North Bali: Ulun Danu, Waterfalls, Swing and Monkey Forest

North Bali gives you four very different experiences in one long day: mountain views, a jungle waterfall, a lakeside temple, and monkeys in an old forest. I like the way this tour mixes photogenic stops with real walking, rather than keeping you inside the car all day. I also like the private format, which lets your guide adjust the pace and help with photos.

The main drawback is the schedule. Eight hours is a lot of road time, and Banyumala Waterfall requires steep steps. The admission fees are also listed as optional, so the advertised $35 price may not be your final total.

Key points to know

• Wanagiri’s twin-lake views: Start with bird nests, swings, and wide views over Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan.
• Banyumala requires effort: Expect a jungle walk, steps, and a refreshing pool at the bottom.
• Ulun Danu is the cultural heart: The temple appears to float on Lake Beratan, with misty mountains behind it.
• Sangeh feels different from Bali’s busier monkey parks: The forest has old nutmeg trees, macaques, and a temple.
• Private guiding adds flexibility: Guides including Adi, Agus, Kadek, Oka, Jerink, and Rodi have helped with photos, timing, and route changes.
• Budget beyond the headline price: Lunch and entrance fees are extra, while transport, fuel, tolls, parking, and water are covered.

Why this North Bali day works

I see this as a scenic sampler of Bali’s cooler north, not a slow cultural tour. You move from one major stop to the next, but each place offers a different mood. Wanagiri is all about views and photographs. Banyumala brings physical activity. Ulun Danu supplies the temple setting. Sangeh finishes with wildlife and forest shade.

The private car matters here. North Bali is spread out, and public transport would make this combination awkward. You get hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kerobokan, Legian, Seminyak, and Kuta. Pickup is listed at 7:30 a.m. from Ubud and 7:00 a.m. from central and south Bali. Guests staying in Pecatu or Uluwatu pay an additional 150,000 IDR.

You travel in an air-conditioned car with a driver, bottled mineral water, parking, tolls, and fuel included. Your English-speaking guide may be the same person driving, as with guides such as Gus, Richard, or Jerink. That arrangement works well when the driver is also attentive and good at explaining the sights, though the quality of your day depends partly on the individual guide assigned.

The price of $35 per person is attractive for a private eight-hour outing. Still, read the inclusions carefully. Wanagiri, the swing photo spot, Banyumala, Ulun Danu, and Sangeh admission tickets are listed as optional. Lunch, meals, drinks beyond the supplied water, and personal spending are not included. Ask before departure which entrance fees you will pay and how much they cost.

Wanagiri Hidden Hill and the twin lakes

Wanagiri Hidden Hill is your first stop in Bali’s highlands. The air is cooler than on the coast, and the main attraction is the view over Buyan and Tamblingan, two lakes set among green mountain slopes. Morning light can make this a strong opening stop, especially if you want clear photos before clouds build.

The photo points include wooden swings and bird nests placed above the view. These are designed for pictures, so I would treat Wanagiri as a scenic photo stop rather than a long nature walk. You can take your time with poses, and your private guide can help with phone pictures. Several guides, including Kadek and Agus, have been praised for patiently taking photos rather than rushing people back to the car.

The swing access and Wanagiri entrance are marked optional. That is important because some people will happily pay for the famous swing image, while others will prefer to enjoy the viewpoint without adding another fee. Confirm the cost before committing.

This stop suits couples, friends, and anyone who enjoys making a visual record of a trip. It may feel less rewarding if you are looking for quiet, untouched scenery, since the photo structures are clearly made for visitors. Still, the twin-lake view gives the stop more substance than a simple social-media backdrop.

Banyumala Waterfall, the day’s physical test

Banyumala is likely to be the most active part of the tour. You walk through jungle scenery and along steep sections before reaching the waterfall. Water drops over a series of rock formations into a clear pool, and you can swim, sit near the water, or enjoy the cool spray.

The walk back up is the part to take seriously. The steps can be steep, and one account described the climb as tiring even though the waterfall itself was beautiful and not too crowded. You need moderate physical fitness, steady footwear, and enough time to move at your own pace. Sandals are listed among the suggested items, but choose something with a secure grip if you have the option.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to swim. A camera or phone is useful, but protect it from water and keep an eye on your belongings. The pool gives you a chance to cool off after the walk, though swimming is your choice rather than a required part of the visit.

I like this stop because it breaks up the photo-focused portions of the day. You are not just looking at Bali from a viewpoint. You are walking, hearing the water, and deciding how much effort you want to put in. The tradeoff is that the waterfall can be slippery or tiring in wet conditions, and the tour operates in rain or shine.

Lunch is flexible, but not included

The schedule places lunch between the waterfall and Ulun Danu Temple. The meal is not included in the $35 price, and neither are other meals or drinks. You should carry cash for lunch and entrance fees, since cash is specifically recommended in the preparation advice.

The information does not name a fixed restaurant or set menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dining experience. Your guide can help manage the timing, and some guides have adjusted the day when rain or closures affected the route. Keep lunch reasonably efficient if you want enough time at the temple and monkey forest.

This is also a good place to change clothes after Banyumala. A dry shirt will make the second half of the day more comfortable, especially if you swim or get wet from rain.

Ulun Danu Beratan and the floating temple view

Ulun Danu Beratan is the most recognizable cultural stop on the route. The temple sits on the shore of Lake Beratan and is dedicated to the goddess of the lake. From the grounds, its structures appear to rest on the water, with the lake and misty mountain setting adding to the calm effect.

You get time for photographs and a guided visit. A good guide can give the setting more meaning than a quick photo stop, explaining why water matters so much in Balinese religious life and farming. The supplied information promises an explanation of the temple’s history and significance, though the exact amount of detail will depend on your guide.

The temple admission fee is listed as optional, so confirm whether it is included in your booking price. Wear something suitable for walking around a religious site, and bring sunscreen and a hat even though the highland air can feel cool. Conditions can change quickly, and rain may soften the views of the lake and mountains.

Ulun Danu is a strong choice for people who want culture alongside scenery. It is also a useful counterpoint to Wanagiri. The first stop is built around staged viewpoints. Here, the setting, religious purpose, and water all matter. If your main goal is an in-depth temple tour, though, this visit is still only one stop in a busy day.

Sangeh Monkey Forest and its old temple

The final planned stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest in the village of Sangeh. Tall nutmeg trees create a shaded setting for long-tailed macaques, and an old temple sits within the forest. The combination of wildlife, trees, and religious space gives Sangeh a different feel from a standard animal encounter.

You can watch the monkeys interact with each other and with people. Some previous outings involved monkeys climbing onto visitors after food was offered, so follow your guide’s instructions and keep your belongings secure. Do not assume that every monkey is gentle just because it appears calm. The rules also prohibit littering, alcohol, and drugs.

Sangeh is a memorable finish because it is lively after the quiet lake temple. It is also the least predictable stop. Animal behavior cannot be controlled, and some people will enjoy the close encounters more than others. If you prefer to observe wildlife from a distance, tell your guide early.

A practical warning: Sangeh Monkey Forest has sometimes been closed because of facility problems. When that happened, guide Kadek took his group to another sightseeing spot instead. That flexibility is useful, but you should understand that the exact final stop may change if access is restricted.

The value of a private guide

The strongest feature of this experience is not a single attraction. It is the private format. You are not tied to a large group’s pace, and you can spend longer at a photo point or move on when you have had enough. A guide can also help when traffic, rain, or a closure changes the plan.

Several guides have made a particularly good impression for different reasons. Adi was described as attentive. Agus was patient and accommodating. Kadek helped with photos and adjusted the route after a closure. Oka answered questions and kept checking that the day was going well. Jerink was praised for handling difficult Bali traffic and arriving at several places before larger crowds. Rodi was noted for staying calm and good-humored around the monkeys.

Guide names are not guaranteed, so book this for the structure and service rather than for one specific person unless the operator confirms that arrangement. The recurring strengths are useful conversation in the car, safe driving, photo help, and a willingness to adjust the pace.

The private car also helps with comfort. You can carry a towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, and camera gear without worrying about shared luggage space. On the other hand, the long drives can still feel tiring, especially on the return to south Bali. One outing faced heavy traffic on the way back, and patience was needed.

Weather, clothing, and effort

Plan for changing conditions. The highlands can be cool, the waterfall can be wet, and rain may arrive later in the day. The tour runs in all weather, so bring a hat, sunscreen, sandals, a towel, a change of clothes, and cash. A camera is useful at every stop, but keep it protected around the waterfall and during rain.

You should be comfortable with walking and steps. Banyumala is the main physical challenge, but all four stops involve some walking. The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, or people over 80. The information also says that women during menstruation are not allowed to participate, a restriction you should consider before booking.

This is a private group tour, not a large bus excursion. That makes it a better fit for couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who want a driver and guide without paying for a fully custom itinerary. It is less suitable for anyone who wants a relaxed day with only one or two stops.

Is the $35 price good value?

For $35 per person, the package offers an unusually broad day: private round-trip hotel transport, an air-conditioned car, a driver, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, fuel, tolls, and parking. If you are staying in one of the standard pickup zones, those included transport costs make the price appealing.

The final cost needs a closer look. Lunch is extra, and every attraction ticket is marked optional. The Wanagiri swing may also carry its own charge. Add those expenses before comparing this tour with a more expensive package that includes admissions.

The value is best when you want to see several parts of North Bali in one day and appreciate help with transport. You may get less value if you plan to return to Bali’s north for a slower stay or if you dislike photo-oriented attractions. The eight-hour timetable is efficient, not leisurely.

Should you book this North Bali tour?

I would book it if you want a private overview of North Bali, enjoy taking photos, and are ready for a moderate walk at Banyumala. The mix is strong: twin lakes, a waterfall, a temple on a lake, and macaques in an old forest. You also get the comfort of hotel pickup and a guide who can help with pictures and route changes.

I would think twice if steep steps are a problem, if you need a fully accessible day, or if you want every admission fee included in the advertised price. Before paying, confirm the optional ticket costs, lunch arrangements, pickup time, and current status of Sangeh Monkey Forest.

For the right visitor, this is a smart way to cover a lot of ground without arranging several separate trips. Just bring cash, allow for traffic, and judge the $35 price after adding food and admissions.

FAQ

How long does the North Bali tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including hotel pickup, sightseeing, and the return transfer.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup is listed for 7:30 a.m. from Ubud and 7:00 a.m. from central and south Bali.

Which areas have included hotel pickup?

Included pickup and drop-off cover Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kerobokan, Legian, Seminyak, and Kuta.

Is pickup available from Pecatu or Uluwatu?

Yes. Pickup from the Pecatu or Uluwatu area costs an additional 150,000 IDR.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The tour is arranged for a private group with a private car and personalized attention.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking guide. Guide names can vary, with Adi, Agus, Kadek, Oka, Jerink, Rodi, and others having led outings.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, meals, and beverages are not included. Bottled mineral water is provided.

Are entrance tickets included?

The listed entrance tickets for Wanagiri, the swing photo spot, Banyumala Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Sangeh Monkey Forest are marked optional. Confirm the exact ticket costs before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, change of clothes, towel, sandals, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Moderate physical fitness is needed because the tour includes walking and steps. It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, or people over 80.