Banyuwana & Banyumala Waterfalls Tour Private – All-Inclusive

The best part of this private Bali day is the pair of waterfalls. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls sits at the end of a leafy forest path, while Banyu Wana Amertha requires a steeper descent and a stream crossing. You get cool water, tropical plants, and a real workout instead of a quick roadside photo stop.

I like the private car and the chance to set your own pace. Guides such as Dodik, Asta, Kadek, and Ravy have been especially good at taking photos, answering questions, and adjusting the day. I also like the pairing of waterfalls with Ulun Danu Bratan, a beautiful temple on Lake Bratan. The catch is the long, tiring day and the slippery stairs, especially on the climb back.

Key points to know before booking

• Two waterfall walks require real effort: Expect steep steps, slick surfaces, and a stream crossing at Banyu Wana Amertha.
• Private transport gives you flexibility: Your group has its own car and driver, with pickup and drop-off included.
• The waterfalls are the main event: Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha offer forest paths, swimming, and close views of falling water.
• Ulun Danu Bratan adds a cultural stop: The temple sits beside Lake Bratan in the cool mountain area near Bedugul.
• The advertised $50 price is good for a private day: The fare includes transport, the English-speaking driver, and entrance fees, but not lunch.
• Allow extra time for mountain roads: The planned duration is 7 to 8 hours, but some routes have taken 10 to 12 hours from southern Bali.

Why these waterfalls are worth the effort

Bali has no shortage of waterfalls, but this outing works because it takes you into the island’s cooler northern interior. The route moves away from the busy beach areas and into forest, farmland, mountain roads, and village territory.

At Banyumala, the path winds through tropical flowers, banana trees, and thick greenery. The walk down is part of the attraction. You are not simply stepping out of a car, taking a picture, and leaving. The forest gets quieter as you descend, and the waterfall appears through the trees.

Banyu Wana Amertha requires more care. The walk takes about 30 minutes and includes a steep descent, challenging stairs, and stepping stones across a stream. Those details matter. In dry conditions, the route may feel manageable, but wet weather can make the stone surfaces slick. Bring shoes with a good grip and keep one hand free for the railing.

Several people have found the walk back harder than the descent. That is normal. The waterfalls are at the bottom, so every step down becomes a step up later. You may also find local scooter rides available for part of the return route. One account describes a ride back to the parking area for 20,000 Indonesian rupiah, less than $2 at the time of that visit. Treat this as a possible local option, not something guaranteed by the tour price.

The water is a major reward. You can refresh yourself under the falls or in the plunge pool when conditions allow. Pack a change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet items. A waterproof camera is also sensible, since spray, rain, and slippery crossings are part of the day.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, a forest walk with a payoff

The Banyumala stop lasts about an hour and includes admission. The route down passes tropical plants and banana trees, giving the walk a pleasant sense of place before you reach the water.

This is the easier of the two waterfall visits, though it is not flat. You should still expect uneven ground and a climb back to the vehicle. The setting is the kind of place where you will want time to look around rather than rush through a checklist. The sound of the falling water and the green forest are the real attractions.

Swimming is possible at the waterfalls, but you should judge the conditions on the day. Rain can change footing and water flow. If you plan to get in, wear your swimsuit under your walking clothes and carry dry clothing separately.

Banyu Wana Amertha and the steep return

The second waterfall stop adds variety, but it is also where the physical demands become clearer. The route includes a 30-minute hike, a steep descent, stairs that can be difficult, and a stream crossing on stepping stones.

I would not choose this tour for anyone who has trouble with steep stairs or uneven paths. The stated suitable age range is 12 to 65, but age alone does not tell you how the walk will feel. Fitness, balance, weather, and confidence on wet steps matter more.

Take your time. The private format helps because you are not trying to match the pace of a large group. Several guides, including Kadek Tosa, have been praised for patience with slower walkers. That can make a real difference on a hot climb.

Good footwear is more important than fashionable footwear here. Sport shoes are recommended. Flip-flops are a poor choice for the stairs and stream crossing. Sunscreen, water, and a waterproof way to carry your phone are also wise additions.

Mountain views, rice terraces, and a route that can change

The tour description includes Kintamani Volcano and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and several day plans have also included Mount Batur viewpoints, Lake Batur, rice fields, a breakfast stop, or a coffee plantation. These stops help turn the outing into a wider look at Bali rather than a single waterfall visit.

The mountain views can be excellent when the weather is clear. One breakfast stop has been praised for its view over the volcano caldera, while another itinerary included a panoramic view of Mount Batur beside Lake Batur. Tegalalang offers a very different scene, with carefully worked rice terraces and good photo opportunities.

You should confirm the exact route when booking or before departure. The supplied description mentions a private full-day trip to Sekumpul from Kuta, while the named itinerary focuses on Banyumala, Banyu Wana Amertha, and Ulun Danu Bratan. Several accounts also describe Sekumpul, coffee, rice fields, and volcano viewpoints. That suggests the route can vary by pickup point, weather, traffic, and the package being operated that day.

This is not necessarily a problem. A private driver can adjust the order and sometimes avoid traffic delays. But you should not assume every listed sight will receive the same amount of time. If Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha are your priority, say so at the start.

Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali’s calm mountain temple

About 45 minutes from the waterfall area, the tour visits Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. The temple complex sits beside Lake Bratan near Bedugul, in one of Bali’s cooler highland areas.

This stop gives the day a useful change of pace. After wet shoes, steep steps, and forest paths, you get open water, gardens, and Hindu architecture. The temple’s position beside the lake is the main visual draw, and it makes a strong contrast with the enclosed waterfall trails.

You may spend about 45 minutes here. That is enough for photographs and a walk around the main grounds, but not a long cultural visit. Your English-speaking driver can answer questions, though the quality of explanation may depend on the individual assigned. One person had a driver who mainly handled transport, with little interpretation at the sites. If cultural detail matters to you, ask directly for explanations at each stop.

Private transport and the value of $50

At $50 per person, the tour offers strong value if you are traveling with at least two people and want a private vehicle for the day. The minimum booking is two people, and the cost includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transport, an English-speaking driver, entrance fees, and taxes.

That price is not the cost of a simple waterfall transfer. You are paying for a full route, driving time, site access, and the convenience of having someone handle the roads. The value improves for a couple or small group, since you share the private vehicle rather than paying for separate taxis.

Lunch is not included. You should plan for that, especially because the day can stretch beyond the stated 7 to 8 hours. Some outings have lasted 10 to 12 hours from southern Bali, with long drives between Jimbaran, mountain viewpoints, coffee stops, and the waterfalls.

Coffee plantation visits may also include tastings and products for sale. One account notes that premium luwak coffee can cost 1,100,000 Indonesian rupiah for 250 grams. You do not need to buy anything, but carry only the souvenir budget you intend to spend.

The guide can shape the whole day

This is a driver-led private experience, and the person behind the wheel matters. Dodik has been praised for a friendly approach, Asta for fun energy and taking romantic photos, Ravy for flexibility and helpful service, and Kadek for patience, safety, and local knowledge.

Other names connected with positive experiences include Newman, Arta, Gede, Made, Putu, Yanik, and Asta. That range also shows why the experience may feel different from one booking to another.

Many drivers help with photos and adjust the pace. Some explain local life and the villages around Sekumpul. One guide at the waterfall, known by the nickname Spiderman, was especially appreciated for helping visitors through the route. On the other hand, at least one person found the driver acted mainly as a chauffeur and did not explain the places.

The practical advice is simple: tell your driver what you care about. Ask for more time at the waterfall, request a slower hiking pace, or say that the temple and cultural information matter to you. Since this is a private tour, you have more room to shape the day than you would on a large coach trip.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The stated start time is 8:00 a.m., with a total duration of roughly 7 to 8 hours. From Ubud, the day may fit that schedule more closely. From Kuta, Jimbaran, or another southern base, long road times can make it much longer.

Mountain weather changes quickly. Rain is common enough that you should pack for it, but rain gear is not included. A lightweight raincoat or poncho is more useful than an umbrella on the narrow paths. Keep your phone, wallet, and camera in a waterproof pouch or sealed plastic bag.

Pack:

• Sport shoes with good grip
• A swimsuit and dry change of clothes
• A plastic bag for wet clothing
• Sunscreen
• A waterproof camera or phone case
• Money for food and souvenirs

The stairs are the main safety issue. Move slowly, especially on the way up, and watch where you place your feet. The tour is listed as suitable for most people aged 12 to 65, but you should be comfortable with a moderate hike and steep steps before booking.

Who should book this waterfall tour?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a full day outside Ubud or the southern resort areas. It suits you if you want waterfalls, mountain scenery, a temple, and private transport in one outing.

It is also a good choice if you value flexibility. You can spend more time swimming, pause for photographs, and ask the driver to slow down. The private format is especially useful when one person in your group is fitter than another.

I would think twice if you want a relaxed sightseeing day. The road time can be long, the stairs are serious, and lunch is not included. It is also not ideal if you dislike wet clothes, slippery ground, or changing plans.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your idea of a good Bali day includes forest paths, cold waterfall water, mountain views, and a little sweat. The waterfalls are the strongest reason to go, and the private car makes the complicated northern route easier.

Before paying, confirm your pickup area, the exact stops, and whether Sekumpul, the coffee plantation, Mount Batur viewpoints, or rice terraces are part of your version of the route. If you are ready for steep stairs and a long day, the $50 price is fair for a private outing with transport and entrance fees included. If you want gentle sightseeing, choose a shorter temple or rice terrace tour instead.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an English-speaking driver, entrance fees, and all taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should bring money for food during the day.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is about 7 to 8 hours. Some routes from southern Bali have taken 10 to 12 hours because of long drives between stops.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

How difficult is the waterfall walk?

The tour involves challenging stairs, steep sections, and a stream crossing on stepping stones. The walk back up can be harder than the descent.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a plastic bag or waterproof container for valuables, a waterproof camera, sport shoes, sunscreen, and money for souvenirs.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not eligible for a refund.