A Day in Bali’s North West: My Honest 2025 Tour Review
So, you’re looking at Bali and you see all the pictures of a calm, spiritual place, but then you get there and, frankly, the south can be pretty packed with people. I mean, I was looking for something a little different on my last trip, you know, a bit of that green, untouched Bali you sort of dream about. That’s actually why I booked the ‘Full Day Bali North West Tour’, because it promised waterfalls and big scenic views. I’m going to tell you exactly how my day went, and honestly, what you can really expect if you decide to go on this trip in 2025. This is just my take on it, a more or less straightforward look at a day spent away from the beach clubs and stuff.
At the end of the day, a full-day tour is a big commitment of your holiday time, so you obviously want to know if it’s the right choice for you. Basically, these trips are designed to show you a lot in one go, which is great if you’re short on time. We’ll get into the specifics, like the driving time which, to be honest, is a big part of the day. But seriously, the change in scenery from the coast to the mountains is kind of amazing. It’s almost like you’re entering a completely different world, just a little cooler and way more green.
Starting the Day: A Morning Journey Upwards
Okay, so the day started early with a pickup from my hotel, which was pretty standard for these kinds of tours. The car was really comfortable, and our driver was super friendly, you know, one of those people who just makes you feel welcome right away. As a matter of fact, the drive itself is part of the experience. You pretty much leave the busy streets of places like Seminyak or Kuta behind, and things start to change. First, you pass through villages where daily life is just happening all around you, which is actually very interesting to see. The roads then begin to climb, and you can literally feel the air getting fresher and a bit cooler through the window. It’s a very noticeable shift, anyway.
Our first proper stop was at the Taman Ayun Temple, which is sort of on the way to the main highland areas. I mean, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s definitely got that impressive feel. The temple is surrounded by this big, beautiful moat, and you can’t go into the very center parts, but the walk around the grounds is just lovely. Honestly, it was a really calm and peaceful way to start the tour. You get to see the multi-tiered shrines, which are called ‘meru’, and they look kind of amazing against the blue sky. It’s a great spot for photos, and to be honest, it wasn’t too crowded when we got there in the morning, which was a huge plus.
The Famous Floating Temple: Ulun Danu Beratan
Next up was pretty much the main event for me, the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. You have absolutely seen this place on postcards and Instagram, right? It’s that temple that looks like it’s floating on a lake. And you know what, it really does look that good in person. We arrived in the Bedugul area, and the atmosphere is completely different up there. The temple is sitting on Lake Beratan, and with the mountains in the background, it’s just incredibly scenic. Honestly, I just stood there for a bit, soaking it all in.
Our guide gave us a little backstory, which was pretty cool. He explained that the temple is dedicated to the lake goddess, Dewi Danu, who is super important for all the farmers in Bali because the lake provides water for irrigation all the way down the island. So, you know, it’s not just a pretty building; it’s a very significant place for the Balinese people. You can walk around the gardens, which are beautifully kept. There are also options to, like, rent a little boat to go out on the lake, which looked like fun. It’s one of those spots that totally lives up to the hype, at the end of the day.
Into the Green: Discovering a Secluded Waterfall
After the temple, we drove further into the mountains towards the Munduk area, which is sort of famous for its waterfalls and hiking trails. To be honest, this part was the bit I was most excited about. The tour I was on took us to the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, which, I mean, what a place. You have to walk down this slightly steep, kind of rustic path to get there, so definitely wear some good shoes. It’s a bit of a workout, but frankly, it’s completely worth it. The path itself is gorgeous, surrounded by lush jungle plants and stuff.
And then you get there. Basically, you hear the waterfall before you see it. It’s this powerful but soothing sound. Then, you walk around a corner and there are these two incredible streams of water cascading down a rock face into a crystal-clear pool. The water was really refreshing and, you know, perfect for a dip after the walk. There were a few other people there, but it didn’t feel crowded at all. It’s almost like you’ve found a hidden spot. This was definitely a highlight; a very natural and beautiful part of Bali that felt a world away from everything else, right?
A Quick Stop for Coffee with a View
So, on many of these tours in Bali, you’ll find that a stop at a coffee plantation is on the itinerary. On one hand, it can feel a little bit like a structured sales pitch, but on the other hand, it’s actually pretty interesting and the views are often amazing. Our driver pulled into this small, family-run place with a terrace that looked out over a valley. It was stunning, seriously. They immediately sat us down and brought out a whole tray of different coffees and teas to sample for free. We tried everything from ginger tea to ginseng coffee, and it was a really nice way to just relax for a bit, you know.
Of course, they also talk about Kopi Luwak, or luwak coffee, which is famously made from beans that have been eaten and passed by a civet cat. It’s a very unusual process, and frankly, a bit controversial. They offered a cup for an extra price. I didn’t try it, but some people in our group did and said it was really smooth. Anyway, the best part for me was just sipping on a hot drink, looking at the incredible view, and learning a little about the local produce. It’s a nice little break in the day, as a matter of fact.
The Grand Finale: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The final stop on our tour was the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and it was a totally incredible way to end the day’s sightseeing. I mean, these aren’t just any rice paddies; they are a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Unlike some of the other more famous rice terraces in Bali, Jatiluwih is absolutely massive. It’s a huge, sweeping valley of green, rolling terraces that seem to go on forever. It’s just a little overwhelming, in a good way.
Our guide explained a bit about the ‘subak’ irrigation system, which is this ancient community cooperative that manages the water for all the fields. It’s a really complex and fair system that has been used for centuries. It’s honestly mind-blowing when you think about it. We spent a fair bit of time just walking along a path that goes through the terraces, taking photos, and just being amazed by the scale of it all. It felt very authentic and way less touristy than other spots. At the end of the day, it was the perfect, peaceful end to a very busy but amazing day of exploration.
“I went on this tour expecting to see some pretty places, you know, but it was a bit more than that. It was like seeing the ‘other’ Bali, the one that’s a little quieter and, frankly, feels more connected to nature and tradition. Seriously, it’s a long day, but it’s packed with stuff you won’t forget.”
So, a few key takeaways from my experience:
- Be ready for a long day: It’s a full-day tour for a reason, with a fair amount of driving, but the scenery is really part of the appeal.
- Wear comfy shoes: Seriously, especially for the walk down to the waterfall. You’ll be glad you did.
- Bring a light jacket: The highlands in Bedugul can get a little chilly compared to the coast, so it’s a good idea to have something extra to wear.
- Manage your expectations: The coffee plantation is a nice break, but you know, it’s also a place where they want to sell you stuff. Just enjoy the free samples and the view!
- Charge your camera: Honestly, every stop is a photo opportunity. You’ll be taking pictures all day long.
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