A long day, but North Bali shines. This private route strings together Buddha Vihara Arama gardens, the warm Banjar Hot Springs, and big mountain views around Bedugul.

I love how the day mixes faith stops with nature stops, so you are not stuck in one type of scenery for hours. I also like the pace and timing, especially when you get a driver like Yuda, fun, relaxed, and focused on getting you to key spots when they are calmer.

The main thing to consider is time: it runs about 9 to 10 hours, with roughly 1 hour per stop. If you hate driving or want lots of slow wandering, this may feel a bit structured, and the day does depend on good weather.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle means just your group, not a shared van shuffle.
• All entrance tickets included, so you can budget without hunting ticket booths.
• Banjar Hot Springs uses warm, volcanic sulphuric water, a good reset break.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is described as a valley waterfall with the biggest drop in the middle.
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills is known as Bali’s original selfie-park spot, built for viewpoints.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits by Lake Beratan at about 1,500 meters in cooler mountain air.

A North Bali day that blends temples and real nature

North Bali can feel like a different Bali, less about beach and shopping, more about hills, water, and quiet compounds. This tour is built for that mood. You start with a Buddhist monastery, then take a hot-spring break, then move into twin-lake scenery, waterfall time, and finally a highland temple.

What makes the route practical is the way it changes “your job” every hour or so. You go from looking at gardens and architecture, to relaxing in warm water, to watching lakes, to walking to viewpoints and back into a vehicle again. That rhythm is great if you want to see a lot without having to plan everything yourself.

Private transport from Seminyak, and why it matters

You are picked up and dropped off at your hotel or villa in Seminyak, and you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. That sounds basic, but it is a big deal on a 9 to 10 hour day. It also means you avoid the common headache of group tours where you sit around while other people finish errands.

The tour is private, so you are only with your party in the vehicle. You also get a professional English-speaking driver who acts as a tour guide. If you have ever tried to navigate Bali’s north roads on your own, you already know the value of someone who can keep the day moving.

You will also get mobile tickets, and there are group discounts listed as a feature. If you are traveling with friends or family, it can be worth booking together to see if that discount applies.

Brahma Vihara Arama: Buddhist monastery with a garden-like feel

The first stop is Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, and it is not just another temple sign and photo spot. The monastery was built by Yayasan Giri Rakketo Maha Tera, and the foundation takes its name from Bhiku Giri Rakketo Maha Thera. That name detail might seem niche, but it hints at the monastery’s identity as a living institution, not only a tourist stop.

You will spend about 1 hour here, and admission is included. The best way to enjoy this place is to slow down as you move through the grounds. Look for how the buildings and paths relate to the gardens, and take your time reading the vibe of the site. It is a nice start before you get into more driving and more crowds later in the day.

One practical tip: since the tour later hits hot springs and viewpoints, wear smart casual clothing you can comfortably move in. You will thank yourself later.

Banjar Hot Springs: warm sulphur water and a real break

After the monastery, you switch gears to Banjar Hot Springs. The water is volcanic in origin, sulphuric, and described as having an agreeable warm temperature. The listing even notes it is ideal for people suffering from rheumatic diseases, which gives you a sense of how locals and visitors think about the soak.

You get about 1 hour at the springs, with admission included. This stop works best as a reset. You sit, you soak if you want, and you let your body cool down after temple walking and before the long stretch of nature views.

If you want to time it well, the information says the best time to visit Banjar Hot Spring is in the morning. Even if your exact arrival depends on the day’s route, getting here earlier often helps you feel like the tour is moving at a human pace rather than a rush.

Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan: twin lakes with local value

Next up are Tamblingan Lake and Lake Buyan, described as being almost untouched and serving as a life source for surrounding communities. That matters, because it changes how you look at the water. You are not just staring at a postcard scene. You are seeing part of how people in this region live.

You will spend about 1 hour, with admission included. Use that time to slow your attention. Watch how the shoreline looks from where you pause, and notice the calm feeling these lakes are known for. A lot of tours skip the “quiet” stops and chase only dramatic highlights, but these lakes are what make the day feel balanced.

It is also a helpful mental transition. After the hot spring, lakes feel like the “exhale” part of the schedule, and before the waterfall and photo hills, they set you up for the walking and viewpoint time.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the big drop in the middle

Then comes Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, one of the most visually specific parts of the day. The description says Banyumala sits at the bottom of a valley with three sides, and the biggest and highest waterfall is in the middle, with smaller waterfalls on the right and left. That layout is exactly why it feels different from a single straight waterfall.

You get about 1 hour here, with admission included. Waterfalls are also one of those places where weather matters a lot. Clear conditions often make viewpoints easier to enjoy, while poor weather can reduce visibility and change the feel of the area.

For enjoyment, do not treat this as only a photo stop. Take a few minutes to position yourself so you are not just shooting at one angle. Try to see the middle drop first, then check how the side falls frame it.

And if your driver is good at timing, you may hit it before the bigger bus waves. In the best version of this tour, you arrive when the spots feel calmer, then larger groups show up right after you leave. That kind of timing can make the experience feel almost private, even on a popular route.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills: photo viewpoints, Bali-style

After the waterfall, the tour goes to Wanagiri Hidden Hills. This is a well-known “selfie park” style attraction, but the description calls out that it was really the original location in Bali. In other words, it is not just a copy of a copy. It is a place people came to for viewpoints before many imitators.

You spend about 1 hour, with admission included. What you should expect here is a viewpoint circuit. The key value is getting wide angles, and that is the whole point of this stop. It is also a good break between nature and your final temple stop.

One practical consideration: viewpoint attractions can mean short walks on uneven paths. Wear shoes you can trust, and keep your sunscreen handy since you will likely be in open air for at least part of this stop.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: mountain air and a lakeside temple view

The day ends with Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, set in the highlands of the Bedugul Regency. The temple sits on a plateau atop Lake Beratan, and the description notes mild mountain weather at about 1,500 meters.

You get about 1 hour here, with admission included. This is the stop where the atmosphere often changes. It can feel cooler and fresher than coastal areas, and Lake Beratan gives you that reflective “temple meets water” composition that people travel for.

This is also a good place to pay attention to respectful temple behavior. Follow local norms, and dress appropriately. The tour mentions a smart-casual dress code, which is a helpful reminder that this is still a place of worship, even with photo-friendly views nearby.

If your day has gone smoothly, this last stop is where you get your visual payoff: mountains in the background, temple in the foreground, and the lake acting like a mirror.

Lunch options: where to plan your energy

Lunch is included only if you select the option for Indonesian set menu lunch. The plan also says you can let the driver know if you would like to grab lunch, and the driver will take you to a local restaurant.

For most people, lunch is less about picking the perfect dish and more about fueling the rest of the day. You still have several stops after the first half. If you are sensitive to long meals, consider keeping lunch simple and moving at the tour’s pace.

If you prefer not to do the set menu, you still get the benefit of having the driver coordinate lunch rather than you trying to hunt for a place on your own mid-route.

Price and value: what $80 covers on this route

At $80 per person, this tour can look like a “deal” or a “splurge,” depending on how you compare it. The value angle here is that the price covers more than just transport. It includes:

• An air-conditioned private vehicle
• A professional English-speaking driver as a tour guide
• All entrance tickets
• Petrol and parking
• Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off
• Lunch only if you choose the lunch option

So you are not paying separately for tickets and getting stuck with messy logistics. On a day this long, it also reduces stress. You get one plan, one route, and one driver managing the order of stops.

If you are traveling in a group, check whether the group discount feature applies to your booking. And if you want the smoother experience, booking about a week to two weeks ahead can help, since the average booking is listed as 9 days in advance.

The best kind of traveler for this tour

This tour fits you if you want variety without overplanning. It is good for couples, small groups, and anyone who likes mixing culture and scenery in one day.

It is also a solid choice if you appreciate good timing. One highlight from the experience feedback is how visits can feel calm at the stops, with larger buses appearing right after you leave. That is not guaranteed, but it often comes from a driver who knows how to manage the day.

I would not pick this if you want a slow, open-ended itinerary. With around 1 hour per stop, you get a taste, not a deep stay. And if waterfalls and outdoor viewpoints are your top priority, you should be comfortable with the fact that the tour requires good weather.

Should you book this Best of North Bali tour?

If you are in Seminyak and you want North Bali’s main hits in one organized day, I think it is a strong booking. The big reasons are the included entrance tickets, the private air-conditioned transport, and the balance of stops that go beyond just temples or just nature.

Book it if your travel style matches a structured day with small bursts of time at each highlight. Skip it only if you hate long drives, want hours of free time at each stop, or are traveling during a stretch when weather is uncertain.

If you do book, wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and your camera, and keep your expectations realistic: you are collecting scenes, not mastering every detail at one location.

FAQ

How long is the Best of North Bali tour?

It runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel or villa pickup and drop-off service.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, with no other participants in the vehicle.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. All entrance tickets are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included if you select the Indonesian set menu lunch option. The driver can also take you to a local restaurant if you want lunch.

What should I wear or bring?

The dress code is smart casual. Bring sunscreen and a camera.

Does the tour depend on weather?

Yes, the experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.