REVIEW · UBUD
Munduk Twin Lake Jungle Hike, Ulun Danu Temple, & Waterfall
Book on Viator →Operated by Saka Bali Putu Tour · Bookable on Viator
One part Bali feels like a postcard. This day feels like the real place.
You’ll head into Munduk’s northern mountain country for a jungle walk, a traditional canoe crossing on Tamblingan Lake, and a stop at the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, with time to swim. The pace is relaxed, and the group size is capped at 8.
I especially like the mix of nature plus local culture: you’re not just moving from sight to sight, you’re learning what you’re seeing. I also like the practical inclusions—walking sticks, snacks (sticky rice), coffee or tea, and bottled water—so you’re not scrambling mid-hike. The only catch: this is rainforest terrain with uneven ground, and you’ll be around wet rocks at the waterfalls, so pack for comfort.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel
- Why Munduk’s Jungle, Lake, and Waterfalls Work So Well Together
- Getting There: Start at Danau Kembar Viewpoint and Keep Your Time Flexible
- Rainforest Trek at Tamblingan: Bird Noise, Tree Texture, and a Guide’s Eye
- Tamblingan Lake Canoe Crossing: Why This 30 Minutes Feels Different
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Two Views, One Swim Break
- Coffee and Snacks: The Tiny Stops That Make the Day Feel Easier
- Photo Time at Twin Lake View: Big Views, Less Chaos (When You Go at the Right Pace)
- Price and Value: Is $42.77 a Fair Deal for This Much Nature?
- Guides Make the Day: Deta, Putu, Kari, and Oka
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)
- Practical Tips for a Smooth 5 Hours
- Should You Book the Munduk Twin Lake Jungle Hike?
- FAQ
- How long is the Munduk hike and waterfalls tour?
- How many people are in the group?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is pickup available?
- What activities are included during the day?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need a certain fitness level?
- Is there time to swim?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

- Small group (max 8) keeps the day calm and lets the guide manage the pace
- Rainforest trekking with bird calls and close-up plant spotting
- Traditional canoe ride (~30 minutes) across Tamblingan Lake
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls with two different waterfall views and swimming time
- Included snacks + coffee/tea means you spend less and enjoy more
Why Munduk’s Jungle, Lake, and Waterfalls Work So Well Together

Bali isn’t only beaches and temples. In the north mountain area around Munduk, the air feels cooler and the days slow down. This is one of those trips where nature sets the rhythm: you hike through rainforest, then you switch to a lake crossing by canoe, and later you cool off at Banyumala.
What makes this outing stand out is that it doesn’t feel like a check-list tour. You’re moving through connected environments—forest to water to waterfalls—so the day feels like a single journey instead of three separate stops. And because it’s a small group, you get a bit more flexibility to pause for photos, bird moments, or just to catch your breath.
The other thing I like: your day includes built-in comforts. You get snacks and drinks before the waterfall portion, plus walking sticks for support on the trek. That matters more than you’d think when you’re walking downhill or stepping around roots and stones.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
Getting There: Start at Danau Kembar Viewpoint and Keep Your Time Flexible

The meeting point is at Titik Pandang Danau Kembar (Wanagiri). It’s also one of the most photogenic viewpoints in northern Bali, so you get a strong start before the day becomes physically active.
This trip runs about 5 hours and is designed for a moderate fitness level. That’s a good middle ground: you don’t need to be a marathon hiker, but you should be ready for a real walk in the rainforest—some steps, some uneven ground, and humidity.
One more practical detail: pickup is offered. The standard day ends back at the meeting point, while an upgrade can add pickup and drop-off from addresses around Bali. If you want less hassle, the upgrade is worth considering because it reduces the “where do we meet?” stress, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate north area.
Rainforest Trek at Tamblingan: Bird Noise, Tree Texture, and a Guide’s Eye
The first real immersion comes on the rainforest trek around the Tamblingan area. This is the kind of walk where the forest feels alive even when you’re just standing still for a minute. You’ll see lots of different tree types, and you’ll hear birds singing as you move through the greenery.
Here’s what makes the trek practical, not just pretty: you’re walking with a guide who focuses on what you’re seeing in real terms—flora and how to handle yourself around the plants. In the day descriptions and guide feedback, people highlight how the guide explains local nature and culture, including plants on the hike and guidance on what not to touch.
Also, you’re not expected to race. Several comments praise the guides for keeping things friendly and paced. For example, one group got a driver (Deta) who was kind and allowed stops whenever needed, and guides like Putu and Oka are specifically mentioned for plant knowledge and nature explanations.
Tamblingan Lake Canoe Crossing: Why This 30 Minutes Feels Different

After the hike, the day shifts to water. You’ll be picked up for a traditional canoe crossing on Tamblingan Lake, lasting about 30 minutes. This is one of the most “you’re actually here” parts of the experience, because you’re not just looking at the lake—you’re gliding on it.
Tamblingan Lake is one of Bali’s twin lakes formed from caldera eruption centuries ago. You’ll likely feel the difference right away: cooler air, forest around the water, and a quieter, more rural atmosphere than the busy coastal areas.
And there’s a cultural layer too. The day includes time connected to a temple stop as part of the lake journey. So you’re moving through nature, but you’re also seeing how people relate to the lake and the spiritual sites nearby.
One small but meaningful point: the canoe ride is long enough to feel like an activity, not a quick photo transfer. That’s why it lands so well in a 5-hour schedule.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Two Views, One Swim Break

Then comes the part most people remember: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. The sound of birds and the shift in the air usually signals you’re getting close. At the waterfalls, you’ll have time with two different waterfall views, and you can swim in the falls.
Swimming isn’t a “maybe if you brought gear” situation in the way some tours phrase it. Here, the plan specifically allows for a swim, and the waterfall area is set up so you can enjoy both the views and the water break.
A quick reality check: waterfalls mean wet rocks. Even if the water is inviting, move slowly near the edges and treat it like a slippery gym floor—feet first, then speed. If you’re not comfortable in water, you can still enjoy the scenery and the cool-down without going in, but the “twin falls” highlight is at its best when you get that swim moment.
Coffee and Snacks: The Tiny Stops That Make the Day Feel Easier

You’ll be provided snacks (sticky rice) and coffee and/or tea, plus bottled water. This is smart for a rainforest hike + canoe + waterfall combo, because it keeps your energy steady and prevents that end-of-morning slump.
In guide feedback, I saw mentions of a coffee plantation sampling and coffee/tea tastings as part of the day flow. Even if coffee is offered as tea and coffee rather than a full tasting stop every time, the important part is this: you get a break that isn’t just sitting around. It’s fuel, plus a small cultural flavor of the region.
Photo Time at Twin Lake View: Big Views, Less Chaos (When You Go at the Right Pace)

The day includes a stop at Twin Lake View (Titik Pandang Danau Kembar / Wanagiri). This viewpoint is famous in the region for a reason: you get wide, iconic perspectives over the twin lakes area.
What I like is that the tour’s structure is designed for photo moments without feeling like you’re wrestling a crowd. The itinerary is built around vantage points and sightlines, but with a pace that doesn’t turn it into a sprint. You’ll have time to frame shots, move to angles that show the water and forest, and wait for light changes without feeling rushed.
If you care about photography, this part is a strong start or finish, depending on your energy. Either way, it’s worth bringing something for quick changing weather—mountain Bali can feel cool and then warm up fast.
Price and Value: Is $42.77 a Fair Deal for This Much Nature?

At $42.77 per person, this tour is priced like an active day in the north, not a basic city outing. The value comes from the bundle: you’re getting transportation support (pickup is offered, and you can upgrade), guided trekking, a traditional canoe ride, included snacks, and beverages.
Most tours like this would charge extra once you add things like gear support or meals. Here, you get walking sticks, coffee/tea, sticky rice snacks, and bottled water included. You’re also paying for local guidance—several guides are specifically praised for plant and nature explanations and for making the day feel personal.
What’s not included matters too. You’ll want to budget for personal expenses and tips/gratuities (not included). Lunch is described as an option at a local restaurant after the waterfall portion, so decide ahead of time whether you want to eat with the group there or handle food separately.
Guides Make the Day: Deta, Putu, Kari, and Oka
The guides are a big part of why this works so well. People consistently mention a friendly, knowledgeable approach, with attention to both nature and local culture.
A few names show up repeatedly:
- Putu is praised for land and nature knowledge, and for being the kind of guide who connects the walk to real understanding.
- Kari is noted for a downhill jungle trek plus a full, smooth-feeling day that includes coffee and waterfalls.
- Oka gets credit for strong plant explanations on the hike and for sharing coffee and snacks during the canoe portion.
- Deta appears as a driver who stayed helpful and kind, including letting the group stop whenever needed, and even playing Taylor Swift.
Those details aren’t just “nice stories.” They point to something you’ll feel on the ground: you get a guide who adjusts to the group instead of dragging everyone along.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)
This is ideal if you want:
- a nature-first day with real rainforest walking
- photo stops that don’t feel like a conveyor belt
- the combo of hike + canoe + waterfall swim
It’s also a good match for groups who like learning. If you enjoy hearing about local plants, bird sounds, and how people relate to lake and temple areas, you’ll get more out of the time.
Two types of people should think twice:
- If you struggle with moderate hiking on uneven, wet terrain, this may feel harder than you want.
- If water and slipping around rocks makes you nervous, you’ll still see the waterfalls, but the best part (swimming) might not be your thing.
Practical Tips for a Smooth 5 Hours
Bring shoes you trust on slippery surfaces. Even if the trek pace is laid back, rainforest trails can be muddy or rooty, and the waterfall area is wet.
Plan your day around getting a bit damp. The waterfall swim part is a feature, not an optional add-on. If you hate wet clothes, wear quick-dry layers and change when you’re done.
Pack small and smart: you’ll have coffee/tea, sticky rice snacks, and water included, so you don’t need to carry a full picnic. Instead, bring what helps you stay comfortable on your body—plus anything you’ll want for photos.
Finally, don’t over-schedule afterward. A 5-hour rainforest day can be tiring in a good way, especially if you swim and take photos at multiple viewpoints.
Should You Book the Munduk Twin Lake Jungle Hike?
If you want a Bali day that feels away from the crowds and more like a walk through northern Bali’s mountain life, I’d book this. The structure is strong: rainforest trek for sensory nature time, a traditional canoe crossing for a genuinely different experience, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls where swimming makes it more than just a view.
Skip it only if you know you can’t handle moderate hikes or you don’t want wet conditions around waterfalls. Otherwise, at $42.77 with included snacks and drinks, plus a small group of up to 8, it’s a solid value for an active, guided nature day.
FAQ
How long is the Munduk hike and waterfalls tour?
The duration is about 5 hours.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Titik Pandang Danau Kembar, Wanagiri Sukasada, Pancasari, Sukasada, Gobleg, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81118, Indonesia.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is offered. There’s also an upgrade option to add pickup and drop-off from addresses around Bali.
What activities are included during the day?
You’ll do a jungle trek, cross Tamblingan Lake by traditional canoe (around 30 minutes), and visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (with time to swim).
What’s included in the price?
Included: all fees and taxes, walking stick, coffee and/or tea, snacks (sticky rice), and bottled water.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is described as optional at a local restaurant during the lunch break.
Do I need a certain fitness level?
The tour is listed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.
Is there time to swim?
Yes. The plan includes time to swim at the waterfalls.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.























