2025 Tanah Lot & North Bali Tour: An Honest All-Inclusive Review

Okay, so you’ve seen the pictures of southern Bali, which are, you know, absolutely stunning with the beaches and cafes. But then you hear these little whispers about a different side of the island, a place a little bit greener, somewhat cooler, and frankly, a whole lot quieter. That is that northern part of Bali, and getting there, well, it’s often seen as a separate trip entirely. As a matter of fact, when I saw a single-day tour for 2025 that promised both the highlights of the north and a sunset at the legendary Tanah Lot temple, I was just a little skeptical. Honestly, it sounded like a really long day. But, you know, the idea of having everything included, like your transport, all the tickets, and even food, was pretty tempting, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

The Very Early Start: Is a Pre-Dawn Pickup Really Worth It?

So, the confirmation email clearly said the pickup was going to be early, but you know, 5 AM still feels like a shock to the system. Still, a genuinely friendly driver, named Wayan, was right on time in a surprisingly comfortable, air-conditioned car, which was just a huge relief. As we pulled away from the Seminyak area, it was almost like seeing a whole new island. The usual buzz of scooters was actually replaced by a profound quiet, with just a few people setting out their canang sari offerings for the day. Wayan explained that leaving this early is pretty much the only way to do a trip like this; in fact, we were trying to outrun the island’s famously stubborn traffic to get up into the mountains. In a way, watching Bali slowly wake up through the car window—the sky turning from inky black to a soft purple—was an experience in itself, something you sort of miss if you’re only out during the day.

A Cool Escape to the Northern Highlands

Alright, so after about two hours of driving, the change in the air is literally the first thing you notice. The humidity that typically hangs heavy in the south just vanishes, and in its place is this really refreshing, cool mountain breeze. Our first proper stop was basically the reason we came north: the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. To be honest, seeing it float on the lake with a bit of mist clinging to the mountains in the background is so different from the photos. It’s much more serene in person.

“We believe this lake feeds all the rivers in this part of Bali,” Wayan told us, “so this temple is really for honoring the water goddess who gives life to our crops.”

That kind of context, well, it makes you see the place as more than just a pretty picture. Because this was an all-inclusive setup, we just walked right in while Wayan handled the tickets, which, you know, felt really smooth and hassle-free.

After that, we took a short drive to one of Bali’s hidden waterfalls, which was apparently a nice little bonus. It wasn’t the biggest or most famous waterfall on the island, but the walk down through the clove and coffee plants was so aromatic and kind of immersive. Getting to the bottom and feeling the cool spray from the falls was pretty much the perfect way to really feel like we’d escaped into nature. Honestly, it was moments like these, sort of away from the main postcard spots, that made the long drive feel absolutely worth it.

Lunch with a View and a Feel for Real Bali

You know, on some tours, the included lunch can be a little disappointing, so I was sort of managing my expectations. We were taken to a small, family-run warung perched on the edge of a valley, which had this totally unexpected, sweeping view of rice terraces. The food was actually fantastic—simple, authentic Balinese dishes like Nasi Campur, and it all tasted incredibly fresh. It wasn’t fancy, but at the end of the day, it felt really genuine. We were pretty much the only visitors there, so it gave us a chance to just sit back and soak in the quiet beauty of the countryside, unlike the more crowded restaurants in the south.

As we were eating, Wayan was telling us stories about his village and explaining the subak irrigation system that creates the beautiful terraces we were looking at. This part of the day was less about seeing a specific “sight” and more about, you know, connecting with the place on a slightly deeper level. The drive itself was just as interesting, passing through small villages where life seemed to move at a very different, much slower rhythm. You see kids flying kites and older men just sitting together at the roadside, and it really gives you a much fuller picture of what Balinese life is actually like beyond the tourist hubs.

The Slow Journey to a Sunset at Tanah Lot

Frankly, the drive back south in the afternoon is where you really appreciate having an experienced driver, as the traffic definitely starts to pick up. We sort of wound our way back down from the mountains, and you could feel the temperature and humidity begin to rise again. The main event for the evening was, of course, the sunset at Tanah Lot. The name literally means “Land in the Sea,” and as a matter of fact, it’s one of Bali’s most iconic temples, perched on a huge offshore rock. The story goes that holy snakes guard the temple from intruders, which just adds to its mystical feel.

Getting there an hour or so before sunset was a good call, as it gave us time to walk around. At low tide, you can actually walk almost to the base of the rock temple itself. The area is pretty commercial, with lots of shops and places to grab a drink, but Wayan guided us to a really great viewing spot on the cliffs overlooking the temple. And then, well, the show began. Watching the sky explode into shades of orange, pink, and fiery red behind that ancient silhouette, with the waves crashing against the rocks below, is almost a spiritual experience. It’s obviously a popular place, but the view is so spectacular that you can sort of tune out the crowd and just get lost in the moment. It was an incredibly powerful way to end a very long but very fulfilling day.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This All-Inclusive Tour Really For?

So, at the end of the day, is this ‘Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour’ the right choice for everyone? Honestly, probably not. If you have very small children or you really dislike long car rides, the roughly 12-hour duration might be a bit much. The day is absolutely packed, and the pace is pretty steady. But, on the other hand, if you’re in Bali for a limited time and you’re the kind of person who wants to see as much as possible, this tour is incredibly efficient. You get to experience two completely different worlds of Bali in a single day—the cool, spiritual highlands of the north and the dramatic, iconic coastline of the south.

The “all-inclusive” part is a really huge plus, in my opinion. Not having to think about entrance fees, parking, or where to find a good, safe place for lunch just removes a layer of travel stress. It lets you focus on just being there and taking it all in. I mean, it’s designed for people who want a curated, seamless experience that covers a lot of ground. It’s almost a perfect sampler platter of what makes Bali so special, from its natural wonders to its deep-seated spirituality.

Key Takeaways from the Tour:

It’s a very long day. You should be prepared for about 12 hours from pickup to drop-off, with a lot of time spent in the car.
You see two different Balis. The contrast between the cool, misty north and the sun-drenched coast at Tanah Lot is pretty amazing.
The all-inclusive aspect is a major benefit. No fussing with tickets or finding food really simplifies the day.
It’s great for efficiency. If your time on the island is short, this is an excellent way to cover major sights that are geographically far apart.
Maybe not for families with tiny kids. The length of the day and amount of driving could be tough for little ones.

Read our full review: Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour All Inclusive Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Your 2025 Bali Tour)