Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls Tour Private – All-Inclusive

A pair of waterfalls in Bali’s green highlands is the main reason to make this long day trip. You can follow forest paths past tropical plants and banana trees, then cool off in fresh water if conditions allow. The payoff is real, but so is the climb back up.

I like two things about this tour: a private driver gives your group room to set its pace, and the day joins waterfalls with highland views and a lakeside temple. The waterfalls are the star, but the mix makes the drive feel like more than a transfer.

The main caveat is the walking. Steps can be steep and slick, the return climb is strenuous, and the route details describe different waterfalls in different places. Confirm which falls you will visit before booking, and leave extra time in your day: the advertised seven to eight hours can stretch much longer.

What makes this day trip worthwhile

• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Reach the falls by a forest path edged with tropical flowers, plants, and banana trees.
• Banyu Wana Amertha: Expect a steep descent, a stream crossing on stepping stones, and a demanding walk on some stairways.
• A private vehicle and driver: Pickup, drop-off, transport, and an English-speaking driver are included, with only your group on the tour.
• Highland scenery: The route description includes Mount Batur and Tegalalang Rice Terrace views, though exact stops can vary.
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Spend about 45 minutes at this lakeside temple complex near Bedugul.
• Bring water-safe gear: Pack shoes with grip, a change of clothes, and a way to keep valuables dry.

Waterfalls first, but check which ones

The names in the tour details do not line up neatly. The tour is called Banyuwana and Banyumala, its stop descriptions feature Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha, while its overview and many of the day’s accounts focus on Sekumpul Waterfall. These are not interchangeable names. Ask the operator which falls are included on your date, and whether the route includes a swim at the base or a viewing point only.

That matters because the waterfall visit is the day’s main event, and the effort and time required depend on the route. Accounts describe a range from several falls to a single main waterfall, with some people walking down to swim and others stopping at a viewpoint. Conditions, weather, and the exact route can affect what you reach.

At Banyumala, the path descends through forest, with tropical flowers, plants, and banana trees along the way. The walk is part of the pleasure: it feels like a change of pace from Bali’s roads and villages, and the greenery builds anticipation before you reach the water.

Banyu Wana Amertha involves a roughly 30-minute hike down, including a steep descent and a stream crossing on stepping stones. Some stairs can be awkward, so take your time and watch your footing. The tour information describes about an hour at each waterfall stop, but the total time on foot may vary with the route and your pace.

Take the climb seriously

The walk is described as moderate, but that label can understate the return climb. Expect steep stairs, sections that may be slick, and a demanding uphill walk after you have spent time at the falls. Several accounts note that going down is manageable but getting back up takes effort, especially in hot weather.

Wear sport shoes with grip rather than sandals, and bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim. A plastic bag or other dry container for valuables and a waterproof camera are sensible choices. Sunscreen and some spending money for souvenirs are also recommended.

This tour is listed as suitable for ages 12 to 65, and most people can participate, but that does not make the hike easy for everyone. If you have trouble with steep stairs, are unsure about your fitness, or are traveling with someone who needs a gentler outing, ask about the exact route and whether a shorter viewpoint option is possible. One account describes a motorcycle lift back to the parking area at Sekumpul for a fee, but do not assume that option is available on every route.

Rain deserves a little respect here. One account describes a thunderstorm on the steep return, while another notes that wet weather gear was not supplied. Bring a light raincoat or umbrella if the forecast looks uncertain, and do not rush on wet steps.

Mountain views and rice terraces along the way

The wider route is part of the appeal, especially if you want to see more than Ubud’s central sights. The tour description mentions Kintamani Volcano and Tegalalang Rice Terrace, while accounts also describe Mount Batur and Lake Batur views from a highland breakfast stop. These viewpoints can make the long drive feel rewarding, but confirm which stops are planned for your pickup location and tour date.

The mountain scenery is best treated as a bonus rather than the tour’s guaranteed centerpiece. Weather can obscure views, and the actual route may change. If you have already visited Bali’s rice terraces or Mount Batur viewpoints, you may find these stops familiar. If you have not, they offer a useful look at the island beyond the waterfall trails.

Some accounts describe breakfast with a view of the Mount Batur caldera. Lunch is not included, so check whether breakfast is part of your arranged route and bring money for meals. A scenic meal stop can be a welcome pause before more driving and walking.

Ulun Danu Bratan, a quieter change of scene

The tour includes a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple complex beside Lake Bratan in the mountain area near Bedugul. The planned visit is about 45 minutes. After forest trails and waterfalls, the temple offers a different kind of stop, with water, mountain air, and architecture rather than another hike.

A temple visit is most satisfying when you have enough time to look around rather than hurry through for a photo. Still, 45 minutes is a short visit, so set expectations accordingly. The tour details also mention a coffee plantation as a final stop, while other route accounts describe coffee and tea farms. Confirm whether the plantation is included in your version of the day.

Coffee tastings and purchases are not the same as an included meal or drink package. One account notes that civet coffee can be expensive, so ask about prices before buying. You can enjoy the stop without feeling obliged to purchase anything.

A private car helps on a long route

The private format means your group travels together with a driver, rather than joining a large shared group. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transport, an English-speaking driver, and fees and taxes are included. A private vehicle is particularly useful on a day with several distant stops, because you have a direct ride between them and can ask about the places along the way.

The driver’s role may vary. Some drivers, including people named Dodik, Asta, Ravy, Kadek, Made, and Gede in accounts of the tour, are described as friendly, helpful, and willing to adjust the day or assist with photos. But at least one account describes a driver who mainly handled transport, with limited explanation. If you want detailed cultural guiding rather than a good driver, clarify what the English-speaking driver will provide.

The private format does not guarantee that every stop is customizable, but it does offer more flexibility than a fixed group outing. One account describes a driver adjusting the route to avoid traffic, and another notes that the day was tailored to the group’s interests. Tell the operator what matters most to you before setting off, especially if you want extra time at the falls or temple.

Price, timing, and what is actually included

At $50 per person, the tour can be good value if you want a private vehicle, pickup, and several far-flung sights in one day. The price includes transport, an English-speaking driver, pickup and drop-off, and fees and taxes. It does not include lunch, so budget for food and any coffee or souvenir purchases.

The phrase all-inclusive can give the wrong impression. It does not mean meals, souvenirs, or optional purchases are covered. The tour requires at least two people per booking, so the per-person price is not a solo option under the stated terms.

The scheduled start is 8:00 am, and the estimated duration is seven to eight hours. Yet accounts describe days lasting ten to twelve hours, especially when pickup is from farther south and the drive between stops is long. A full day in the mountains can be tiring, so avoid scheduling a tight evening connection or another activity afterward.

Pickup is offered, but the starting point matters. The tour is associated with Ubud, while its overview describes a trip from Kuta, and accounts include pickups from other parts of Bali. Ask how your hotel location affects the route and total time. The same sights can involve very different driving hours depending on where your day begins.

Who should book this waterfall tour

I would consider this tour if you want to swim beneath a waterfall, enjoy a serious walk, and see Bali’s northern highlands in one outing. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable with steep stairs and a long day in a car. A private driver is especially useful if you want to combine several remote stops without arranging separate transport.

It is less suitable if you want a gentle sightseeing day, dislike uneven steps, or need a firm return time. The waterfall access is the physical heart of the outing, not a short stroll from the car. If you are unsure about the climb, ask for the route details before paying.

The tour is recommended by 97 percent of its 89 ratings, with an average score of 4.9. That is encouraging, but the most important decision is practical: confirm the waterfall names and exact stops, ask whether a local guide at the falls is included, and plan for more than eight hours. Book it if the hike and long scenic drive sound like part of the fun, not obstacles to get past.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the tour take?

The estimated duration is seven to eight hours, though some accounts describe days lasting ten to twelve hours. Your pickup location and route can affect the total time.

Which waterfalls are included?

The tour details name Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha, while the overview and accounts also refer to Sekumpul Waterfall. Confirm the exact waterfall route before booking.

Is the hike difficult?

The walk includes steep and sometimes challenging stairs, a descent through forest, and, on the Banyu Wana route, a stream crossing on stepping stones. The climb back up can be strenuous.

Is swimming possible?

Swimming is described at the waterfalls, including accounts of swimming beneath the falls. Whether you can swim depends on the exact stop and conditions on the day.

What is included in the price?

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, fees, and taxes are included. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a way to keep valuables dry, a waterproof camera if you want one, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs. Rain gear may also be useful.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund or change.