little buffer and double-check pickup the day before, just in case.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private trekking pace for your party, with a local guide you can ask questions to
• Up to seven waterfall stops in the Wanagiri hills region, with chances to swim along the route
• Hotel pickup included from Kuta, Ubud, and surrounding areas (you’re not stuck figuring transport out)
• Lunch + refreshments included, plus bottled water and walking sticks for the hike
• Scenic bonus stops like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area and lakes views (Buyan and Tamblingan)

North Bali Waterfalls Trek: Why the Wanagiri Hills route feels special

This trek is built for people who want something quieter and more “real Bali” than the traffic-heavy, photo-only stops. North Bali’s Wanagiri hills area has that mix of mountain air, forest shade, and winding trails that make every viewpoint feel earned. Instead of rushing from one waterfall photo spot to another, you get time to walk between them, stop, and enjoy the in-between scenery.

The waterfalls themselves are the main event, and the route is designed around a chain of falls you can visit in one day. What makes it different is the way the guide works with the conditions—there are moments where you can swim and jump into the water with assistance from the local expert. That turns the day from sightseeing into an actual experience.

One more thing I appreciate: it’s not just about water. You also pass through areas like rice terraces and temple sights, so the day has rhythm. You hike, stop for views, hike again. It feels like a full mountain day, not a short excursion.

Hotel pickup and a private guide: how the day actually runs

Expect about 8 hours total, depending on traffic, the trekking pace of your group, and how long you spend at each stop. Transfers are included from hotels in Kuta, Ubud, and nearby areas, so you can start without wrestling with motorbikes.

The tour is private for your group, which matters more than it sounds. On a waterfall trek, speed differences can ruin the vibe—someone charges ahead, someone lags behind, and nobody gets good photos or time to swim. Here, you can keep your pace. You can take short breaks, regroup without stress, and move at a walking tempo that fits you.

The day also includes refreshments and lunch, so you’re not stuck scanning for a snack halfway through a hike. That keeps the experience comfortable, especially if you don’t want to turn it into a full-day DIY adventure.

What your $35 includes (and what costs extra on-site)

For $35, the value is mostly in the heavy hitters: private transportation, lunch, walking sticks, and bottled water, plus coffee or tea. You’re also covered for all fees and taxes tied to the experience itself.

Here’s what’s not included, and it’s important for budgeting:

• Ulun Danu Beratan Lake ticket (IDR 75k per person)
• Bali Handara Gate ticket (IDR 40k per person)
• Foot massage (1 hour, IDR 300k per person)

This is where you’ll want to think like a smart traveler. Even if the base price is low, those ticket costs can noticeably change your total. If you’re the type who wants every included viewpoint and photo stop, plan for those extras and treat them like normal Bali site fees.

Also, the tour depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t workable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For waterfall treks, weather isn’t a minor detail—it affects trail safety and water conditions.

A full-day route through North Bali: temples, lakes, rice terraces, then falls

Your day is built like a scenic arc across north Bali. While the exact order can shift based on timing and conditions, the stops included are consistent. Think of it as: cultural viewpoints first, then the mountain trek with waterfalls and jungle paths, ending with a lakeside local meal.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple area: a calm start before the climb

The morning includes Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (often tied to the lake area). This stop gives you a breather from trekking mode and a cultural anchor for the day. It’s also a good chance to reset before you start walking—hydration, bathroom stop, and grab your bearings.

The only caution: the temple ticket isn’t included (IDR 75k per person), so you’ll want cash or a ready payment method.

Bali Handara Gate of Heavens: iconic, but expect crowds around it

Next comes the Bali Handara Gate of Heavens, the famous split-gate photo spot. It’s a visually striking stop, and even if you’re not a serious photographer, it’s worth a quick visit.

However, tickets apply here too: IDR 40k per person isn’t included. This is one of the reasons I recommend budgeting for the “entry fee add-ons” early, so you don’t feel surprised at the gate.

Wanagiri Hills and Wanagiri village: where the trek energy starts

Then you shift into the active part of the day at Wanagiri Hills near Wanagiri village. This is the point where the trip becomes about the walk—jungle shade, uneven ground, and that feeling of getting farther from the main road.

The trail environment is what makes the trek fun. You’re not just walking beside a road. It’s mountainous and green, with enough turns and elevation to keep you interested without feeling like a grind.

Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake: scenic breaks that help you pace

You also stop around Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake. These are ideal moments to slow down and catch your breath. They also make the day feel balanced: you’re not only doing steep hiking and waterfall chasing.

Even if you only spend short stretches here, the lakes create a sense of space. The air feels different, and it’s a nice contrast after the jungle path.

Pucak Manik Waterfall: first big taste of the day’s water

From there, the waterfall chain starts. Pucak Manik Waterfall is one of the featured falls on the route. These stops often work best when you arrive with realistic expectations: water can be loud, footing can be slick, and conditions matter.

The guide’s role is key here. When swimming or jumping is possible, you’ll get assistance and direction. When conditions aren’t ideal, you can still enjoy the waterfall from safe viewpoints and keep moving.

Ambengan Rice Terrace: the view-stop that gives context

Midway, you hit Ambengan Rice Terrace. This is your “Bali farming texture” stop—the kind of view that reminds you this region is working landscape, not just a scenic backdrop.

It’s also useful for pacing. Rice terrace stops often give you a flatter pause before another stretch of walking and water stops.

Cemara Waterfall and Canging Waterfall: two different vibes, same reward

Then you continue with additional waterfalls, including Cemara Waterfall and Canging Waterfall. The best part of visiting multiple falls in one trek is seeing how each one feels different even when they’re part of the same general route.

One practical note: you’ll want to keep your shoes and socks in mind. These areas can be wet or muddy, and the time between waterfalls may not be enough for fully dry conditions.

Bidadari/Angels Waterfall, then Campuhan Waterfall and Celos Waterfall

The route also includes Bidadari (Angels) Waterfall, followed by Campuhan Waterfall and Celos Waterfall as part of the waterfall lineup. Depending on timing and conditions, you’ll likely experience a set of these in the “up to seven waterfalls” plan.

When a trek includes multiple falls, it’s not only about the water. It’s the walk between them—forest shade, the sound changes, and the sudden opening of a view as the path reaches a pool area.

Spa Waterfall: the finish that feels like a payoff

Finally, Spa Waterfall is included. Finishing with a waterfall stop helps the day end on a physical high note—especially if you’ve been walking for hours already.

After that, the day transitions into the meal portion: local food lunch by the lakes. That lakeside finish is the moment you’ll be grateful you didn’t skip lunch earlier.

Swimming and jump moments: fun, but don’t treat it like a theme park

One of the most appealing parts of this tour is that swimming and even jumping are possible, and the guide/local expert provides assistance. That’s a major difference from a simple “walk to a waterfall and take photos” outing.

What I recommend you do is treat water time as situational. If the guide says it’s safe, great—go enjoy it. If conditions change (water level, slippery rocks, weather), it’s totally reasonable to enjoy the falls without getting in.

This is also why the tour’s “good weather required” matters. Bad weather can mean slick trails and rough water. A waterfall trek is safest when conditions let the guide confidently manage the route.

Pacing that actually feels comfortable: why private matters on trails

I like that the tour is private, meaning your group gets a guide and vehicle for your party. On a day like this, private pace helps in two ways:

• You can move slower without losing the day.
• You can spend an extra few minutes at a waterfall pool if you’re feeling good.

This becomes especially important when swimming is involved. If you’re with people who want to rush every stop, you can end up cutting your water time short. Here, you have the flexibility to stop and swim along the way.

Also, you’re provided walking sticks. That small detail can be a game-changer on uneven jungle paths, especially if you’re not used to trekking footing.

Who should book this Bali waterfall trek?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a full north Bali day combining scenery, culture, and hiking
• Like active travel but want comfort built in (lunch, refreshments, bottled water)
• Prefer a private experience with a local guide, so you can set your own pace
• Are motivated by the idea of swimming in waterfall pools when conditions are right

If you want a gentle, wheelchair-friendly outing, this won’t fit. This is a trekking-style day, with mountainous paths and waterfall stop footing that can be uneven and wet.

Entry fees and extras: keep your budget from getting “surprise Bali”

Even though the base price is $35, the day includes extra ticket costs for major sights:

• Ulun Danu Beratan Lake ticket: IDR 75k/person
• Bali Handara Gate ticket: IDR 40k/person

Those are normal costs, but they’re still real money. If you want the full set of cultural photo stops, plan for those totals upfront.

One more optional extra: a 1-hour foot massage is available for IDR 300k/person, but it’s not included. If you’re into the standard post-trek Bali ritual, it can be a nice bonus—but you don’t need it to enjoy the day.

Finally, read your own schedule like a pro. A recent experience had a late driver issue and weak communication at the start, including trouble reaching back in time. That isn’t the typical ideal scenario, so I recommend being proactive: confirm your pickup timing the day before, keep your phone available, and don’t book a tight connection right after the tour.

Should you book Bali Most Scenic Waterfalls Trekking?

If you want a north Bali waterfall day that feels like a hike with real stops—temples, lakes, terraces, and up to seven waterfall experiences—this is a strong pick. The private pacing, included food and drinks, and the guide-assisted swimming option are the reasons I’d recommend it to active travelers who like nature and don’t mind paying separate entrance fees for the iconic sights.

I’d skip or at least rethink it if you:

• Have a very strict schedule with no buffer
• Don’t want to deal with extra ticket fees on top of the base price
• Are uncomfortable with wet, uneven trekking paths

If you book, go in with the right mindset: wear grippy shoes, bring a change of clothes, and expect that waterfall conditions can shape how much water time you get. Do that, and you’ll likely end the day with that rare mix—tired legs, cool water memories, and a lakeside meal that tastes earned.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Bali waterfalls trekking experience?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where do they offer pickup?

Pickup is included from hotels in Kuta, Ubud, and around the area.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Does the price include lunch and drinks?

Yes. Lunch and refreshments are provided, along with bottled water and coffee and/or tea.

Are walking sticks included?

Yes. Walking sticks are included in the tour.

Can I swim or jump into the waterfalls?

The experience indicates you can swim, and you may be able to jump into the water with assistance from the guide/local expert.

Are the temple and gate tickets included?

No. Ulun Danu Beratan Lake ticket (IDR 75k per person) and Bali Handara Gate ticket (IDR 40k per person) are not included.

What’s not included besides tickets?

Other personal expenses and an optional foot massage (1 hour, IDR 300k per person) are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance.

You Might Also Enjoy

Braunschweig: Alpaca Trekking TourMarrakech: Atlas Mountains Summit Day Trek 2700mK2 And Gondogoro La TrekGokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek